TV Aerial

[scottb34300]

Hi,

I have just fitted a TV in my boat, all I need now is an aerial! But which one to choose?

I am in Chatham Marina, Kent, so i'm quite high up. There are not really any high buildings around.

Any ideas?

<hr width=100% size=1>Scott.

 

[trev]

The thing is, being a boat it won't always be in the same place. Wot you need is multi directional job with an active booster.
I've got one of these and it works reasonably well in most places, and I add to the boost with a battery booster (in line) to further increase the signal when required.
I must admit though ,that sometimes and in some places an ordinary indoor aeriel works just as good and occassionally better, but that can be a pain having to wander about the boat until the best signal is obtained and wires all over the place, together with 'er indoors moaning about all this money spent etc etc.

<hr width=100% size=1>Trev

 

[fluffc]

Problem in Chatham marina is that the local aerial is on Bluebell hill (towards Maidstone); which may be behind the hill from where you are. Next one is in London or Essex.

I've just installed a Glomex Omni-directional aerial - and am very impressed by the quality. I do have the boat in the flat plains of essex though!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[montezuma]

Quite high up? Aren't you at sea level same as the rest of us?


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[robp]

Of the multi-directional ones, a Status was fitted to my boat during commissioning. I'm dissapointed as it has failed three times and now the response is, "send it back and whatever it is, we'll charge £60". (Out of warranty). Not very helpful for a mast mounted bit of kit. I'll probably replace it with a Glomex.

Or, have a look at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.skytronic.com/uk/prod/search.php?s=120.910>This</A>. They are directional but a lot cheaper.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mickshep]

Friends in next berth bought 'marine' jobby for their on board t.v. utterly crap. We got £12 cheepy from local Willkinsons. Works great though have to move it around a little first to get best picture. It's still working despite getting stood on (Breaking off the base). Mike.

<hr width=100% size=1>"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me."

 

[AuntyRinum]

The aerial lead from my TV is connected to the standing rigging. Works a treat. Maybe you should try it before investing in hi tec.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[pheran]

I've tried all sorts of aerials over the years including Status and Glomex and found the performance even of the best, disappointing. So...... have gone satellite. Bought a Kerstan mini-dish as tested and recommended by MBM, £90, a second-hand Sky box, £25, and a basic package Sky card, provided free by Sky. The result? Brilliant reception throughout UK, Holland, Belgium, and the Northern half of France. And you get a greater choice of channels including radio. Whilst you need to reposition the dish when you moor up somewhere different, this quickly becomes a 60 second job.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A convert to steel boats and displacement cruising - the only way to go</font color=blue>

 

[MainlySteam]

Putting aside all the problems of ghosting, etc from a non directional antenna (especially in a marina), we have had good results from an American Shakespeare one (I believe they are now distributed in the UK but you have to order through the Shakespeare website). While not a top end product we are actually putting some on a couple of big boats at the moment, at the client's request from his previous experience with them.

You may find, however, if you are in a high signal strength area that most anything will work - bits of wire, or as Brett says your rigging. We have to have an external antenna ourselves as we have a metal boat.

John

<hr width=100% size=1>