Winegard Satellite won't lock on

[JBroadaway]

The "automatic" winegard satellite that came with my motor home (can't remember the model number and too lazy to look it up) will not lock on. I have to tune the tv to the Directv menu and watch the signal meter. As the signal meter rises I have to stand by the satellite switch and turn the satellite off as soon as the signal meter peaks. It takes two or three tries to get maximum signal strength available. Called Directv and they blamed Winegard; called Winegard and they blamed Directv! Any suggestions?

[winegard]

Good morning JBroadway -

I am assuming you have an AS-2003 on your coach.

Sometime after the AS-2003 was discontinued new satellites were lauched that can cause the AS-2003 to become "confused", for lack of a better term. This can delay the search routine, or result in a failed search. The AS-2003 doesn’t have the ability to read the ID of the satellite, this is sometimes called DVB. Because it cant read the ID, sometimes it may find the correct satellite early in the search process, but still continue to search until it can positively identify that satellite (through process of elimination with multiple satellites).

This is a problem specifically seen in the AS-2003 and is not an issue in the current RoadTrip, RoadTrip MiniMax, Carryout, TRAV'LER and even all the way back to the Movin'View because all of these systems have DVB technology.

The easiest thing to do, is to do exactly what you are currently doing. Let it find signal, and once it has a nice strong signal on the satellite you desire, turn it off. This takes away the possibility of it getting “confused” if it were to come across one of the newer satellites later in the search process.

If you have any further questions or would like more information, call our Tech Service department at 1-800-788-4417 and they can answer any questions you might have.

Thank you,

[Bill Adams]

What Andy is trying to say (nicely) is that you have a defective, discontinued product that Winegard will no longer support. If you are interested you might want to contact Winegard Tech support to see if they will offer you an upgrade to the Trav'ler mount to replace your AS-2003 (assuming that's what you have).

[bmickels]

JBroadway,
I have a 2006 Itasca Meridian with the same issue. When I contacted Directv tech support they already knew about the issue. They (she) indicated to turn on the directv to "Signal Strengths" and allow the dish to do a search. When you get to a signal of 72 or higher, immediately turn off and the rest of the signal should automatically fill in for you. It works for me all of the time. Sometimes you have to do a search and hit "Off" more than once to get the remaining signals to fill in for you...
I would like to know from Wineguard if this is standard pactice or is the unit defective.
bmickels

[Bill Adams]

The unit is defective.

[RedT]

I have experienced the same problem recently, with a Winegard Moving View 3500. At first I thought it was the DirecTV box - replaced the box and had same problem. Sometimes, after the system searches for several minutes, I turn off the entire system (antenna, TV and satellite box) and then when turning back on 20-30 minutes later, it works fine!

Is it a software fix? Or do I need a new antenna?!? (I'm using an analog TV system and a non-HD satellite box)

'04 Itasca Meridian
'03 Jeep Liberty
M&G Brake system

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedT I have experienced the same problem recently, with a Winegard Moving View 3500. At first I thought it was the DirecTV box - replaced the box and had same problem. Sometimes, after the system searches for several minutes, I turn off the entire system (antenna, TV and satellite box) and then when turning back on 20-30 minutes later, it works fine! Is it a software fix? Or do I need a new antenna?!? (I'm using an analog TV system and a non-HD satellite box) '04 Itasca Meridian '03 Jeep Liberty M&G Brake system

You should not be seeing that kind of an issue with the Movin' View. Since it does lock on by itself after the re-boot it might be something local such as a problem with the 12V power source. Do you use a separate power converter (120V to 12V) or is the unit wired directly into the coach 12V?

[RedT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams You should not be seeing that kind of an issue with the Movin' View. Since it does lock on by itself after the re-boot it might be something local such as a problem with the 12V power source. Do you use a separate power converter (120V to 12V) or is the unit wired directly into the coach 12V?

The unit is wired into the coach 12 VDC circuit - I am confident it receives 12 volts, since I can hear the servos that move the antenna. Sometimes it will search for 10 - 15 minutes, all while have a clear view of the southern sky.


RedT in Glendale, AZ
'04 Itasca Meridian
'03 Jeep Liberty
M&G Brake System

[Bill Adams]

I did not mean to imply that you were not getting 12V but rather that your 12V may not be the best source. We have found that there are "dirty" 12V sources in an RV and it can cause problems with the electronics on many (all?) of the manufacturers antennas. If possible you might want to try connecting a 120V to 12V converter and connecting the antenna to this instead. This will provide clean 12V power and may make your search routines much more reliable.