Improving Mobile TV Reception??
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,107
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From: California
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Improving Mobile TV Reception??
Just installed a 5" LCD TV monitor in my 1996... Planning to eventually add NAV/OBD2 diagnostic readout. Question is, my reception is great in the middle channels (6-34), but terrible at the ends (4 & 53), so how do I improve quality? After several trips to the local RadioShack, the best I can seem to do is a well hidden indoor antenna with an FM suppressor in the middle. Should I get an amplifier? Or is there a special car antenna that I can get? (Not the boomerang-looking ones, please :U :) ) The unit already has the receiver built in, I just need a better antenna. Any ideas?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,537
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From: St. Joseph MO
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Improving Mobile TV Reception?? (Knight Ryder)
Well I'd say a powered mini dish, like Semi trucks use, but size is an issue. Otherwise like you said probably a powered home style unit to boost reception. :crazy:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Improving Mobile TV Reception?? (Knight Ryder)
The lower channels require a larger antenna. The UHF channels require a smaller antenna. One piece of conductor on the car somewhere cannot meet both of those requirements. Separate amplifiers, or one designed to cover the entire TV band will amplify weak signals but they cannot perform miracles. Another problem is that a directional antenna is not practical on a car because a directional antenna which captures a larger signal needs to be pointed at the source (TV station). If the tv screen is visible by the driver, then when you are underway, you are breaking the law in every state and most countries. Try an amplifier, or watch tv at home. :D
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,107
Likes: 0
From: California
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Re: Improving Mobile TV Reception?? (jfb)
If the tv screen is visible by the driver, then when you are underway, you are breaking the law in every state and most countries. Try an amplifier, or watch tv at home. :D
I guess I'll be getting an amplifier. Thanks for the suggestions. :seeya
