Satellite TV

[ejm4]

I would like to add satellite to our class c over the winter. The question - should I go the permenant route mounted to the roof or the tripod mounted. I see a mixture of both while at campgrounds.

To all that have, pros & cons of the setup you have?

Thanks,

[JMonroe]

I've had all three. One I had to set up every time we camped, a dome, and now the Winegard slimline 3005.

When I had the 'do it yourself' set up, there was no such thing as HD and the old Sony dish had a blinking LED that helped fine tune the signal. In 5 minuets, I was good to go. Some of those still using the self set up variety will probably tell you it only takes them 5 minutes, but I'm skeptical (unless they're still using the old style, no HD dish). Not to mention you have to find someplace to store it, the tripod and the cable.

Our last motor home had an 'in motion' dome. We never used the in motion feature, but it sure was nice to just hit a button and the dish would self orient. Everything was always hooked up. We could even watch TV, perhaps looking for local weather, at brief rest stops en-route. Not something we would or could have ever done with the self set up arrangement.

Our new rig has the Winegard 3005. It also self seeks and aligns. It is not a dome, so it can not be used when the rig is moving. It is, however, full HD capable.

If you have kids you're trying to entertain en-route, and aren't concerned about full HD access, an in-motion dome would be the only choice.

[Don/Lou]

JMonroe has given you the answer!!

[RickO]

Yep, Jay summed it up well. I would add a variable to consider though. How often do you use your rig? If it's a handfull of weekends per year... and you don't care about HD, then a tri pod or carry out dish might suit you fine.

I have the same dish that Jay has and just love our HD. We full time and still travel >12000 miles/year so we're setting up and tearing down frequently. It's nice to just push a button and have the dish set itself up.

I've never been a fan of in motion dishes but that's probably because I've never had a use for their in motion feature.

Good Luck...

Rick

[paz]

The only thing I would like to add to what Jay said is if you need to entertain grandkids while traveling, consider doing it with the DVD player rather than an in-motion dish. Open dishes like the Trav'ler can't be used while moving, but they are less subject to rain fade in bad weather.

[ejm4]

We have young kids, but they normally just watch a dvd or something else while we are on the road.

I guess I am torn between the tripod and the stationary. I don't think I would be a fan of setting up, cables, etc. with the tripod but would I have a better chance and using the dish in wooded camp sites?

Also - once I have it installed, would I use the existing cable jacks in my rv? Where have other installed the receiver box?

[cb5300]

I'm taking a different view on this subject, I for one have the in-motion sat, and wouldn't be without it. My better half watches the news and weather channel as we travel down the hwy, keeping up on any bad weather conditions ahead of us.

[Popcorn Man]

Just had the Winegard 3005 put in this fall. Its one of the best add- ons you can put on your rig. Had the manual dish and it was a pain. Now I can get HD and it will accomodate a DVR. Enjoy just pushing a button and she is ready to go. The direct tv box is up front with the dvd and video connection box. We use our rig alot so it was worth the $$$.

[GaryKD]

Hi ejm4,
I've had the tripod and now have a KVH dome. After 5 years with the KVH, I tried but can't get anybody to take the tripod, even for free! The tripod now has a place of honor in the garage. There have been very few places where satellite was not available with the dome. When calling for reservations, I make sure the CG know I want a site where I can get satellite TV. I do not care about HD TV, at this time. The in motion dome is perfect for me.

[Bug512]

We have one installed on our roof, since we just bought it we have not used it.
But... One of the problems I see if the campsite has tree cover where the dish might not be able to work. With a portable you can move it around to a clearing to get reception. And.. if you decide to get another RV you can take it with you.

[Stillwater]

some responses seem to imply that you can't get HD on a free standing dish. This isn't true but another angle (skew) has to be set which adds to the PITA.
I plan on putting another automatic stationary on my mh but will also carry a dish in areas where there may be interference from trees etc. The good thing about automatic roof mounts is well, they are automatic and you can use them overnight or at a rest stop as others have stated. The good thing about free standing you can move them into open areas ifneed be

[deandec]

We have an in motion dome, but also carry a tripod for SD Satellite.

Sometimes we can get Direct TV with the tripod where not possible with the self locating Dome.

[footdoc]

Where do you camp???? If it's in the trees like me, you will almost never be able to use the rooftop dish...I have a large Slimline 5 dish and can easily get it tuned away from the trees in under 10 minutes...If you stay away from trees, the rooftop would be the way to go...I have both and almost never use the rooftop...I dont like to sit in the sun!!!

[B Bob]

We have the MotoSat equivalent of the Wineguard antenna. I like the MotoSat TV antenna as I also have the MotoSat internet antenna. I also think the quality of materials in the MotoSat looks to be better. I also have a portable TV Sat dish that I got free when I signed up for direct TV. Still in the box. The posters are right that if you camp with trees blocking you will not be able to use roof top Sat. If you know that though you can look for spaces where you can get reception. Pushing one button and waiting a few minutes is very nice.

MotoSat have very good phone help and it is in the USA.