we are still sorting ourselves out before we travel and would like to know which antenna will pick up the free channels. we have a large bus so want something that is permanently mounted and either controlled from inside or left up when travelling. we will install ourselves. we have a new topfield box.
any info would be appreciated
cheers
debs and graeme
-- Edited by harleydog on Thursday 12th of June 2014 08:43:30 PM
As you appear to be happy with Topfield STB there's probably no point going to the expense of a whole new setup.
If it was me I would get hold of a Wineguard wind up mechanism and adapt one of the aerials made for vertical and horizontal to it.
Maybe even start with Dick Smith/Jaycar and pick their brains as both have had decent aerials in the past.
While you're driving around your local area see if you can grab hold of one of the TV aerial installers, a good one should be able to recommend a vertical and horizontal array aerial for you.
However you probably already realize that unless you use satellite you're going to miss out on signal/signal quality in some areas.
Keith....
-- Edited by Sparkster on Saturday 14th of June 2014 09:45:28 AM
unknown as to what box it is - we are using an easy tune system which picks up sbs easy enough but not channel 7 - the unit was with the bus when we got it but really want something that we can just extend from inside the bus.
really want something that we can just extend from inside the bus.
If you want to keep it that simple you will need an omnidirectional antenna. These are usually disc shaped and receive signals equally well (or poorly) from all directions,
If you want better reception when trying to receive distant or low power transmitters, then you need a directional antenna which will need to be aimed in the direction of the transmitter (Wineguard have an option for you to do this from inside the bus), so you rotate the antenna while someone watches the screen and yellls out when you have the best picture.
An amplifier which can be 12V powered is highly recommended, but be prepared to bypass it if you can see the transmitter tower nearby.
Be aware that some transmitters are still on VHF frequencies and also that the difference between a perfect picture and no picture is a very fine line with digital TV. While Analogue would offer you a lousy snowy picture in poor reception areas, digital will give you nothing. If you are are only using terrestrial transmitters to receive your TV, I suggest you take some books or DVDs.
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BJC
"A year from now you'll wish you had started today."
