TV Reception / Digital Antennas
Just wanting to know what fellow campers are using if not hooked up to cable or satellite dish. What type of digital device / antenna are you using for TV reception? Thanks in advance!
Forum Discussion
First "Digital Antenna" Is a marketing ploy the antenna could care less if the signal is digital, analog, or something yet to be invented (I left out a whole bunch of modulation types I often use)
To prove it I have 50' of wire running over my RV I use on Ham Bands.
AM, SSB, FM Digital modes.. all the same wire, even the same transmitter. Just switch a switch or 3.
Now.. What is different between Digital and Analog TV.
Well in the analog days the stations all wanted lower frequencies cause they tend to travel farther. VHF low band (2-3-4-5) was popular and VHF HIGH (7-13) as second choice.
But with DIGITAL they want the UHF band (14-69 now days) because the higher frequencies mean you can cram in more sub channels.
SO in DETROIT. Channel 2,, broadcasts on 7 and Channel 7 on 41.. Both moved UP in frequency. So you need a UHF capable antenna for best performance and you may still find need for VHF, especially VHF-High.
For a house.. A top end Channel master. with Rotor and Tower can see stations a long, long long way off (I've done 100 miles plus)
For an RV don't expect that kind of performance. for one thing that tower was 100' and yes. This Acrophobe has been to the top (Good safety harness)
For RV use. the Winegard Sensar IV. with a SENSAR PRO interior module (Power supply/switch/additional amp/signal strength indicator/scanner) is the best
Mine is an Sensar III + Wingman.. (Basically the same as the IV) with Sensar pro.
WOrks great..
I highly recommend the sensar Pro.. It makes a big difference
IF You already have a Sensar II or III You can add the wingman for about 30 bucks
The Sensar Pro replaces the wall plate, with the switch, light, 12 volt outlet and antenna connection..
I crank the antenna up. Touch the MODE button as many times as needed to get to Scan. and peak on the strongest carrier (NOTE: Carrier channels displayed on the Sensar Pro may be different from the TV channel display. YOu can go into MENU on the TV (generally the manually add a station) and it will tell you the carrier for the CURRENT Station (Whatever you are tuned to).
FOr example in this RV park I know to to to Carrier 12, and two notches clockwise of peak. But I spend a lot of time here.
I can also change the carrier I'm seeking (Read the instructions)
ONe more thing
IN the days of ANalog signals went 5,4,3,2,1,0
Now days it's 5,5,5,5,2,0
The signal on my TV is "Studio Quality" less it breaks up (the 2) then it's ****.
THe Sensar Pro lets me amplify the signal MORE than the roof top amp does as well. Big improvement in a few places I park.
I spent 3 years stuck in GA. My favorite station came in better most times on the antenna than on PARK CABLE (Which was free) believe it or not..
To prove it I have 50' of wire running over my RV I use on Ham Bands.
AM, SSB, FM Digital modes.. all the same wire, even the same transmitter. Just switch a switch or 3.
Now.. What is different between Digital and Analog TV.
Well in the analog days the stations all wanted lower frequencies cause they tend to travel farther. VHF low band (2-3-4-5) was popular and VHF HIGH (7-13) as second choice.
But with DIGITAL they want the UHF band (14-69 now days) because the higher frequencies mean you can cram in more sub channels.
SO in DETROIT. Channel 2,, broadcasts on 7 and Channel 7 on 41.. Both moved UP in frequency. So you need a UHF capable antenna for best performance and you may still find need for VHF, especially VHF-High.
For a house.. A top end Channel master. with Rotor and Tower can see stations a long, long long way off (I've done 100 miles plus)
For an RV don't expect that kind of performance. for one thing that tower was 100' and yes. This Acrophobe has been to the top (Good safety harness)
For RV use. the Winegard Sensar IV. with a SENSAR PRO interior module (Power supply/switch/additional amp/signal strength indicator/scanner) is the best
Mine is an Sensar III + Wingman.. (Basically the same as the IV) with Sensar pro.
WOrks great..
I highly recommend the sensar Pro.. It makes a big difference
IF You already have a Sensar II or III You can add the wingman for about 30 bucks
The Sensar Pro replaces the wall plate, with the switch, light, 12 volt outlet and antenna connection..
I crank the antenna up. Touch the MODE button as many times as needed to get to Scan. and peak on the strongest carrier (NOTE: Carrier channels displayed on the Sensar Pro may be different from the TV channel display. YOu can go into MENU on the TV (generally the manually add a station) and it will tell you the carrier for the CURRENT Station (Whatever you are tuned to).
FOr example in this RV park I know to to to Carrier 12, and two notches clockwise of peak. But I spend a lot of time here.
I can also change the carrier I'm seeking (Read the instructions)
ONe more thing
IN the days of ANalog signals went 5,4,3,2,1,0
Now days it's 5,5,5,5,2,0
The signal on my TV is "Studio Quality" less it breaks up (the 2) then it's ****.
THe Sensar Pro lets me amplify the signal MORE than the roof top amp does as well. Big improvement in a few places I park.
I spent 3 years stuck in GA. My favorite station came in better most times on the antenna than on PARK CABLE (Which was free) believe it or not..
