Vlog 78: Telly Vision
I’ve had a few people ask how you get TV while out and about on the canals on a narrowboat so here is my quick guide to watching telly. It’s mostly just like watching TV at home but you have to muck about with the aerial when you move the boat.
David,
Thanks for explaining about the TV antennas (aerials.) I was going to send you a message about the strange-looking white antenna, but you explained it on this vlog.
I really enjoy your series.
Cheeres from Virigina USA
Brian
Thank you, glad you enjoy it :-)
Very informative and well researched David. Because I’m a nerdy Ham Radio guy, I have a natural fascination with antennas, they are actually Things of Beauty to me ;)
Now . . . generally speaking in regard to antennas, Higher and Larger is almost always better. Here is where “Size” does matter. The antenna you are using is perfect for the job and the design is known as a “Log Periodic Antenna.” You will notice that Log Periodic’s have many elements which are parallel to one another. They in turn also go from Longer to Shorter elements in descending fashion. This allows the antenna to be more “Broadbanded .” Electrically, it simulates a series of two or three-element Yagi (Beam) antennas connected together, each set tuned to a different frequency, this allows you to receive several TV Channels. I hope u found this highly nerdy explanation amusing if not helpful. Oh and yes, these antennas are directional, point the small end toward the Station’s Transmitter and as you say . . . Bob’s your Uncle.
Fear not, I do indeed spend absurd amounts of time looking on Google Maps for where I should be pointing it and then getting rained on as I go out and twist it around, then dash back in to see if it’s worked :-)
Dear David,
Please David, can you do an up to date Vlog on internet connection technology for boats next winter.
On Wikipedia the Yagi -Uda antenna and link within it about the inventor Shintaro Uda:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagi%E2%80%93Uda_antenna
Two aerials meet on a roof – fall in love – get married. The ceremony was rubbish – but the reception was brilliant. Tommy Cooper
Hi Gary. I have removed the commercial link on the grounds there’s no basis on which to promote one supplier here over any other. Nothing has changed regarding internet access since the last video about it. Love the joke, Tommy Cooper – what a star!https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?comment_status=approved#comments-form
Just thought i’d mention that you can download an app on your phone that will show you where the tv transmitter is so that you know what direction to point your aerial and locate the TV signal hassle free. Hope this helps. Keep the vlogs coming really enjoy them.
Thank you, I’ll look for it. Cheers.
Hi David, just one little point I think I should mention. I notice your TV antenna is horizontally polarised. Some TV transmitters are vertically polarised so if you moved to a location where this was the case reception would be poor unless the antenna is rotated 90 degrees so the elements are vertical. Trust you are well and keeping warm.
Thank you; useful info! Cheers
Got the vlog to play on my tv using Air Play Mirroring from my small screen iPhone 5s to the big screen television. Worked beautifully. I was looking for it on YouTube so I could see it on the big screen.
Excellent. Hope it’s showing up for you on YT now?