Replacing Satellite Antenna

golden · 10-25-2010, 11:39 AM

I've gotten some great recommendations on RV.net as to which antenna I should use to replace my obsolete current one. I thought I would "ping" on the experts here on a slightly different subject.

I've been quoted 5-6 hours to remove and replace the antenna. At $110 an hour, I'm not interested. I'm probably going to go with either a tripod mounted HD antenna or a roof mounted SD one. The major problem I have is my total lack of electronic/mechanical ability. Does anyone have or know where can be found a YouTube like instructional video on how to remove/reinstall the old/new antenna? I've seen one on YouTube but it didn't come close to getting down to the actual removing the cables (if necessary?) and replacing them with new ones and I'd don't have a clue. I know I have to use RG-59 cables for HD (which I currently don't have), but don't know if my current cables would have to be replaced if I stayed with the SD antenna.

Personally, I'd just like to go with the tripod version, but my wife - who does the setup - wants the easy roof top version. If I use the portable, carryout type, I won't have any problem, which is my third possibility. It can also be permanently mounted if I choose, but I'd either have to run the cables through the windows or have the coach rewired.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Triker56 · 10-25-2010, 04:39 PM

Winegard Trav'ler roof mounted. One button push to find satellite and one push to stow. Receives both SD & HD channels.

RG-6 cable is what you use for satellite. RG-59 will work but not as good.
Check Camping World to buy and install.
Sometimes have sale & special install price.

AFChap · 10-25-2010, 04:55 PM

Any MotoSat open-face automatic dish ... "One button to find satellite(s) and one button to stow," and the large open-face dish is not bothered by dew or other "stuff" on the dome. They have a model to do whatever you need to do. I bought mine (for 2 satellite Dish 500 service) from a vendor at an RV rally. My original dish had one coax, and the new one required a second coax to be run. I went on the roof with him to watch the install ...he removed the existing dish and installed the new one, full up and operating, in less than an hour.

B Bob · 10-25-2010, 09:43 PM

I had a new MotoSat TV Sat dish put on by installed a few months back. It took him about an hour. He charged me 250 but then cut the price to 150. Plus now when I have a question I have someone to call for free. I looked at both the Winnguard and MotoSat. IMHO MotoSat is built way better. Plus when you call MotoSat you actually get to talk to a person right away who knows what they are doing.

I also have a MotoSat Internet F1 dish. I really like that one too. Both work quite well.

Triker56 · 10-26-2010, 07:21 AM

The Winegard is less $$$ and very well built.
Since the Trav'ler has came out. It has not needed any software update to find the satellites.

The Motosat has needed several software update to find the satellites. And a lot of the times it is very hard to find a dealer to make the updates or you can wait weeks without TV, for the factory to send them to you.

Or you can spend many $$$ more for a updated control box. That you can update yourself as long as you have a Internet connection. But hope it doesn't quit working on a weekend when their web pages are usually down.

Many of the Motosat dealers are now carrying and installing the Trav'ler. And say it is very well built.

The OP sounded like he wanted to save all the $$$ he could.
A Motosat dish doesn't do that.

Did I say I love my 2 1/2 year old SK-3005 Trav'ler. That I have never needed to call Winegard about a problem with it. So I can't say how long it would take to talk to a person.

JBroadaway · 10-26-2010, 07:31 AM

I just had the Winegard SK 3005 installed and I love it. Had it installed AT MY RV SITE in Casa Grande, AZ by Norris RV. I paid a little extra to have the work done at my site but didn't have to disconnect everything and take it to their shop. Paid $300 for installation and it was done in about four hours (they also removed the old satellite and ran new cable to rear tv). Sounds like you need to work with another dealer for your installation. I really think you will enjoy the SK 3005..

smlranger · 11-15-2010, 01:57 PM

Another vote for the Trav'ler SK-3005. Got a good deal on one and installed myself. Installation was very straight-forward. It works quickly to find the bird and we now have HD in the coach.

Abnmarine · 11-15-2010, 03:52 PM

After having a roof mounted automatic antenna before, I'm going with a tripod setup this time for the 5RV. I've visited several campgrounds where the trees blocked the signal. Just my $.02.

popsuscdds · 11-15-2010, 05:38 PM

Abnmarine" We use the winegard carryout for the same reason. It's automatic, fast, and handles Dish or Direct. Almost all campgrounds we visit in Wa state have trees making a portable antennae desirable.
Have fun.
Milt

adj · 11-15-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abnmarine

After having a roof mounted automatic antenna before, I'm going with a tripod setup this time for the 5RV. I've visited several campgrounds where the trees blocked the signal. Just my $.02.

Ditto-I've been using a tripod since the beginning(1997).

Pusherman · 11-15-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger

Another vote for the Trav'ler SK-3005. Got a good deal on one and installed myself. Installation was very straight-forward. It works quickly to find the bird and we now have HD in the coach.

Trav'ler is the way to go. One button operation and it works.

TechWriter · 11-15-2010, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abnmarine

After having a roof mounted automatic antenna before, I'm going with a tripod setup this time for the 5RV. I've visited several campgrounds where the trees blocked the signal. Just my $.02.

Two. Two mints in one.

I did both -- Winegard Traveler DishTV when NOT parked under trees + the always dependable portable dish unit that can be placed anywhere.

I've set up enough dishes in bad weather (or bad terrain) that ANY chance I have for an automatic sat acquisition is well worth the Winegard Traveler.

Do it! Just keep the portable dish handy.

smlranger · 11-15-2010, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechWriter

Two. Two mints in one.

I did both -- Winegard Traveler DishTV when NOT parked under trees + the always dependable portable dish unit that can be placed anywhere.

I've set up enough dishes in bad weather (or bad terrain) that ANY chance I have for an automatic sat acquisition is well worth the Winegard Traveler.

Do it! Just keep the portable dish handy.

I still have my portable dish for those situations where trees will prevent use of the Trav'ler. While I realize HD will not be available with the single LNB round dish, I'm assuming the Direct HD receiver will work as long as I tell the receiver what dish I am using..