What antenna for my PC TV tuner.

[PhilipA]

I have a Compro U3 USB tuner for my laptop and tried to use it on my recent trip. The tuner and software work fine, except it is very slow to scan the available channels, and ther eis no signal strength indication until AFTER it has found a station.
I bought an amplified indoor antenna at Broken Hill but the only time I could get reception was when I stuck it on a tent post and raised it about 2 metres above the camper trailer.
So I plan to get a Happy Wanderer and rig up a tent post socket on the front of the camper, using the amplifier part of the indoor antenna, as it has a coax in socket and it works on 12v DC.
I have the irrits about the routine of duct taping the antenna to the pole.( and it looks pretty dodgy)

Any hints or comments /recommendations on the way to go.

Does anyone know if there are better , ie more powerful tuners around than the Compro, and are speedy card tuners better than USB?
It seems to me that the tuners are quite weak, as they need an amp. Maybe there is a sensitive one around.
Regards Philip A

[Xavie]

I've always had issues with tuners so I gave up on them. Even plugged into a main house aerial with an amp I was not able to get a good signal or have it scan fast and when I have the normal tv plugged in it is sweet.

I wonder if you got a digital one? I had more probs with digital then the older cards.

Xav.

[loanrangie]

I have 1 of those USB digital tuners as well and i dont know why they bother with the ****y little 10cm high wire antenna, when i plug into the main wall socket the reception is great.I have mates with other brands and they dont seem to have it any better than i do.

[Disco_owner]

Phillip;

I have an internal PCI type Digital TV Tuner card installed on my media centre , haven't had any exp with USB type Tv Tuner cards ,I assume they would be slower in scanning, as Loanie mentioned they work brilliantly with existing UHF/VHF Extn Atenna feed, no amplifier installed/needed , I pick up all the TV stations including Ch31.

I'll do some searching for you on the NET tonite and PM you with regard to some of the questions asked above.

[PhilipA]

Thanks mate.
I have found several problems in arriving at a campsite and seeking to watch TV.
1 The USB scanner is quite slow and scans the whole spectrum. Since the digital TV site is now defunct , it is hard to find the local frequency eg Broken Hill is VHF and vertically polarised. I have just found that the Happy Wanderer people sell a book for $15. Maybe I will get one.
2 Unless someone is near you with an antenna , you have little idea of the direction of the transmitter
3 There is no way of telling signal strength until you find a signal Catch 22.
I guess this will come with experience but it all is a PITA, and the laptop volume is pitiful.
All this is because I am trying to save weight etc by not having a TV
Regards Philip A

[HangOver]

i have found that although signal amplifiers amplify the picture they also amplify the interference. catch22.
I guess it's like CC's, no substitute for the real thing.
ie, you need a better ariel.
those little things you put on top of your tv are little better than a coat hanger.

[loanrangie]

Thanks mate.
I have found several problems in arriving at a campsite and seeking to watch TV.
1 The USB scanner is quite slow and scans the whole spectrum. Since the digital TV site is now defunct , it is hard to find the local frequency eg Broken Hill is VHF and vertically polarised. I have just found that the Happy Wanderer people sell a book for $15. Maybe I will get one.
2 Unless someone is near you with an antenna , you have little idea of the direction of the transmitter
3 There is no way of telling signal strength until you find a signal Catch 22.
I guess this will come with experience but it all is a PITA, and the laptop volume is pitiful.
All this is because I am trying to save weight etc by not having a TV
Regards Philip A

My parents bought 1 of those supermarket 19" lcd tv's with built in DVD player, its very light weight and has a good picture and very compact.