|
Post by kiwijim on Feb 25, 2009 4:57:06 GMT 10
G'day All, I would like to hear from anyone who has had a problem receiving T.V. while traveling around the country, Secondly....... What was the best Antenna any of you have found that gives the best reception in an out-back situation, the Antenna I am looking for must be compact and easily set-up, or preferably permanently attached to the van, I have tried the wind-up rotary type (very good) but to large and looks out of place if fitted to the Thomson Caravan. I have also tried the round flying saucer type......totally useless Any ideas Guys & Gals kiwijim
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2009 10:44:01 GMT 10
As we all know looking around a van park, there's a million options, varying from the sublime to the ridiculous So in reality there's quite a choice. The very first thing is that the antenna must be capable of mounting in either vertical or horizontal configuration. For a DIY'er this is a reasonable start. It's provides excellent reception for Band 3, 4 and 5. ie Ch 6 - 69). Academy TV has the best price and service by far for most TV related goodies. This 'Richard' Smith unit is a sound choice for Band 3, 4 and 5 reception. This antenna can receive UHF and VHF in opposite polarities. Also from Jaycar. For a small compact ready to go UHF unit the Voyager is a good choice. It is a modified UHF antenna and can receive (Band 3, 4 and 5). The masthead amplifier takes care of weak signals. The Explorer range is commonly seen around the traps and shows. It is similar in design and characteristics to the Voyager. The basic Explorer is a UHF (Band 4 and 5) however you can add a Band 3 segment to widen it's reception capability. Amplifiers for weak signals are available. 'Phaselink' supplies a similar unit, available from Camec. These, these and these purpose built van antennas are are rubbish .... IMHO. Hills offer an antenna suitable for band 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) ie the Channel 2. But it's very long. Then there's the fancy Winegards ... but us 'handymen & women' can do much better than these 'soft' and expensive items. And they have no part on a 70's van.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2009 12:38:36 GMT 10
The ducks guts for caravan TV reception is the Digimatch 01MM-DC15. It cover Bands 3 (VHF Channels 6-12) , 4 and 5 (UHF Channels 28 - 69). This antenna provides for both vertical and horizontal polarisation AND the UHF and VHF can be set for opposite polarisations. This feature is needed for quite a few locations around Aus. The Manning Valley in NSW is one of those. The antenna has excellent gain characteristics and will work in most locations without a booster amplifier. Some basic antenna terminology here. www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_310199
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2009 16:56:42 GMT 10
So with a bit of luck you've now managed to selected an antenna, your choice(s) of mount, worked out how to configure it for vertical or horizontal reception, decided if you need a booster, cabling, wall sockets etc. If you're unsure about a booster, organise so that you can operate the antenna, with and without. PS don't leave the poor antenna dangling on the side/ front/ back of your van whilst travelling. One galah strike and it's 'all over red rover'. Make sure all cables are quality RG6 cable with crimped or compression F-Type connectors. Then you need to get ready your van ready for the Digital TV Age. All Free to Air (FTA) TV transmissions will be broadcast in digital only format by 2013. All Digital transmissions are in the following channel range: Ch6 - Ch12 (VHF band 3) and Ch28 - Ch69 (UHF band 4 and 5) So a Ch 2 style antenna is definitely only required for the 1970's. If you carry a laptop on your travels, this 1.5Mb PDF with all the transmitter locations and details may be handy. If you're GPS savvy, the transmitter locations are also available.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2009 18:04:13 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by millard1399 on Feb 25, 2009 18:41:44 GMT 10
Hey wahroonga, nothing in your info about the old wire coat-hanger and a length of cable?? Used to work ok when the car aerial went missing! [d@mn technology...takes all the fun out of it... ]Hey kiwijim, might be simpler to just read books!! ;D ;D cheers, Al.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2009 19:00:51 GMT 10
Masthead Amplifiers
For these caravan antennas, a Kingray MHW24FE or the higher gain MHW34F is suitable. Some configuration of the amplifier via internal links may be required.
Power supplies are bought separately.
Go to a good TV antenna supplier in your region.
|
|
|
Post by kiwijim on Feb 25, 2009 19:46:19 GMT 10
"Hey there wahroonga" Thanks for all the good info regarding the T.V. antennas, a lot of reading to get through there, that will fill in my days as I am off on sick leave at the moment, Had a lump on the knee removed, it was getting flamin annoying when working on the Thomson....something had to go and it sure wasn't going to be the van. "Yep" Al, .....reading was all I did on the last trip in the Thomson, I managed to get through over a Doz "Yeppie" (Cowboy) books while touring the Wild flower country, That reminds me......... If anyone has a heap of the paper-back Cowboy books printed by CLEVELAND WESTERNS and written by EMERSON DODGE I will gladly pay for all I can get my hands on. these are just in case I still can't get good T.V. reception on our next hop around the State or Country. Cheers all kiwijim ;D
|
|