We also have both but we haven't taken the satdish for a while and have not used a skybox since getting a freesat HD box. The directional status aerial seems to work really well, but there has to be a some sort of signal. The only place we didn't get one so far was at the carriage house on the yorkshire moors, but the campsite (pub) owners warned us when we booked.
I agree with Brian....In the UK we never bother with the sat dish, since the digital switchover we get all the channels we need with our Status directional jobbie.
Quote: Originally posted by lshipley on 04/9/2011
Well it seems like it's definitely a sat dish for me then. Was just a bit worried it might be hard to set up. Thanks everyone now the job of finding one.
a good compass,find dead south ,go east to 140/145 degs and the satellite is there.have dish vertical.
using a sky box select services / select 4 system set up / select 6 signal test .screen showing needs to say
signal strength bar = 50%
signal quality bar = 50%
lock indicator = ok
network ID = 0002
transport stream = 07d4
you will have a picture.
Post last edited on 04/09/2011 18:39:19
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
If you have a Status omni directional aerial make sure you use it with a booster. Also park at the highest point of the campsite you can find, and make sure you don't park next/behind a tree. Even though the Status aerial is omni directional, you should look and see where the 'house' type aluminium element versions are pointed at so you have a good line of sight.
I also have one of the Comag 'Suitcase' Satellite systems but haven't felt the need to use it yet because I've been to lazy this Weekend. I used to install Sky Dishes so picking up a signal will be ok, but please note that the 'Dishpointer' software may require a GSM data connection so it can work out which direction you are standing (I'm assuming it's using triangulation and when I tested it I couldn't get it to work without a signal)
Some suitcase Satellite systems come with an 'Easyfind' LNB that have LEDS that turn different colours when you are close to a Satellite and if you are very lucky the digital box will also bleep when you are getting close.
Oh and if you do buy a dish make sure you get one of the flat cable adapters so you can pass the cable through a window or door but keeping a good seal:
That's the Aldi system that sells for £50 when on offer. It is a good system, the inlaws have one, the only negatives are,
It only has a suction mount, ideally you want to mount it on the jockey wheel or a tripod. I bought a G-Clamp to help mount there's, but it's not as good as a purpose made clamp. The suction mount is good for a car, but not ideal for all caravans, plus I don't like the idea of mounting it in this way.
The LED alignment meter isn't very good. I would recommend not using this and buying one of the analogue ones from ebay for around £5
I have this system, which does have the jockey wheel clamp & the way it aligns is much better then the other system. You may find cheaper, I paid £45 for mine. You can buy dishes on there own, if you're using a sky box.
hi need your experience,i use a thomson single LNB.while on site i tried a 4 port thomson LNB ( for a second tv for the grandchildren ).although set in the same position without moving it as the single i could not get it to work.i then reverted back to the single and it worked first time.i use an elliptical dish and wondered if the 4 port was for a round dish.is there any way of testing an LNB is working without setting up the whole system? . it was new and unused but after trying it may be faulty.ta.
Post last edited on 04/09/2011 22:43:33
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Never had a real problem with using the caravan aerial. Just have to tune it in when you get to the site. CBA with a satellite. system - don't watch much TV while we're away.
Quote: Originally posted by NottmSteve on 04/9/2011
I used to install Sky Dishes so picking up a signal will be ok, but please note that the 'Dishpointer' software may require a GSM data connection so it can work out which direction you are standing (I'm assuming it's using triangulation and when I tested it I couldn't get it to work without a signal)
My phone uses the internal compass/giros & gps for direction. Never tried it without a data connection though, so don't know if it needs one. Good point though, out of interest I will try next time I'm in an area with no signal.
hi need your experience,i use a thomson single LNB.while on site i tried a 4 port thomson LNB ( for a second tv for the grandchildren ).although set in the same position without moving it as the single i could not get it to work.i then reverted back to the single and it worked first time.i use an elliptical dish and wondered if the 4 port was for a round dish.is there any way of testing an LNB is working without setting up the whole system? . it was new and unused but after trying it may be faulty.ta.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Tv Ariels vs Satellite Systems
