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JRRNeiklot's avatar
JRRNeiklot
Explorer
Oct 15, 2016

TV in non standard area.

I can't see the television area from the bed (yes, I'm that lazy). I would like to put a small 12 volt tv in that area. It shouldn't be a problem to install a 12 volt receptacle, but accessing the antenna is going to be a problem. Anyone have any advice on how to access the antenna?

Thanks.

9 Replies

  • 2 solutions, coax out 1 window and in the other.

    Move the bed to the tv
  • I guess I'm dense but I don't see any way of answering your question without knowing what RV you own and where is/are the antenna connections, do you have a B.O.M.B. is your antenna a powered antenna or a static antenna? The floor plan would be helpful too, with the existing TV's location and the proposed location for the second TV.

    For example, if you have a batwing with the PCB in the head and a power switch in a box, you won't need a splitter, almost all those power switches have one input and two outputs.

    Can't give you a reasonable answer without some more info.

    By the way, in my rig I have block foam insulation and it has channels cut in the foam for the wiring, can't poke too many holes in that and get anywhere.
  • It is possible to run wiring within a ceiling cavity and have it completely hidden. Take down lights, AC grilles, skylight trim, lights, etc. to give access and then fish wire from opening to opening. If you have to, you can enlarge the hole behind a surface mounted light. You can also run inside cabinets and interior walls. The photos below show some wiring I've done. The 1st photo shows where I pealed back the luan plywood in the pantry cabinet for access. The 2nd photo shows the radio removed to access to an existing hole in the ceiling and one in the wall. You may need an electrician's fish tape (cheap at HF) or metal coat hanger wire. May take some time and require patience.

    If you already have the typical wall/ceiling plate like in the 3rd photo, it already has a spare connection for a 2nd TV. If you don't have this, you'll need a splitter which could be added behind the existing plate with a co-ax outlet.

  • If you have an amplified antenna that has the amp in the antenna head, you'll need to use a splitter with DC pass through between the antenna and the power supply.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Our previous owners ran coax cable for a second TV by attaching it against the ceiling with cable clips.

  • JRRNeiklot wrote:
    Yeah, I know how to use a splitter. I was hoping to tie directly into the rooftop antenna somehow.


    If you are going to share a single antenna, it makes little difference WHERE along the coax you put the splitter.

    And using a single existing wire from outside to inside is a BIG advantage.

    Drill holes and run wires to the roof if you must but I would do it inside or under the floor.
  • Yeah, I know how to use a splitter. I was hoping to tie directly into the rooftop antenna somehow.
  • Easy, use a signal splitter: Amazon

    You'll have to figure out how to run the wire to the second TV.

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