Tv aerial direction

ScreenNameEFF71168A7 replied on 01/08/2022 16:46

Posted on 01/08/2022 16:46

Hi All

Recently new to Motor Homing and am at a loss as to how when on site apart from looking at every one else's aerial direction is there a fool proof really cool way to get the right direction first time every time ( trees and buildings excepted of course )

Thanks in advance  Ian 

eribaMotters replied on 01/08/2022 17:37

Posted on 01/08/2022 17:37

Before we visit a campsite I check on the Freeview transmitter website and make a note which compass direction I need to point my aerial. https://ukfree.tv/maps/freeview

This has worked every time as you can often find two masts within range in case your first choice is not perfect.

 

Colin

Amesford replied on 01/08/2022 18:08

Posted on 01/08/2022 16:56 by ScreenNameEFF71168A7

Thanks that's great that hadn't crossed my mind at allcool

Posted on 01/08/2022 18:08

Don't forget to check is it's vertical or horizontal as this can lead to a weaker signal as stated there are several phone apps that give you a list of local transmitters plus their signal strength, compass direction and polarisation and of course a compass 

Fozzie replied on 01/08/2022 19:17

Posted on 01/08/2022 19:17

I just use a signal finder.This plugs into the aerial outlet fascia plate,with the aerial lead,and a series of lights illuminate to the strength of the signal,when rotating the aerial pole.

Got mine from Maplins so it goes to show how old it is.Available on line from Amazon ect.

DavidKlyne replied on 01/08/2022 21:41

Posted on 01/08/2022 20:38 by Simon100

FreePoint2 is an Android app that has all caravan club sites in is database. Find it on Google Play.

My TV amplifier has a signal strength meter, you might be able to replace your amp with a different model such as this

https://visionplus.co.uk/product/digital-tv-amplifier-with-signal-finder-vp5/

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on 01/08/2022 21:41

I have just installed one of those and whilst I have managed to get a signal on the TV I have yet to have the light change from anything but Red!!! I have had to revert to seeing where others point theirs or I use the App on my phone.

David 

Graydjames replied on 02/08/2022 09:42

Posted on 02/08/2022 09:42

I have FreePoint on my phone. I found this to be the best of a poor bunch when it came to an app. I also have a compass to assist. I also have an amplifier like the one linked above (this came standard with the van). I find the app is very hit and miss and often (usually) have to supplement this by looking at other aerials on the site. But this can be a bit of a joke as every aerial seems to be pointing in a different direction. Some are vertical some horizontal and directed at almost every point of the compass. Of course, an added problem is that, nowadays, many don't have an aerial, relying instead on more sophisticated viewing options in the form of satellite, which, speaking personally, I have never thought worthy of the outlay.  

In all my years of motor homing, for me, getting a TV signal remains by far and away the single most frustrating and difficult part of setting up. Aside from the advent of phone apps, it is one area where not much has changed. There has been the odd occasion where I have given up after a couple of goes at getting a decent signal. I did so recently at Poolsbrook where I could not get a watchable signal at all - though others clearly had. I rely a lot on DVDs anyway, and keep abreast of current events on the radio or on the net. As I motorhome on my own, some televisual entertainment is important to me. I am not one of those that pooh-poohs watching TV when away in my van. If I can get good reception, I will make use of it.

Anyway, apologies as this is not much help to the OP. I find FreePoint sometimes gives me the answer so you could try that. I tried other apps, but they were worse.

 

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