Join our search engine
European Union
Categories

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

Author: Maciej Kinal
Category: Accessories
TV and satellite TV on the go - what you need to know – main image

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

This article was prepared in cooperation with Elcamp
sklep.elcamp.pl
Maciej Kinal
Maciej Kinal

I feel best in the form of trade fairs and meetings with enthusiasts. Technical freak. In my life I have dismantled many motorhomes for the first time. Fan of large vehicles, mountain biking and traveling without weight and financial restrictions. At CampRest, I am responsible for all publications on automotive topics.

See more publications by this author
Icon

Also read

Lombok - welcome to paradise! – image 1
Travel reports
Lombok - welcome to paradise!
Planning our vacation this year, we decided to visit Lombok. We've heard a bit about the island before, but not much. Only that it is large and completely different from Bali. Therefore, we didn't really know what to expect. We arrived on the island with the transport mentioned in the post on GILI T :) We drove about two hours to get to Kuta. And here is the first surprise. Nothing to do with Kuta, Bali. There - a crowd of tourists, here a crowd of children trying to sell hand-made bracelets. We were surprised that they could say "Hello, how are you" in almost any language :) We had dinner calmly, thinking that we would find accommodation without any problems, but unfortunately we cheated ourselves a little :) It was not that easy, but after about 2 or 3 hours of searching on scooters. So remember to book something before you get there :) (depends of course on the season) It is an island of the most beautiful wild beaches I have ever seen. And completely empty. Of course, empty until you decide to stop somewhere, within 5 minutes you will find local people selling pineapples, beers, sarongs, coconuts, or trying to extort a fee for guarding the scooter in the 'parking lot' :) Here you will not be surprised by a crowd of crazy tourists and locals on scooters, because the roads are completely empty :) I even dared to give up a helmet and long pants: P I recommend the Sonya warung. It is owned by a woman who was born in Lombok and came from a very poor family. As an eight-year-old she was selling pineapples on the beach in Kuta, trying to earn a living. From the age of 15, she was selling sarongs and this continued for the next 12 years. In 2010 she was met by a girl from England who visited Lombok again. In gratitude for Sonya's hospitality, she decided to help her and financed the construction of the warunga. This is a place with amazing food, kindest service in the world and the most delicious watermelon juice !! You can't help but look there :) I also recommend a trip to the northern part of the island to see the waterfalls! Sendang Gile is an island attraction that cannot be missed. The guide will take you along a path through the jungle, through broken bridges, under fallen trees, up to a fairy-tale waterfall! You can take a dip, so don't forget about swimwear and shorts :) Being on the island, it would be a sin not to buy souvenirs such as masks, dishes, sculptures, etc., because on this island they are the cheapest and different than all of them. You will see the rest for yourself :) Surfing as much as possible. Unfortunately, not by the beach, but somewhere where there are waves. The locals take you a very small boat (how is it possible that it is not sinking? :) to the place where the best waves are on a given day. Remember about the camera card, because I just left it in the laptop, so you won't see the photos :) But you have to take my word for it! WORTH! :) To sum up. Lombok is definitely a must stop when visiting Inonesia. MUST SEE !!!.