Omni-directional aerial

[dependencies]

Right I need an aerial mounted full-time on the roof as I'm already fed up with the climb up to clamp on an old fashioned directional coat hanger every time

I see a lot of vans around with these flyng saucer type things bolted on top,
so which is best.

(Terrestrial TV only)

 

[AndyC]

Right I need an aerial mounted full-time on the roof as I'm already fed up with the climb up to clamp on an old fashioned directional coat hanger every time

I see a lot of vans around with these flyng saucer type things bolted on top,
so which is best.

(Terrestrial TV only)

Omnidirectional aerials are generally regarded as being pretty poor in terms of reception, unless you are in a good signal area.

The Status 530 directional aerial is reported to give good results: Status 530 Directional Antenna (Short Mast) - Digital and Analogue reception

AndyC

 

[maingate]

Andy is correct about the `flying saucer` aerials.

I have one fitted and it works OK in a strong reception area but not at all in a weak area. I am quite happy to use a directional one for now but I am keeping the omni one in reserve.

When Britain is fully digital, the signal strength will be boosted by a factor of ten and the flying saucer will probably be the best (and only one) you will need.

That is 2012 for full coverage but I have already noticed that mine works better in a lot of areas. Two years ago, it hardly picked up a station when parked on my drive and now it gets the lot.

Try and pick one up second hand and remember you need the 12 volt booster that comes with it. You can buy the boosters separately at caravan dealers.

The Status 530 directional aerial is expensive. There are much cheaper caravan ones that are very good. My (gigantic) directional aerial came from Screwfix and cost about £29.

 

[dependencies]

Might be worth keeping up with coat hanger just for now.
Perhaps I'll just replace the clamp on its roof rack to take a stub pole.

It was just I noticed the majority of owners (I've seen)
Go for these 'omni' types, which made me think that was the popular choice.

I really don't want the whole dish' set-up,

as if I wanted all the comforts of home, I might as well. Just stay at home.

 

[kenjones]

Our Status 315 with a signal booster works well in most places.
I think it helps if you have a decent TV on the other end. We're happy with our 10" Nikkai from Maplins which I don't think was very expensive.
I agree with maingate about Digital strength. Since the Devon area became all digital the signal is much better.

 

[dependencies]

Glad I asked now,
or I would likely have just gone and bought a 'saucer' thinking that was the norm and been disappointed.

 

[maingate]

I also have a Nikkai 10" TV from Maplins. I thought it was broke as it blew the fuse when on 12 volt. As I had bought a new TV I thought I would bin it. Being very thrifty, I had another look at it and found that the 12 volt lead was faulty. I got another lead and it works perfect now.