Swithcing Travl'r 3005 from DirecTv to DISH?

[golden]

With all the garbage that DirecTv is threatening to do in the coming weeks, I'm getting tired of it and am thinking of switching to DISH. What do I have to do to switch my Travl'r 3005 from DirecTv to DISH on my MH? I know the DISH guy will take care of my house, I just don't know how to change the RV antenna over.

[docj]

I also have DirecTV and have no idea what you're talking about. If you are referring to the "tiff" between FOX and DirecTV you can be sure that it will be resolved in the nick of time. Other than that I am not aware of any major DTV changes in the near future.

Switching the Winegard to Dish requires the LNB's be replaced (and maybe a firmware update?). I'm sure it can be done; I'm not sure it's much cheaper than a new dish, particularly if you have someone do it for you.

[FlyingDiver]

And don't forget, as soon as you switch to Dish, they'll have another contract dispute with some content provider, and you'll be looking to switch back. They went through this with Fox last year. This is a regular occurrence between content providers (Fox, etc) and content delivery (DirecTV, Dish, Comcast, whoever).

joe

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj I also have DirecTV and have no idea what you're talking about. If you are referring to the "tiff" between FOX and DirecTV you can be sure that it will be resolved in the nick of time. Other than that I am not aware of any major DTV changes in the near future. Switching the Winegard to Dish requires the LNB's be replaced (and maybe a firmware update?). I'm sure it can be done; I'm not sure it's much cheaper than a new dish, particularly if you have someone do it for you.

In my area (Austin) DirecTv is squabbling with not only FOX, but NatGeo and the local ABC affiliate. Last year, the NBC affiliate was off the air for awhile for same reason. Probably DISH has the same problems periodically but DirecTv has been having a lot more than I think is necessary over the past few years. I've been with them since they started but I'm thinking maybe I should do as some of my neighbors do and switch every two years. It works for them.

My guess is that if I decide to switch DISH will make the change on my MH for free but I still think it is more a software change than hardware. I could be wrong, but that's what I'm trying to find out.

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden My guess is that if I decide to switch DISH will make the change on my MH for free but I still think it is more a software change than hardware. I could be wrong, but that's what I'm trying to find out.

it's not just software. The LNB on the end of the arm will need to be changed too.

Joe

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden With all the garbage that DirecTv is threatening to do in the coming weeks, I'm getting tired of it and am thinking of switching to DISH. What do I have to do to switch my Travl'r 3005 from DirecTv to DISH on my MH? I know the DISH guy will take care of my house, I just don't know how to change the RV antenna over.

I changed to Direct because I had the same issues with Dish 3 years ago. Another issue with Dish is that they wanted me to register my RV reciever but I never did.

It is unfortunate for us they both have issues.

[Bill Adams]

To change from the Winegard SK-3005 to the Dish 1000 you will need to replace the entire dish, arm and LNB setup and then reprogram the internal firmware for Dish Network. I am not sure of the exact price but I believe that it is around $500 for the parts. Winegard has a pretty good support forum which you can access here:
WINEGARD COMPANY • Index page
or you can call their tech support folks at 800-788-4417.

Just so you are aware, Dish Network had the exact same issue just last year (or 18 months ago) and I believe it was over many of the same channels. These negotiations happen from time to time and sometimes they go badly. Nothing anyone out here can do so if you do switch, don't be surprised when it happens again. Everyone is just trying to make a buck but in the end they will all agree to an increase which we will get to pay for (just like the price of milk and bread)!

Edit: Sorry, forgot the important thought. My personal recommendation for this kind of a change would be to buy a new SK-1000 antenna. The baseplate and cabling all remains in place and you remove 8 screws that hold the antenna to the base. Replace the SK-3005 with the SK-1000 and you are in business. Now, take the old SK-3005 and mount it on the new in the box base plate and you have a complete unit available for sale with all new stuff. They will have the cabling, coax, controller, power supply, screws, cover plate (dig out your owners manual), everything! Offer a good discount on the unit over a new one and you are still likely going to have $500 or less invested in the change-over.