TV hook up

[truck]

I have not used tv hook up before as have a Status 530 + booster hard wired in my van. I plan to connect a hook up point using a waterproof external socket. Advice please re connection. Can I T connect this with the Status coax so putting both through the booster to existing TV point OR should I keep the external connection entirely separate without a booster direct to the TV..

[Robinhood]

If you're using a site hook-up, you should definitely not route this via the "booster" for the 530 aerial.

 

You shouldn't need any additional boost, and you may introduce additional problems.

 

On the earlier (purple) 530 at least, the "booster" is in fact simply a power pack, with the electronics to provide the amplification contained in the aerial "head". This means that power is transmitted up the aerial coax, to work the masthead amp, and transmitting this voltage along a coax connected to a site TV supply might cause problems.

 

I'm not sure about the later (orange) series of 530, as the documentation for the pack implies that this is an ordinary amplifier unit. My dealer is adamant, however, that it is still a power pack, and my own tests have led to a few doubts in my mind as well.

 

If you wish to use an existing tv aerial point(s), I would suggest you internally route the hook-up feed to a point close to the "booster" and terminate it with a female coax plug (really a plug-shaped socket). It is then easy to remove the output from the booster box, and plug it into the external feed, leaving the final TV point connection as is.

 

 

[truck]

Many thanks Robinhood. That will make the installation easier all round and I will connect to a separate TV socket adjoining the existing one.

[Robinhood]

I would simply terminate your new lead with something similar to this next to your existing power pack/amplifier:

 

http://www.maplin.co.uk/gold-plated-coax-line-socket-223590

 

(not necessarily gold-plated - it was simply the best picture)

 

Note that, though it looks like a standard coax plug, it is female, and if you unplug the existing output from your power pack/amplifier, it will simply plug into this and complete an aerial circuit through to the existing socket point(s).

 

I'm assuming, however, that your unit is currently in a cupboard somewhere - if not, you may wish to mount something neater.

[truck]

Hi. It's one of two options. I either mount the external entry high on caravan wall to come into the aerial wall locker and go your way which is the neatest or mount low into the cupboard on which the tele stands and put in a second tv point. I favour the second as am also making provision for satelite looking to the future and that will need a point near the TV to feed the sat box. It seemed sensible to put on a double external point whilst drilling the caravan wall and then fit a double surfaceoutlet behind TV. Depends whether wife will sanction sat or not!!

[Robinhood]

Quite understand the restrictions (including SWMBO B-) )

 

If you don't want to drill, the solution I've posted previously (and one I use the basics of) is to use a flat-section through-the-window piece of coax.

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=23682&posts=8

 

With the appropriate end-connectors, or converters, this can be adapted to support either satellite or terrestrial, without any drilling at all. (I use mine with either, depending on circumstances)

 

It will fit very easily through a window seal, and given the number of times you don't use the Status, may be an acceptable and non-permanent solution.

 

(the particular adapter is avaiable for other suppliers as well)

[truck]

Have looked at that but would rather get a tidy job than have things through the window. Sat prospect is remote . The more I toss this in my mind the more I go for your first idea of just switching connections in the locker, when needed using a female end plug on external and having sat cable there for future if required. That would also probably feed down the short internal lead doing the same switch. Why does Sat need a F connector?

 

Many thanks for your sound thoughts and advice. We have just returned to caravanning after a 20 year break when other priorities took over. Now grandparents and retired getting things how I would want but so many improvements over those years. Dare I say my first van, a Sprite 400 had gas lighting back in the early 70s. Now all whistles and bells.

 

 

[bob b]

Aaaaah Happy days....listening to the Archers by gaslight !

[colin]

Sat cable uses F conectors as they have less loss at the required frequencies, no reason why you shouldn't use an A-B switch is there?

[bolero boy]

Altough I don't use our external TV hook up point (we have roof satellite and Status for Freeview) ours is a rather neat job.....

The cable, and connector, terminates in our EHU box. Open the plastic flap, lift the EHU connector and this exposes the TV piont. All put in by someone prior to our ownership. Not sure if it was the dealer or the first owner who had it for all of two months!