Quote: Originally posted by queensmessenger on 01/9/2016
I see that a TV licence is needed now for online watching etc. unless you already have one which covers you for use away from home
This only relates to BBC iPlayer and not other 'on-demand' suppliers such as ITV, All4, 5od etc and a separate licence is not required for touring caravans or vehicles which would almost certainly include tents (assuming you have a licence at home).
No tv here. One of the things we're happy to leave behind. Anything we don't want to miss is easily caught up with or recorded. Even our 14 year old doesn't miss it - especially if he has wifi. We're normally in bed for 9pm when camping which helps!
Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 30/8/2016
Satellite is perfect for camping, the SAB Titan Micro receiver is about the size of a fag packet, and for UK use a small flat panel antenna like the SelfSat or the diminutive sized Arcon Sweety Dish are perfect.
TV wise we use a Cello 15.5" which packs away small, for the audio we use a combination of wireless headphones and wireless earphones so not to disturb other campers.
The wireless earphones are great, as I can wander around the campsite listening to satellite radio, in fact I use the satellite more for radio than TV, so the TV itself is often not set up.
Francais, from reading other threads you seem to be the oracle on this subject.
Which satellite does Sky use and would a Sweety Dish or SelfSat be able to pick up a signal? (in UK)
Is it difficult to find the dish manually?
Sky use Astra 2 at 28.2 East, a fleet of some 6 birds or more, not forgetting EuroBird at 28.5 but that's another story.
The good thing about the SelfSat and Sweety antennas is that they are Prime Focus, which means that they look directly at the satellite, so all you need is a Digital Angle Finder, and adjust the antenna elevation for your location, which I guess is about 23 Deg for were you are.
And they will both work any where in the UK, and yes finding the satellite is very easy once you have tried it a couple of times.
If you have a smart phone or sim enabled iPad, down load one of the free sat finder apps, as the on screen display will show were the satellite is in the sky, and you will be able to check for clear line of site.
Then it's just a case of panning the antenna from East to West or vice versa.
No need to work out the Ofsett or calibrate which is what you have to first do with a regular Dish if using an Angle finder.
Quote: Originally posted by FlyRyder on 03/9/2016
Francais, from reading other threads you seem to be the oracle on this subject.
Which satellite does Sky use and would a Sweety Dish or SelfSat be able to pick up a signal? (in UK)
Is it difficult to find the dish manually? Thanks!
New to satellite? Perhaps the following might help you understand what it’s all about.
Probably the first decision has to be your choice of “Freesat” or Sky, of which both satellites can be located amongst the Astra 2 satellite cluster at 28.2º east of south.
If you happen to choose Sky then you will need a Sky receiver and may find this website useful -
www.satelliteforcaravans.co.uk/skymain1.htm
If you prefer “Freesat” (no subscription channels) then obviously you would need a Freesat receiver (“Humax” being one of the better brands).
Whichever system you choose, your main problem is learning how to set up the equipment and successfully aim the dish, my UKcampsite article may be of help in achieving this, - just Google - "The art of aiming a satellite dish".
It will probably all sound a bit complicated at first but once you begin to understand what is required it all begins to make sense and with a little practice you can soon be watching British satellite TV within a matter of minutes.
Important; It’s not exactly easy the first time so always practice at home before venturing onto a camping site!
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