Winegard LP-1000 dish - is it subject to rain fade?

[MojaveJoe]

Iam contemplating purchase of a RoadTrip LP-1000 low profile dish.

Wondering if anybody has one and if it will be subject to "rain fade" or "snow distortion" or other climate related interference like the Dome dishes are?

How do you deal with these interference issues?

Thanks,
Joe

[MojaveJoe]

Iam contemplating purchase of a RoadTrip LP-1000 low profile dish.

Wondering if anybody has one and if it will be subject to "rain fade" or "snow distortion" or other climate related interference like the Dome dishes are?

How do you deal with these interference issues?

Thanks,
Joe

[Cruzer]

My previous RV was a 2003 Suncruiser. I installed a KVH L3 dome on it. My current Allegro Bus has a Kingdome in-motion dome on it. The KVH was unpainted while the Bus came with metallic paint with pooly clearcoat finish.
I really haven't had any issues with either of these domes as far as rain fade goes.

Actually, rain fade has nothing to do with the dish or dome. Rain fade is the result of too much "stuff" (thick clouds and dense rain) scattering the signal as it passes through the atmosphere. I have had a bit of early morning condensation on my domes that has hindered initial reception. Naturally, this is not an issue while moving, only while parked overnight. Once the sun comes out and burns off the dew all is well. I actually noticed this to happen even faster on my Bus because the dome is painted with a very dark metallic paint so it absorbs the sun's rays and heats up faster than the white dome. And yes, I did say "metallic" paint. It came that way. You would think that metallic paint would screw up the signal as it passes through the dome but I have yet to see a difference. In theory, that's true but in reality it must be a negligible percent. Either that, or the Kingdome is that much more powerful than the KVH and overcomes it - which I highly doubt because they are both good domes.

I'm not familiar with the LP-1000 dome but I do know that KVH makes a new flat "dome" which is basically a phased array. This is great while moving but because it is almost flat, it's terrible when parked because it's flatness allows moisture to build up rather than running off. This will affect the reception. In a light mist I find that the Kingdome sheds water pretty good and reception is not affected. The morning mist tends to "clump" on the dome though and that can affect it. If the LP-1000 is basically a rounded dome, without too much flat top surface I don't think it would be that much different from a standard dome.

[MojaveJoe]

Thanks Cruiser for the considered reply.

I guess I should have attached a pic of the LP-1000, so here it is.



Your explanation of flat horizontal surfaces being an issue was exactly why I posted this question. The LP-1000 is a reflector technology antenna and is 100% flat. My primary use will be stationary, until I can figure how to feed the signal into the cab of my truck while moving, so the little lady can watch The Golf Channel when she's bored. *L*

I sent a note off to Winegard tech support with this very question. I will post their reply, if it comes.

Happy Crusin

Joe