TV Aeriel

We think we have sussed this in that the Ariel is not Digital are we correct and what would owners recommend we do?

The basic rule is that there is no such thing as a "digital" aerial. An aerial that can pick up analogue TV in a given frequency band should be just as capable of receiving digital TV (Freeview) at the same frequency. The slight snag there is that the frequency range is not quite the same for the two, but generally that should not be too much of an issue.

In my experience, the two most likely things that cause no reception are 1. faults in the cabling - especially where F-type connectors have been used - and 2. problems with an aerial amplifier, which you may be aware of, or you may not.

The most common problem is where there is no power being supplied to the aerial amplifier, but you can also have issues if the amplifier is old - because some are not able to amplify a digital signal cleanly - or if the amplifier has been damaged by lightning.

Hi

I’d echo everything that Roopert said.
 
A bit more about the problem (assuming it’s not simply that you are simply interested in aerials) would help with a diagnosis. It’s always best to give as much information as possible.
 
Brod

HI Lowarth, from near Falmouth.

Have you considered scrapping the idea of using the TV aerial, getting a mifi unit or using your mobile to get your TV on line. Works everywhere you have a mobile signal and is very easy to set up. A lot of us have gone down this route, much cheaper and less faff than satellite TV or playing around with aerials.
Good luck
'hog

Thanks to everyone all much appreciated. We are sat on our driveway and can only get 12 channels on Freeview whereas in doors we received the full listing. Now tracing wires from diagram to see if there is anything wrong with it. Love the suggestion of mifi looking at this route too.

Sometimes the omni-directional aerials leave much to be desired. Have you got a free standing aerial you can connect to test the telly and booster, assuming you have a booster ?

(From near St Austell)

Hi

Lowarth wrote:Thanks to everyone all much appreciated. We are sat on our driveway and can only get 12 channels on Freeview whereas in doors we received the full listing. Now tracing wires from diagram to see if there is anything wrong with it. Love the suggestion of mifi looking at this route too.

You've got almost no chance of getting the same performance with a motorhome aerial as you will with a roof or even a loft aerial. Especially if you are using the circular, flying saucer type aerial that was supplied as an option when the vehicle was new.

Search the forum and you will find loads of threads about aerials ( mainly because it’s not easy to get good terrestrial TV reception in a van) but whatever you choose don’t expect too much unless you are in a really strong signal area.

Brod

Hi , you really need a directional aerial ,not a omni directional ,ours is fitted with  a Teleco by A/S and with the addition of a signal meter gets there most times , but I have to say the wiring in the van originally was a bit hit and miss!!  Regards        Paul

Sorry about this, we really are not up to date with technology so could i ask if someone would explain mifi,  what it is what it does and what I would need.Having had ariel problems since purchasing or Bourton because the air con unit blocks signals, so i believe, it sounds like mifi may be the answer but don't know enough about it. Thank you in advance.

Thanks all now looking at different aerials but investigating mifi

ourannie wrote:Sorry about this, we really are not up to date with technology so could i ask if someone would explain mifi,  what it is what it does and what I would need.Having had ariel problems since purchasing or Bourton because the air con unit blocks signals, so i believe, it sounds like mifi may be the answer but don't know enough about it. Thank you in advance.

A mifi unit takes a mobile signal and turns that signal into Wi-fi. The mifi becomes a router to which you can connect your phone, pad, lappy etc. It is not specifically TV related but will allow you to use your pad or other device in the same way as when you connect to any other Wi-fi signal. As it uses the mobile network, it needs a SIM card for your chosen network.

You can buy mifi units from many sources, both locked to a specific network and unlocked for use with any mobile service. Huawei is a popular one as is 3 Network's Internet on Legs sim. Have a browse around sites like Amazon for details and choice.

Thank you Tinwheeler for the info,.....am now interested in getting mifi and have been doing as you said browsing...sounds like a great idea and about to make a suggestion  to the other half.

Hi  

Tinwheeler wrote: it uses the mobile network, it needs a SIM card for your chosen network.

I like the idea but I’ve never used my MiFi unit for TV because of the data cost. I'm guessing you’ll be using a lot of data. Could you share the details of the  network are you using and have you got a special deal?

Thanks.

Brod

Dbvwt wrote:This has been mentioned many times on here and works really well. It is compact and always seems to deliver in areas my van aerial struggles.

IMO the best portable aerial out there.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avtex-STH3000-Antenna-Mounting-Accessories/dp/B006TASLYW/ref=asc_df_B006TASLYW/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=214190284008&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10713467822262674247&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006490&hvtargid=pla-422173893536&psc=1

Mine too, however I now have the definitive answer to all TV aerial problems.

Anyone like to guess? 

Got it in one Peter. 

It's good to get away from it for a while when on holiday.

I have seldom had a problem with the fitted directional aerial on my Nuevo in England but in the Highlands of Scotland I have found that my little portable satellite dish bought from Aldi for about sixty pounds and adapted to fit on to a collapsible tripod never lets me down. You do have to be careful that your pitch doesn't have trees to the south as it will block the signal.
The kit had a tuner box included but most mobile dedicated tv's have an integrated tuner now.
I fitted an aerial/satellite connection box to the outside of my van and can plug in to the site posts that are increasingly common now or set up my dish in a few minutes.
I don't like to be without my telly!