Any thoughts on an automatic portable satellite antenna?

[Dwain]

We are looking at adding satellite television to our rig, but will be limited to a portable antenna. We just don't have the extra height at storage unless we replace the shop door and increase above the 12'-0" clearance that exists. The in-motion feature isn't something that interests us, prefer to have the satellites automatically located and minimize the set-up (or is it aggrevation) time.

We have been looking at the Winegard Carryout as well as the VuQube 2000. Both are capable of catching Dish Network and appear to be similar in set up. I believe that the Carryout will require an additional power connection as well as the co-axial connection. The VuQube has just a single connection to make.

Any suggestions on either of these two units? Pros, Cons?

[paz]

Winegard also makes roof-top, crank-up dishes that fold down lower than your roof-top AC, so if your AC clears now you shouldn't have a problem. The crank-up dishes require manual aiming, but they are less expensive than the VuQube or Carryout. The open-face dishes will also get better reception in wet conditions because rain and dew on the cover of the VuQube or Carryout can block the satellite signal. Roof-top models are less prone to theft, too. Just a thought.

[Bill Adams]

If you have roof top A/C units then you have room for an automatic Winegard antenna as well. It is only 10" high when stowed. This is also the height (or less) than many of the vent covers such as Max-Aire.
If you simply can't go with a roof mounted unit then the next best thing would be one of the automatic portables and something to secure it when you are away or sleeping (or plan on bringing it inside). Both the VuQube and the Carryout are excellent units, they just cannot "see" both of the Dish Network satellites at the same time so there is a delay if you change channels to one on a different satellite and you cannot use a DVR to watch one channel and record another if they are on different satellites.

[winegard]

Quote:

I believe that the Carryout will require an additional power connection as well as the co-axial connection. The VuQube has just a single connection to make.

This is correct. We did not run power over the coax to the Carryout because it causes signal interference.

[Bill Adams]

The power required for the Carry-out is simply a cigarette lighter plug. If you are planning to use this for occasional usage you may simply be running things in through a window and to the receiver in which case a lighter plug will be handy. If you plan to re-router your cable connection for use with a satellite receiver it is also pretty easy to wire a lighter plug to that location as well.

[Dwain]

Thanks for your comments. Thinking we are leaning toward the automatic portables, as we are occassional users and looking for a set-up and go system.

I have not thoroughly investigated the significant differences between the low profile roof mounts vs. the portables. There appears to be a substantial cost difference between the two, though I do not know if there is enough there to justify the added costs. Would not use the dvr function, seeking more to have the channel selection and would most probably use just a single television at a time.