Digital TV via my laptop

the pcmcia card IS the set top box, it just fits inside the laptop instead of being outside. Either version will need an aerial. There are a multitude of tv receivers for laptops. Some are analogue only, some are digital only, and some will receive analogue and digital.

So, make a shopping list, do you want analogue or digital or both. Do you want the box in the laptop or outside (and if inside, do you have a free compatible slot)

What are you willing to pay. Do you want a remote control with it. etc etc

Then go shopping for a model that fits your requirements
 
Hi, I am interested in purchasing the Triax UFO Omni Tv Antenna, I would need a mast mount bracket of some kind.
Would you e-mail me with dettails where you purchased the UFO and brackets? I am based in Brighton>

Regards Mark
 
I know the chandlers at Brighton Marina sell them, but those boys know how to charge. Try Gaelforce.net and force4.co.uk
 
I bought from http://www.tvaerials.com/ who were very helpful and fast.

The mast mounting bracket was in the box along with the splitter / amplifier.

The bracket is also a pole mount, the design also allows it to be mated to a flat surface, it should be all you require.

It is not very clear from the web-pages I visited so I ended up calling the factory to clarify. You get 2 F-type connectors which leaves you needing another 2 to connect your equipment up. Standard 75 ohm solid core coax is required between the antenna and amplifier.

I did not use the mast mount as I wanted it right up top out of the way, you can see (below) the mounting for flat surface. The mast mount is a u-shaped piece of stainless plate that fits through two slots which you can just make out above my mounting screws. You then bend it to suit your mast and rivet or screw down.

You can see the V cut in the plastic which would fit to the curve of most masts.

The pole mount is also visible, I am unsure of the thread, but it did screw tight onto my broom handle when I was testing it for a couple of days prior to the mast coming down.

There are no rivets in the box, but the two screws for screwing the aerial to the bracket are there, this is optional but I would recommend for a high mounting, you have to push them through plastic molded blanks, you know the type, wafer thin molding to look pretty when not used. The screws are star headed, you may get away with an Alan key of small flathead screwdriver, but as they are self tapers and fairly tight it may be a struggle, for the first time ever I had the correct sized star drive in my tool kit.

You also get a rubber boot for the top connector which is hidden inside the bracket, well out of the weather, I am very pleased with the design of this aerial.

triax-ufo.jpg



***usual disclaimers apply, the only reason I am giving chapter and verse is that I know getting detail proved very difficult when I was searching. So far I am really pleased with this product, my TV reception and FM radio is stunning***


EDIT>> The company above also have an ebay shop trading under Discount Aerials. I know this as shortly after putting the telephone down to the first guy I called up the ebay traders and he answered the telephone, neither of him would shift on price, in fact he would not even undercut himself when I suggested he had competition and would he drop his price to get my business. Not cricket, I thought! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I've got a freecom and I've managed to get a very poor signal for one channel in London. Nothing else anywhere else, and I used an amplified antenna in my cockpit as well. Took one back and tried another unit too, same. Before I invest in a Triax or similar, anyone think this is normal?
Are they likely to be available from a caravan shop? They tend to be far cheaper than "our market".
Jem
 
FWIW I have had one of these for several years now and reception as good as ever and no problems with durability - recommend it wholeheartedly. About to buy another one for new boat. No connection with suppliers either.
 
Hi Dogwatch - Fitting Triax UFO Aerial?

[ QUOTE ]
.

I did not use the mast mount as I wanted it right up top out of the way, you can see (below) the mounting for flat surface. The mast mount is a u-shaped piece of stainless plate that fits through two slots which you can just make out above my mounting screws. You then bend it to suit your mast and rivet or screw down.

There are no rivets in the box, but the two screws for screwing the aerial to the bracket are there, this is optional but I would recommend for a high mounting, you have to push them through plastic molded blanks, you know the type, wafer thin molding to look pretty when not used. The screws are star headed, you may get away with an Alan key of small flathead screwdriver, but as they are self tapers and fairly tight it may be a struggle, for the first time ever I had the correct sized star drive in my tool kit.

You also get a rubber boot for the top connector which is hidden inside the bracket, well out of the weather, I am very pleased with the design of this aerial.


[/ QUOTE ]

Hi,

Bought one of these based on your response and am just wondering if the 2 screws are all you used to fit it to the mast? They look a bit flimsy and I would have thought that an extra couple of screws near the top of the fitting would be more secure. Having said that, I'll take your word.

My mast head has a horizontal plate so I am thinking of screwing directly to the side of the mast. Cant use the mast mount as the mast is about 1 foot deep and flat along the section. It's curved fore and aft, but the sails/halyard fittings are in the way.

Cheers

Richard
 
Re: Hi Dogwatch - Fitting Triax UFO Aerial?

I can confirm after trying many the UFO aerial is the one to go for. I believe the reason is that the amplifier is in the unit itself, not down in the boat after 15m of coax. Most aerials have the amplifier down at the TV set end of the aerial lead.
Most people in our boat yard receive perfect freeview whereas the analogue picture is flaky, (probably due to interference rather than a weak signal).
 
Re: Hi Dogwatch - Fitting Triax UFO Aerial?

Hi Richard,

The two star head screws in the box are for screwing the antenna to the bracket. You can apparently just clip the antenna to the bracket, but to be sure there are two marks which you use to locate the screws to screw the antenna down.

There are no mounting screws included, I just used 4 x ss self tappers to screw onto the plate as shown in the photograph. Had I gone with the bracket I intended to use rivets, but like you I could not find a suitable place on the front of the mast.

I think the mast mount is designed to be bent to fit, you could bend the plates out at 90° to the bracket so they fit flat to the mast if as you suggest your mast is flat faced.

Are you impressed with the size?
 
Re: Hi Dogwatch - Fitting Triax UFO Aerial?

Thanks for the reply!

The size is great - much smaller than the Glomex or Status aerials.

I could only see 2 screws on the photo... hence the assumption re the screws provided. Sussed it out now.

Will report back when the mast goes back up a week on Wednesday.

Thanks again.

Richard
 
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