Exterior Directional aerial or Satellite - what do you suggest?

[JohnI.Stephen]

I apologise for raising this issue again. However, whereas in the Lake District recently we got a good signal using a simple 'indoor' aerial (built in amplifier - £19 from Argos!), I need to buy an aerial that I will be able to either erect on a pole that attaches to the jockey wheel e.g. Compact Log Aerial & Jockey Wheel Mast Kit from Towsure; or do I go for the Maplin's Satellite Suitcase?

The former allows both terrestrial analogue and Freeview digital, but the latter provides FreeSat "only". With cost not being the real issue here; what do you reckon for use in the UK?

John

 

[rob_jax]

Hi John,

Neither terrestrial Freeview nor FreeSat particularly like tall trees (especially if wet) or other obstacles between them and the transmitter. But that's rarely a problem - I would think that only somewhere similar to CC Carsington Water would be an issue - very tall pine trees with small clearings for 6 or so caravans.

FreeSat has more channels (many of which are all the BBC and commercial regional stations - which does mean you can get the news from home anywhere in the UK), but definitely takes longer to align compared to a terrestrial antennae.

Although the FreeSat aerial from Maplin is quite small, there is the possibility that you could use FreeSat whilst in Northern France or Benelux or maybe even further afield, whereas Freeview coverage is UK only.

Freeview - simple and easy to set-up - may be important if only staying for a weekend.

FreeSat - more demanding or more accuracy required to set-up - but more channels are available and can be used outside the UK.

Robert

 

[Neil_374226767]

We used a Maxview Mobile Gold Aerial with good results in reasonable signal areas. Recently though we have been using an old Sky digibox and minidish (attached to a photographic tripod, less than half the price of a satellite tripod) and got a very god reception in both south wales and cornwall where others were having trouble with the terrestrial signal.

It proved fairly easy to set up. Have a look at this link http://homepage.ntlworld.com/de.sullivan/

Don't see why the maplin suitcase should be any harder.

Neil

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Have a look here John

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ReturnPage=Active&ForumID=8&TopicID=16400&PagePosition=1&ThreadPage=6&showActive=10

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

OK so the portably satellite kit it is then! However, how would you recommend fixing the satellite to the caravan; on teh roof using the built in suction pad it'll surely move around and lose direction?

John

 

[JTQ]

OK so the portably satellite kit it is then! However, how would you recommend fixing the satellite to the caravan; on teh roof using the built in suction pad it'll surely move around and lose direction?

John

You only need to fix a dish, you can leave the satellite where it is for the rest of us to use!!!!

 

[Steve_374226973]

I have the Maplin's satellite in a suitcase and find it great. I can normally set up in under five minutes. It comes complete with a G clamp and I find the easiest place to attach is to the jockey wheel using the clamp. No movement, even in wind. As it doesn't get Channel 4 or five I also use a standard mast aerial so that I can receive these channels.

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

You only need to fix a dish, you can leave the satellite where it is for the rest of us to use!!!!

LOL ! Yes I have re-read my post !!!

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

What no Channel 4 or 5?!! I can't miss the Gadget Show !!!!

Thanks for the info

John

 

[BJ]

OK so the portably satellite kit it is then! However, how would you recommend fixing the satellite to the caravan; on teh roof using the built in suction pad it'll surely move around and lose direction?

John

I recommend a Tripod.