How to Hook Up a TV in a Camper to a Converter Box

Many campers lost a TV signal when broadcasts switched to digital.

Bringing the entertainment of television on the road can make almost any long trip more enjoyable. Unfortunately, with the digital broadcast conversion on June 12, 2009, many camper owners lost this luxury. Because campers aren't typically connected to cable or satellite systems, they depend on the analog broadcast signal that no longer exists. Therefore, a converter box is needed to bring a TV signal into the camper. Making the connection between the TV and the converter box is the same on any analog TV.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Coaxial cable

Instructions

1. Unplug the TV. Remove it from the holding area in the camper. Many camper RV's are secured in place with brackets. Loosen and remove the screws from any brackets with a screwdriver to release the TV and access the back. This will expose the wiring and ports of the TV.

2. Remove the coaxial cable that is connected to the "Antenna In" port on the back of the TV. Pull the cable out from the port with your hand.

3. Plug the end of the cable that was just removed from the TV into the "Antenna In" port on the back of the digital converter box. Insert and press the end of the cable into the port with your hand.

4. Attach one end of another coaxial cable to the "Antenna Out" port on the back of the digital converter box. Connect the other end of this cable into the "Antenna In" port on the back of the TV. Plug these cables into their respective ports by pressing them in by hand.

5. Replace the TV back in its holding spot in the RV. Place the digital converter box in the same holding area if there is room. Otherwise, store it in another flat, secure area. Tuck the cables behind each device so that they are safe and out of the way. Reinstall any brackets by inserting and tightening the screws into the brackets and the TV encasement walls.

6. Plug in the converter box to an electrical outlet. Turn it on by pressing the power button.

7. Plug in the TV to an electrical outlet. Turn it on by pressing the power button. Use the TV as you normally would.

References

• Columbia ISA Audio Video: How to Connect Digital TV Converter Box to an Older Analog TV
• DTV Answers: Hooking Up your Converter Box

Resources

• DTV Answers: Free All-Digital Broadcast Television is Here