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03-12-2005, 05:22 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 336
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My wife and I were out with the 5er this last week.
Pulled into a very nice park (Lucky Logger) in Coos Bay, OR. My wife asked me to set up our satellite dish so she could watch her knitting shows on DYI. As it was, I could not get a lock on the satellite unless I put it on the roof due to line of site.
Our satellite stand is a small 3 legged affair and not very steady. Since it gets most of it's support from a bungee cord down to the ground, there was no way of securing it up on the roof level.
While traveling home I came up with a solution.
I went to Lowe's and bought the following parts
1. 3/4" thick 24" circle plywood table top
2. 3 each 5/16-18 threaded rod 6" long
3. 3 each 2-3/16 X 1-78 X 1 Rubber Stoppers #11
4. 3 each 5/16-18 X 32 X 3/8 T Nuts (pronged)
5. 3 each 5/16 X 1 5/8 Fender Washers
6. 3 each 5/16-18 X 32 X 3/8 T Nuts Brad Hole
7. 6 each 6/16-18 Jam Nuts
8. 1 each screw in eye hook
9. 3 each 5/16 washer
I marked the bottom of the table top to find center and then out for the location of the 3 leveling feet. Using a 3/8 drill bit, drill through for the 3 foot locations.
Take the next size up drill bit and mark with masking tape the drill bit for the depth of the T-Nut. Drill and gently tap in the T-Nut in the center of the hole. Use 3 small screws and screw T-Nut to table top. Repeat for other two feet.
Find center of 3 rubber feet. Using 3/8 drill bit, drill through center of feet. Using 3/4 drill bit, from bottom of foot, drill 3/4 way to receive 5/16th washer and jam nut. On other side, use hammer to attach pronged T-Nut. Thread rod through T-Nut and using ratchet, tighten down nut, washer, rod and pronged T-Nut. Repeat for other two feet.
Thread other end of 6" rod into the T-Nuts on the table top stand and attach large washer and lock nut (you could use wing nuts here instead). Do this with the other two feet.
In the center, screw in Eye for the bungee cord that holds tri-pod of satellite receiver.
With this set up, you can set your satellite dish anywhere on the roof, ground, or any other location to get good satellite reception. The large rubber feet won't mar or tear your rubber roof.
Set the stand down, put a bubble level in the center and center the base, locking down the posts with the washer and lock nuts once you have extended or retracted feet to level the base. Attach the bungee cord to the middle of your support and adjust your tri-pod so it points north. Put your dish on the tri-pod and point satellite.
For additional stability, use a couple of 1 gallon water jugs to add additional weight to the base if needed.
Plug into the trailer and you should be set.
I have attached a link HERE to give you a visual along with instructions.
Hope this helps someone out there.
__________________
2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Lariat w/6.7L Diesel - 2018 Arctic Fox 27-5L Fifth Wheel
Sold: 2007 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 40' diesel Motor Coach
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03-12-2005, 05:22 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 336
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My wife and I were out with the 5er this last week.
Pulled into a very nice park (Lucky Logger) in Coos Bay, OR. My wife asked me to set up our satellite dish so she could watch her knitting shows on DYI. As it was, I could not get a lock on the satellite unless I put it on the roof due to line of site.
Our satellite stand is a small 3 legged affair and not very steady. Since it gets most of it's support from a bungee cord down to the ground, there was no way of securing it up on the roof level.
While traveling home I came up with a solution.
I went to Lowe's and bought the following parts
1. 3/4" thick 24" circle plywood table top
2. 3 each 5/16-18 threaded rod 6" long
3. 3 each 2-3/16 X 1-78 X 1 Rubber Stoppers #11
4. 3 each 5/16-18 X 32 X 3/8 T Nuts (pronged)
5. 3 each 5/16 X 1 5/8 Fender Washers
6. 3 each 5/16-18 X 32 X 3/8 T Nuts Brad Hole
7. 6 each 6/16-18 Jam Nuts
8. 1 each screw in eye hook
9. 3 each 5/16 washer
I marked the bottom of the table top to find center and then out for the location of the 3 leveling feet. Using a 3/8 drill bit, drill through for the 3 foot locations.
Take the next size up drill bit and mark with masking tape the drill bit for the depth of the T-Nut. Drill and gently tap in the T-Nut in the center of the hole. Use 3 small screws and screw T-Nut to table top. Repeat for other two feet.
Find center of 3 rubber feet. Using 3/8 drill bit, drill through center of feet. Using 3/4 drill bit, from bottom of foot, drill 3/4 way to receive 5/16th washer and jam nut. On other side, use hammer to attach pronged T-Nut. Thread rod through T-Nut and using ratchet, tighten down nut, washer, rod and pronged T-Nut. Repeat for other two feet.
Thread other end of 6" rod into the T-Nuts on the table top stand and attach large washer and lock nut (you could use wing nuts here instead). Do this with the other two feet.
In the center, screw in Eye for the bungee cord that holds tri-pod of satellite receiver.
With this set up, you can set your satellite dish anywhere on the roof, ground, or any other location to get good satellite reception. The large rubber feet won't mar or tear your rubber roof.
Set the stand down, put a bubble level in the center and center the base, locking down the posts with the washer and lock nuts once you have extended or retracted feet to level the base. Attach the bungee cord to the middle of your support and adjust your tri-pod so it points north. Put your dish on the tri-pod and point satellite.
For additional stability, use a couple of 1 gallon water jugs to add additional weight to the base if needed.
Plug into the trailer and you should be set.
I have attached a link HERE to give you a visual along with instructions.
Hope this helps someone out there.
__________________
2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Lariat w/6.7L Diesel - 2018 Arctic Fox 27-5L Fifth Wheel
Sold: 2007 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 40' diesel Motor Coach
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03-13-2005, 01:29 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: South Prarie WA USA
Posts: 163
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Gordon Thanks for the Pix, Great Idea... one more thing to add, when you get the opertunity pick up some Elastometric roofing Paint, will make a great protectant for the Plywood.
__________________
99 F350 4X sc 6sp Dually, 03 Montana 3655FL/5er
https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/white/ not far from home...
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03-13-2005, 02:12 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 336
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Great idea. I will look for it the next time I am at the RV supply store.
__________________
2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Lariat w/6.7L Diesel - 2018 Arctic Fox 27-5L Fifth Wheel
Sold: 2007 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 40' diesel Motor Coach
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03-14-2005, 12:32 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Greenwell Springs, LA EBR
Posts: 2,255
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Gordon,
Thanks for posting you answer to one of those aggravating problems many run into dealing with satilite dishes. GREAT detailed information with pictures and EVERYTHING.
Posts like yours are the kind of thing that makes the forum such a great asset!
__________________
Don Fauntleroy (W5IT) 99 F-350 Cab and Chassis with a Herrin Hauler bed now towing a 2006 3612 DS Raptor Toyhauler. 2002 and 2006 National Rally Wagonmaster.
"Words of Wisdom"
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03-14-2005, 01:46 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Stone Mountain, GA
Posts: 959
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If I'm seeing this thing right, the base is not attached to the roof or other "ground" base. I can see where this would be fairly stable under normal or breeze conditions, but how much wind into the face of the dish can it take and remain upright? I wouldn't want to get on the roof if there's a wind sufficient to make me take in my awning. And I wouldn't want it to bang down on the roof or appendages thereto. Just curious. It looks like a great idea. I am looking toward a satellite system soon.
__________________
Ken, Judy, and the Angels--2005 Fleetwood Southwind--2008 Cargo Trailer--2003 EZGO Golf Cart
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03-14-2005, 02:22 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 336
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It is not attached to the roof itself. The wide rubber feet really give good level footing. Even without putting any water jugs on it for additional weight, I could not knock it down with the water hose, so, I think it would hold up well. The nice thing about this base is that you can put it on the roof, ground or picnic table.
__________________
2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Lariat w/6.7L Diesel - 2018 Arctic Fox 27-5L Fifth Wheel
Sold: 2007 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 40' diesel Motor Coach
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03-19-2005, 12:32 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Posts: 160
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Hopefully a strong wind doesn't come. . .
__________________
Robert ,N7SLD
2005 Itasca Sunova 30B/Workhorse
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03-19-2005, 03:36 PM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Bryan, TX when not traveling.
Posts: 22,948
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Best thing we have found for the dish mount is the Bulls-Eye Mount. It has a spike mount to drive it into the dirt, and a couple of clamps to use for clamping it to a table or the bumper or ladder on the RV. I gave up on tripods long ago, as well as the hassle of a mounting platform and bases.
Ken
__________________
Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|No Longer Full-Time! - 2023 Cougar 22MLS toted by 2022 F150, 3.5L EcoBoost Tow Max FX4 Lariat Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot, retired mechanical engineer
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06-29-2005, 12:52 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Louisville Kentucky USA
Posts: 48
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gordon:
My wife and I were out with the 5er this last week.
Pulled into a very nice park (Lucky Logger) in Coos Bay, OR. My wife asked me to set up our satellite dish so she could watch her knitting shows on DYI. As it was, I could not get a lock on the satellite unless I put it on the roof due to line of site.
Our satellite stand is a small 3 legged affair and not very steady. Since it gets most of it's support from a bungee cord down to the ground, there was no way of securing it up on the roof level.
While traveling home I came up with a solution.
I went to Lowe's and bought the following parts
1. 3/4" thick 24" circle plywood table top
2. 3 each 5/16-18 threaded rod 6" long
3. 3 each 2-3/16 X 1-78 X 1 Rubber Stoppers #11
4. 3 each 5/16-18 X 32 X 3/8 T Nuts (pronged)
5. 3 each 5/16 X 1 5/8 Fender Washers
6. 3 each 5/16-18 X 32 X 3/8 T Nuts Brad Hole
7. 6 each 6/16-18 Jam Nuts
8. 1 each screw in eye hook
9. 3 each 5/16 washer
I marked the bottom of the table top to find center and then out for the location of the 3 leveling feet. Using a 3/8 drill bit, drill through for the 3 foot locations.
Take the next size up drill bit and mark with masking tape the drill bit for the depth of the T-Nut. Drill and gently tap in the T-Nut in the center of the hole. Use 3 small screws and screw T-Nut to table top. Repeat for other two feet.
Find center of 3 rubber feet. Using 3/8 drill bit, drill through center of feet. Using 3/4 drill bit, from bottom of foot, drill 3/4 way to receive 5/16th washer and jam nut. On other side, use hammer to attach pronged T-Nut. Thread rod through T-Nut and using ratchet, tighten down nut, washer, rod and pronged T-Nut. Repeat for other two feet.
Thread other end of 6" rod into the T-Nuts on the table top stand and attach large washer and lock nut (you could use wing nuts here instead). Do this with the other two feet.
In the center, screw in Eye for the bungee cord that holds tri-pod of satellite receiver.
With this set up, you can set your satellite dish anywhere on the roof, ground, or any other location to get good satellite reception. The large rubber feet won't mar or tear your rubber roof.
Set the stand down, put a bubble level in the center and center the base, locking down the posts with the washer and lock nuts once you have extended or retracted feet to level the base. Attach the bungee cord to the middle of your support and adjust your tri-pod so it points north. Put your dish on the tri-pod and point satellite.
For additional stability, use a couple of 1 gallon water jugs to add additional weight to the base if needed.
Plug into the trailer and you should be set.
I have attached a link HERE to give you a visual along with instructions.
Hope this helps someone out there. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I just use a longer RG six coax and if needed a inline booster at the dish move the dish and use a sat-finder(signal meter) to set it up. Skipper entry level over fifty years.
__________________
99 DCTD 3500 PAC-Brake Line x 5spd guages SW- EGT,Boost,FP
95 American Star 5th w/ 1 slide.
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07-27-2005, 05:29 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,253
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I'm not smart enough to have thought up this alternate way of mounting a satellite-dish (nor am I smart enough to be able to post pictures), but I hope this suggestion helps.
If you look at your dish, you'll notice the received signal comes in from above the actual boresight of the reflector, and is then aimed 'downward' a bit to the feedhorn. I don't recall the actual angle of incidence, but we can use this to our advantage by turning everything upside-down. In other words, laying the dish lower and making the same angle but having the signal reflect UPWARDS to the feedhorn.
Again looking at your dish from the side, visualize the reflector laying almost flat and the feedhorn above it, all at the same angles as before. All it takes is flipping the assembly around and calculating the same angles. You can build a much flatter tripod and easier to mount/store. By mounting it this way, you'll enjoy an almost negligible windload on the reflector, and have a much more stable base.
Oh, and the pictures won't be inverted (trust me).
I found this idea on another website, so I'm sure a google will find it.
__________________
- - - - - - - - - - -
'06 HR Endeavor 40PAQ (Mission Hills decor). All options, but still finding more to add.
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07-28-2005, 05:59 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Appalachian Campers
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Dixie !! (north Georgia) USA
Posts: 4,114
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I was able to connect to the link, but saw no photographs of dish or any similar device on page 1 or 2.
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07-28-2005, 06:30 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 336
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Sorry.
It has been a while and I thought this thread had long since passed. Pics are back up if you wish.
Gordon
__________________
2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Lariat w/6.7L Diesel - 2018 Arctic Fox 27-5L Fifth Wheel
Sold: 2007 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 40' diesel Motor Coach
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07-28-2005, 08:58 AM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Brevard, NC USA
Posts: 53
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But Gordo, did your contraption allow you to lock onto a sat signal???
__________________
Julie & Ray
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