Winegard Sensar Aerial

[shonky]

Hi, all.

Well, my you beaut aerial is fitted, working fine and looks fantastic. Just one teeny problem - all we're receiving is SBS in three different languages. Not what one was expecting. FYI I'm running it via an Elgato Eyetv USB stick to my Imac.

Any positive suggestions would be appreciated, but please understand the Imac is sacred.

[PeterinSa]

I replaced the Wingard "Wings" with the Sensar version and probably out best Tuning scan was 28 digital and 10 Analogue Channels, or maybe that was around the other way. Have you turned the Amplifier on, ie is the green light going? Then I suggest you connect another TV and re Tune. The above of course assumes that you have the aerial pointed in the right direction.

Probably its a good thing to have a siginal finder, make sure you get one that goes up in 2db steps NOT like the 5db ( or more) that I have and if possible it has a range switch for wider signal coverage.

Note i had to do a mod ( as put on Caravanners Forum) as the Sensar pole moved around the top of the van, ie its was loose in the V cradle.

Peter

[PeterM]

Hi Shonky,
My experience in Melbourne is that I too can get SBS (but nothing else) even with the antenna flat on the roof and amplifier off.

As PeterinSa said, check that the amplifier is actually on - it is the most common mistake I and others make!

Then you could check that you can measure 12 V at the antenna end of the cable to the antenna - that will establish that you are getting power to the amplifier in the Sensar.

Trying another TV is a good suggestion, as those USB stick TV tuners are often very poor. If you find that everything works with another TV then its time to think of using a set-top-box as your tuner, since they usually have a reasonable tuner in them. You may be able to get one with USB output (rather than input), otherwise you will need to plug the STB output into the input of the USB TV stick so your sacred iMac can be used.

[BruceS]

I'm having trouble understanding this thread.
He's using an antenna to get the signal that goes to the USB device wich displays on his computer screen.
I'd be looking very closely at that particular USB stick as a lot that came in from SE Asia didn't receive all of the frequencies. I have one here that is one of those.
The first ones that came into Australia weren't even receiving digital signals.
I'll see if I can look up the specs on his USB device.

[Chuck]

Paraphrasing what a well known American 4x4 vehicle manufacturer often says:

It's an Apple thing!

[RussellB[SA]]

I have a silly question (by the way I have iMac etc and an Elgato USB thingy (two of them):

Have you rescanned the locality you are in (retuned)?

Just a thought as no one else asked!!!

[John M]

Have you checked your locality, we are in Toolangi Vic. get SBS 1,2,&3 and INTS but nothing else scans in, In-laws have been having similar problems for the last couple of months checked with Digital service, and they state that Toolangi has no Digital service and no likelihood of same.

[BruceS]

In that case act real quick and you are eligible(sp!) for a FREE satellite service including seting it up.
No joking!!
You get the complete VAST outfit although it is the fixed to the roof version.
All you need then is a portable dish for travelling & take the set top box with you!

[John M]

In that case act real quick and you are eligible(sp!) for a FREE satellite service including seting it up.
No joking!!
You get the complete VAST outfit although it is the fixed to the roof version.
All you need then is a portable dish for travelling & take the set top box with you!

Sounds good, except that when you ring up to apply, you are informed that applications closed in may last year!
seems that the problem is that the scheme is administered by post code, the post code for Toolangi is 3777, Healesville, the problem is that nearly all of the Healesville area falls on the southern side of the divide, however Toolangi is actually on the northern side and is classed (by the TV people as part of Murray Goulburn) but as Healesville doesn't fall within that region the notices were not sent out, or were overlooked in the "to the householder" mail.
After much discussion with the powers that be, they have submitted the proposal to have a late application considered.
Now we just have to wait and see.

[BruceS]

Yes, keep pushing it.
I have known a person to be in a broadcast area but in a 'shadow' (gully between hills) & they kept at it for quite some time.
The 'organisation' eventually sent out a technician who tried every position & angle on the property & then sent in his report. A week later he turned up again with the complete caboodle (Vast) & installed it totally free.