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Usually, caravan lovers are so eager for the new journey that they spend much less time in front of the television than usual, but it is always useful and enjoyable to listen to the news or watch a movie while relaxing. It's also an interesting way to get more into the local culture.
It also allows you to receive radio stations, which is always useful to be aware of traffic. Now let's look at what we need to pay attention to to receive the digital terrestrial signal in the caravan.
DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL RECEPTION
It doesn't matter if it's a caravan, camping tent, caravan or alpine bungalow. The main thing is to install a good TV antenna on a suitable support.
You can choose to attach the antenna to an existing structure (for example, to the metal cross bars of the roof-mounted roof rack) or to a mast (fixable, but telescopic). The less lazy may also decide on an antenna that is not fixed to stable structures, such as being planted on the ground with a pole or placed on the ground with a tripod.
AVAILABLE TV ANTENNA TYPES
The choice of antenna type also depends on your technical skills, as some must be properly oriented according to where they will be used. Actually it is a digital signal, but still terrestrial and therefore correlated with the location of repeaters scattered throughout the region.
As for the types available on the market, there are antennas:
versatile: they receive the signal without needing to be routed;
broadband antennas: receive all channels in VHF and UHF ;
selective antennas: they receive channels of only one band (VHF or UHF);
directional antennas: they must be directed towards a repeater;
vertical polarization antennas: this type of antenna is not very common and must be installed in a vertical position to receive it properly;
horizontal polarization antennas: This type is very common and must be installed horizontally for good reception.
In addition, it is possible to use signal amplifiers that allow to capture even channels transmitted at a lower power. The only alternative is to install the camper bowl.
HOW TO INSTALL DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL ANTENNA
First of all, you have to decide whether you want to use the vehicle while it is in motion or only when it is stationary. In fact, for roaming use it is good to choose an omnidirectional antenna that does not need to be oriented in any particular direction (even better if combined with a directional antenna on an adjustable support). It will be easier in case of stationary use, because you can also choose flying supports for the antenna (e.g. masts or tripod).
Whichever antenna is chosen, best performance will be achieved if you place it at least 1 meter above the surface to avoid reception interference. Pay close attention to mobile use, aerodynamic problems, the force exerted on the anchor support, and where the connecting cable goes.