Digital converter box

[Jarhead1]

How much of a hassle to hook one up to tv in my coach?
Thanks Bill

[tmitchell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarhead1 How much of a hassle to hook one up to tv in my coach? Thanks Bill

Pretty easy. I hooked one up, before I switched to a 32" LCD TV.
Do you have surround sound, with a DVD player and also have a VCR?
Most owner's that have the DVD player don't use the VCR.
If you are setup that way you can pull the VCR input and output cables from the back of the Wineguard video selector box and plug the digital converter into that.
I removed my VCR completely, never have used it.
When you want to watch TV using the batwing antenna, select VCR and it will route through the digital converter.
If you route it another way, make sure it is not in line with the power boost for the batwing antenna.
I've read that the power that is used for the boost will fry the digital converter.
It is also a good excuse to upgrade your TV to an LCD TV, then you wont need a digital converter.
Tom

[DandS]

Very easy to do! I hooked one up on my old coach and was pleased with the results. Instructions included with box are pretty straightforward, you essentially plug in the box between your antenna and your tv. Depending on the particular configuration you have in your coach with selector boxes, etc., it is a little confusing, but search the forums and you will find many good explanations.

["007"]

If you look below the reply message you will see more answers to your question infact what ever question you may ask you may find your answer there. If not just ask us someone will help.

[GaryKD]

Hi Bill,
If you have a distribution box, the converter box needs to be the last thing before the TV. Connect the converter box to the distribution box output to the TV. The converter box will need to be off when viewing TV from another source (ex. DVD or SAT).

Once connected, you will need to do an auto scan of channels (via the converter box) every time you move the coach. It's a PITA but it is the best way to be able to quickly change channels in your new location.

[Rnicfingrp]

Gary,
I just finished wiring my A/D converters with DVD on my 2000 Dutch Star and I have a wiring diagram for anyone who needs a 'picture' to help in the re-wire process. I also had to add a Video RF Modulator box (from Fry's Electronics $19.99)to convert the RCA wires to coax. System now works like a hose - DVD works and the front & rear tv's can be watched independently.

Rnicfingrp
2000 Dutch Star
'98 Wrangler Toad

[D in Davie]

Hi Jarhead1
I just installed one and found it very easy to do. You just put the antenna feed into the box where it says (in), attach a coax wire from the box where it says (out) to the place where the the antenna used to be attached. Plug it in and away you go. However, you still may be unsatisfied with the results. I found the box to have limited reception even when you can see the broadcast tv antennas and the sound has a slight hiss. Its enough to have me saving for new digital tv's.

[wa8yxm]

How much of a hassle? Depends..
First; Get a box with ANALOG PASS THROUGH please (Easier to hook up) I like the DTVPAL.COM one in the middle.

Now, somewhere in your rig is a video switch, it may be a wall plate with a 12 volt outlet, antenna connection, switch (Button) and light, or it may be a box with many buttons

There is a length of coax cable that goes from that switch to the televison.. You need to unhook ONE END of this cable (you can unhook either the TV end or the Switch end)


When you are done the hook up will look like this

Switch-----Converter-----Televison

It's that easy

[D in Davie]

Hmmm. Maybe that is where I went wrong. I went from Antenna to converter box, to switch. That way I can get a signal in both of my tvs even if it is only the same channel. If I did it the way wa8yxm did it I would need to get two converter boxes, one for each tv but would I get any better reception or sound? Hmmm

[siggyd]

When you install the Converter between the SwitchBox and the antenna,you can NOT get the 12Volt DC to your antenna with the built in amplifier,so it will not work. You may even short out the 12 Volt supply for good.

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by D in Davie Hmmm. Maybe that is where I went wrong. I went from Antenna to converter box, to switch. That way I can get a signal in both of my tvs even if it is only the same channel. If I did it the way wa8yxm did it I would need to get two converter boxes, one for each tv but would I get any better reception or sound? Hmmm

I will give you a hint here... The switch box has a 12 volt lead running to it.. This, of course turns on the light.. but have you ever wondered if it does anything else?

Turns out the answer is "Yes it does" it provides 12 volts to the rooftop pre-amp in the antenna when the light is on.

If you put the converter between the switch and the roof. Then you block the 12 volt to the pre-amp and the antenna no longer works well

So yes, that is where you went wrong

There is no easy way to do both sets with one converter using that wall-plate type switch

If you have the multi-switch (many buttons, one labeled AUX, or I should say one for each device labeled AUX) then there is a way to do it.. and this is the ONLY case where you put anything between the switch box and the roof top antenna.. Ask if you need instructions

[D in Davie]

Thanks, My bad.