The television and radio systems in your
RV
have been chosen
to provide good performance under varied signal conditions.
Occasionally, though, you may experience
ghosts on TV,flutter
when listening to FM broadcasts, or other signal interference.
The fault is normally not with your receiver. Neither is your
antenna system usually at fault. The idea that antennas,
whether amplified
or
not, "pull in" a signal is a popular mis-
conception. An antenna does not pull a signal out
of
air by
virtue
of
its "power." The antenna only responds to signals
present at the antenna elements. Antennas with boosters only
amplify these signals.
Since distance from the broadcast tower is critical to recep-
tion clarity, remember that
TV
and FM signals have a range
of
only about 75 miles under the best
of
atmospheric and
geographic conditions. The good reception you get at parks
located at great distances from broadcast facilities is proba-
bly the result
of
satellite, microwave or other cable distribu-
tion systems. The antenna on your
RV
is no competition for
these very expensive installations.
In addition, TV and radio frequency interference results from
the electromagnetic fields produced by electric arc discharge.
This arcing is found in lightning, vehicle ignition systems,
and in 12-volt DC (brush type) motors used in power vents
and furnaces. Note that nearly every DC motor has brushes.
Most alternating current (AC) motors do not have brushes,
and therefore do not generate the arcing interference. This is
why this type
of
interference is less noticeable in a house-
hold environment.
AppliANCES
TV
AND
RADIO
INTERFERENCE
CAUTION
Lightning strikes during
thunderstorms
may
affect
the
electrical systems
in
your motor home. Sensi-
tive electronic equipment
may
be
damaged
by
the
electrical spikes and
surges caused
by
electri-
cal
disturbances
in
the
atmosphere. Disconnect
the
electrical power cord
and
cable
TV
service
if
you
expect atmospheric
electrical disturbances.
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