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Introduction
There are many options available when it comes to selecting a
caravan aerial or caravan antenna. Caravan tv aerials come in many
shapes and sizes, roof mounts, free standing and jockey wheel mount
as this one. Most caravans and motorhomes come with a roof mount
status type aerial, these work well in good signal areas but in
weaker signal areas, where a directional aerial is required or where
more channels are desirable alternative or additional TV equipment
and aerials may be required. Here we take a look at a simple caravan
tv aerial that can produce good results at a relatively low cost.
Not a mobile tv antenna as unlike the roof mount it will need
erecting each time you move pitch but it doesn't take to long and
packs away reasonably well,
Overview
This is a complete aerial kit with sectional mast and clamps to fix
to the jockey wheel of the caravan. The aerial is described as being
for use in strong signal areas, we put it to test in a weak signal
area and was impressed with the reception. The aerial is for
reception of UHF as available on free to view channels
The Good Bits
Excellent reception in an area we would consider as less than the
suggested "strong signal" area the makers suggest so top marks
there. Stability of the jockey wheel clamp is good. Relatively easy
to put together.
The Bad Bits
There are a few unless you are in a static caravan that is. The
problems all seem to be related to taking it down, storing and
putting it back up again. The mast poles slot together so no problem
there until you get to the aerial connecting to the top mast and
this is what you are left with see picture below. The top length of
mast requires a small screw to be removed to separate it from the
aerial. Can see this screw getting lost, why couldn't they have put
a quick release fitting here?
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Quick Mast Connection
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Difficult To Store Like This, The
Alternative Is To Remove A Small Self Tapping Screw. Not
a good idea. |
A tight fit and one small screw holds
the mast to the aerial connection point. OK for the
first install but not the best way to do it if you need
to take it apart every time you move |
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The clamps used
to secure the mast to the jockey wheel are secured
to the post and wheel stem by u bolts and wing nuts.
No problem on the top bracket, but on caravans with
A frame covers you can't see the lower part of the
jockey wheel stem unless you kneel or lie on the
ground, not good if the ground is muddy. Al
alternative fixing such as a stake into the ground
with the mast slotting over may have been a better
bet |
The Cost
This simple piece of kit doesn't come cheap, expect to pay in the
region of £45 - £60 The aerial can also be purchased without the
jockey wheel kit. Shop around online for the best deals
Conclusion
It does the job well, but installing and
reinstalling may bring problems, particularly if you need to
remove the screw securing the mast top to the aerial and to
get the aerial down to a convenient size to pack away you
need to do just that
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TV's And Aerials
More Reviews Coming Soon
We hope to review other omni directional antennas directional
aerials and satellite dish receivers and provide performance
tests and reviews on digital reception soon
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