Auto trail tv (1 Viewer)

[Caron]

Before I start this e mail I should say that I am stupid about any technology related to TV and computers, so if anyone can help me please explain in simple terms otherwise it's like listening to a foreign language. Thanks

Anyway we have bought a 2010 Autotrail Navajo, the last owner fitted a domed satellite system, (don't know the brand and cannot find out right now as the van is in storage, but the dealer said that it was an expensive one) and I think the previous owner Ran it through a seperate TV and not the drop down screen. Since getting the van we have only been able to receive to reception once, every other time it has failed to lock onto a channel.
The drop down screen is now mostly used for DVDs and the picture quality although ok could be better, but I think that is because we are so spoilt by the TV quality we have at home. However I like the positioning of the screen and it seems pointless to buy another TV and in effect carry 2 on board.
I notice that on some sites vans are linked up for to reception via the electricity points but I cannot seem to find anywhere to do this.
My questions are is it possible to link a cable to the drop down to to link it into the site system when we cannot get a satellite reception.
Is it possible to replace the existing drop down TV with a better quality one?
Should I just buy a seperate TV and what's the best brand.

 

[tonyidle]

Have the system checked out and demonstrated by an expert* - you won't be happy until you're confident everything works as it should. As far as the TV / sat receiver is concerned your dome is simply a satellite dish, albeit a clever satellite dish, so the connection to your TV / sat receiver is just the same as at home - a single co-ax cable. You don't say what sort of drop-down TV you have: if it's the type that folds down from the ceiling you can replace it with a similar system or leave it where it is, ignore it, and use a different TV. If it's on a mechanism that pulls down from behind a panel or cupboard then any similar-sized TV will attach to the same mechanism.

*Dave Newell is a contributor to MHF and would no doubt help if you make contact.

 

[Caron]

Thanks

we took it back to the dealer who checked it out and it does work. The only time it picked up a signal for us there appeared to be loads of channels. It just does not seem to like any tree wall or building being anywhere near it. The drop down TV is part of the sound system in the cab and is wired in I cannot see anywhere to fix a another coax cable to connect to the site system to the tv when we cannot pick up a sat signal.

We don't have an overwhelming need for Tv in the van, I just hate having a system that does not work when I want it to

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[Just smiffy]

I would think the reason you can't get a good signal on the drop down TV is because it maybe connected to the standard aerial.... The satalite dish was probably connect to the TVs the previous owners had in there.... Is there a receiver box..? (Looks like a freeveiw box or similar to a small dvd type box)
If not it would be best going back to your dealer or a local caravan shop and ask their advise and to have a look for you, they will do this free of charge for a quick look to tell you what you need...

As for on site tv.... These arial Leads plug into the pillar and then to a plug on the side of your van...

If you have an expensive sat dish you really need to get it sorted and working as it is the best option...

Best of luck

Ohh... And don't be afraid to ask any questions on here OR at your local dealer as don't ask don't get..!

Garry

 

[Caron]

Thanks Garry,

There is a free view box and the standard aerial was removed when the sat system was installed. The drop down TV is connected to it and it has worked once, it's mostly a problem with picking up a signal in the first place.

I have taken it back to the dealer and they are helpful but it always works for them albeit only in one area of their yard. I asked the salesman about a replacement TV and he was a bit dismissive and said that it would need a complete new media system radio and reversing camera as they are all linked.

 

[Just smiffy]

Realised that from your second post while I was typing..

In that case I would pursue the route @tonyidle suggested it may well only cost a small fee to get it checked over by a proper sat guy and be shown the limitations of the system or your best course of action for your requirements ....

Please let us know the outcome.....

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[pappajohn]

Thanks Garry,

There is a free view box and the standard aerial was removed when the sat system was installed. The drop down TV is connected to it and it has worked once, it's mostly a problem with picking up a signal in the first place.

I have taken it back to the dealer and they are helpful but it always works for them albeit only in one area of their yard. I asked the salesman about a replacement TV and he was a bit dismissive and said that it would need a complete new media system radio and reversing camera as they are all linked.

Hi Caron,
firstly, the box ISNT freeview box if its connected to the sat dome, its a free to air or freesat satellite receiver which CANNOT pick up signals other than satellite signals.
Satellites dish/dome needs a CLEAR view of the sky to the south east of where you are and close-ish to the horizon.

Any objects between you and the actual satellite in the sky will block the signal so no picture.

Depending on what tv you have you may need a freeview box, the same as at home, to receiver normal tv signals (it may be built into the tv).....and of course, an aerial on the roof.
To connect to the site hookup post you need a means of connecting an external cable (supplied by yourself) to the outside of the van.
This cable then connects to the hookup post as well.
Inside the van you will need a link cable (coax) from the external entry point to your freeveiw box or direct to your tv if the freeview receiver is integral to the tv.

you CANNOT get a terrestrial (through an aerial) signal via a sat dish/dome and you CANNOT get a satellite signal via a terrestrial aerial.

As simple as i can explain it....hope you can understand it all know.

Oh....and the sales man is talking utter rubbish regarding the tv replacement.
ANY tv which fits the bracket can be used....nothing to do with the radio or reversing camera.

 

[Scout]

As PJ says freeview and freesat are totally different, you should have both in your van

1: the on board system supplied by AT will be free view, it works of the Arial on the roof, you will have a switch in a cupboard somewhere depending on van model where this will be, it will have a rotary dial to select rear-view camera, or TV input to the drop down TV, it will also have a spare input, you can plug in a cable here from your satalight receiver output.


2: the dome on the roof will be sky/free sat. It works in conjunction with a reciver box there are loads of different receivers, but most with have a coax output to go into the rotary switch, you may also have to take an audio output lead to the audio input the drop down TV.

I did this to mine a while back, i'll see if I can find the tread

 

[Caron]

Thankyou all so much. I just follow what you are saying but I will hand all of this info over to my son next time he is home as he will understand it. No use telling my husband he is as bad as I am!
The positioning of the van so that it has a clear view to the SE and closeish to the horizon is really helpful and even I can sort that....

This is a really helpful forum

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[flatpackchicken]

Thankyou all so much. I just follow what you are saying but I will hand all of this info over to my son next time he is home as he will understand it. No use telling my husband he is as bad as I am!
The positioning of the van so that it has a clear view to the SE and closeish to the horizon is really helpful and even I can sort that....

This is a really helpful forum

This is what you pay your subs for so £15 is very cheap for all this info an loads more, welcome to the foru by the way, regards Garry Flatpackchicken

 

[Speve]

We had a dome on one of our Autotrails and worked on drop down screen and separate tv however the dome could be very fickle sometimes just turned the van around and would get a signal so positioning is vital,just try moving your van a little to see if that makes a difference you'll soon get the hang of it.

 

[MikeD]

Out of interest what Autotrail model do you have?

We have a Tracker FB with a 40cm automatic satellite dome fitted. It worked on both the drop down TV in the cab and the bed area. The original aerial worked only on the dropdown cab TV.

You could select from where the input came from on the dash entertainment system. From memory it was DVB for the aerial and Aux 1 for the satellite system.

Our 40cm dish would not like any tree/wall etc and regulary lose the signal in a storm.

We found travelling (mostly abroad) that you had to tune it in for every area we stopped at. I would definitely PM either Dave at Dave Newells or Eddie at Vanbitz for advice and if possible visit one to check the system out and set it up. I am sure they would explain how it works.

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[Caron]

It's a Navajo. If we had a seperate sleeping area we would probably get another T V bit it seems overkill with the current layout. I will get my son to look at the system following all of this good advice as unlike his parents he understands this stuff, if no joy then I will get some expert advice. Once again Thankyou everyone

 

[Abacist]

Our Savannah has no satellite TV but it might serve as an example as to how useless previous owners or their dealers are in fitting additional TV's. We have usual drop down TV which is linked to the radio/CD player for both sound and vision. Someone before us fitted an additional TV in the bedroom. It took us ages to work out that in the cupboard where the Sargent electrical unit is is where the coax cables meet from both the front and back of the van and where the freeview box is and where the aerial connects into the system. You have to disconnect the coax going to the front drop down TV and plug in the one going to the back TV if you want to watch the other TV. You can't watch both TV's at once!

As has been suggested you need to go to a MoHo satellite specialist to take you through what you have got, service it and instruct you properly in its use!

 

[Just smiffy]

Of course this is all irrelevant if you only watch the normal digital channels and don't intend to go abroad..?

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[Caron]

we will be going abroad a lot, and although we normally don't watch tv much when we are away it's nice to get a news channel. We have missed it during the long winters in the uk, but we caught up on some DVDs. My biggest problem is that I cannot bear anything that does not work, it either gets repaired or thrown and it seems a bit silly to carry the weight around if we cannot use it

 

[Just smiffy]

My biggest problem is that I cannot bear anything that does not work, it either gets repaired or thrown and it seems a bit silly to carry the weight around if we cannot use it

My other half says that about me sometimes.....

 

[Caron]

Woman after my own heart.

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[Minxy]

Caron ... Another thing - make sure your dome is clean!

 

[laurieash]

we will be going abroad a lot, and although we normally don't watch tv much when we are away it's nice to get a news channel. We have missed it during the long winters in the uk, but we caught up on some DVDs. My biggest problem is that I cannot bear anything that does not work, it either gets repaired or thrown and it seems a bit silly to carry the weight around if we cannot use it

 

[laurieash]

If you are going abroad the dome will be no use after you leave Calais.

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[Caron]

If you are going abroad the dome will be no use after you leave Calais.

It is supposed to pick up different systems all over Europe. We will see but I have a pile of DVDs to watch if there is no joy

 

[laurieash]

Hi caron we have a Autotrail with a all singing and dancing dome and media system, was fitted from new.
The free sat box has burnt out just over 2 years old.
but last year when it was working,as soon as you hit France nothing.
so dvds also external hard drive. It plugs in to the side of your tv.

SO ON THE LOOK OUT FOR A REPLACEMENT FREE TO AIR SAT BOX.
Laurie.

 

[Scout]

my stand alone Vu Cube dome is only small but I get most channels with a humax freesat beyond the liore area as far as coqnac, that was last august.

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[MikeD]

Hi caron we have a Autotrail with a all singing and dancing dome and media system, was fitted from new.
The free sat box has burnt out just over 2 years old.
but last year when it was working,as soon as you hit France nothing.
so dvds also external hard drive. It plugs in to the side of your tv.

SO ON THE LOOK OUT FOR A REPLACEMENT FREE TO AIR SAT BOX.
Laurie.

I had a Sat dome fitted to my Autotrail and the sat. tuning box also burnt out after two years. It was replaced under warranty.

 

[laurieash]

Hi mike who replaced it was it autotrail or the Dealers.
as I was going to ring A/trail tomorrow.
BROWNHILLS who supplied the van said it would have been fitted at the factory.

 

[MikeD]

Hi mike who replaced it was it autotrail or the Dealers.
as I was going to ring A/trail tomorrow.
BROWNHILLS who supplied the van said it would have been fitted at the factory.

I bought the motorhome new off Elite motorhomes and they fitted the part. I assume it was under Autotrails warranty. All I know it did not cost me anything.

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[eddie]

If you are going abroad the dome will be no use after you leave Calais.

LOL Why? I sat in Roses in Spain in August with all my Sky subscription channels

 

[laurieash]

Ok thanks will do some chasing.
Laurie.

 

[laurieash]

LOL Why? I sat in Roses in Spain in August with all my Sky subscription channels

Must be my box then? was going to get in touch with you when I get back from Portugal in may to have a chat about my options. With the best sat box.

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