Directv with DVR wiring.

[Don-Savannah, GA]

I am considering switching from Dish Network to Directv with DVR so I can use it in the motorhome. The Dish Network receiver with DVR requires 2 coax inputs and obviously a special dish.
Can you use just one coax cable between the directv-DVR dish and receiver?
Is anyone currently using this specific system?Have there been any problems with the hard drive failing?
I tried to get answers from Directv operator and all she could do is read from her list of benefits.

[Don-Savannah, GA]

I am considering switching from Dish Network to Directv with DVR so I can use it in the motorhome. The Dish Network receiver with DVR requires 2 coax inputs and obviously a special dish.
Can you use just one coax cable between the directv-DVR dish and receiver?
Is anyone currently using this specific system?Have there been any problems with the hard drive failing?
I tried to get answers from Directv operator and all she could do is read from her list of benefits.

[rebelsbeach]

Don, if you don't get an answer here,you might try to ask your sat tv question on this forum of mobile satelite users...

Datastorm Users Directv/Dish Forum

[dawg]

Dish is offering the 510 DVR for $49.00 plus you turn in a old receiver. Since this is a single tuner model, it should not need to have 2 coax cables or any special dish.
Just more info to confuse you more.

[Kablewizard]

Don, As stated above, you won't need both cables connected. the second one is for the extra tuner in the DVR, you can watch one and record 1. To use both tuners with only one input cable , use a power passing splitter from the input to the rig to the main input on the DVR. Let me know if you have any questions, I do cable and have dish in the camper also.

[rebelsbeach]

Jim,instead of a "splitter", he would need a "diplexer"....right?

[Cruzer]

I use the DirecTV DVR in my Bus. The DVR is dual channel but in the setup menu you can default to a single input if that's all you have.

If you are using a remote dish you can use two coax lines if you have a dual LNB dish. If you have a rooftop dome setup with dual LNBs you can also use two coax lines. I use both setups on mine and have two A/B switches that I can use to select from the two coax feeds (I had to put these in myself) in the basement compartment or the two feeds from the KingDome. If you only weant to run a single line feed, the DVR can be set to do that but you lose the ability to record one channel while watching another that way.

The DVR will easily handle any bumps and vibrations. The hard drive isn't as delicate as you might think.

[Don-Savannah, GA]

Thanks guys for your information.
I am considering the Winegard AS 2003 satellite dish and the Directv R15 plus DVR. I downloaded both of the manuals and will be studying them. The first thing I noticed is the AS 2003 has a multiple cable containing 2 coax cables, the multiple cable can be fed through the roof into the entertainment compartment, The cable is then clamped to the roof. This solves the question of how many coax cables I will need.
More reading to go before I make a final decision.

[CWHTRAINS]

I have the Winegard AS 2003 satellite dish, which according to its manual, apparently has 2 feeds from the satellite dish within the same cable. But it appears that Winnebago has only hooked up one of the feeds to the satellite connector panel in the driver's side top cabinet.

I presume that I would have to get back there and disassemble everything and revise the wiring from there. Has anyone else done this?

Are people able to get around the phone line issue with a Dish 322 tuner? We are not full timers, mostly some weekends and car races, but use cable at home.

Clayton Herbert
2006 Journey 36G
Cat 350

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

So it sounds like Direct TV is pulling our legs when they say a DVR requires a phone line. Obviously you guys who are using them in motorhomes aren't connected to a phone line.

[Jim_L]

You only need the telephone line on the Direct TV DVR occasionally. Periodically, they update the software using the telephone cable. Also note that when the DVR is first connected, you should have a telephone line connected to receive your first update on software. I have not connected a line to mine over the past 2-3 months. Plan to periodically connect, make a call and then disconnect.

[Don-Savannah, GA]

DirecTV has a form for "Mobile" users, RV's and Truckers, you can download it from their Web Site. It explains the telephone line situation. I don't have it available now and since I have not switched from Dish to DishTV yet, nor have I purchased the rooftop antenna yet. No rush and too many other irons in the fire.

[Danny Gayhart]

I have the new DirecTV R15 DVR and have never hooked it up to a phone line. I have two coax's coming from the roof, one for dish and one for local ant. I bought two Terk dual diplexers on E Bay for two dollars and combined a dual LNB with the local ant. To my knowledge, the phone line is only use for buying extra programming.

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Danny Gayhart, Thanks for the info...

When I contacted DirecTV regarding this issue, they said that in order for it set up originally, in otherwords for them to activate it the first time, it must have a phone line. After the fact I agree it doesn't seem to need one.

So my question to you is, if what they say is true how did you have yours activated? Was it done at the place you purchased it, or otherwise? Have you been using it in your motorhome?

Also, how long have you had the R15?