Campervan TV

As a die-hard 'camper' I used to frown upon fellow campers that were sat inside (usually in caravans) watching the soaps, whilst the sun was shining in the early evening. I still do... but have grown to realise that just sometimes, usually on a wet and windy evening, something other than the local paper or a book might not be a bad idea - if only to watch the weather forecast for the next few days!

I'm not keen to have a flip-down monitor in the van or a screen on a bracket that can be folded away. The route I chose to go down was to simply watch TV on the laptop. After-all, the laptop is nearly always with me, I can use it for checking emails, blogging on the go, editing photos etc.

A few months ago I picked up an Elgato EyeTV DTT dongle. For a little under £60 it comes with an easy setup disk and a magnetic-mount aerial. Simply arrive on site, plug in and set the dongle to auto-tune - it usually finds between 20 and 50 free-to-view channels within a couple of minutes depending on whereabouts you are in the UK. There's also space to record programmes to the dongle for later viewing - just like a modern set-top-box.

The size of a small USB stick - the dongle takes up next to no space in the van

Great results from such a tiny aerial, it even works inside the poptop

An instant, pin-sharp, full screen picture

Plus the whole thing is portable, can be hidden away and plays DVDs and music too. With the addition of an old iMac remote control I can change channel and adjust volume without getting out of bed! Whilst die-hard campers might scoff at the thought of never being away from the television, I feel this is the perfect half-way solution without having anything permanently fitted in the van.

Stereo install - stage two

After finally stringing two clear weekends together I've managed to finish the wiring install to the rest of the stereo setup. The old T3 was all about big bass and very little in the way of refined listening pleasure (so much bass that Mrs. Stone174 used to feel a bit queezy), so the new install had to be a little different.

Everything has been toned down to quite mild levels and as such, the sound quality is massively improved. The system consists of the head unit; a Kenwood DDX-5024, as explained in this previous post. Hooked up to the standard VW front speakers and tweeters, then linked though the back to a Kenwood KAC-8404 600w amplifier.

This four channel amp then drives two KFC-X693 6x9 3-way speakers through two dedicated channels and runs the slimline KFC-WPS1000F subwoofer bridged across the other two channels.

All these items (except the head unit) were purchased from JustKenwood.co.uk

Using the sound balance provided through the head unit it is possible to fill both the cab and rear of the van with sound at just the right level - there's loads of top-end coming from the VW tweeters in the dash which is now balanced out with just enough punchy bass from the sub.

Because the wiring sits in and around the under-seat storage, I have used electrical trunking cut to length to route the cabling - this minimises the risk of unplugging something whilst lifting items in and out:

It may not be the wildest stereo setup in the world but it is more than capable of drowning out hours of motorway noise on long journeys. As well as plenty of entertainment when parked up at shows and campsites.

Stereo install - stage one

Another milestone has been reached today - installing the head unit bought just after Christmas with the kind, seasonal donations from family and friends.

The unit is a Kenwood DDX-5024, a standard, double-din sized stereo that has radio, CD, DVD and MP3 capabilities straight out of the box. I've also added a Kenwood Multimedia iPod lead through to the glovebox - the iPod is then controlled on-screen and has the ability to view a video-source direct from the iPod.

First off was to remove the VDO single-din unit:

Why Volkswagen ever fitted this as standard is beyond me... it would never hold a radio station, essential up here in the Yorkshire Dales, it left us constantly retuning to the strongest signal - reluctant to find it of it's own accord. It is now for sale, make me an offer and it's yours. The single-din storage slot, shown above the stereo, is also for sale if any requires one.

Next up is to make sense of the wiring, have a brew, nothing too daunting:

The wiring loom supplied with the Kenwood unit was well marked up and came with easy-to-follow instructions. The one thing we missed during install was the feed from battery to the unit's memory, but as it will be coming out again to re-wire to the leisure battery, this is only a minor inconvenience.

A few other bits of wiring whilst everything is apart:

In the glovebox is the iPod adapter and an extra 12v outlet. The outlet is to run the TomTom - the cable goes back through the dash and out through the tray on top of the dash - no more unsightly cable running from the ashtray to the windscreen. Note also the 'extras' on the Kenwood loom about to be stuffed back into place.

I kept everything attached to back of the Kenwood unit - later provisions for the adding of a reversing camera, TV tuner etc. Also at this stage I've added RCA interconnects to go to a rear-mounted amp and its associated switch-wire. These have been run under the rubber floor and are currently residing under the driver's seat until the rear cupboards are fitted.

Finally, slide the head unit in:

I've got to say I'm really happy with the results - radio reception is much better for starters, the built-in amplifier seems to 'drive' the front speakers much better than the old VDO unit, there's now a much better stereo 'image'.

The user-interface and iPod control is a doddle to use on the touch-screen. Picture quality on DVD playback is nothing short of perfect.

All-in-all, a great way to end a bank-holiday weekend. Stay-tuned (pardon the pun) the next stages of install.

Thanks must once again go to the endless talents of JC at JC Motors for help with fitting. His services come highly recommended.