2006 Newmar Kountry Star - Hopper and 2 joey's

[AirManFL]

I just paid my RV dealer to install a Winegard Trav'ler while it was in getting work on the leveling jacks. I should have checked before I left, but they only brought one cable from the dish to the cabinet. I'm taking it back so they can correct it. My plan is to install a hopper with 2 joey's.

Has anyone experienced any problems using the existing coax from the a/v cabinet in the front to the basement and rear bedroom tv's?
I'm sure it isn't RG-6 coax.

My plan is to only use cable or over the air antenna on the front tv if I can't get satellite signal so I don't need to worry about that.

Thanks,
Rob

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by AirManFL

Has anyone experienced any problems using the existing coax from the a/v cabinet in the front to the basement and rear bedroom tv's?
I'm sure it isn't RG-6 coax.

A lot of folks (myself included) thought ALL the coax used in a Hopper system had to be 3000 MHz RG6. Not hardly:

-- the coax between the sat dish (like the Travler or a portable) has to be rated at 2150 MHz.

-- the coax that connects the Solo Node to the Hopper has to be RG6 rated at 3000 MHz.

-- the coax that connects the Joeys to the Solo Node only need a top rating of 875 KHz. So your coach wiring should work fine.

Originally Posted by AirManFL

My plan is to only use cable or over the air antenna on the front tv if I can't get satellite signal so I don't need to worry about that.

You might want to pick up an OTA module for the Hopper so you can display local stations on the Hopper's program guide.

Finally, if you have a WiFi hotpot in your RV, pick up the WiFi dongle for the Hopper. It will let you watch VOD (Video On Demand).

[djhinds]

I use a 722 DVR in my coach and I installed the OTA module and it works fine. We are planning to go to the Hopper and Joey in the coach. Is the OTA module the same in the Hopper? Can I just install mine in the new Hopper?? I have the Traveler 1000 and it works great.

Dave

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by djhinds

I use a 722 DVR in my coach and I installed the OTA module and it works fine. We are planning to go to the Hopper and Joey in the coach. Is the OTA module the same in the Hopper? Can I just install mine in the new Hopper?? I have the Traveler 1000 and it works great.

Isn't a VIP722 OTA module an internal card? The Hopper uses an external OTA dongle.

[djhinds]

Yes it is internal to the 722. I guess I will have to buy the OTA dongle for the Hopper.
Thank you for the answer

Dave

[Wayne M]

The VIP-722k uses the OTA Module.

Rob,
As for the wiring, I have the VIP-722 and the typical entertainment switching center with power supply for batwing. I had to Put a couple splitters in so I could maintain the functionality of the switch box and also enjoy the satellite without connecting/disconnecting cables. It's not a big job. I used the motorhome installed RG6 in the 2008 Winni.

Tech Writer,
Can the Hopper and a joey be taken from the stick-house and used in the MH without much trouble, or are there special considerations involved?

Thanks.

[dunkonu23]

I use my Hopper in both the stick house and the motor home (don't forget the remote!). Just put the Hopper in a safe, bump-free, slide-free, place while traveling--not powered on, to keep the hard drive parked--and you'll be fine. I put mine on the floor under one of the dinette benches. Since the Joey has no moving parts, just put it in a drawer or some place out of direct sunlight while traveling.

Techwriter is a sharp guy with this stuff. His setup pictures are awesome!

Scott

[AirManFL]

Thank you to all for the information. I'm installing almost the same setup techwriter is using minus the cable tv and ota.

I'll be using the trav'ler and a portable dish as back up signal.

I'm taking the coach back to my dealer tomorrow so they can correct their mistake and then I'll be good to go.

Thanks again,

Rob

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by Wayne M

The VIP-722k uses the OTA Module.
Can the Hopper and a joey be taken from the stick-house and used in the MH without much trouble, or are there special considerations involved?

You'll need a Solo Mode to connect the sat dish to the Hopper and Joey.

The gotcha is making sure you connect 2 coax cables from a Travler or from a sat dish (1000, 1000.2, 1000.4, or Pro 500).

BTW, glad you dropped by my web site.

[Wayne M]

Your site was very interesting. Maybe someday I'll be parked next to you and learn by watching you (on my coach of course!) Hee hee!

Coach did not come with a dome or dish so I purchased the Carryout. I may, just may, get the Traveler installed one day.

Thanks for the info on the Solo Mode.

[AirManFL]

I got started today on my install:


Rob

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by AirManFL

I got started today on my install:


Rob

A clean-looking install -- take more pics & share.