Hi everyone.i'm a new member who could'nt resist joining after reading so many fab reviews.
what I would like advice on is a satalite systerm for my new tent (very sad). I think this is possible by using a mini dish and a tripod stand but is it worth the hassel and has any member been as mad as me to try it. The reason I'm asking is whilst I was away last week camping we noticed a lot of touring caravans had one set up and since we are planing a long camp in spain next year I thought it may be possible to erect a simmerler systerm in the tent. would the dish work in a tent or would ithave to be on show outside. any tips or advice on this would be great. Then at least I would Know I am not the only mad camper around.
Cheers everyone, so glad i joined you all. I will be back on line this evening so i'm looking forward to reading some more great reviews
I've toyed with this idea too, and have also seen a few tourers with dishes.
First thing to consider is dish size, those mini dish things you stick on the back of the house are fine in the UK, but if you are off to Europe I understand that you would need a larger dish to receive the channels that are broadcast on the Astra (Sky) satalite.
You can get the whole kit in a briefcase from Maplins, the only problem is the receiver that comes with this kit does not have a card slot so if you want to watch the subscription channels then this is no good to you. You might want to have a look at e-bay to see what you can pick up.
I understand that you will also need a meter to measure the signal strenght when setting up as the one that is built into the receiver is almost useless (so I am led to believe).
The USB freeview stick is fine when you can guarantee a GOOD freeview signal. This is best when attached to a home ariel although it will work with the supplied mini antenna if the signal is particularily strong.
Thanks everyone, i did not know you could buy a portable kit.it was after seeing touring vans with it that i started the search on the internet and found the sitet pjh10 mentioned but do people use satelite for tents, or is this being very uncamper.
I am probably being extremely stupid - but to use the USB freeview stick - do I need to be hooked up to the internet or have a wireless connection, or do I just stick it in my laptop USB port & Bob's my uncle?. Looks pretty good value on the link provided & might save me from giving in to Smoo & buying a small flat screen portable. I must admit that I have given in & we do take the laptop & watch DVD's now that the nights are getting longer - Telly might make a pleasant change - even though I don't think it's particularly in the spirit of camping. I'm even toying with the idea of one of the inflatable sofa's from Towsure to flop on whilst watching!. I suppose we might as well just sell the house & move in to the tent - would save a fortune on mortgage repayments!
I've just ordered one from Novatec - will blame you if "bob's not my knob!" If it works I will be forever in your debt & shall toast you slopping wine over my inflatable sofa whilst I recline watching all kinds of complete rubbish & even better listening to The Archers on freeview
I want one of them sticks now instead of the saterlite.Dibnsmoo please report back and let me know how it was for you . one more little thing where would i put the aeriel does that go into the laptop as well., so to be clear , I would need my laptop even without wireless, a thingy bob stick and a aeriel. and I can watch tv anywhere till my little hearts contented. will it work abroad also, why has no-one told us of this fab thing before all those nights i have been having you no what beacuse we have had nothing better to do when I could have been watching benders. Any other good ideas that i don't know about but should.
Hi all - just received my gizmo from Novatec - arrived within 48hrs - even though I was a cheapskate & went for the cheapo delivery.It is fandabadozi!. I am a complete technophobe - & as Websterm says you do literally pop in the installation disc, plug the sitck into the USB port (by the way the ariel plugs into the end of the USB stick) & "Bob is indeed your knob". We did have to plug the house ariel in to get a signal, but we are in an area where TV signals are a problem, but now great sound & picture & 67 channels. And it isn't necessary to be hooked up to the internet. I am really thrilled - can't wait to take it away camping. It should work abroad - it scans looking for whatever freeview channels are available wherever you are - also it lets you use teletext abroad, but not in the UK. The best £25.00 i have spent for a long time. I love you Websterm xxxx
Hi everone, just bought me stick. I am now waiting for hubby to come home and run it on my laptop. just called to tell him what I bought and he does not believe it will work without broadband or internet connection. Won't he get a surprise Thank you Webstem xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Quote: Originally posted by tophat on 27/9/2006
Hi everone, just bought me stick. I am now waiting for hubby to come home and run it on my laptop. just called to tell him what I bought and he does not believe it will work without broadband or internet connection. Won't he get a surprise Thank you Webstem xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
What's the reception like? Our daughter has gone to uni but didn't take a tv so this might be the answer; just plug into her laptop.
(Guess she'd then need the dreaded tv licence, though?)
absolutly fab, bought a portable ariel with booster. just bought one for my son at uni he loves it. don't know about tv licence as he does not have a tv.