TV signal

[Andy Norfolk]

On a site in Somerset where the TV signal is very poor. There are cable connections on the pitch. I've got a coaxial cable. Used it before with no issue plugged in to the van near the power connector.

This time nothing. Now run the cable from the post into the back of the TV directly. All works. Does this mean I've an issue with the external connection? Or is it a fluke?

 

[Woodentop]

Check the routing of the cable from the outside. You don't say make of van, but Bailey for instance will present it near the TV aerial amp so that it can be used to fed a TV in the awning.
To use it 'the other way round' you need to identify the outside cable near the amp and the cable feeding the socket inside the van and connect them together - note NOT through the amp. If they are TV (a.k.a. Belling-Lee) connectors then you will need a simple plug-plug or socket-socket adapter: If the connectors are F-type (more common these days) you will need a 'barrel' connector.
Where are you in Zummerzet? My experience is that TV coverage is not too bad - I was involved with DSO in 2010 and 2011 in that area. I would add that quite a few CMHC sites still have pillar signal feeds from the days of analogue when a stronger signal was needed. They have not corrected these entries since which misleads as digital TV will work with weaker received signals, and due to the different way digital signals are measured, most transmitters radiate more power. Have a look at Wolfbane.com under UK TV reception. It will give you a table of serving transmitters for your location and their bearings. If the signal is shown as about 44 or higher you should be able to receive a signal on your van installation.
Come back here if you need more help.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Thanks for your response. All a bit technical for me! The van is an Adria, 2 years old. The external TV connection is next to the EHU connection. In the past when we've had a poor signal from the roof top aerial, I've just plugged a coaxial cable into the TV point and run it to the connection on the post. Always worked fine. But now only works if plugged from the back of the TV to the post. I assume I have a connection failure between the external TV point and the one near the TV.

 

[Jcloughie]

Your Adria MAY be like our current Alicanto. The outside coax socket is not for TV input as I expected. But for TV out so you can watch in the awning.

Others have done a little rewiring and changed it to an in-ut.

John

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Thanks. I don't think that's it. It's on the wrong side for an awning. I've also used it before in similar situations with poor signal and it's worked. So I think it's a loose connection somewhere.

 

[Buckman]

On a site in Somerset where the TV signal is very poor. There are cable connections on the pitch. I've got a coaxial cable. Used it before with no issue plugged in to the van near the power connector.

Poor Tv signal for some reason seems common in Somerset which is reasonably flat. If in the Brean area, mobile signal can be a bit of hit and miss although flat for miles around. Weird.

 

[Woodentop]

Thanks for your response. All a bit technical for me! The van is an Adria, 2 years old. The external TV connection is next to the EHU connection. In the past when we've had a poor signal from the roof top aerial, I've just plugged a coaxial cable into the TV point and run it to the connection on the post. Always worked fine. But now only works if plugged from the back of the TV to the post. I assume I have a connection failure between the external TV point and the one near the TV.

Silly question, but your aerial amp is switched on, isn't it?

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Yes. I've made that error before 🤣

 

[Dustydog]

Use a multimeter and do a continuity test on the Co ax circuit.
I had a similar issue earlier this year. A cable joint had separated behind the microwave!

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Use a multimeter and do a continuity test on the Co ax circuit.
I had a similar issue earlier this year. A cable joint had separated behind the microwave!

I think your right. My skills don't extend to a multi meter. When we get home I'll look at the easy obvious points. If that fails I'll get someone else to take a look. Thanks.

 

[birdman101]

Have you two sockets in caravan one marked TVand other Sat. It may be the one with Sat it is wired to. That one is usually wired straight from the external and does not go via the status. An coax to F type adaptor is used.

 

[SeaDog]

Our TV socket next to the 13 amp input is for satellite. When TV signal is poor I connect to an on-site bollard supplying a TV signal and have adapted a small length of cable which attaches from the van satellite socket to the TV.

 

[RogerL]

If a site's signal is poor enough to justify an aerial socket on each pitch, I avoid everything built into the caravan and plug straight into the back of the TV, with the cable through the nearest window - still allows full locking.

 

[otherclive]

If a site's signal is poor enough to justify an aerial socket on each pitch, I avoid everything built into the caravan and plug straight into the back of the TV, with the cable through the nearest window - still allows full locking.

And you can buy lay flat leads if you are concerned about the window seals. But I never bothered with them anyway.