TV Signal on the camping ground

[marcv]

Hi,

I try to use my tv in two camping grounds. One of them was little bit far from any populated place, I was expecting to not get any signal there.

The other one was very close to a populated area (city) and I could not get any TV signal there too.

I turned the antena to different directions to see if I can find anything, I also turned on the antena signal amplifier.
Can I assume most of the state parks camping grouds will not have TV signal? Any tip (from your experience) on how I can boost the reception?

Thanks

[NLOVNIT]

I know this is going to sound simple, but, in the menu section of your tv, is the channel selector set to cable or air (OTA)? I've been known to forget to go into the menu & change it back after I've been to a campground with cable TV.

Lori-

[04Crescendo]

Are you using a digital TV converter box? Most areas stopped broadcasting regular TV. If your TV(s) are analog, buy a digital converter box ($20-$50) and give it another try.

[Fossilhog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcv Hi, I try to use my tv in two camping grounds. One of them was little bit far from any populated place, I was expecting to not get any signal there. The other one was very close to a populated area (city) and I could not get any TV signal there too. I turned the antena to different directions to see if I can find anything, I also turned on the antena signal amplifier. Can I assume most of the state parks camping grouds will not have TV signal? Any tip (from your experience) on how I can boost the reception? Thanks

I just guessing but did you upgrqde to a digital TV or converterbox? Do a search here on Digital Converter Box and you'll see plenty of posts how to install one.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Well, if your trailer is in fact a 2010 model then you've most likely got a TV with a digital tuner already. So, the next step is to make sure all the switches in your entertainment distribution system are set to allow the signal to get from the antenna to the TV. Next you need to go to the "Setup" menu on the TV and make sure the input is set to "Over the Air" and run a scan to find the local channels. Once that's done you should be able to watch TV again.

[wa8yxm]

When it comes to television coverage.. NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING.. I know of one state park where I"d expect my signal meter to be pegging if I parked there. Forget aiming the antenna.

The standard "Batwing" Antenna by Winegard is a VHF antenna with a uhf afterthought.. Addign the WINGMAN makes it into a true UHF antenna as well (Greatly increases forward gain)

It also has an amplifier in it.. Gets power from either the switch box or the wall plate INSIDE the coach.. If you use a converter and you put the converter between the switch and the roof.. IT WILL NOT WORK.

It must also get power. We can talk you through shooting the trouble if you like.

[Gary RVRoamer]

He has a 2010 RV, so the tv must be digital if it came with the RV.. No converter box needed, but the tv must be in "antenna" mode and the video distribution box (if any) set to "Antenna". The amplifier may be built into the video switch box and come on whatever antenna is selected, or may be separate and need to be switch on.

[marcv]

This is my setup...

I don't have a TV, I have a computer monitor (LCD).
The monitor is connected to my computer (laptop) and my laptop have a digital tuner that is connected to the antena.
I use the Windows Media Center from my computer to watch TV or other shows previously recorded at home (specially for my kids).

On Windows Media Center I can select an option that will scan for TV channels and also look for the signal strenght for certain channels. I was not able to find any and the signal strengh is none.

I also turned the antena around to see if I can improve the signal to find something, but, no success.

Probably I will have to add the wingman and see if that helps.

[wa8yxm]

I might add,,, Last night where I parked for the night, some 3-4 miles from where I'm typing at, I had a very strong signal on all but one of the major Detroit stations (Channel 2, broadcasts on the old channel 7 frequency)

However where I am at not not even a whiff of signal from Detroit.. and I can count the difference, in miles on the fingers of one hand using the thumb to count with!!!

Digital is ... different. that's for sure.

[Retired and Happy]

Try putting a real TV in there at least temporarily to see if it works and if there is any change in the problems you are having. Has your setup ever worked and if so, has anything been changed in the setup besides your location? Is there any change before or after June 2009?

[marcv]

This is the first time I'm using a TV on a trailer. Before I had a popup type (Chalet A-Liner) without TV. I changed trailers a ~month ago.

I can get signal when I park the trailer in front of my house, but not on the camping sites that I tried (2 of them).

I'm willing to install Wingman on my antena to see if I can get better signal next year (no more camping this year for me).
I'm looking for a review on the wingman from some one that tried and worked (or not).

[Retired and Happy]

The Wingman definitely helped on my MH. I can get maybe 20-25 stations here in the Atlanta area. I've also used it in Disney World, but not in a remote location. Maybe others can chime in with more remote info. I noticed the Wingman is on sale in various locations right now so you might find a good buy on it. It really does install in minutes and I was able to do it from a ladder aside the MH. Raised the batwing a little and turned it toward the side.

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcv This is the first time I'm using a TV on a trailer. Before I had a popup type (Chalet A-Liner) without TV. I changed trailers a ~month ago. I can get signal when I park the trailer in front of my house, but not on the camping sites that I tried (2 of them). I'm willing to install Wingman on my antena to see if I can get better signal next year (no more camping this year for me). I'm looking for a review on the wingman from some one that tried and worked (or not).

When you are in a campground have you asked others how their signals run. Also, I would bet someone there would love to help you troubleshoot your problems.

[wa8yxm]

OH, Hamguy.. .That explains it... GOOD SUGGESTION hamguy GOOD SUGGESTION.

One thing I will say to the O/P. Where I'm parked at just now I can not get several stations.. Channel 12 (FLINT) Flint is about what. 6 miles from me. the transmitter is perhaps 20.

Channels 4,7,20,50,56,62 Detroit (A good hour's drive away) 60 miles or so.

However just 3 miles south of here.. I got the DETROIT stations solid

And last night I had chan 12 (Again only a few miles away)

Sometimes a very small change in distance makes a big difference.. I suspect there is a "Something" (Large building, hill, whatever) between me and them from the strength of the signal there and here.