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Post Info TOPIC: Trouble getting tv channels
Cara


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Trouble getting tv channels
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Hi. We are travelling and had been able to tune in channels however a few days ago the TV picture started breaking up and stopped completely...showing "tune channels" ...when we do this no channels tune in.  We noticed a few days before we lost reception completely that the 12 volt lights with led bulbs interfered with the picture slightly and when we replaced them with the original halogen bulbs the picture was ok...until we lost all channels and now can not get any.  Would appreciate any help. Thanks

Cara



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Kerry
mickm


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What type of antenna are you using and where did you try to tune in. The type of antenna is critical as some regions have horizontal signals whereas others have vertical alignment. Some antennas have one or the other and only a few have both. Whether the antenna is 12v boosted is significant as well.

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Alchemi
Cupie


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Sounds like you have trouble with your 12v supply  to the TV signal amplifier.  I'd be checking that first.

The van's 'power supply' unit usually provides 12v to operate things like lights and sometimes the TV signal amplifier. 

Vans also usually have a small 'charger' plugged into a 240v powerpoint with a lead to the cigarette packet sized TV amp. This may be switched off or come unplugged.

How much electrical knowledge do you have? 

What brand caravan do you have?

What sort of antenna are you using?

Where are you .. ie . in which town?

Are you in a Caravan Park using their 240v mains supply when the problem occurs?

 

Depending on the replies you get and answers to my questions above, if not fixed I'll post you some pictures of the bits in the morning.

 

ps.  Welcome to the forum.

 



-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 20th of July 2015 07:32:10 PM

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Dougwe


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Welcome to the gang Cara, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I won't confuse you so will leave you sort through the info already given. I will say though, I have a portable hard drive with TV programs and movies on it plus DVD's for moments like those.

Hope it all works out for you.

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TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 
Phil C


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^^^^ what they said.. ^^^^

Welcome from me as well...

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Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.

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Cara


Newbie

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We are using a camec jack tv antenna and we were in Mt Isa when we lost all ability to tune in channels. Yes it has A 12volt booster. I have no electrical knowledge...hubby has little. We have a Windsor c'van.  We will be in Kununurra in two days so will check here when next in range for Internet. Many thanks. Cara.



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Kerry
Cara


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Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes.

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Kerry
Phil C


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Hey Kerry,

This is not related to your post, but there are a few apps for the iphone and I guess the androids as well, that is a TV station finder, It works OK if you get the right one. I gave up on TV ages ago but still watch the ABC news.

Cheers

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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.

Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.

Life is way too short to be grumpy.
Rockster


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We too have had problems with TV reception at times - always related to having lights on in the van. We have to revert to watching in the dark and then no problems!! Sometimes only certain lights create the problem so a little experimentation needed.



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Cupie


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My approach would be ...

1. Check 240v mains supply to van is OK.

2. Find 'charger'  .. plugged in to GPO & TV Amp unit?  GPO turned on?  Usually has a red led light on the Amp.

3. Your antenna is facing the same way as those on permanent Caravan Park buildings (cabins etc.  of houses in the vicinity) Ensure that the head is horizontal or vertical just like them.  If it has a lead on a plug/socket, make sure that it hasn't come adrift.

4. Antenna cord from wall to TV is in?  (Spray with wd40 & push in & out a few times - both ends).

5. TV is plugged in & turned on?

6. Go to TV menu & re-tune   (I assume that you have a digital antenna & TV tuner)

 

If all that fails ...  try another TV wall socket if you have one & another wall to TV lead ...

If still no joy get out your DVD collection or a pack of cards.

 

Good Luck.

 

 



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Cara


Newbie

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Hi all. Have bad a tv bloke look at it and apparently we need a new aerial. Its a camec....any suggestions where to buy a new one...and approx price.? We will be in Broome soon and then Darwin in three weeks and will purchase then. Thanks everyone again.

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Kerry
Cupie


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I'd try Coast to Coast RV.   Have a look at their web site.

Their NT Stockist is BTC Parts & Accessories, 878 Stuart Highway Pinelands (Darwin?) 0889326777.

They have a few other stockists in WA too. See the Stockists on their web site

http://www.coastrv.com.au/

I would look at the Winegard Free Vision Sensar.  But just be sure that there is room for it to lie flat on the roof when wound down.

I suspect that they would fit it for you & check the Amp for operation & compatability at the same time.

 



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See Ya ... Cupie
KFT


Guru

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Welcome from us too Kerry, TV reception in most caravan parks is usually a challenge which is why many of us have forgone local TV and switched to using a VAST satellite system to receive the free to air channels.

The VAST system will work anywhere you can see the northeast sky at between 40 and 70 degrees up. the only cost is to purchase the equipment and registration each 6 months is free.

have a look here at some caravan systems: www.satplus.com.au/collections/caravan-satellite-tv-systems

there are other suppliers but the one given has one of the best records for customer service and after sales support around.

hope that helps

frank

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Avagreatday.

Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
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