Portable TV's Camping

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 14:22
ThreadID: 9535 Views:18026 Replies:13 FollowUps:8
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Recently bought a portable TV from Tandy's - About $170 and the most useless thing I ever bought. Cannot get good reception. Out camping it is a new frustrating way to spend an evening in the tent. Watching the little band going backwards and forwards searching for a station.
Does anyone know of there is a portable fold up aerial available on the market for a reasonable price?
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 14:33

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 14:33
It will all depend on where you camp... Some places will just not get coverage due to the tree canopy, and other factors.

You could try one of the old rabbit ear things, with massive long cable, climb a tree, or the Fridge/Freezer, or bookcase etc and do it that way.

Failing that, just enjoy being away from the house and bleep TV programs... Aint that what you go bush for? Sit round the camp fire, and just enjoy the quiet!
AnswerID: 41957

Reply By: Member - Anne - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 14:36

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 14:36
I can sympathise with your problem. We are planning to buy an antenna called the 'Stubby' which costs about $150 for the antenna, 3.3 metre extension pole and a bracket. They come from Soppitt Investments P/L, P.O. Box 1637, Normanville, S.A. 5204. Phone 08 85583768 Fax 08 85582995. Email minicompact@ozemail.com.au. Website www.minicompact.com.au
Hope your TV is ok. We have a fantastic digital LCD compact TV from Lenoxx, which I bought at Betta Electrical. Not cheap, but the envy of all who see it.
Happy camping!
AnswerID: 41958

Follow Up By: rolande- Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 22:17

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 22:17
Anne,
www.minicompact.com.au always comes up with unresolved host name. Are you sure the address is correct? Was interested in looking at what they had to offer
rolande
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Reply By: Martyn (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 15:06

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 15:06
VWR,
I've toyed with the idea of buying electrical gizmo's to entertain whilst away and I've given the idea away. I have a radio for a bit of music a a bit of not to depressing news. We spent some money on some decent board games and things along those lines. A few beers and a bit of family chit chat is great and someting we miss out on I find these days. I don't know what your family make up is, we have two kids one 15 and one 11. If the electrcal gizmos break or run out of battery and you have nothing else to substitute for what ever it was that broke your in a worse situation.
Good luck with the little band................. Keep the shiny side up
AnswerID: 41964

Reply By: Member - JohnR - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 15:13

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 15:13
VWR it can be a great opportunity to have a book or two about I found with no TV and difficult internet......Regards

JohnR - Not enough of the right travelling, some here..... some over there.......
AnswerID: 41965

Reply By: simon - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 16:04

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 16:04
why go camping may as well take your sleeping bag to the longe room save packing all your gear

Chould always get pay tv and take a dish with you
AnswerID: 41970

Follow Up By: Mark from Getaway Portable Refrigerator Hire - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 20:31

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 20:31
Simon, I think the question was where to obtain an antenea for a portable TV. Not "what do you think of me if I take my portable TV camping?"

Regards

MarkGetaway Portable Refrigerator Hire
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Follow Up By: simon - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 09:42

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 09:42
Hi Mark

take no offence it just gives me the willies because i have had a few people camp near me in national parks and they have had tvs with crappy reception that just crackeled all the time it was very frustrating.
To answer your question you have got bugger all chance of descent reception unless you are very close to a town with a transmittter the best antenna will not pick up a good signal if it is not there.
PS i was not joking about the foxtel thing you have got a fighting chance of picking this up where ever you are, all you need is a compass and some basic knowledge to set up the dish when you change location.
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Reply By: Chris (W.A.) - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 16:11

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 16:11
VWR,

I've got a portable t.v. as well. It doesn't take up room so we take it everywhere. You'll definitely need an additional aerial possibly even with a booster. I'm going to give that mob a go that the other user mentioned above.

I find it good in caravan parks where you can have that extra little luxury along with the hot showers & power after roughing it in the bush.

Even out in the bush I find it convenient for the news etc. It's easy to be criticised for having a t.v. out there but where do you draw the line? I could say you should not be taking gas stoves with you or am radios or torches etc etc.

As far as I'm concerned if you've got the luxury and space for that luxury take it.
We had one of those UFO looking antennaes that have a booster which worked good but took up way too much room. Definitely like the look of a fold up one.

regardsNice southerly coastal fishing trip someday.
Chris
AnswerID: 41971

Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 21:42

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2004 at 21:42
VWR,
Peruse the caravanning mags at local newsagent, they often have ads for "you-beaut" TV antennas, or is that antennae? Specially made for 'vans etc.
Hooroo...
AnswerID: 41993

Reply By: Flash - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 06:25

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 06:25
I have "the dome" antenna as advertised regularly in caravan mags- it's the best antenna I've owned so far. (Have had four! Constantly looking for the best.)
One thing amazes me though- and that is that no magazine will do a real comparison. They will tell you size, cost etc. but that's where it all stops.
They are a gutless bunch- they'll sell you a magazine that promises to tell all but the info given is the same you can get when you walk in the shop.
Absolutely bloody useless!

And yes I like camping, but there are times when it's nice to have a TV too, for example when it'sbleepdown and the cricket's on!
AnswerID: 42012

Reply By: Member - Anne - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 09:09

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 09:09
Thanks Rolande for letting me know that the website for the TV antenna was wrong. I took all the details from a brochure we were given at a recent caravan and camping show. However, I've done a bit of research and ALL the details are WRONG! Sorry. I have sent them an email on another address I found, and hope I will be able to give you all more recent advice by the end of the day.
By the way, we bought a TV after 4 weeks on the road because we were missing the news and current affairs. BUT we also read more than most people and can both talk for Australia. I find it is better not to be judgemental about other people.
Anne
AnswerID: 42022

Reply By: bruce - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 10:22

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 10:22
We have used the T bar type of aerial for years and it works o.k. naturally there are some areas that reception can be poor or even non existant , but it does fold down very small and is light weight and is very easy to put up and down....cheers
AnswerID: 42032

Reply By: Viola - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 11:17

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 11:17
Darling TV antennas are an issue that no one antenna does all. TV signals are vertical and horizontal polarisation and if you have an aerial in a horizontal plane and the signal is transmitted in vertical polarisation you will receive no signal.
Look darling all these flash expensive overpriced so called specialist portable TV antennas are no better than the cheapies from D1ck Smith Electronics.
What I do carry beside the larger 12v TV duckie dear is a small Casio LCD colour TV and see if I get a picture with that. If I get a picture with that dear I then put up my amplified portable TV antenna which uses 2 x AA batteries which can be placed in any position for vertical or horizontal polarisation and adjusted for length to suit the transmitted station frequency. D1ck Smith have the little LCD Digtor colour TV on special for $98 which darling is a very cheap price. These would have a high sensitivity receiver and are ideal to locate a signal. If you sit like you would at a computer monitor you will be surprised at how easy they are to watch. They also have the mini external aerial socket. The larger LCD TV at D1ck Smith do not have an external aerial jack which is useless without one. D1ck Smith presently have a 20% off sale of all TV aerials and the best overall buy is the L3078 for $55.95 and can be placed in vertical or horizontal and has a built in amplifier. Contrary to what they say you do need to rotate them for optimal signal and the claim they are omni-directional is a little over the top dear as all the claims are of those type of aerials. D1ck Smith TV Antenna sale
Look darling I gave myself a treat in November I bought a new Lenoxx LCD 6" 12v with external aerial socket automatic station search something like 200 channels it will remember for $311. Harvey Norman have them for $399 so see if you can bargain. Look darling the reception signal sensitivity is not as good as my portable Casio but with the amplified aerial is great. Another thing darling if you have a GPS and OziExplorer you can use for a $5 donation to the Salvation Army all the TV transmitters waypoints in Australia and it shows the transmitter polarisation and power rating. Sometimes it just means going over a hill or around the corner to get a signal. Darling I bless the person who did them as I have used them with great success. I sent the Salvation Army $20 I was so pleased with them.
VWR darling darling if there is no signal available you will get no picture. Those little LCD TV units are good duckie and ideal for finding a signal if there is one to find.
AnswerID: 42035

Reply By: chrisfrd - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 13:28

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 13:28
Leave the Telly at home!

You are going Bush for christ's sake!

You are like my mum, who needs a microwave oven and hot shower to survive the night!
AnswerID: 42052

Follow Up By: VWR - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 14:33

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 14:33
I have let the other comments go. As some kind person pointed out I was not seeking an opinion as to whether I should take a telly or not, just some info on aerials.
This comment is uncalled for.
As a matter of interest I have probably forgotten more about the bush than most of the self opinionated arm chair experts who go out for a couple of weeks a year roughing it and then think they are experts will ever know.
Try living on a station next to the Warburton Ranges for 30 years and doing everything on horseback because the modern 4x4 had not been invented and no one had thought of motor bikes for mustering. You can put me anywhere in the bush in Australia with a horse, a lot of water and some salted food and I can come out - can you? (yes I am an oldie) and then offer me advice.
As it happens I am more then 60, have just had a major heart attack, the sturnum did not mend so I am limited in what I can do, and I find a TV nice after dark. I also find the modern 4x4 a luxury method of travelling in the bush and I am smart enough to use that, the gas cooker, the gas light, the airbed, the tent, the modern fishing line, tinned food, pizza and even caravan parks.
I lived without power, telephone, refrigeration (ever heard of a bag cooler for the meat) -
These days I cannot indulge in beer or cigs around the so called camp fire anymore and like your mum enjoy a couple of comforts.
Enjoy your life and let others enjoy their's the way they want to.

P.S. 45 degrees day after day in red dirt with no shade is not what it is cracked up to be - The coast is cooler.
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Follow Up By: Viola - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 14:47

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 14:47
Darling VWR I also unashamedly like to enjoy a bit of TV in the evening and like to see the news and any other interesting highly educational meaningful programs like Billy Connolly. Darling nothing wrong at all relaxing watching TV in evening. Trouble is darling these young brainless turdies do not know how to relax and enjoy or realise what programs are quality entertainment. Darling there is highly educational meaningful TV on again on Monday night ABC 9.30 pm
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 17:08

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 17:08
VWR!!!!! You dont have to go as far as mentioning Caravan Parks....... OMG, don't we all bush camp and wash under a warm billy, by the fire, and cook our food in the bully beef tins it came in and only change our clothes when they fall from our sun scorched skin????

Good on ya for ignoring some of the comments, weather the storm..... I am sure there some good suggestions amongst the flotsam and jetsam of stereotyped idiosyncracies.... but a $140 stubby, hope I never have to buy a slab of them.......Laterally Literal
Seriously Cerebral
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Follow Up By: Flash - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 17:33

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 17:33
VWR
Well said and the best of luck to you.
It's a sad fact of life and this forum that people always have to criticise and make stupid, inane and irrelevelant comments.
I wish you many happy years of comfortable bush and caravan park camping. I too have spent too many nights to contemplate roughing it with the basics including an army "survival" course some time ago. I too enjoy the peace and quiet but also at times enjoy the TV when it suits.
All the best.
(BTW My godfather lived ONLY another 42 years after a bad heart attack)
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Follow Up By: chrisfrd - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 18:52

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 18:52
Bonz,

It's my opinion. Just like yours is. If you want to carry crap like that into the bush, then good on ya.

It was ment as a satirical comment, not to be taken by you or anyone else as serious.

Now... Get a life and engage those hubs.

BTW.. Love the comment about $140.00 stubbies. I'd want them gold plated for that!
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Reply By: Bonz (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 16:59

Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 16:59
You could just video the shows from the week before and watch them at camp while u video the shows from the week you are away then watch them later. Video's always get good reception in camp and no fiddling around with antennas and boy can u impress some ppl in the Flinders with your TV reception
Laterally Literal
Seriously Cerebral
AnswerID: 42083

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