Older Tracstar sv-260....advice needed

[NMBeemercouple]

We purchased a 2002 Monaco Windsor a short time ago. The coach came with a Tracstar in-motion dome (model sv-260). We are new to RVing and can use all the help we can get in this area. The original TV sets are still there so we don't need HD programming at the moment.

Are any of the sat. programming companies better for RV applications (Directv or Dish network)? There is some sort of controller box and a separate readout unit inside the coach.

Where do I go from here? We do not subscribe to a sat service now for our home. I'd like it just for the RV.....any suggestions?

Thanks for any and all advice,

Leroy and Deb

[Bill Adams]

Both Dish and Direct will give you excellent service with your Trac-Star. You will hear good and bad about both so it leaves it pretty much the which is better Ford or Chevy?! I prefer DirecTV as you only pay one company for all of your services including the DNS Networks. Dish requires that you pay another company separately for the DNS services.
There are some slight programming differences and each has various packages which you should review to see if one fits your needs better than the other.
Otherwise, it's a coin toss. There are a lot more DTV customers Nationwide. If you are an Escapee where there are a lot more Dish Network customers in that group.
I always recommend DTV but that's because I have had it and used it without incident since 2000 during our full-time travels.

[NMBeemercouple]

Thanks for the response, Bill. However, is there a specific service for RV customers? Did you install yours or did the company provide an install for your coach? Does one have to program the black box of the dome (Tracstar) or does the unit provided by directv 'talk' to the dish electronics? As you can see, I'm pretty much in the dark on this topic.

[Bill Adams]

The services for home or RV use are the same. You are simply paying for the programming that you choose and the receiver does not know where it is.
The only exception to this is the Network stations (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX). If you were in a house you would sign up for your local networks (live in Las Vegas, get the Las Vegas Networks) but if you travel then you would fill out a waiver with the satellite provider and receive your Network programming for either NY and LA (DirecTV) or San Fran and Atlanta (Dish Net).
You will need to tell the Trac-Star which satellite to point to but that's very easy. DirecTV you would set to 101 and Dish Network you would set to 119. If you don't have an owners manual you can call Trac Star in Orlando and get one.

[NMBeemercouple]

Thanks for the information. This gives me a good starting point.