Yes, we know: TV shouldn’t be the only thing you watch on a camping vacation. Nevertheless, there are people who would like to watch the news, a soccer match or their favorite show while traveling. But what if the satellite system suddenly stops receiving a signal?
We explain why this may be the case and what to do in such a case. The experts from our theme partner and satellite market leader ten Haaft were on hand to advise us on the particularly tricky technical issues – thank you very much!
Case 1: The satellite system cannot find a signal (any more)
If the satellite system does not find the satellite after being extended and instead turns and turns and turns, this can have various causes:
1. the control unit software is not up to date
To identify the satellite you are looking for, the system requires a reference frequency with various information (e.g. transponder frequency, polarization (H/V), symbol rate, etc.).
While the system is searching and turning, it constantly asks for the set frequency. If the signal is too weak or the parameters are not correct, the satellite search continues.
The system can only find the satellite if the set frequency is available with a sufficiently strong signal. Here, the individual parameters are checked again and fine-tuned to produce the best possible signal. The system aligns itself to the satellite being searched for.
It can actually happen every day that transponder frequencies change and channels on the satellite are switched on and off. (There are approx. 50 transponders on a satellite, each with approx. 16 channels). As a result, individual channels may be affected and may have to be found again with a channel search. However, it is also possible that the reference frequency is affected and needs to be changed or a software update may need to be installed.
Some satellite manufacturers, such as ten Haaft, offer help on their websites. In addition to the latest software, you will often also find various instructions on how to carry out a software update. But you will also often find what you are looking for on YouTube.
2. the LNB is defective
If the LNB (Low Noise Block), i.e. the “reception head”, has given up the ghost, a fault message usually appears. In this case, you must contact your dealer or the manufacturer of the system.
3. the view to the south is not unobstructed
The reception of the signal can be impaired by buildings, mountains or trees that shade the received signal. Here too, the system cannot find the satellite. In most cases, the only thing that helps is to re-park – or to have a few nice board games on board!
4. the SKEW parameters are not set correctly
The set
SKEW angle
(usually when changing the longitude to east or west in southern Europe) should be checked and, if necessary, optimized by readjusting the LNB.
Case 2: The satellite system finds a signal but does not provide a picture
If the system finds a signal after the search process and comes to a standstill, but you cannot receive a program, everything is probably technically OK. In such a situation, however, one of the following errors could be present:
1. the cable connection from the antenna to the end device (TV) is interrupted
You can easily check this yourself and reconnect the cable if necessary.
2. the wrong input and/or output source is set on the end device
Here it often helps to go to the menu via the “Source” button and check whether the TV is actually selected. If you don’t know which of the often cryptic designations the device is hiding behind, just try them all.
We hope that we can save you a cozy evening in front of the TV with our tips. If you have encountered any errors that we have not covered here, please leave us a comment or send us an email to [email protected] – we will then ask our experts and add the information in this article!
Photo: (c) CamperStyle
