Stagea Series 2 / M35 Digital Tv Upgrade

[chook]

I have tried a few digital tuner boxes in my S2 C34, some better than others, but now have one that Im impressed with.

I have a digital TV picture and digital radio that is completely stable in all terrains and at all speeds, using the factory TV window aerials and amplifiers.

These units appear very well built and as good if not better than anything on the market. Ive contacted the manufacturer and with a group buy I am hoping to get some delivered to anyone interested in late Feb. 1 yr warranty. (if no factory TV aerials ie. non-TV stageas, those with aftermarket screens/satnavs with AV in, extra for a pair of ASUKA stick-on interior aerials.)

PM me for anyone interested.

2x F-connector plugs for adapting factory aerials included.

Automatic reverse camera switching.

Ive done up a DIY installation guide to help anyone looking at installing this or another digital box into a S2. (similar instructions for installation into M35's)

Some specs:

Description

Specs

Brochure

contact me if you previously enquired, or anyone wanting info on how to get one.

Simon

S2TV_V6_updated__apr08_.pdf

[And]

Great stuff mate !

And it is possible to connect external sources, such as DVD/DIVX player, etc - awesome.

Do we really need an external areal ?

[chook]

Great stuff mate !

And it is possible to connect external sources, such as DVD/DIVX player, etc - awesome.

Do we really need an external areal ?

if your model has the factory TV aerials then dont need externals. updated explanation in previous post.

Has 2 'rear'+ 1 'front' AV output, and 2 AV inputs.

[And]

Sounds good. F^&% the budget, I am in

[chook]

Some of you S2 Tv owners lucky enough to have these onboard, thanks to our previous japanese owners, screen on/off overide switches, would be very grateful. Others can PM me for details, as Im off to Japan in March to visit the in-laws , and should be able to pick some up. These harnesses clip into the back of the screens harness, are completely hidden apart from the small button switch, allowing viewing whilst in motion, and quick shut-off when needed. For use on private roads only !

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/in...st&id=90156

[petrolfix]

f-yeah i'm in for shure. $290 is cheap compared what the old man bought and he has to carry this big huge ass satilite. have you tried this one yet? and what does the factory ariel sit i don't have a telly model (installing aftermarket dvd player) and i noteced my areils are the rear windows with a little booster pack in the roof. is this the same for the tv models? can i modify my exsting areil's?

[chook]

f-yeah i'm in for shure. $290 is cheap compared what the old man bought and he has to carry this big huge ass satilite. have you tried this one yet? and what does the factory ariel sit i don't have a telly model (installing aftermarket dvd player) and i noteced my areils are the rear windows with a little booster pack in the roof. is this the same for the tv models? can i modify my exsting areil's?

This is the aerial configuration and TV booster locations for the S2 (see pics), not sure if the TV aerials were installed on all models, FAST lists different windows for TV models, so very unlikely the TV aerial amplifers would be there too. You are probably seeing the boosters associated with the radio aerials.

The Asuka aerials are about 20cm x 5cm and stick on the inside of the window, but I have not tried them and doubt whether they would be anywhere near as powerful as the factory aerial+booster.

[Qumulys]

Very nice work! You've made my day, if I am to understand you correctly. I'm still waiting on the compliance for my stagea, (supposed to be ready today......) but its got all the tv and whiz bang gear. So, if I grab one of these units, I'll be able to watch tv using the standard head unit?? Im pretty sure thats how I read it, certainly looks like it in your pdf (nice work, will be a huge help ) Tell me I'm not wrong.... please!!!

Cheers,

Jeff

[Duncan]

I'll take one.

I can't see the ariel inputs (all pics only show front not rear). does it use local/standard style inputs, and does it have dual diversity antenna (ie choose the best source)

[chook]

I'll take one.

I can't see the ariel inputs (all pics only show front not rear). does it use local/standard style inputs, and does it have dual diversity antenna (ie choose the best source)

It uses standard F-connector inputs. Ill supply a photo of back-side soon.

Im not sure of the science of the dual antennas, but I think it combines them together somehow, whereas the analogue diversity system uses only 1 signal, the strongest one. Maybe someone can enlighten us better.

...."Hawk Ranger II is equipped with 2 (two) separated receiver paths, each with independent antenna input, tuner, and COFDM demodulator."

[chook]

Did some tests with the antennas supplied by ASUKA tonight, for those without the factory antennas. These antennas are 'active' ie. amplified like the Stagea ones, and the signal very good. I live in a hilly area and the signal broke slightly when i was behind a hill, but clear with a rough line of sight to the source. Overall had about 80% the strength of the factory aerial.

There are some aftermarket active aerials and boosters around, of varying quality, and may have to re-configure the plugs. Suppose it depends on area in which you live, your needs and your signal strength/terrain.

[Duncan]

they are the style of antenna in my car (a s1 so not factory ones), and with a good, dual receiver the reception was pretty good. But when that died I got a crappy ebay receiver and I get sfa signal. I have on on front screen passenger side, and one in rear cargo window driver side

It looks like these have a better quiality receiver so I'll give them a go. Let me know when you order.

[chook]

some photos showing underside of unit and underside of factory tuner box(where VTR2 inputs are). Those 3 colour coded sockets(red,green and grey) + 1 larger socket are for the the factory aerials, best to label the cable before you cut off coloured plug.

[petrolfix]

yep understand now. deffenatly in. i just need to get 2 booster areils to fit with it and bobs your uncle and if bob was a transvstite hed be your aunty

got any idears on a good booster areil's to get?

should i get a factory booster and wire it to a after market areil as i don't have the factory ones?

[Duncan]

perfect. let me know ordering details

[chook]

Dont know of any boosters available locally, maybe someone has seen some around ? probably something similar to this,

http://www.ekmpowershop2.com/ekmps/shops/m...oster-259-p.asp

maybe some caravan, specialist audio shops have something similar if people cant get through net from overseas. Ill keep on the lookout.

Im expecting the units to arrive around last week of FEB, will get in touch with all those expressing interest around then, thanks.

[Chris Rogers]

been there already. to be honest I would look at a 12v residential distribtion amp (GME kingray make them). they do +30dbm and are adjustable so you dont kill the front end of the tuner. thing being you would need two of them if the box simon is using runs twin tuners and twin antenna setup. about $170 a throw and they will drag a signal from 110km away VERY easily.

[chook]

been there already. to be honest I would look at a 12v residential distribtion amp (GME kingray make them). they do +30dbm and are adjustable so you dont kill the front end of the tuner. thing being you would need two of them if the box simon is using runs twin tuners and twin antenna setup. about $170 a throw and they will drag a signal from 110km away VERY easily.

excellent, thanks Chris, ive been waiting for you to add your expertise. Is the DW32 the best option from this range ? looks like a serious amp, guess it depends on how serious ($$) "non-TV" stagea people want to go with their TVs.

http://www.gme.net.au/matv/distribution_amps.php

[Chris Rogers]

DA43 is the one I have used. they are 12v internally anyway . sold usually WITHOUT a plug pack. there is a trimpot on it for gain.

[chook]

for those without antennas: Spoke to ASUKA and they informed me that the supplied antennas are definitely 'active' (amplified).

So i did some more tests. This time i positioned 1 on front and 1 on rear window, as opposed to both on rears side windows last time, which did not provide a wide field of view for the antennas.

I received a much stronger, stable signal which was almost (~90%) as good as the Stagea antennas.

There is still the option of the amps recommended by Chris (adjusted down carefully) to protect tuner, but the signal from the Asuka antennas should be more than acceptable for most.