Has ANYONE got any idea as to the best outdoor aerial (for jockey mast) for picking up digital (freeview) tv on the move? The problem with caravans is that we do not know where we will be siting them next, with anything from extremely poor to extremely strong signals possible. I have been looking at the net for some time in the hope of finding some agreement as to the best choice on the move, but find every different manufacturer (and his brother, it seems) claiming their particular design to be the best for caravans on the move (there are some aerials out there that 1 supplier will state "only strong signal areas", yet another will state "all signal areas" for the same aerial)! This is further complicated by digital TV authorities websites stating that one of up to 5 different aerial setups should be used in response to the exact reception property of any specific area (either V.weak, weak, moderate, strong or extra strong - thats reception, not mints apparently). Should I buy a cheap wiry looking aerial type, or one of those expensive flying saucer types (don't mind if they work a lot better for all areas and still mount on a pole)? Anybody who can confidently recommend one that works more or less ANYWHERE must be a hero, as no one else (apart from just about all aerial manufacturers/dealers) has so far been able to do so. All suggestions (or anything remotely amusing) gratefully accepted. Is a bent metal coat hanger any good (if so could I start a side-line on Ebay)? And yes, I do need to get a life (but if you actually clicked on this so do you)! But seriously, thanks for any feedback. Paul.
Ok I am a hero. We use digital only in our van, bought a cheap Matsui dtr 3a box and a high gain house aerial and we dont have any problems getting a signal. We do use a uni mast, this normaly comes in 3 or 4 sections, we have 6 sections but have only used all six once normally it is 3 sections we use. The aerial can be broken down in to 2 sections and if in strong signal area 1 section can be used. Our aerial mast is mounted by the front window, the digital box has a signal strenth meter so you can adjust it from the inside then just nip out and tighten the bolts up. The aerial can be bought cheaply at B&Q Maplins etc, the mast about £20 -£30 pounds and the digital box was £25. Would not think this aerial is suited to an a frame mounting, due to the hieght and size, we have had no problems with ours due to it being mounted on the side of the van, even in high winds. We do most of our caravaning round the southern lakes, if say we go to the highlands we use satteltte.
I am looking at my freeview installation at home and have spent hours looking at this site. In reality tv reception to a caravan/motorhome is no different to a domestic installation. I was not aware of the polarity issues for your aerial which is determined by the tranmitter you are ereceiving a signal from.
I am in no way an expert on the subject but think you will get some useful info from the site.
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Topic: Aerial Choice On The Move!!??
