|
|
03-17-2006, 02:09 AM
|
#21
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Statham
Posts: 1,410
M.O.C. #3215
|
I have always heard that the downside to the fixed dome is that sometimes trees are in the way. I know that at most of the campgrounds we visit in Georgia and South Carolina, this would be a problem as most are fairly well wooded. Being able to move the dish would be an advantage.
|
|
|
03-17-2006, 02:17 AM
|
#22
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
|
Ever been to a CG in Mich? Only clear shot is in the middle of Lake Michigan. Just kidding... I think... but many parks, and especially SPs are very difficult to get a clear shot at any sky, much less the SW sky. One of the problems here in this state is that the trees are so tall and the SW aimpoint at this latitude is so low, even if you're in a clearing, a group of trees 150'-300' away will cause problems. Guess I'll look for cable hookups and WiFi...
|
|
|
03-17-2006, 03:41 AM
|
#23
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids
Posts: 4,876
M.O.C. #1944
|
For either Direct or Dish, you can mount the antenna on a 2x8 and move it whereever you can get a clear shot at the satellite you want. I've set mine as far away as 150 feet and had great reception. The use of a sensitivity meter (can be purchased at Radio Shack for about $25) and a 7/16" spintite is all you need. Nail it down using those long tent spikes. You don't need to worry about having the mount exactly perpendicular. Just adjust for max signal. If the antenna needs to be tilted a little bit left or right, I just slip an appropriate size stick under the edge of the 2x8. I just couldn't bring myself to invest in a tripod.
Orv
|
|
|
03-17-2006, 05:31 AM
|
#24
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Full Timer
Posts: 918
M.O.C. #331
|
I have two cables which will connect from the antenna to the Monty...one about 50 ft long, used most every day, and another one, about 100 ft long. I also have a small female/female connector (Radio Shack - very inexpensive) to hook those two together, if necessary, to make a 150 ft cable. In three years of FT travel, I'v only had to do that once ot twice, and had to use the 100 ft cable by itself once or twice more. I figure we've stayed at about 100+ CG's in that time, and everywhere from UP of Mich to the Gulf Coast. Never had a circumstance where we couldn't get a satellite signal with Dir TV. Dish should be the same.
|
|
|
03-17-2006, 01:53 PM
|
#25
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ontario
Posts: 722
M.O.C. #1328
|
I agree about the need for portability when you live in the east. There are many times when I've had to use 100' of cable to clear obstacles. The issue of being plumb is critical if you have a dish capable of acquiring 2 or 3 sats. If you only shoot one sat then I agree with Orv.
__________________
Mike & Donna Ishler Ontario, NY KE2LU FN13
2017 3720RL TST S637's
2017 Dodge 3500 Laramie CTD 4x4 Auto
|
|
|
03-19-2006, 01:18 AM
|
#26
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northeast
Posts: 414
M.O.C. #5072
|
Another vote for the Bullseye mount. It is a snap to get plumbed, and we found that makes it much easier to lock in the signal. We tried using a board and trying to level it by putting sticks or rocks under it, but it always shifted when we moved the dish to tune it in.
|
|
|
05-21-2006, 05:30 PM
|
#27
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,157
M.O.C. #1920
|
We have the Winegard roof mounted antenna. I didn't see anyone mention the big difference between Dish and DirecTV - Dish Network has two satellites, so you have a third angle to work with called the skew. With DirecTV, you only have one satellite to find and use the azimuth and elevation only. We will probably get a tripod for an old dish we have so that if we get into any areas where we can't get access to clear sky. I have set up in as little as two minutes after turning on the TV. I usually take a GPS reading when I get out of the truck. Turn on the TV and get the Azimuth and Elevation readings and turn up the volume on the TV. Go into the bedroom, crank up the satellite to the proper elevation, turn the dish and listen for the click. Go watch TV. Yes, if you don't have a clear look at the sky, its a problem. Where we seasonal, we have a clear view. One less thing to mow around.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
|
|
|
05-21-2006, 07:09 PM
|
#28
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
|
So, you're saying DirecTV, Ron?
|
|
|
05-22-2006, 05:56 AM
|
#29
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cooper
Posts: 1,230
M.O.C. #3029
|
Dave-
I have Dish Network and your question to Ron is correct. Direct with a single LNB is somewhat easier unless you happen to have one of the newer Direct systems that has triple LNB's. Now you have basically the same as Dish only it looks at three satellites.....101, 110 & 119. It also has a third angle to set on the dish. Either one (Direct or Dish Network) is very easy with a little understanding, practice, a good compass and satellite finder.
|
|
|
05-23-2006, 01:57 PM
|
#30
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: ukiah
Posts: 65
M.O.C. #4853
|
We just returned from our first trip with the King Dome. WOW! We just love it!. Not only were we in a heavily wooded campsite on the Rogue River Oregon, but we were also behind a big mountain in the southwest. We pushed the button and in 2 minutes we were watching H.B.O. WOW! We also got our local San Francisco stations even though we were over 300 miles from home. I would highly recommend the King Dome and Direct TV!
|
|
|
05-23-2006, 02:13 PM
|
#31
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
|
I'm going to have DirecTV install our system in our FT 3400. Why do I need 3 satellites? Is that more money?
|
|
|
05-23-2006, 04:54 PM
|
#32
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Hurricane
Posts: 503
M.O.C. #444
|
They don't charge extra for the oval dish, you need it for HDTV channels, and the Vegas local channels. There could be more channels you need it for, but not for the main ones. Have 4 HDTVs at the house, but not in the 5ver, it's a great picture. I have the round dish on the roof of 5ver. I would order the new 5ver satellite ready.
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|