Very new to the caravan lifestyle but retirement has given me the opportunity to travel.
I'm looking for a bit of advice. On our travels we hope to be able to watch TV whilst away and have been warned of the pitfalls of taking a TV antenna with me and expecting a signal. Reading through the forums, VAST has been suggested as an alternative. My question is, can anyone point me in the right direction to obtain what I need and get professional advice?
Our first trip will be at Easter so I have a little time to get things together.
Thanks
Robbo
Tony Bev said
09:39 AM Jan 6, 2017
Hello robbo65
May I be one of the first to welcome you to the forum
Usual disclaimer that I am not associated with any seller of anything
I use a SatKing manual (set up outside on the ground) sat system I obtained it from Access Antennas, who only have outlets in Bunbury and Perth WA, and Brisbane in QLD
This particular system is guaranteed 100% to receive TV in Australia, or your money back The Bunbury outlet did not let me leave the shop, until I had set up their demo model, to their satisfaction
If you advise which part of our great playground you are in, I am sure that members in that area will put you onto a reputable seller
I can confirm that something called iTechWorld, or similar name, with a dish of less than 800 mm, and on a triangular base, does not work in the North West of WA
Hope that this info is useful to you
dazz49 said
09:40 AM Jan 6, 2017
Hi Robbo
I would recommend you google satplus for information . You can then either telephone them or email to help with purchasing and setting up satellite and vast. I have no affiliation with the company but have only ever heard good reports about them. Once you get your satellite TV dish and vast box you may find it a bit frustrating to set up at first but after a few times it is
relatively easy. And if you are called with others around you someone will always help. Cheers and good luck Daz
Heather42 said
02:21 PM Jan 6, 2017
Go and talk to Solar and Sat at Gin Gin. I can recommend them. Send me a PM if you want any details.
Heather
macka17 said
10:13 PM Jan 6, 2017
Those kits usually work but cost.
If you look on net and get a list of items.
Dish. Box. Sat finder and Jaycar H\Duty speaker stand.
Or mount on drawbar.
It's the same thing but costs a lot less.
Get decent cable and good quality couplings.
Joe50 said
11:43 PM Jan 6, 2017
Hi Robbo
Another big tick for Access Antennas. I'd also suggest a satellite alignment meter to help get the dish pointed in the right direction - one with a screen so that you can actually see a picture when the dish is aligned. The ones sold by Access are already tuned for the Optus C1/D3 satellites that carry the VAST signal. In addition, they have a clinometer which sits on the LNB arm to show you the elevation angle. Also, if you haven't done so already, get the WikiCamps app for your smart phone or tablet. It has a satellite finder that makes it dead easy to point the dish correctly. Using WikiCamps and the clinometer, I most times get a signal as soon as I switch on the alignment meter, then it's just a matter of fine tuning to get the best signal quality.
You also need to register with VAST http://www.mysattv.com.au/ once you have your receiver, but I'm sure the folk at Access can step you through the process.
Cheers Joe
Grubbygypsy said
09:52 AM Jan 7, 2017
Hi Robbo
Welcome.
If retirement afforded you some bucks at all....I would highly recommend an auto sat. I had the manual one and going an auto (oyster) was the best thing I ever did. I just stop...push a button and it's done. I also have the DSR4639 decoder, which is great as it's 12v (important consideration if you're free camping) and I can tecord two things while watching another so I NEVER have to see an advert, which is just BLISS!!. 80cm + round dishes are also the only way you'll get coverage all around Australia. The smaller ones will miss some areas up north.
Hope that helps.
Hey Jim said
11:34 AM Jan 7, 2017
Hi Robbo,
Welcome, If I can add to Joe50's reply. We have the Vast Sat King Set Top Box Very compact now days. Arm your self with prices as well by looking at prices on E Bay to compare price.
Eg: We live in Sydney, however It was cheaper to buy off E bay with delivery from Perth WA. At the time ours cost $225.00 delivered. It arrived 3 days later!
We have our original free standing dish that sits on a tripod base. I always dive 3 pegs / now 3 coach bolts, one in each leg.By doing this its rock steady.It only takes 3 minutes to set up the dish and the reason for this is two fold. Strong winds can bugger the sigal if you don't.
If stoping in CV parks for a period it helps stop kids both small and large from bumping it. It only needs a small bump to stop the dish from receiving the Satellite signal.
When we changed over from the old system, we needed to replace the LNB.
You don't have to do this, as you will be buying a new setup. Soak up all the information and enjoy your TV where ever you travel.
PS: To register your new Set Top box it needs to be left on for 24-48 hours, while Optus switchers on your coded signal. You register on line, as (A Traveler) this is good for six months at a time. They even send you a receipt that you keep to use as a reference to renew. You can renew on line if you are away for longer then 6 months.
We use our I phone to set up. The Sat King box tells you where the Satellite is in degree's, we then use the compass on our phone, It tells us where we are, even without phone reception. Then we place the phone on the ground with a 3metre length of timber dowel in front of the arm on the dish to put us on the satellite in seconds. It sounds like a lot of work. ITS NOT. We have reception in 5mins total.
Our siginal reads 73-82 98% of the time and the Quallity 60-72% which equates to 100 pitchure / sound perfect.
Always REMEMBER to park up away from trees/ metal poles and other Vaners where your dish needs to be pointing. OR you may get a poor OR NO signal. I use my I Phone's Compass to find from 30deg - 65deg So as to KNOW were our dish will be pointing at each new camp before setting up We love to Free Camp. Remember the Trees.
I love watching my NRL games where ever we are. Its a fantastic free service. It won't be long till we can use the same system to use the internet in the back of beond.
Hope this helps.
PS again: We pick up 121-2 stations across ALL STATES. You can watch all the News morning noon and night.
Jim
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Saturday 7th of January 2017 11:46:21 AM
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Saturday 7th of January 2017 11:47:02 AM
robbo65 said
02:18 PM Jan 18, 2017
Thanks to all for the wonderful information.
Quite by chance I had a chat with a caravaner here at Burrum Heads. He had a satellite system set up for VAST that he purchased from Satgear in Brisbane. He recommended them as they we helpful and offered at full back up technical service should I have any difficulties. (Needless to say, I was expecting difficulties).
As we were off on a 'getaway' weekend to the Goldcoast, we called in on Hugh & Satgear (actually at Burpengary 35klm North of Brisbane) but just off the Bruce Highway. He couldn't have been more helpful. He listened to what my requirement were, suggested what he thought would be the best option and gave me a 'hands on' demo of the system. The key item seemed to be the satellite finder and I purchased the Satking SK3500. I'm amazed as to how easy it was to set up with this finder. It shows a live picture of the VAST information channel when the dish is set up, so you can't go wrong. I've used the system on three different occasions since, and have it up and working within minutes. (took me 30 minutes the first time though, my fault in not reading the set up instructions supplied). But now I find it a breeze.
I'm in no way an expert in setting up the dish but it gets easier every time.
TV is only one part of our caravan experience, and a small one at that, but it's one more task to cross off the list. We are both looking forward to later in the year, when we can enjoy our retirement in our wonderful country. Every traveler we have met, without exception, has been so friendly, it's nice to be part of that community.
Our regards to everyone who has answered our post and a big thank you.
Very new to the caravan lifestyle but retirement has given me the opportunity to travel.
I'm looking for a bit of advice. On our travels we hope to be able to watch TV whilst away and have been warned of the pitfalls of taking a TV antenna with me and expecting a signal. Reading through the forums, VAST has been suggested as an alternative. My question is, can anyone point me in the right direction to obtain what I need and get professional advice?
Our first trip will be at Easter so I have a little time to get things together.
Thanks
Robbo
Hello robbo65
May I be one of the first to welcome you to the forum
Usual disclaimer that I am not associated with any seller of anything
I use a SatKing manual (set up outside on the ground) sat system
I obtained it from Access Antennas, who only have outlets in Bunbury and Perth WA, and Brisbane in QLD
This particular system is guaranteed 100% to receive TV in Australia, or your money back
The Bunbury outlet did not let me leave the shop, until I had set up their demo model, to their satisfaction
If you advise which part of our great playground you are in, I am sure that members in that area will put you onto a reputable seller
I can confirm that something called iTechWorld, or similar name, with a dish of less than 800 mm, and on a triangular base, does not work in the North West of WA
Hope that this info is useful to you
Heather
If you look on net and get a list of items.
Dish. Box. Sat finder and Jaycar H\Duty speaker stand.
Or mount on drawbar.
It's the same thing but costs a lot less.
Get decent cable and good quality couplings.
Hi Robbo
Another big tick for Access Antennas. I'd also suggest a satellite alignment meter to help get the dish pointed in the right direction - one with a screen so that you can actually see a picture when the dish is aligned. The ones sold by Access are already tuned for the Optus C1/D3 satellites that carry the VAST signal. In addition, they have a clinometer which sits on the LNB arm to show you the elevation angle. Also, if you haven't done so already, get the WikiCamps app for your smart phone or tablet. It has a satellite finder that makes it dead easy to point the dish correctly. Using WikiCamps and the clinometer, I most times get a signal as soon as I switch on the alignment meter, then it's just a matter of fine tuning to get the best signal quality.
You also need to register with VAST http://www.mysattv.com.au/ once you have your receiver, but I'm sure the folk at Access can step you through the process.
Cheers
Joe
Welcome.
If retirement afforded you some bucks at all....I would highly recommend an auto sat. I had the manual one and going an auto (oyster) was the best thing I ever did. I just stop...push a button and it's done. I also have the DSR4639 decoder, which is great as it's 12v (important consideration if you're free camping) and I can tecord two things while watching another so I NEVER have to see an advert, which is just BLISS!!. 80cm + round dishes are also the only way you'll get coverage all around Australia. The smaller ones will miss some areas up north.
Hope that helps.
Hi Robbo,
Welcome, If I can add to Joe50's reply. We have the Vast Sat King Set Top Box Very compact now days. Arm your self with prices as well by looking at prices on E Bay to compare price.
Eg: We live in Sydney, however It was cheaper to buy off E bay with delivery from Perth WA. At the time ours cost $225.00 delivered. It arrived 3 days later!
We have our original free standing dish that sits on a tripod base. I always dive 3 pegs / now 3 coach bolts, one in each leg.By doing this its rock steady.It only takes 3 minutes to set up the dish and the reason for this is two fold. Strong winds can bugger the sigal if you don't.
If stoping in CV parks for a period it helps stop kids both small and large from bumping it. It only needs a small bump to stop the dish from receiving the Satellite signal.
When we changed over from the old system, we needed to replace the LNB.
You don't have to do this, as you will be buying a new setup. Soak up all the information and enjoy your TV where ever you travel.
PS: To register your new Set Top box it needs to be left on for 24-48 hours, while Optus switchers on your coded signal. You register on line, as (A Traveler) this is good for six months at a time. They even send you a receipt that you keep to use as a reference to renew. You can renew on line if you are away for longer then 6 months.
We use our I phone to set up. The Sat King box tells you where the Satellite is in degree's, we then use the compass on our phone, It tells us where we are, even without phone reception
. Then we place the phone on the ground with a 3metre length of timber dowel in front of the arm on the dish to put us on the satellite in seconds. It sounds like a lot of work. ITS NOT. We have reception in 5mins total.
Our siginal reads 73-82 98% of the time and the Quallity 60-72% which equates to 100 pitchure / sound perfect.
Always REMEMBER
to park up away from trees/ metal poles and other Vaners where your dish needs to be pointing. OR you may get a poor OR NO signal
. I use my I Phone's Compass to find from 30deg - 65deg So as to KNOW were our dish will be pointing at each new camp before setting up We love to Free Camp. Remember the Trees
.
I love watching my NRL games where ever we are. Its a fantastic free service. It won't be long till we can use the same system to use the internet in the back of beond.
Hope this helps.
PS again: We pick up 121-2 stations across ALL STATES. You can watch all the News morning noon and night.
Jim
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Saturday 7th of January 2017 11:46:21 AM
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Saturday 7th of January 2017 11:47:02 AM
Thanks to all for the wonderful information.
Quite by chance I had a chat with a caravaner here at Burrum Heads. He had a satellite system set up for VAST that he purchased from Satgear in Brisbane. He recommended them as they we helpful and offered at full back up technical service should I have any difficulties. (Needless to say, I was expecting difficulties).
As we were off on a 'getaway' weekend to the Goldcoast, we called in on Hugh & Satgear (actually at Burpengary 35klm North of Brisbane) but just off the Bruce Highway. He couldn't have been more helpful. He listened to what my requirement were, suggested what he thought would be the best option and gave me a 'hands on' demo of the system. The key item seemed to be the satellite finder and I purchased the Satking SK3500. I'm amazed as to how easy it was to set up with this finder. It shows a live picture of the VAST information channel when the dish is set up, so you can't go wrong. I've used the system on three different occasions since, and have it up and working within minutes. (took me 30 minutes the first time though, my fault in not reading the set up instructions supplied). But now I find it a breeze.
I'm in no way an expert in setting up the dish but it gets easier every time.
TV is only one part of our caravan experience, and a small one at that, but it's one more task to cross off the list. We are both looking forward to later in the year, when we can enjoy our retirement in our wonderful country. Every traveler we have met, without exception, has been so friendly, it's nice to be part of that community.
Our regards to everyone who has answered our post and a big thank you.
Robbo