Caravan Satellite Systems

The Snow Is Here!!!

admin — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:38:13 +0000

http://northernmotorhomehire.co.uk/blog/620/the-snow-is-here/

Club says ‘we’ll benefit from ash cloud chaos’

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:33:10 +0000

Club says “we’ll benefit from ash cloud chaos” Caravanning News: “Club says “we’ll benefit from ash cloud chaos”
May 10, 2010
By admin
The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Director General Robert Louden believes that the widespread disruption caused by last month’s volcanic eruption will have a positive impact on business this summer.
Despite the indifferent British weather since the turn of the year, advanced bookings on Club Sites for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of the month are already up seven per cent on the same period last year, whilst website bookings (www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk) are 23 per cent ahead of last year.
These figures are supported by a recent study by online company Travelzoo, which found that 12 per cent of respondents are now more interested in a UK holiday.
Louden said: “People look for certainty in uncertain times and last month’s volcanic ash crisis, coupled with the threat of further flight delays, has caused holidaymakers to reconsider their plans for this summer.
“We have seen an increase in Club Site enquiries of late as both members and non-members revert to what they know and look forward to a stress free domestic holiday.”
Meanwhile, The Club’s European and Worldwide Carefree Travel Service is also nine per cent ahead of where it was this time last year as more people opt for a caravan or motorhome touring holiday abroad, travelling via ferry or Eurotunnel.”

New generation discover appeal of roaming with a home

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:36:28 +0000

By Sarah Freeman

There are some trends even the experts were convinced would never ever come back into fashion.

When it came to hostess trolleys, shell suits and perms for men,
hindsight showed us the error of our ways. They were fads never to be repeated, and many thought much the same about caravanning.

With the arrival of cheap flights, wet weekends in Cleethorpes were replaced by mini-breaks to Rome and while there were still a hardened few who refused to give up their home on wheels, many decided it simply wasn’t worth the hassle. Why spend a Friday night crawling along a
B-road when you could hop on a plane and be in Paris for dinner.

Caravans became a second- class kind of holiday, but as with every good underdog, the fight- back has begun. Suddenly, it seems the idea of swapping a four-bedroomed house for a week in a tiny box where the kitchen doubles as a bedroom is back in vogue.

The signs that something was stirring in what marketing people like to call the roam-with-a-home sector were first spotted last year. When the credit crunch bit, many decided to cut back on foreign trips, and when the euro exchange rate fell, normally cheap breaks abroad didn’t seem quite such a bargain.

Holidays in the UK were rebranded as staycations and caravan and motorhome showrooms unexpectedly saw trade increase and the average age of buyers fall.

According to specialist insurer Safeguard, which has witnessed a 62 per cent increase in the number of quotes for caravan and motorhome cover being sought by 20 to 30-year-olds over the past year, caravanning has nudged its way in to the lucrative “glamorous camping” market.

“The younger generations are feeling the pinch from the economic downturn, and as a result they’re choosing to staycation,” say Rita Sadler, Safeguard manager. “With the return of the great British holiday, caravan sales have increased, with some showrooms reporting a 15 per cent rise in business. Young couples, and families, are helping to fuel the boom as they see it as a way of getting really good value
for money.”

Those who have been quietly championing the humble caravan admit it has suffered from a bad image in the past.

However, there is a new determination to break out from under the awnings, the Caravan Club website has been revamped with images of
nice middle-class families picnicking by their motorhome and membership and bookings are now at record levels.

“We launched a Discover Touring campaign to promote the benefits of holidaying by caravan or motorhome,” says the club’s director of marketing, Nick Lomas.

“Essentially, it’s about freedom and since its launch last year, more than 70,000 people have clicked on our website’s new-to-caravanning section.”

There are now more than half a million caravans and motorhomes in regular use in the UK, according to the National Caravan Council, and site bookings throughout the country this year are looking
exceptionally buoyant.

Car drivers might bemoan the fact that the annual great caravan crawl is now well underway on Britain’s B-roads, but the ever-optimistic Caravan Club recommend the frustrated should consider the vast amount of cash generated by their owners.

“Our members alone spent more than £400m in the rural tourism economy in 2009 – and that’s without taking pitch fees into account,” adds Nick.

“Club sites in the UK will also get £12.7m spent on them in 2010, and there are also plans to acquire more sites to meet demand.”

Research also shows that while the age of the average caravanner is 53, it’s dropping fast and with the likes of former Formula One racing driver Mark Blundell – a youthful 44 – coming out as a tourer, the embarrassment factor is fading.

“Holidaymakers are now far more budget-conscious following the downturn,” says Rita. “It isn’t hard to understand why more and more younger drivers want to avoid costly package holidays, long queues at the airport, and cancelled flights.”

And with the Icelandic volcano still casting a dark shadow over air travel, the age of the caravan looks like it just might dawn.

Its All In The Wrist – Setting Up A Satellite Dish

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:35:40 +0000

Well we have reached 2010 without to much hassle, despite the white stuff.

This is not all good news though as it brings us a little closer to the digital switch-over. I know this is one f my favourite subjects but I bet you a hundred pounds that some people will be sitting in the van thinking, “I wish I had listened to the digital adverts on the TV”.

This brings me to the subject of what to do next.

The choice is easy to be honest and wont even break the bank.

You have to decide if you intent to go to digital via antenna or by satellite.

Digital By Antenna

This is the easy option but may not be the best way to go forward at the moment due to the lack of service in some areas. That said you can still go on with this option as long as you have your backup standard TV with you.

The main problem is that most of the digital antennas on the market are retro fit antennas and need to be mounted externally to your vehicle.

You are going to need a suitable antenna mount such as a telescopic pole or clamp. You will also need a digital signal finder to locate the strongest signal.

If you wish to make a decent job of your installation I would also recommend a cable entry cover to keep thing neat.

The plus side to this is that the complete setup should not set you back more than £60.00.

Digital Satellite Dish

The second option would be to purchase a little satellite dish that can be taken with you on site.

This option does give you the advantage of being able to take your SKY box with you and lets you watch all your non subscription channels in the caravan, motorhome or in the narrowboat.

If I have to choose and option, this would be the one for me.

To receive television via satellite is as easy as the antenna option and its ready now.

The equipment is similar to the antenna option but uses a dish to receive the signal instead of the antenna. This dish option has no need for the telescopic mounting pole as the dish can be mounted on a flat surface like a roof or table.

The setup is quite easy once you get the hang of it and takes no more time to setup either.

The Multimo satellite dish is available in kit form with everything you need but the antenna system needs to be purchased separately.

If you need a system then please visit TSW Comsat for the MULTIMO SATELLITE DISH KIT and DIGITAL ANTENNA EQUIPMENT.

Handy Hints and Tips for Caravans

admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:49:39 +0000

Do you struggle to line up your ball and hitch?

Well we have a simple solution to your problem!

Get in the car and put a small mark or piece of tape on the lower rear window to show the position of your hitch.
Now hitch your caravan to your vehicle and make two small marks on the window of your caravan so that they line up.
Now all you have to do is to line up the marks when reversing and you should be able to line up the caravan with ease.

Line up your vehicle every time

More Information About The Multimo Satellite System

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:16:28 +0000

A new video has been added this week in respect of the multimo portable satellite system. This is in response to customers requests to provide a little more information about how to use the Multimo.

This is the video from Tim at TSW Comsat who sell the Multimo Portable Satellite Dish

How To Get The Best From Your Multimo Satellite System

admin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:32:42 +0000

It is rare to have a day that goes by without someone asking me how to set up their Multimo Satellite dish.

Multimo

The problem seems to arise from the close proximity of the Astra 1 and Astra 2 satellites.

However this is the solution I find works the best.

SatFinder

When using the Multimo dish, you have to use a satellite finder to locate the satellite. This is relativly easy by turning the satellite finder up until it makes a noise and all the lights are illuminated.

Next turn down the Satfinder until it stops making a noise. THE TIP IS : Turn the Satfinder down an 1/8 of a turn further.

The reason for doing this is to reduce the sensitivity of the finder as the signal from Astra1 is weaker than the signal of the Astra 2 satellite. EASY

One more tip – If you are in the United Kingdom, set the hight of the dish to 23 degrees on the slide at the side.

Job Done.

Well I have Done It!!

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:02:21 +0000

Well I know this is a little off topic but I feel that I have to share it with you.

I managed to stop smoking. This may not sound so remarkable but I have been smoking for 20 years.

I purchased an electronic cigaretter from UK-Electronic-Cigarettes.co.uk and tried it.

Now I an a non smoker I would like to tell everyone who smokes to give it a try the electronic cigarette is well work the cost.

This is a little about the electronic cigarette.

Like many products before it, the electronic cigarette seems to have become stronger since the health organisations urged caution, claiming not enough testing had been done to prove them safe.

Whilst the organisations distanced themselves from the electronic cigarette, the sales have continued to grow and with the UK smoking ban now entering its second winter, the thought of standing outside the pub or office in the freezing temperatures seems to be enticing smokers to try something different.

Some pubs and bars are now even beginning to sell the electronic cigarette, realising they are becoming more popular, sensing a potential profit and that the punters are becoming more willing to try them, not simply as an alternative to a cigarette but as a genuine reason not to stand outside and freeze for a smoke.

During this time of credit crunch, many smokers who don’t actually want to quit smoking altogether but are looking for something more affordable are also turning to the electronic cigarette.

With a little shopping around, the prices for smoking the electronic cigarette are vastly less than their standard counterparts. One such electronic cigarette company provides a table to show the significance of the savings and it goes a little bit like this:

Approximate only

• Electronic Cigarette:10 a day for one year = £ 122
• Real Cigarettes : 10 a day for one year = £1004

That equals a savings of more than £800 per year.

• Electronic Cigarette:40 a day for one year = £ 487
• Real Cigarettes : 40 a day for one year = £3529

That is an incredible saving of more than £3000 per year.

With those figures in mind it is not difficult to see why the electronic cigarette is becoming a very attractive proposition.

There are apparently no carcinogens or toxins in an electronic cigarette, immediately making them a far healthier alternative. Nicotine and flavourings seem to be the only substances present in the device.

In summary, with none of the dangers of real cigarettes present, a massive cost reduction over real cigarettes and social benefits too, (no dangers of passive smoking and no restrictions under the smoking bans) the electronic cigarette still provides a nicotine flavour, revealing a very genuine alternative and potential aid for those who wish to quit smoking.

As the winter’s harsh realities sink in, at least there seems to be some hope on the horizon, not just for smokers but for their families and friends too. Perhaps if the electronic cigarette proves itself in the next few years we may be approaching a new era and a much less smoky, healthier one at that.

EFOY Updated

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:58:12 +0000

Well it seems like owners of the EFOY power cell have now another little problem to overcome.

We have been advised by one of our well travelled customers that you are not able to transport Methanol in your vehicle through the Channel Tunnel.

We are in the process of obtaining a responce from the Chunnel people at the moment and will return to you soon.

Methanol – The Law and Your EFOY Power Cell.

admin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:13:47 +0000

This item was filled under [ Caravan News, Motorhome News, Narrowboat News, Recently Added ]

The Problem!

We have been contacted by a customer who has been told by his Insurers, that they will not cover his vehicle if he is carrying more than 5Liters of methanol fuel for his E.F.O.Y power cell.

The customer was understandably concerned about the fact that he would not be insured and asked if we could confirm the regulations.

What Is The EFOY Power Cell?

The E.F.O.Y fuel cell has been developed by S.F.C (Smart Fuel Cell) to provide a portable power solution which can provide up to 1600 watts of power.

The E.F.O.Y power cell is marketed as being quiet, automatic and environmentally friendly and is offered in a 1600, 1200, 900 and 600 watt per hour capacity.

The fuel for the E.F.O.Y is sold in either a 5 or 10 litre cell as standard.

The Law!

The E.F.O.Y unit on its own has no regulations governing its use but the fuel (methanol) is what seems to be causing some concern.

Following a conversation with the UK suppliers of the E.F.O.Y we established the following facts.

The following is an email received from the Department of Transport to the suppliers which clarifies the legal standing of methanol.

Names and Email adresses have been removed and relaced with XXXXXXXX

From: XXXXXXXX [XXXXXXX@dft.gsi.gov.uk]
Sent: 25 March 2009 10:44
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: Methanol Fuel

Mr XXXXXXXXXX,

I have been forwarded your email regarding the carriage of methanol in motorhomes.

The carriage of methanol for personal use is covered by 1.1.3.1(a) of ADR (European Agreement concerning the carriage of Dangerous Goods). Providing there is no more than 60 litres per receptacle and 240 L in total per transport unit then ADR is not applicable.

I’m afraid I cannot comment on insurance companies questioning or refusing policies, as this a matter between the insurer and client.

Regards,

XXXXXXXXXXX
Dangerous Goods Division
2/24
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR

T: 020 7xxxxxxxxx

F: 020 7xxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxx@dft.gsi.gov.uk

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/freight/dgt1/

So the law is quite clear as regards the carriage of the mathanol fuel cells. As long as you do not have move than 24 x 10 litre containers with you, its not a problem.

Insurance Is It’s Own Law!

We understand that insurance companies have to look at each case and asses the risk.

Therefore we decided to contact one of the leading insurance companies in the UK – Direct Line Insurance.

We contacted the van insurance section and spoke to a polite young man who was very helpful. He listened to the problem and said he would ask the underwriters.

2 minuets later he returned and advised the following.

As far as Direct Line Insurance are concerned, the use of the E.F.O.Y power cell and the carriage of the sealed methanol fuel cells was no problem. The young man did advise that if you had a lot of fuel cells with you that this would not be a good idea but it you are did carry your E.F.O.Y and a couple of the 10 litre fuel cells this would cause no problem to them.

Direct Line Insurance did point out that you must advise them that you have an E.F.O.Y power cell and intended to carry the fuel but assured me that it would not be a problem.

They did advise me however, that insurance quotations are dealt with on an individual basis. (Well they had to say that.)

To Conclude.

The E.F.O.F power cell is perfectly safe and legal to use in any motorhome and is quite acceptable to any reasonable insurance company.

We hope this helps.

You can find out all about the E.F.O.Y Power Cell on our website. Just click the image.