Which TV Aerial do I buy? Different ones are tuned to different channels ETC?

FrankFalcon

Hi all

We have a campervan and love getting around the UK.  Our van has a modern digital/freeview TV fitted in it and a campervan tv Aerial fixed to the roof.  In ideal conditions and if the van/aerial is facing the correct way we can get some channels.  However, 80% of the time we can't receive TV channels.  A lot of the time is because the van (and its fixed Aereal) are not pointing the same way as all the houses aerials are, we are in the wild without a strong signal or that our campervan aerial is just not up to it.  Therefore, today I went out and bought some telescopic poles.  My idea is the stick these poles into the grass, strengthen the fix by attaching the poles to the van mirror,  and then fix a standard TV digital Aerial on top of the poles.  So, I went on CPC website, google, rs components etc and there are loads of different TV antennas.  A lot of them have lots of technical specs that I do not understand, such as...76-element, high gain TV aerial for use in poor signal areas. • Group T, protects 4G/LTE, channels 21-60 • Directional high gain X-type aerial •

Another Aerial lists: High quality, log-periodic digital TV aerial. • Easy installation with the use of F-connectors • Multi-use clamp allowing vertical and horizontal mounting • Protected against LTE/4G • Channels: 21-48 (wideband) • Frequency: 470-786MHz • Gain: 10-12dB • Len...

The one from Screwfix lists: X-shaped elements in front of the dipole collect more signal to deliver higher gain. Highly directional and fitted with a large reflector to reduce noise pick-up. Tuned to Group K to reduce interference from 4G and 5G.
13dB GainMast Mounted470-694MHz Frequency RangeGroup K Broadcast FrequencyF Type (Female) Output Connector
So, this is all really too technical for me.  Basically, I just want a decent powerful Digital TV Aerial that I can stick on top of a pole when I go camping.  Which is best aerial please?

TIA

matelodave

Ideally a log-period as they are wideband and therefore should work in most places.  \They are also generally a bit more robust and easier to store than some of the cheap rubbish that's kicking around. Getting one that's too directional will just make it harder to align. Those aerials with X elements are a beast to stow, prone to damage and usually need to be assembled

We've got one of these hanging from a bit of string in our loft. We live in a bungalow, so its not ever so high and we get all the channels from the Sandy transmitter in Bedfordshire about 45miles away. https://labgear.co.uk/product-categories/aerials/outdoor-tv-aerials/28-element-log-periodic-tv-aerial/. or have a look here - https://www.satshop.uk/product-category/aerials/tv-dab-fm-aerials/log-periodic-tv-aerials/ the bigger it is the harder it will be to store and the more strain you'll put on the pole and fixings (especially if you've got it secured to the wing mirrors

Make sure you get some decent coax and connectors to go with it. Bear in mind that if you are in a poor reception area then even a ginormous antenna will need to be very high up and so no sort of antenna will guarantee you a decent signal

For the places where you cant get TV, either get some books or a DVD player. We take DVD and books with us in our caravan, just in case we cant get a decent piccy on the telly. 

Some people get themselves sorted with WiFi so they can stream stuff, but again that only works if there's an adequate mobile service (or site wifi system) available where you are.

A lot of places that you can go with a caravan or motorhome can be a long way from anywhere (that why we have them), so dont expect to get a TV signal or mobile service if you are out in the wilds. You can spend a lot of money but, in the end, if there's no signal to be had, then even the best kit wont perform.

cerebus

Agreed log periodic , good quality aeriel that will get you a decent signal in most cases

Don't forget to tilt it slightly upwards a d check the orientation some transmitters are v aligned some h aligned 

Aerielsandtv.com (think that's the address) is a great source of info