When we had analogue TV signals it was almost always possible to get some sort of signal on the boat. It might have been a very grainy picture; usually the sound was OK. But now that is gone and we have to rely on digital Freeview there is either a marvellous picture or nothing. After the switchover the digital signals were supposed to be boosted, although hitherto we have seen little evidence of that. Today we are moored above Ironbridge Lock at the bottom of Cassiobury Park in the Colne Valley. We never had a good picture here in analogue days and never before an adequate digital signal. The principal transmitter is Crystal palace, but behind the hills and trees no chance. However there is a secondary (slaved?) transmitter at Hemel Hempstead, but the polarity is different, so it means taking a spanner to the aerial to twist the thing on its stalk. Not very practical.
However, we do have a "stick" aerial with a magnetic base that just plonks on the roof that doesn't seem to mind the polarity differences and today it is working a treat.
Some folk swear by satellite signals. I've never tried, but the satellites are low on the horizon and direct line of sight is required, so potentially there is the same problem with buildings, trees and hills. The stick works brilliantly in Paddington Basin surrounded by high buildings.
Only three locks today, but there was a hard frost overnight and the balance beams can be very treacherous if frosty. Pat used the bridge at Common Moor Lock. The pound below is down about 9 inches, probably because the gates at Lot Mead leak so badly and the top gates are self opening. We stopped at Bridgewater Boats for a pump out, but were 15 minutes early. "Any chance of a pump out?" "Not till 9 O'Clock when we open". But it was all done by 6 minutes after. We were kept waiting at Ironbridge while a curious pair went up, winded and came back down. The butty if you could call it that was an open frame over the hold which appeared full of plants and chopped wood. Bit like my fantasy butty which is a vegetable garden complete with shed.
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