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Can anyone explain how the status arial works. On 1st outing and couldnt get a signal on my telly. The box has 2 switches on. One of them makes a red light come on. Do i have to move the arial on the roof at all ???
You don't say what model of status you have?
If its the flying saucer type then you don't need to ajaust the arial just switch it on, you may need to re-tune your tv mind.
If its the type with a pole coming down into the van the yes you will need to push this up and turn it to face the right transmitter dirrection.
On the whole having had a number of different types of Staus arials on different vans I found them pretty usless (chocolate teapots come to mind) unless you happen to be in a strong signal area, One problem is height of the arial.
We like a lot of other members find the only real answer is a satillite dish, dvd's or a good book.
The status aerials are excellent aerials and always receive good results in tests. As digital switchover noves forward the round Omni Directional aerial will start to pull in more signals and will prove its worth. The directional aerial is claimed to be the best on the market, but you do need to use it correctly.
As The Boombas has said you must aim it correctly.
To do this, you need the postcode for the site that you are going to. Once you have the postcode, enter it into the Digital UK Postcode prediction site:
www.digitaluk.co.uk
Enter the postcode and tick the box that says that you are in the aerial installation trade. The next page that you will see is the prediction page. This will show the available transmitters and the compass direction for them. Further down the page you will see a table with coloured boxes. Look for the horizontal line with the highest set of numbers above green boxes in a horizontal line with the date of your search. This will then give you the name of the transmitter with the strongest signal for your location. Armed with this information, once you are on site, turn your aerial in the direction stated and switch on your status amplifier box. Make sure the second switch is set to High.
Next job is to carry out a default reset, sometimes known as First Time Installation, or Factory Reset on your TV (or set top box if you do not have a digital TV). This will then allow you to tune the TV to the signals in your aerial
Gerry
Got to agree - Status 530 gives excellent results - and with Digital Freeview its so good I've gone off the idea of putting a Sat dish on my van - I may at sometine buy a 'suitcase' Sat but for UK - Status 530 + Freeview is more than adequate
I definetly agree with Geoff, for directional aerials such as the 530, a signal finder is almost essential especially for digital reception as the antenna has to be pointing quite precisely in the direction of the transmitter.
Some interesting info, Practical Caravan magazine (April 2010 issue) has just tested and reviewed all the current DVB-T signal finders ont he market. Their recommendation is the Maxview signal finder - MXL013. I too can sing its praises, the ability to adjust the sensitivity enables you to fine tune your aerial much more precisely, it is also cheaper than the Fringe meter. A few customers at the Newark Show reported to me they were missing some channels from the digital line up, I sent them away with the Maxview signal finder and they were able to get the antenna direction more precise, which brought in the missing channels. Just last night, I was called out by a frustrated camper at a local campsite who couldn't get a decent digital picture. Thirty seconds with the Maxview signal finder and they had perfect picture on every channel.
I definetly agree with Geoff, for directional aerials such as the 530, a signal finder is almost essential especially for digital reception as the antenna has to be pointing quite precisely in the direction of the transmitter.
Some interesting info, Practical Caravan magazine (April 2010 issue) has just tested and reviewed all the current DVB-T signal finders ont he market. Their recommendation is the Maxview signal finder - MXL013. I too can sing its praises, the ability to adjust the sensitivity enables you to fine tune your aerial much more precisely, it is also cheaper than the Fringe meter. A few customers at the Newark Show reported to me they were missing some channels from the digital line up, I sent them away with the Maxview signal finder and they were able to get the antenna direction more precise, which brought in the missing channels. Just last night, I was called out by a frustrated camper at a local campsite who couldn't get a decent digital picture. Thirty seconds with the Maxview signal finder and they had perfect picture on every channel.
Shane,
I keep looking at the signal meters, but am put off by the fact that most of them expect an "F" connector. Surely if they understood the product they would not require a connection that does not exist for their chosen application.
You are right about getting the direction precise, but I am still a strong believer in the research of the DigitalUk website for signal information and then use the signal meter built into every receiver.
Certainly for the size of screen in most caravans and motorhomes you cannot improve on the picture quality offered by a strong standard definition signal for Freeview or satellite, whichever is your chosen source.
BTW, tried to test a Humax DVB-T2 HD box at the C&CC site at Ashbourne last week only to find that whilst they had switche on the HD Mux, they had failed to enable the transmissions.
Interesting to note that as from last week the DTG are now testing all new Freeview receivers for region descriptors to eliminate the problems of reception from adjacent transmitters. This should eliminate the issues seen in the Granada DSO and will be in place before Anglia and Central DSO.
Gerry
I know exactly what you mean about the 'f' screw connector.. I asked the same question when I first saw one in the packet. What I didn't realise is they supply you with a screw on plug that converts the 'f' to 'uhf' rf aerial connector
There are a few mux changes happening at the minute, and no doubt that will continue until the digital switchover is complete... its about bearing with it isnt it! Hopefully it will all be good in the end!
Im more miffed about them chopping 35 meters off my beautiful Belmont transmitter and relegating it away from its title as tallest transmitter in the UK - damn Aquiva - thats my only annoyance so far with the digital switchover - and yes, I am a geek
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France
- damn Aquiva - thats my only annoyance so far with the digital switchover - and yes, I am a geek 
