Member - Andy Q (VIC) replied:

G'day SKI'er,
You are not going to believe this but this was my next posting question!! Could I use the household Digital antenna, small feather shaped one. I get perfect digital reception out here in Warbuton,Victoria I have just sold the property and as we are going on the road just wondering if this antenna would be good enough.

andy

billv replied:

The vexed question of "good" antennas has been the subject of loads of comment. My experience, and the experience of many others, is if you want to have good or reasonably good reception well away from the built-up centres, the older bulkier types are still hard to beat. The wind up adjustable types seen on most new full-height caravans are apparently very good but I've never seen them fitted to a poptop. They are called Windgard or something like that I think. Experience says that there is no such thing as a very effective and non-bulky antenna for the "outback".

Mikee5 (QLD) replied:

Hi Ski'er.
We have a poptop Royal Flair off road caravan, we had a Winegard antenna fitted during construction. That is the one that can be raised, turned and lowered from inside. When wound down it lays alongside the solar panels no worries. The antenna wire is in the loom that also supplies the roof lights. Fitting during manufacture is obviously neatest.

Mike.

Nick R replied:

I'm just going through the process now so we don't miss the Aust open while we are away.
Personally I will be using an antenna similar to my one on the house, 800mmx400mm and nearly flat, good for rural and poorer signal areas and then I think I have tracked down a 12v mast head amplifier.

You can also get hold of books that list all the transmission sites in oz, if you then have a GPS it shouldn't be hard to know where to point the antenna.
NickR

Member - SKI er (NSW) replied:

Thanks to the 5 people who replied.

I will try to get a Winegard fitted in the time we have left between the post Christmas return and our departure failing that it will be the Stubby because of its compactness.

The thought of me out in my jocks retuning has brought about a "master's policy decision. I will do the original out in the open set up to the Mrs satisfaction. After that it is her task to be outside "jocks and all" to retune.

PS. I have put a new post on the site re small DVD players that will couple as TV receivers via a desk top box.

Thanks again
SKI'er