Can you see the normal range of BBC/ITV channels? When we tuned in our Avtex on site it would say we had maybe a couple of hundred channels. Trouble was that it was picking up duplicate channels from all nearby transmitters and sometimes the signal was not that strong so the picture was not there. Also there are so many channels now that appear in the listings but can only be accessed, to actually see the programmes, via the internet.
We have found with our older Avtex that you need to get the aerial accurately aligned or you get pixellating or loss of signal. We look at other vans to see which way they point their aerials. Often there are several transmitters. Some have more channels than others.Often after tuning it gets some stations well but not others! It's a case of finding the best transmitters.
We have a phone app called DTV antenna which shows where the transmitters are. It shows the available transmitters,how far away, how many channels and direction.You need too align it to North but phones often have a compass app.
We use the car as you can show a compass on the satnav screen.
Other apps are available.
Post last edited on 11/10/2024 11:06:10
Post last edited on 11/10/2024 11:07:09
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Thank you for this. I know which aerial you are talking about as we had this type on our caravan. Our is a fixed one and not designed to be moved like the Vision roof aerials.
You have a 'Omnidirectional' aerial, and they do seem to have a reputation for quite poor signal reception! It could be as straightforward as that!
Really quite a few posts over the years from folks querying why they can't get decent reception on sites whilst all around seem to be watching TV quite happily! Further debate usually determines that those happily watching TV have 'Directional' aerials! I've got a directional aerial on my caravan, and so long as no heavy tree coverage close to van, I've never really had reception problems anywhere around the country.
Not all TV transmitters are equal either! Many areas with hilly terrain are served by 'Relay Transmitters' which have a weak signal and are only intended to cover a small area, they are also known as 'Freeview Light' or 'Public Service' transmitters and only broadcast a limited number of channels (around 20), NOT the full choice you get from the 'Main' transmitters. Town or country, your reception is only as good as the transmitter serving it!
Now the other end of the spectrum, if you are in a good signal area, then you can 'over amplify' it and get very poor performance on your TV, try turning down the amplification value on your signal amplifier.
If we’re keen to watch a particular program, we tether the iPad to my phone & use my mobile data. We only use our tv if the site has a socket at the pitch that we can put a long cable in (so we’re at Blair Drummond near Stirling if there’s golf or rugby that we’re interested in, which needs a bigger screen).
We’re thinking of taking our aerial off the roof of the MH altogether as its rubber collar has cracked or split & might be letting water in.