I am not 100% positive but I believe that the VAST satellite sytem( Free to Air) is the only way to go unless you want the Pay TV set up.
I used the services of Campersat to purchase my set up.
The website is
Campersat.com.au If you Google that you should get the website.
I tried to put a link in but it is hijacked by a Domain sales Co in the USA trying to sell the USA campersat site
The site will give you all the info you need and the cost.It will help you with applying for registration as a traveller and accessing the system.
There are probably others but the Campersat mob were fast and efficient for me and I would reccomend them.
Prices seemed comparable with others so I went with them.
Hope this helps and I am sure others will give you their input also.
Cheers
Trevor
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Thursday 26th of July 2012 03:58:54 PM
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Thursday 26th of July 2012 04:06:12 PM
RnD Drifters05 said
10:30 PM Jul 26, 2012
Hi
Rex and I are on the road full time, currently at Rocky Creek QLd
Because we prefer to travel inland and free camp in out of the way spots we have been told we will need to get a Satellite TV as we will not get digital tv reception without one.
Can anyone help what is the best system? Our budget is limited so must be reasonably priced.
Cheers
Denise
vkgreenie said
11:17 PM Jul 26, 2012
Hi Rex and Denise
The old satellite debate is always a good one.
The only system really is the Vast system. There is only one box that I am aware of, of which we have one. We started off with the Aurora system, two years ago when we were at Undara Lava Tubes or five months, however have now up graded to the Vast system.
With the full system, box, dish LNB, and sattellite finder, I am sure you will not get much change out of $600.00. Make sure you get a minimum of an 85cm dish.
Once you get to know how to set it up properly, it is worth your while if you like TV. However in saying that, setting the beast up, and then finding the sattelite can be a nightmare for the uninitiated. However perservere, however one thing, if you have a lot of trees around you, forget it, as the signal from the Optus CI satellite will not get to you.
Hope that helps.
Cheers & beers
Paul & Wendy
KFT said
12:18 AM Jul 27, 2012
Hi Denise and Rex,
I have to agree with vkgreenie re the VAST system it is the only way to go if you want TV in the outback. An 85 or 90 cm dish will make it easier to locate the satellite as will a decent satfinder(about $140)
My experience says you can't go past Satplus for great service and good quality equipment. The after sales back up is brilliant.
even if you just want another quote for comparison have a look at www.satplus.com.au
cheap equipment will very likely let you down when in a place where you cant get any help so it really does pay to get the good stuff first time.
frank
jules47 said
02:09 AM Jul 27, 2012
We have just purchased the vast system - had some "tense" monents when we first tried to get it working - we are not at all technically minded - but after some trial and error, and leaving it sit for a few days - when I came back from a walk yesterday - there he was proud as punch - he made it work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!yay - But, something we have noticed the decoder box + tele seems to use a bit of power - Anyway - just go somewhere reputable - and get a few quotes - seems prices differ.
_wombat_ said
07:34 AM Jul 27, 2012
Agree with KFT sat plus is the best way to go, IMHO don't go anywhere near Hi-Tech World in WA you will get done, they are running two ads in the same mag listing equipment for $399, second ad same equipment $199, the stuff they are selling can be had for about $100, I did phone them asking about their $399 setup, I asked if it came with the box and I was told no, I then told the salesman that they were a bunch of theives, he said thats the way it is, I hung up on the arsehxle. (I did not want to buy one)
We use a 65cm dish and it works great, and is eaiser to store on the bed when mobile.
Make sure when you register with vast that you register as a traveller.
-- Edited by _wombat_ on Friday 27th of July 2012 06:38:39 PM
Delta18 said
08:49 PM Jul 27, 2012
_wombat_ wrote:
Agree with KFT sat plus is the best way to go, IMHO don't go anywhere near Hi-Tech World in WA you will get done, they are running two ads in the same mag listing equipment for $399, second ad same equipment $199, the stuff they are selling can be had for about $100, I did phone them asking about their $399 setup, I asked if it came with the box and I was told no, I then told the salesman that they were a bunch of theives, he said thats the way it is, I hung up on the arsehxle. (I did not want to buy one)
We use a 65cm dish and it works great, and is eaiser to stone on the bed when mobile.
Make sure when you register with vast that you register as a traveller.
Do you throw rocks at it when it mis-behaves?
Delta18 said
08:52 PM Jul 27, 2012
jules47 wrote:
But, something we have noticed the decoder box + tele seems to use a bit of power -
Can you, or anyone give me an idea of current usage please?
I was hoping to wait for a 12v unit to come available but no luck yet.
We are going away for 6 weeks or so in September, may have to get the 240v & run the inverter.
Cheers Neil
Delta18 said
08:54 PM Jul 27, 2012
KFT wrote:
satellite as will a decent satfinder(about $140)
frank
For anyone with a smartphone of either format there is an app called Wikicamps which has an excellent sat finder in it which also show you if there is a gap between trees to get a signal.
It costs $1.99 I think.
Cheers Neil
_wombat_ said
01:45 AM Jul 28, 2012
Delta, I have chnaged the word stone for store and no I am not allowed to throw stones.
We run our tv from 1800 - 2200 most nights and have two batteries with solar panels, run the decoder and tv with an inverter or sometimes a gennie, and still have plenty of power for everythin else, I'm not an electrition so cannot give current figures
My son has that satfinder app, we just use a chainsaw if the tree's are in the way
Delta18 said
02:18 AM Jul 28, 2012
Ha ha, the chainsaw works, give the added bonus of heaps of firewood...lol
RnD Drifters05 said
10:42 PM Aug 10, 2012
Thank you everyone will check out the companies you suggest
sandsmere said
03:19 PM Aug 11, 2012
We got ours from I-Tech World . All up cost was around $400 .
Once you learn how to set it up it works perfectly .
Delta18 said
09:26 PM Aug 13, 2012
We just got a reply from Strong re: a request for ETA of their 12v unit...."Program put on hold indefinately".
Looks like a 240v one getting ordered.
Cheers Neil
Delta18 said
01:50 PM Aug 19, 2012
The only one available at present, the Altech UEC (I think it's called) 240v unit. You can get a 12v conversion done for an extra $200. I'm not THAT keen so I ordered one of those $20 with free postage ciggy lighter inverters for it.
The box worked fine straight off, did the online form around 5pm one evening and it was working in the morning.
The decoder is $279 plus P&H pretty much anywhere you look, I got this one from an antenna place in Mandurah for $265 cash.
Cheers Neil
-- Edited by Delta18 on Sunday 19th of August 2012 02:25:58 PM
_wombat_ said
08:44 PM Aug 19, 2012
Delta18 wrote:
We just got a reply from Strong re: a request for ETA of their 12v unit...."Program put on hold indefinately".
Looks like a 240v one getting ordered.
Cheers Neil
what unit did you get?
_wombat_ said
09:21 PM Aug 19, 2012
Delta18 wrote:
The only one available at present, the Altec AEC (I think it's called) 240v unit. You can get a 12v conversion done for an extra $200. I'm not THAT keen so I ordered one of those $20 with free postage ciggy lighter inverters for it.
The box worked fine straight off, did the online form around 5pm one evening and it was working in the morning.
The decoder is $279 plus P&H pretty much anywhere you look, I got this one from an antenna place in Mandurah for $265 cash.
Cheers Neil
-- Edited by Delta18 on Sunday 19th of August 2012 02:00:13 PM
I was told you would need a pure sinewave inverter to run a digital tv, how good is that ciggie lighter one?
You did register as a traveller I hope.
Always get a discount when paying cash or go somewhere else
Delta18 said
09:36 PM Aug 19, 2012
_wombat_ wrote:
I was told you would need a pure sinewave inverter to run a digital tv, how good is that ciggie lighter one?
You did register as a traveller I hope.
Always get a discount when paying cash or go somewhere else
My tv, Palsonic 22" HDTV is, like all smallish ones that I know of, runs on 12v so connects to the house battery. The ciggy inverter is to run the Sat Box and, from posts I have seen does the job fine. I will know more when I get it probably this week.
Yep, did the traveller bit, took SA which seems to give me all the North East Coast plus Imparja & Seven Central, Prime etc. Only problem, probably not much AFL on those channels.
Totally agree with the discount.
_wombat_ said
12:05 AM Aug 20, 2012
We took the Vic option, we are going to watch the Packer program tonight at 1830 not have to wait until 2030 to see it.
_wombat_ said
09:12 PM Aug 20, 2012
this is the sat finder I use, really great unit and FREE shipping
-- Edited by _wombat_ on Monday 20th of August 2012 09:12:26 PM
Two Strays said
02:37 AM Aug 21, 2012
We have a VAST system (Altec UEC). Works well. I find it easier to find the C1 sat with the VAST set. I have a 380 PSW inverter, pluged into the Anderson plug on the van when not connected to mains power. The system is easy to setup. Read the instructions, then read them again before setting it up. It is very important to get it registered/activated ASAP.
Hi Rex,Denise.
I am not 100% positive but I believe that the VAST satellite sytem( Free to Air) is the only way to go unless you want the Pay TV set up.
I used the services of Campersat to purchase my set up.
The website is
Campersat.com.au If you Google that you should get the website.
I tried to put a link in but it is hijacked by a Domain sales Co in the USA trying to sell the USA campersat site
The site will give you all the info you need and the cost.It will help you with applying for registration as a traveller and accessing the system.
There are probably others but the Campersat mob were fast and efficient for me and I would reccomend them.
Prices seemed comparable with others so I went with them.
Hope this helps and I am sure others will give you their input also.
Cheers
Trevor
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Thursday 26th of July 2012 03:58:54 PM
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Thursday 26th of July 2012 04:06:12 PM
Hi
Rex and I are on the road full time, currently at Rocky Creek QLd
Because we prefer to travel inland and free camp in out of the way spots we have been told we will need to get a Satellite TV as we will not get digital tv reception without one.
Can anyone help what is the best system? Our budget is limited so must be reasonably priced.
Cheers
Denise
Hi Rex and Denise
The old satellite debate is always a good one.
The only system really is the Vast system. There is only one box that I am aware of, of which we have one. We started off with the Aurora system, two years ago when we were at Undara Lava Tubes or five months, however have now up graded to the Vast system.
With the full system, box, dish LNB, and sattellite finder, I am sure you will not get much change out of $600.00. Make sure you get a minimum of an 85cm dish.
Once you get to know how to set it up properly, it is worth your while if you like TV. However in saying that, setting the beast up, and then finding the sattelite can be a nightmare for the uninitiated. However perservere, however one thing, if you have a lot of trees around you, forget it, as the signal from the Optus CI satellite will not get to you.
Hope that helps.
Cheers & beers
Paul & Wendy
I have to agree with vkgreenie re the VAST system it is the only way to go if you want TV in the outback. An 85 or 90 cm dish will make it easier to locate the satellite as will a decent satfinder(about $140)
My experience says you can't go past Satplus for great service and good quality equipment. The after sales back up is brilliant.
even if you just want another quote for comparison have a look at www.satplus.com.au
cheap equipment will very likely let you down when in a place where you cant get any help so it really does pay to get the good stuff first time.
frank
But, something we have noticed the decoder box + tele seems to use a bit of power -
Anyway - just go somewhere reputable - and get a few quotes - seems prices differ.
Agree with KFT sat plus is the best way to go, IMHO don't go anywhere near Hi-Tech World in WA you will get done, they are running two ads in the same mag listing equipment for $399, second ad same equipment $199, the stuff they are selling can be had for about $100, I did phone them asking about their $399 setup, I asked if it came with the box and I was told no, I then told the salesman that they were a bunch of theives, he said thats the way it is, I hung up on the arsehxle. (I did not want to buy one)
We use a 65cm dish and it works great, and is eaiser to store on the bed when mobile.
Make sure when you register with vast that you register as a traveller.
-- Edited by _wombat_ on Friday 27th of July 2012 06:38:39 PM
Do you throw rocks at it when it mis-behaves?
Can you, or anyone give me an idea of current usage please?
I was hoping to wait for a 12v unit to come available but no luck yet.
We are going away for 6 weeks or so in September, may have to get the 240v & run the inverter.
Cheers Neil
For anyone with a smartphone of either format there is an app called Wikicamps which has an excellent sat finder in it which also show you if there is a gap between trees to get a signal.
It costs $1.99 I think.
Cheers Neil
Delta, I have chnaged the word stone for store
and no I am not allowed to throw stones.
We run our tv from 1800 - 2200 most nights and have two batteries with solar panels, run the decoder and tv with an inverter or sometimes a gennie, and still have plenty of power for everythin else, I'm not an electrition so cannot give current figures
My son has that satfinder app, we just use a chainsaw if the tree's are in the way
Ha ha, the chainsaw works, give the added bonus of heaps of firewood...lol
We got ours from I-Tech World . All up cost was around $400 .
Once you learn how to set it up it works perfectly .
We just got a reply from Strong re: a request for ETA of their 12v unit...."Program put on hold indefinately".
Looks like a 240v one getting ordered.
Cheers Neil
The only one available at present, the Altech UEC (I think it's called) 240v unit. You can get a 12v conversion done for an extra $200. I'm not THAT keen so I ordered one of those $20 with free postage ciggy lighter inverters for it.
The box worked fine straight off, did the online form around 5pm one evening and it was working in the morning.
The decoder is $279 plus P&H pretty much anywhere you look, I got this one from an antenna place in Mandurah for $265 cash.
Cheers Neil
-- Edited by Delta18 on Sunday 19th of August 2012 02:25:58 PM
what unit did you get?
I was told you would need a pure sinewave inverter to run a digital tv, how good is that ciggie lighter one?
You did register as a traveller I hope.
Always get a discount when paying cash or go somewhere else
My tv, Palsonic 22" HDTV is, like all smallish ones that I know of, runs on 12v so connects to the house battery. The ciggy inverter is to run the Sat Box and, from posts I have seen does the job fine. I will know more when I get it probably this week.
Yep, did the traveller bit, took SA which seems to give me all the North East Coast plus Imparja & Seven Central, Prime etc. Only problem, probably not much AFL on those channels.
Totally agree with the discount.
We took the Vic option, we are going to watch the Packer program tonight at 1830 not have to wait until 2030 to see it.
this is the sat finder I use, really great unit and FREE shipping
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-5-LCD-Digital-TV-Satellite-Sat-Finder-Signal-Meter-Station-Platform-/280899132158?pt=AU_Television_Accessories&hash=item4166e49afe
-- Edited by _wombat_ on Monday 20th of August 2012 09:12:26 PM
We have a VAST system (Altec UEC). Works well. I find it easier to find the C1 sat with the VAST set. I have a 380 PSW inverter, pluged into the Anderson plug on the van when not connected to mains power. The system is easy to setup. Read the instructions, then read them again before setting it up. It is very important to get it registered/activated ASAP.
Happy viewing