Satellite dishes on 'vans - Page 2

tezzer · 11-03-2009, 22:16

hi capt, there the white , round things with a point on top, you see on roofs of caravans, most of the later vans have then, as for working in spain, i cant help im affraid.

tezzer

zippy · 11-03-2009, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptLimey

Hi Plank

Forgive my ignorance but can I ask what is a 'status type antenna' and where can I find one?

Also, do you know if one will work on our free view box in France and Spain?

Regards CL

Hi There

Status is a company. They make caravan aerials. The status 'omnidirectional' aerial is the mushroom type on the top of the vans. They are worse than useless. The newer Status directional aerials look more like conventional aerials. They are on an extendable mast which you push up and turn from inside the caravan to get the best picture. They are great and i can pick up even quite weak signals. You can retrofit them to the van but it involves putting a hole in the roof - not for the fainthearted!

Regards
Lee

(RIP) PLANK · 12-03-2009, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptLimey

Hi Plank

Forgive my ignorance but can I ask what is a 'status type antenna' and where can I find one?

Also, do you know if one will work on our free view box in France and Spain?

Regards CL

they are the standard roof mounted antennas on most modern vans, they aree a bit pricey but can be bough at mst caravan dealers or from ebay, the later ones do pick up digital signals very well. though i have one on a 1999 caravan that is not so good but on a 2004 brilliat picture so they must have improved them.

but if i didnt have one fitted i would perhaps go for somehting cheaper, as yo dont need anything special ariel wise to pick up freeview just a decent ariel pointed towards the closest transmitter, remember with a normal ariel you can set it up quite well by lookingat the direction of everyone elses, and making sure you also have the elements either horizontal or vertical to match those around you.

when you have no reference poitn and are just moving it around to try and find a decent signal, you need to try the areil in both planes to get the best results.

CaptLimey · 12-03-2009, 21:52

My thanks again to Tezzer, Zippy and Plank for the 'Antenna 101 lesson', I'm such a newbie at this stuff!

Still have a blank re what might work best in Spain to get Freeview/Astra signals to my new Freeview equipped TV. Do I go for a conventional terrestrial antenna, the latest 'Status' or a huge tripod mounted satellite dish?

I'm leaning towards the latter - anyone got one or have experience of receiving Freeview/Astra signals with one in Spain?

Regards CL

(RIP) PLANK · 12-03-2009, 22:30

i would go for a conventional anteena, cheaper and usualy more flexible if a bit more trouble! if you get a black tipped univesal one you should have no problems in virtualy any location status do one complete with an extending alloy pole system and various clamp options.

The round ones with a pointy top i reffered too do have their drawbacks and if you really need tv you do some times end up resorting to a conventional antenna on a pole anyway, so why spend all the money and cut holes in the roof?

(RIP) PLANK · 12-03-2009, 22:34

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Status-image-5...1%7C240%3A1318

i have a really old one of these, i bought it with no cable second hand about 12 years ago for £1 and it has allways worked very well for me!

I htink the big thing is being able to get it up high enough to get a signal past any obstructions, ground mounted dishes are even worse as if another unit pitches up in front you have to start again, and i just cant be arsed to keep messing all the time im not that much of a telly addict.

zippy656 · 12-03-2009, 22:43

we dont have TV when away in the caravan.

just family time, playing games and reading.

the kids love it

we do have twin screen dvd player, for then rainy evenings.

CaptLimey · 13-03-2009, 22:22

Hi Plank & Zippy

Yeah I think you have it about right, no TV is good TV!

We also, like you, do a lot of reading as French TV is worse than that in the U.K and I can't imagine what Spanish T.V. might be like - but we have yet to be educated!

So our primary focus is not for access to local/national terrestrial TV signals in Spain/Portugal but more towards international (Freeview) satellite transmissions. We just like to keep abreast with national/international news.

However I'm becoming less convinced that all the grief of buying/installing/co-ordinating the necessary gear is actually worth the effort? We can always go to the TV room of our chosen camp site!!!!

We're more Internet addicts and so we're inclined to put our emphasis on seeking camp sites with WiFi access, as we find surfing the 'Net and logging in to 'The club' much more entertaining.

Another thread contributor has suggested a mobile phone network USB plug in pay-as-you-go gizmo, for the country in which we are touring. We have no experience of these, therefore any recommendations of how to progress in that direction when caravanning abroad, initially for us it will be in Spain, would be much appreciated.

Regards CL

zippy656 · 13-03-2009, 22:31

family time is what campiang and holidays are all about.

CaptLimey · 14-03-2009, 21:24

Hey Zippy don't worry about the thinking head, we love you just the way you are!

Regards CL

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 14-03-2009, 21:54

I've been wondering about wifi access, cos it could be hampered by fact your
in a tin box. suppose its possible to get an external aeriel for wifi then cable it
into 'van, perhaps a router or access point to allow more than 1 lappy to share
improved signal.

what would be handy is if sites adopted network over mains where the signal
is placed onto the voltage with a mains adapter type of thing in van to then
remove it and put onto ethernet cable. would be cheaper for site than running
ethernet to each pitch though would make super pitches super duper.

zippy656 · 14-03-2009, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas-the-Terrano2

I've been wondering about wifi access, cos it could be hampered by fact your
in a tin box. suppose its possible to get an external aeriel for wifi then cable it
into 'van, perhaps a router or access point to allow more than 1 lappy to share
improved signal.

what would be handy is if sites adopted network over mains where the signal
is placed onto the voltage with a mains adapter type of thing in van to then
remove it and put onto ethernet cable. would be cheaper for site than running
ethernet to each pitch though would make super pitches super duper.

laptop.. wifi.. you ment to me away, on holiday relaxing.. chilling out.

also would put the cost up more

zippy656 · 14-03-2009, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptLimey

Hey Zippy don't worry about the thinking head, we love you just the way you are!

Regards CL

thats good, cause ive not found it yet.

Paul · 14-03-2009, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas-the-Terrano2

I've been wondering about wifi access, cos it could be hampered by fact your
in a tin box. suppose its possible to get an external aeriel for wifi then cable it
into 'van, perhaps a router or access point to allow more than 1 lappy to share
improved signal.

what would be handy is if sites adopted network over mains where the signal
is placed onto the voltage with a mains adapter type of thing in van to then
remove it and put onto ethernet cable. would be cheaper for site than running
ethernet to each pitch though would make super pitches super duper.

Bit of topic, but the other weekend when we had the blinds down we had no signal on our moblie phones, so was thinking we will get the same when we take the laptop to use the internet.

Paul · 15-03-2009, 15:34

This any good to anyone?
Just seen it..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CARAVAN-ADAPTE...1%7C240%3A1318

14-03-2009, 21:54	#26
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	I've been wondering about wifi access, cos it could be hampered by fact your in a tin box. suppose its possible to get an external aeriel for wifi then cable it into 'van, perhaps a router or access point to allow more than 1 lappy to share improved signal. what would be handy is if sites adopted network over mains where the signal is placed onto the voltage with a mains adapter type of thing in van to then remove it and put onto ethernet cable. would be cheaper for site than running ethernet to each pitch though would make super pitches super duper. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

15-03-2009, 15:34	#30
Paul Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North West Vehicle: 2002 Terrano 3.0 Di LWB Posts: 1,961	This any good to anyone? Just seen it.. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CARAVAN-ADAPTE...1%7C240%3A1318 __________________ 2002 Terrano 3.0 Di LWB..

11-03-2009, 22:16	#16
tezzer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: basildon essex Vehicle: transit camper van 1987 Posts: 2,829	hi capt, there the white , round things with a point on top, you see on roofs of caravans, most of the later vans have then, as for working in spain, i cant help im affraid. tezzer

12-03-2009, 21:52	#19
CaptLimey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South of France Vehicle: '03 LWB MK.4 3Ltr T2 Posts: 421	My thanks again to Tezzer, Zippy and Plank for the 'Antenna 101 lesson', I'm such a newbie at this stuff! Still have a blank re what might work best in Spain to get Freeview/Astra signals to my new Freeview equipped TV. Do I go for a conventional terrestrial antenna, the latest 'Status' or a huge tripod mounted satellite dish? I'm leaning towards the latter - anyone got one or have experience of receiving Freeview/Astra signals with one in Spain? Regards CL

12-03-2009, 22:30	#20
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	i would go for a conventional anteena, cheaper and usualy more flexible if a bit more trouble! if you get a black tipped univesal one you should have no problems in virtualy any location status do one complete with an extending alloy pole system and various clamp options. The round ones with a pointy top i reffered too do have their drawbacks and if you really need tv you do some times end up resorting to a conventional antenna on a pole anyway, so why spend all the money and cut holes in the roof?

12-03-2009, 22:34	#21
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Status-image-5...1%7C240%3A1318 i have a really old one of these, i bought it with no cable second hand about 12 years ago for £1 and it has allways worked very well for me! I htink the big thing is being able to get it up high enough to get a signal past any obstructions, ground mounted dishes are even worse as if another unit pitches up in front you have to start again, and i just cant be arsed to keep messing all the time im not that much of a telly addict.

12-03-2009, 22:43	#22
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,138	we dont have TV when away in the caravan. just family time, playing games and reading. the kids love it we do have twin screen dvd player, for then rainy evenings.

13-03-2009, 22:22	#23
CaptLimey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South of France Vehicle: '03 LWB MK.4 3Ltr T2 Posts: 421	Hi Plank & Zippy Yeah I think you have it about right, no TV is good TV! We also, like you, do a lot of reading as French TV is worse than that in the U.K and I can't imagine what Spanish T.V. might be like - but we have yet to be educated! So our primary focus is not for access to local/national terrestrial TV signals in Spain/Portugal but more towards international (Freeview) satellite transmissions. We just like to keep abreast with national/international news. However I'm becoming less convinced that all the grief of buying/installing/co-ordinating the necessary gear is actually worth the effort? We can always go to the TV room of our chosen camp site!!!! We're more Internet addicts and so we're inclined to put our emphasis on seeking camp sites with WiFi access, as we find surfing the 'Net and logging in to 'The club' much more entertaining. Another thread contributor has suggested a mobile phone network USB plug in pay-as-you-go gizmo, for the country in which we are touring. We have no experience of these, therefore any recommendations of how to progress in that direction when caravanning abroad, initially for us it will be in Spain, would be much appreciated. Regards CL

13-03-2009, 22:31	#24
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,138	family time is what campiang and holidays are all about.

14-03-2009, 21:24	#25
CaptLimey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South of France Vehicle: '03 LWB MK.4 3Ltr T2 Posts: 421	Hey Zippy don't worry about the thinking head, we love you just the way you are! Regards CL