satellite dish newbie

[JRS]

In an effort to have my wife and the baby join me at the race track, I offered to sign up for satellite dish service. I have an enclosed race car trailer that we might use 8-10 times a year. I thought about getting a portable antenna, since an auto-seeking dome type is not really practical for what we need. I need advice about types of portable antennas, aiming them, which satellite service to get, etc. Most race tracks are void of trees, so that won't really be a problem. any advice is appreciated.

 

[Boomer II]

I've got Direct TV, bought a dish on ebay, grab the box outa the bedroom when we take the Bigfoot out and about. Just get a compass for about 12 bucks, enter the zip of your location on your TV and it will tell ya where to point. Works like a champ and I've always had my local channels.

 

[klenger]

I've used a standard antenna on a tripod, and it works fine, but bought a rooftop mount (non-tracking) unit from Camping World last fall. I really like it. I can setup the antenna in less than a minute, and don't have to worry about it falling over in the wind. They are on sale right now for $239 (membe price). If this is more $$ than you were thinking of spending, then go for the tripod.



http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?deptID=4&subOf=173,26&skunum=21928

 

[Joe G.]

I have one that colapses into a flat package with a handle. I stow it behind the couch in the trailer when we are on the road. It has elevation marks and a built in compass. I think I bought it at Camping World.

 

[GerryDrake]

Having had Direct, and now having Dish Network, I really don't have a preference. Some say if you are really into sports, Direct has better lineups, but you might check the listings side by side for your preferences. Dish has some systems that you have to use two satellites, and thus have an additional setting of 'skew' and it has to pick up TWO satellites. A bit harder to set up than Direct, but not too bad. Invest in a signal strength meter whichever one you get. Also, if you get one on top of the rig, as long as you are not amongst the trees, it will work fine, but it would be a good idea to carry a portable one because if your rig is amongst the trees and you use the one on the roof, you will be moving your whole rig to find that hole in the trees... . Like above. . get a cheap compass too... and a magnetic level to get the post vertical. .

 

[MPatrick]

Dish

Years ago, I bought Direct TV-I did not always get what the guide said I would get (broadcast contracts).

I use Dish now. I sent a copy of the registration (for the trailer) to Dish and got better feeds because of a RV.

I bought a SAT stainless steel pole kit in Revels catalog that attaches to the roof ladder on my rig. It take seconds after you are familiar with the setup.



I always have the tripod as a back up.



I also have Dish at the house w/ local service, I can be across the state and watch my local news.

 

[TowPro]

Re: Dish

I have the winegard roof mount on my 5er. I have Dishnet.



The winegard works good as long as I am in an open field, plus its only a single dish so I have to re-aim it if I want to watch my local channels.



When I setup the next camper, its going to be a Dish500 (dual sat dish) with a tripod that I can move around. So I might have to get wet every once and a while setting it up, but it will be nice to be able to camp in the woods again.

 

[Grey Wolf]

Here's a suggestion for you... .....



http://www.rosebudcompany.com/

 

[jandtjil]

I made a (Heavy) plywood box that the dish mounts/stows in, when set up it is heavy enough not get blown around. I can also store all the cable neatly inside.

I prefer DirecTv, last I checked Dish still didn't offer Sunday Ticket

(NFL).

Some of the older Sony dishes have a Led on the LNA, when receiving a signal it lights up. Kinda handy. I love mine!

Otherwise the wife watchs the tv and hollers out the window

"67,75,82,Go back! now its 64" as you tweak the dish looking for the signal.

I have never used one, but they sell signal meters that hook inline. Might be a good investment.



JJ

 

[DrJC]

MPatrick, I note your response indicates that because you shared your RV ownership proof with the satellite provider, you receive "better feeds".



Can you explain what you mean by this?



I'm also an RVer who goes on the road in late December, travels from Detroit area to Florida, turns west to California, turns back east to return to Michigan in early May.



I pay extra for Detroit local stations when at home; however, the satellite service will (cannot?) provide the local Detroit stations to me on the road away from the Detroit area. So, I have to choose locals from another metropolis (such as NYC, LA, etc. ) if I want to see major network programming.



Appreciate your response.



Does anyone know a way around this situation? While I don't miss Detroit winter weather, I'd sure like to keep up with the local news!



DrJC

 

[MPatrick]

SAT Registration

Dr JC,



We purchased our RV for TailGating at Florida Games. My Wife contacted Dish for another receiver and was told we could receive better service if a RV registration was provided.



I first thought this was for major feeds IE. . Atlanta, LA. It was.



When the local broadcast became available though SAT, I purchased the service. My Wife and I took a trip to Carrabelle, Florida (200 miles Due West) We could still receive our local stations. I thought receiving our locals when we where in Gainesville was because of the slight angle difference (only 45 miles different). What ever the reasons, I like it.

 

[TowPro]

Dish network uses "spot beams" which is where they transmit a set of channels so it only can be received in one area instead of the complete USA. I do think the spots are like the size of 1/4 of the US.



They are limited by how many frequencys they can transmit on, so by using "spot beams" they can use the same frequency to transmit different signals to different areas of the US.



What this means is I might not be able to receive my Phila Local channels west of the mississippi, as well as maybe not in the deep south.

 

[Turbo Thom]

I had to have the TracVision. Have the TV working in about 15 secs. I got very tired of breaking in a rain storm at the tracks. Never again.



. . Preston. .