Tv And Radio Interference; Miscellaneous Appliances - Fleetwood Southwind 1994 Manual

TV
AND RADIO INTERFERENCE
The television and radio systems in your RV have been
chosen to provide good performance under varied sig-
nal conditions. Occasionally, though, you may experi-
ence "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 misconception. An antenna does not pull a
signal O\lt 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
reception clarity, rememberthatTV lind FM signals have
a range of only about 75 miles under the best of
atmospheric and geographic conditions. The good re-
ception you get at parks located at great distances from
broadcast facilities is probably the result of satellite,
microwave or other cable distribution 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 household environ-
ment.
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As the signal diminishes with distance and geographical
features (mountains, etc.), the eliect of electric arc inter-
ference may become more and more noticeable. Eventu-
ally, the signal will be overcome by the interference. The
following suggestions can improve reception:
Use the "park cable"TV antenna system of your RV
in remote areas rather than the roof antenna if the
campground provides cable hook-up.
Turn the television antenna. Sometimes turning the
antenna will pick up a stronger signal. Try turning
or rotating the antenna throughout its range. You
may find your signal in a very unexpected direc-
tion.
With FM stereo signals, switch the unit to MONO, if
pOSSible. Some of the phase and noise compo-
nents of a stereo Signal will disappear in MONO
mode.
Reduce the treble setting to reduce back-ground
noise. Although not yielding the best high-fre- .
quency performance, at least you may be able to
reduce the irritation of the distortion and noise.
MISCELLANEOUS APPLIANCES
You may have additional appliances in your unit which
operate only when connected to 120-volt power from
either a public utility or the generator.
In some cases appliance selector switches are provided
on the galley to allow you a selection of appliances yet still
remain within the powercapacityofthe electrical system.