T.V Antenna

Hi there i've just bought my first campervan ( a 1997 Duetto on Ford Transit platform) which makes me a complete Newbie,whilst the van is in very good condition (61,000 miles) unfortunately a previous owner has cut off the tv antenna co-ax cable just inside the cupboard behind the t.v. mount and there is no sign of an antenna  that I can find,my question is does anybody know where the antenna is or what type it should be or given technicalogical advances what they would recommend ,many thanks, The M&M's

I'd be inclined to consider an Avtex portable antenna.  [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

They are considered almost, if not quite as good as a roof mounted one, and are much easier to move around for the best signal.

It would save any fiddling and trying to trace the severed co-ax, or having to mount a new aerial on the roof.

I would tend to agree with Gromit.
We removed the original one from our 2009 Duetto and sealed the area with an Avtex blanking plate.
Now use the Avtex bow tie and can position it where we like for best reception should we remember to take the tv! or even use the on site tv bollard.
frederic

On my 1999 Duetto (Transit Mk5) the aerial was the Status 'flying saucer' type and was mounted on the roof directly over the wardrobe.

I tend to agree with Gromit and frederiic and would use either the internal 'bow tie' type, or if you do want something with a decent amount of gain, then a through the roof type which can be rotated to find the best signal. These rotating (and raising and lowering) aerials do give the best results, but the installation can be a bit nerve wracking as it will probably mean either a new hole, or enlarging an existing and presently blanked-off hole.

I use a small external house aerial which slots into multi-section awning pole which in turn slots into a tube I attached to the rear ladder. Checking other visible aerials gives and indication whether it needs vertical or horizontal orientation plus the rough direction to point it towards, I can then rotate it for fine tuning. If there are no other aerials visible then I use an app. I used to take the coax around to the inlet socket but as this is on the wrong side of the van I only use this if the signal needs to go through the amplifier, otherwise I just take the lead through the side window which is always on loose latch position as I like some ventilation even when sleeping.

Having said all that, we often don't bother to take a laptop TV tuner with us these days, especially when we go to France; we have a good selection of DVDs which we can play on the laptop instead.

Spospe wrote:On my 1999 Duetto (Transit Mk5) the aerial was the Status 'flying saucer' type and was mounted on the roof directly over the wardrobe.

They were, and being omni-directional, not particularly good. The better Status was the directional; [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] but not cheap at £154. The Avtex as Gromit suggested is damn good and will even pick up signals from inside the van. I know they will because i have one! I would sell it but at the moment am incapacitated and pretty much housebound (tho' most folk are....or should be!).

Thanks all,given me a lot to think about,can't do much at moment as locked down!!! ,stay safe the M&M's

The M&M's wrote:Thanks all,given me a lot to think about,can't do much at moment as locked down!!! ,stay safe the M&M's

Thumps up for Avtex aerials, we take a decorators pole and a long co-ax if we need to get a picture in remote locations.
Boaby

Had to use the pole a couple of times when in rotate areas ,especially down in New England Bay, around the coast and glens in Scotland.
Boaby