Moved the caravan and lost your TV channels?

The short checklist

1. Confirm the TV is set to its antenna or digital TV input.
2. Check the aerial cable and accessible connectors.
3. Find a suitable transmitter for this location.
4. Point the antenna, then check signal quality if your TV shows it.
5. Run a fresh digital channel scan.

1. Check the simple connections

Make sure the antenna lead is firmly connected to the TV or set-top box and that the TV is using its aerial or digital TV source, rather than HDMI or satellite. Inspect any plug, join, splitter, or fly lead you can safely reach. A loose or damaged cable can look like an aiming problem.

If your setup has a powered masthead amplifier, check that its power supply is on. Avoid adding a booster just because reception is weak: too much amplification can also cause problems.

2. Choose a transmitter for this stop

Your last campsite's antenna direction may be wrong here. Look up the current address or location and compare the likely transmitter with alternatives. The closest tower is not always the best option; terrain, buildings, antenna type, and local coverage matter.

In Australia, the mySwitch coverage checker provides location-specific transmitter, direction, frequency, and aerial orientation information. Aim My TV Antenna also shows nearby and alternative transmitters in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

3. Aim from a clear position

Use the chosen transmitter's bearing as a starting direction. If you use a phone compass, stand outside and away from the caravan body, vehicle, or other large metal objects while reading it. Rotate an accessible caravan antenna gradually and allow the TV's signal-quality display, if available, to settle between adjustments.

Check whether the transmitter needs horizontal or vertical aerial orientation. Direction alone cannot make an incompatible or damaged antenna work. Do not climb onto a caravan or roof to adjust an aerial; get a qualified installer for anything you cannot reach safely.

4. Scan for the local channels

Once the antenna is connected and aimed, open the TV or set-top box settings and look for Auto Tune, Digital Tuning, or Channel Scan. Select the terrestrial or aerial input if the device asks. The exact menu varies by TV, so use its manual if needed.

If you had working channels at this same stop and they suddenly disappeared, check for a local broadcaster outage or maintenance before rescanning. Scanning during a temporary outage can remove stored channels.

Still missing channels?

• No channels: Recheck the input, cable, power to any existing amplifier, local coverage, and chosen transmitter.
• Some channels: Compare the expected services for that transmitter. A different transmitter or manual tune may help.
• Picture breaks up: Look for loose cables, nearby electrical interference, obstructions, or poor signal quality. An installer can diagnose equipment and reception faults.

In a poor or no-coverage area, changing direction may not be enough. Australia's mySwitch checker can identify areas with limited terrestrial coverage and possible satellite options.