TV and satellite TV on the go - what you need to know

Perhaps watching TV while traveling in a camper or caravan is not initially associated with caravanning, but for many of us this type of equipment is an indispensable element of equipment - is it a "sign of the times"?

Whether you want to stay up to date and watch the news regularly, you don't want to miss the latest season of your favorite series, or in bad weather you want to relax with your significant other or family with an exciting movie on TV or a streaming platform.

TV for a camper and caravan – why is a dedicated one better?

When choosing a TV for a camper or caravan, sooner or later we think about the significant difference in price compared to "traditional" solutions. This is hardly surprising - after all, it can be quite large. However, you should realize that the price difference results from specific, tailor-made solutions:

• resistance to shocks, temperature and humidity changes
• possibility of power supply with direct current (12V) or alternating current (230V)
• resistance to voltage surges (in the case of satellite dish control systems powered by direct current, this range is up to 10-17V!)
• integration of many functions in one device (e.g. smart function and TV-SAT tuner on a TV).
• significantly lower energy consumption compared to traditional receivers and a wider viewing angle

A great example of a model dedicated to recreational vehicles is the Alphatronics SL-24 DBAI+ TV. The SL series is the most advanced, exclusive series of this manufacturer with a characteristic, slim frame. The device is equipped with the new alphatronics triple tuner (DVB-S/S2, DVB-T/T2, DVB-C with CI+) for high definition television (HDTV) and even a DVD player.

The connections include a USB port, 2 HDMI ports and an integrated Bluetooth 5.0 module. Enables wireless connection of speaker systems. Thanks to this, the TV can not only transmit an audio signal via Bluetooth, but also play music from a mobile phone on the TV.

Thanks to the Miracast and DLNA functions, we can also watch the content of the smartphone or tablet screen. The wide-angle alphatronicsView display offers a viewing angle of up to 178 degrees (horizontally and vertically).

The real highlight is the SMART TV function based on the Android 9.0 operating system. It is an extremely intuitive solution, works quickly and provides access to all possible applications and streaming services. And all this while weighing only 4 kg!

Link to the ELCAMP store: Alphatronics SL24-DSBAI TV

Satellite dish in a camper and caravan – what should you pay attention to?

Compact, foldable antennas mounted on vehicle roofs are the most popular among camper users. There are many models available on the market, tailored to different needs and (as you might guess) budgets. Before we decide to purchase and install a specific device, we must pay attention to, for example, the size of the bowl.

The basic diameter of the dish is 65 cm, which may be a problem when searching for a signal, e.g. in Scandinavian countries. The optimal solution are antennas with a length of 85 cm, allowing you to easily find the signal throughout Europe - provided, of course, that there is space for such large equipment on the roof of our vehicle.

What do market leaders offer? We took a look at some of the proposals available in the Elcamp online store.

Satellite antenna for a camper/caravan ALDEN Onelight HD

A classic and a bestseller in one - this is how the Onelight model can be described - for a reasonable price, we get a fully automatic solution that ensures convenience and quick setting of the hob in the optimal position.

The Onelight HD model is available in a classic white version, but also in a Platinum variant, with an elegant graphite canopy with a perforated surface (slightly more wind-resistant). The advanced "brain of the system", the SSC HD controller, is the result of many years of work by ALDEN engineers, operates independently of the TV-SAT receiver and is characterized by very low power consumption (only 0.4 W in standby mode).

What is extremely important - Onelight is available in the TWIN-LNB version, which allows two TVs to operate independently at the same time. People going on really long trips may be interested in the optional SKEWmatic solution. Auto-SKEW technology combined with GPS tracking allows you to increase the effective range of the satellite signal, so you can enjoy satellite TV without any problems, regardless of whether you are traveling to the farthest corners of Portugal or exploring Greece.

Link to the Elcamp store: ALDEN ONELIGHT 65-SSC-HD AUTOMATIC ANTENNA

Satellite antenna for the TRAVEL VISION R7 camper/trailer

If you are in the shade or in a heavily forested area while traveling in a camper, a mobile antenna on a tripod may be the perfect solution - e.g. TRAVEL VISION R7. The antenna dish has a diameter of 80 cm and is made of a laminate of resins and fiberglass.

Searching for a satellite signal/band is extremely simple and takes place at the touch of a button. The removable module protects the device against theft. Charging the battery takes 120 minutes, and on one charge we can count on 60 hours of operation.

The set with a foldable, stable tripod weighs only 11.6 kg.

Link to the Elcamp store: TRAVEL VISION R7 80CM AUTOMATIC SATELLITE ANTENNA

Satellite antenna for Oyster Vision camper/caravan

For conscious fans of the latest technologies, the optimal choice will be a real "Mercedes" in this product category - the OYSTER V model equipped with an 85 cm long canopy and a number of groundbreaking innovations. Oyster® V is the control unit, FeatureBox calculates and regulates. In the Vision version, you communicate with FeatureBox via the control unit, in the Premium version via the TV remote control.

Thanks to the mobile phone app, you can now control the FeatureBox with your smartphone. You have basic operating functions at your disposal and can, for example, turn the antenna on and off from the outside, change satellites or view system settings.

The minimum folded height of just 17 cm is achieved thanks to the curved feeding arm. A special coaxial cable is responsible for control, power supply and signal transmission from the external unit. The mirror arm is made of ultra-light magnesium, which translates into stability and torsion resistance.

Oyster® V always knows where the satellites are by precisely adjusting their position. To facilitate satellite search and antenna alignment, three technologies work together: GPS, 3D compass and inclination sensor.

GPS determines your location, the 3D compass determines the direction in which your vehicle (and therefore the antenna) is pointing, the tilt sensor identifies any tilt of the vehicle and initiates accurate compensatory movement of the antenna. Software and satellite frequencies are updated in a simple and intuitive way via the mobile application. This application also allows you to diagnose your device and send the appropriate information to customer service for technical assistance.

Link to the Elcamp store: OYSTER VISION V SATELLITE ANTENNA 85CM SINGLE LNB SKEW