Recommend satellite for roof

[TrueLoiner]

I am thinking about buying a satellite system to put on the roof of my van. Can anybody recommend which is better the dome type or the crank up type and which is the best firm for the job.

 

[TonyG]

Hi the only problem with a fixed satellite system is that it can be restrictive regarding pitching near trees, clear line of sight etc.
we thought long and hard regarding an automatic satallite system and we finally brought one of these

this system is fully automatic, you just place it anywhere on the caravan roof pointing anywhere between south and southeast and press one button. and the dish automatically locks on to the satellite. we have used this as far south as Narbonne with excellent results, and i believe it can be used as far south as barcelona. and better still it is about half the cost of a fixed system and comes from a very reputable company... Avtex!!

 

[TrueLoiner]

Thanks Tony. I will have a look at it.

 

[hortimech]

comes from a very reputable company... Avtex!!

Whilst Avtex might be a very reputable company, they do not make it! it is actually made by a company called Satmark.
Try here http://www.autosat.co.uk/products.php?product=Satmark-Papsa-White

 

[TonyG]

Hi Hortimech
I was aware that Avtex did not make the unit, however i do believe that a reputable company like Avtex would not list and supply a unit under there branding unless it was up to the job, and you therefore have the added assurance should something go wrong

 

[Martin24]

Whilst I know nothing about such technology a word of caution about you water ingress warranty if you are mounting anything on the roof that involves making any holes at all be it for fixing or running wires through. It is very likely that you will invalidate any warranty concerned with the modification and could be left with a large bill to put things right if you do get a problem.

 

[TonyG]

totally agree Martin. which was another reason why we went for the above unit as it sticks to the roof with rubber feet and the cable enters the caravan via the sat F connector inside the battery box

 

[WatsonJohnG]

To answer your question about different types of dish
I have the Maxview Semitronic which is a crank up non self seeker and has been DIY fitted
It has the advantage that all the wiring to the Tv and digi box are set up before leaving home and its just a matter of chosing a south facing pitch and using a meter inside the van out of the weather finding the satellite
Its not as convenient as the dome type as the crank up has to be retracted in high winds and you have to find the satellite rather than it doing it automatically
I also carry a small tripod and dish for the rare occasion that a suitable pitch is not available
Its happened 3 times in 500 camping days so far
It involves drilling a 50mm hole in the van roof which is covered by a plate,rubber ring and sealant and its now on the 4th van with absolutely no sign of water ingress when removal was made
Road Pro and Conrad Anderson do a good job as does Leisure Power of Warrington
This is not to decry previous valid posts but just to tell it how I have found it