If you want good TV reception while on a caravan trip, the right antenna system is a must. Make the wrong choice, and you may find that some of your favourite channels are not available. Here are some things to consider while choosing your caravan antenna system.
VHF and UHF
Television and radio channels are broadcast in specific sets of frequencies — either VHF or UHF. The larger cities will receive their television channels on VHF frequencies. However, once you get into smaller towns or go off the beaten track, you will find that you need UHF frequencies to pick up the channels. You should therefore make sure your antenna system can pick up both ranges. Most modern systems do so, but it is best to check.
In-built amplifier
If you are intending to travel through remote areas, you may find that signal strength is much lower than you are used to at home. The only way to get around this is to choose an antenna system with a built-in amplifier, which should strengthen the signal and improve reception. It is not such an issue if you are staying in towns and cities, but in less populated areas, an amplifier is a must.
Direction
Your home antenna is fixed in place to ensure it receives the best signal available. This is impossible in a caravan, as you will always be driving around and changing positions. You should therefore think about how easy it is to move the antenna to ensure the best reception of the signal and ensure that you have full 360-degree rotation. Some models come with a function that will automatically turn the antenna in the direction of the best signal, which is worth the investment if you do not want to spend your holiday constantly adjusting your antenna.
Mounting and dismounting
Not only should your antenna be easy to install, but it should also be easy to remove again. Some models simply fold down when they are not needed or when you are passing under somewhere with low clearance; others will need to be dismounted completely for storage. Whichever you choose, it is worth finding one that is simple to take off and put on again, so that you are not wasting time installing your antenna when you should be relaxing.
The right caravan antenna system will make all the difference to your TV reception on your trip. If you are unsure, your supplier or installer will be happy to answer any questions.
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