Community Forums

Dmiles · 06-21-2010, 07:22 PM

I know, it's the same old story with Winegard, they charge an arm and leg for their products, and then they don't support them because well you have another arm and leg, and they have new stuff now.

I have an RM-9946 that I really like. I know it's old, and I know it's not supported any longer. I like the fact that it's not a dome, and it's automatic with a manual override, so I'd really like to keep it if possible.

Some critter chewed through the cables for this dish. One of the cables is a data cable that looks like a cat 5 cable. I can tell that Winegard, in their infinite struggle to remain proprietary so we reamin their slave, played some games with the wiring of the connectors on this cable. I could make up a custom cable, I do it all the time. Problem is, I don't know if this cable is pin for pin. as in pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 etc., or if they do some kind of crossover. But one thing I do know for sure, it is NOT a standard cat 5 cable.

I'm trying to get information about the wiring of this system, but have been unable to reach anyone at Winegard tech support. Sad news is, even if I get the cable figured out or get a new cable, I may also need a control board that goes inside the box that goes inside the RV, and I know that is going to be nearly impossible to find.

I guess if anyone has one of these systems for parts, or knows where I can get parts at a reasonable price, I would really appreciate any information you may have.

If I can't get this going again, I'm afraid that will be it for us as far as satellite tv goes. The traveler is just way too much money and TV is just not that important to us while we are camping.

Dmiles · 06-22-2010, 02:08 PM

I take back every negative thing I said about Winegard! A nice lady from Winegard tech support called me, and she said she had one cable for my dish laying around, collecting dust. She's sending it to me, free of charge. Not even asking for shipping! Pretty good service in my view.

Bill Adams · 06-22-2010, 03:42 PM

While Winegard has certainly had issues with the antennas they released in 2003 (your RM-9946 is pre-2003) they did support that antenna for quite some time. I know we would like everyone to support everything forever but this is often not possible. Winegard is really not in business to irritate the end user and I have found them to be very supportive when ever that option was available. I am very glad to hear that you found a new cable and I hope it works out to solve your issue.

Mrracechaser · 03-13-2011, 03:16 PM

Haven't tried Winegard. But I am in need of a RD-9900 Pinnacle Positioner for my obsolete Winegard RD-9946.
If you have any ideas where to look for one or any old parts laying around please let me know. Thanks. Vince

winegard · 03-14-2011, 08:16 AM

Good morning Mrracechaser,

I asked Warranty to look into this part for you and I've been told we have not built that piece since 2001 and unfortunately have long since exhausted our supply.

It may be possible to find one online or from a large dealer.

Barbara S. · 03-14-2011, 11:36 AM

Winegard has been wonderful to me! In my opinion they have provided "above and beyond" customer service. I had an issue with my antenna and they have helped me not just once, but twice. They stood behind their product and helped me until my problem was resolved.