TV Signal in a Caravan- is it different?

13 Apr, 2021, 7:44 AM

Written: November 30, 2016

TV Signal in a Caravan – is it different ?

Take a few minutes to read & avoid wasting your money.

The principals of Wilkgard Technology Group who own the explorer brand of Caravan TV antenna have been in the antenna industry for over 40 years. They have seen black and white TV. The introduction of UHF, colour and now digital television and there is one thing that has never changed through all that evolution and it is the key thing for a mobile user to understand.

When travelling in your caravan, camper trailer etc the signal source (transmitter) and channel number allocated (not the network provider) change. Each location is different in a number of ways.

They are:

• Strength of the output signal from the transmitter
• The pattern of that signal meaning is it omni-directional (360 degrees) or directional meaning pointed at where the people live. Could be 60 degrees or 220 degrees. It changes from place to place
• Is it transmitted in a horizontal pattern or a vertical pattern. Low powered transmitters in a vertical pattern will not be picked up unless your antenna is vertically mounted.
• Your antenna must be capable of being mounted vertically and must cover the full range of transmitted channels (frequencies)

Over the years it is a proven statistic that it is common for caravanners or mobile travelers to make 4 purchases before finding out what is really needed. They have generally paid for the right product twice over.

For evidence of this truth go to www.ozdigitaltv.com and look up all the small vertical transmitters.

Sally Garden
RF Consultant Founder
Wilkgard Technology Group P/L

Definitions:

Frequency: This is the wave sent by the transmitter which carries with it the information you then view as a picture and sound on your TV. There are many waves known as electromagnetic and the term used is Radio Frequency Spectrum. Our spectrum for Caravan TV Antennas is from channel 6 thru to channel 51

Transmitter: Usually sited in a high position so the elevation helps to direct the signal to those areas where the signal is wanted. They are various strengths and we call them Baby Bear, Mummy Bear and Daddy Bear figuratively speaking.

Horizontal and Vertical polarization: Imagine a garden hose. Now flick the garden hose and it looks like a snake – right! If you could see the signal it would look like this ‘garden hose’ travelling through the air. Next step takes some imagination. Now in your mind turn this signal ‘garden hose’ on its side 90 degrees. It is now running sideways – that is a vertical signal.