Community Forums

Golfer Guy · 02-01-2022, 11:02 AM

Has anyone added an indicator LED or something that is connected to the Dish mount to show when the Dish is in the up position so you don't unknowing pull out with the Dish up? If so how did you do that?

hilgert · 02-01-2022, 11:38 AM

We never move the coach without first doing a full walk around after the engine is started (and warming up), checking that power/water/sewer lines are all disconnected and stowed, jacks are fully retracted, all bay doors are closed and locked, air bags are properly inflated, all marker and signal lamps are working, satellite dish is in a stowed position, etc.

Inside the coach the Winegard controller will show satellites connected on the LCD display (so for us this would be the "indicator" you are referring to).

But regardless of what the display indicates, we check externally (by physical observation) to make sure the dish is stowed before we move the coach.

A few years ago I watched someone pull out of an RV park with their dish up, and a low hanging three limb just hit the very top of it, and bent the dish. There were several of us screaming at the driver, but it was too late. Fortunately the base was well-attached and the roof seemed unaffected.

mbrooking · 02-01-2022, 02:07 PM

Yeah, I went old school and attached a business card on a string that hangs down in the drivers view when the satellite is up. Coil up string and place back in cabinet when I stow the satellite dish.

ftharrisiii · 02-01-2022, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golfer Guy

Has anyone added an indicator LED or something that is connected to the Dish mount to show when the Dish is in the up position so you don't unknowing pull out with the Dish up? If so how did you do that?

My solution was to put a camera on the roof. It's the last thing I look at before putting the coach in gear.

pilotspike · 02-01-2022, 02:16 PM

On top of the walk around, you could try slap bracelets. They can make a great tool for this. For everything that you want to remember, write its name on a slap bracelet and them slap them on the steering wheel after you setup.

If one of the bracelets is still on the steering wheel, you forgot something.

J

Winger2 · 02-01-2022, 02:38 PM

I have large labeled clips I put on my steering wheel. As I get ready to leave I remove them one by one as I perform whatever action is required

Winepress · 02-01-2022, 03:05 PM

Not something that I have modified, but if I did, I would start with this.

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_0044.JPG
Views: 76
Size: 97.2 KB
ID: 355272

flyboy013 · 02-01-2022, 03:22 PM

I built and installed an Auto-Detect Cable. When then ignition key is turned on, 12V is provided to a wire connected to the IDU. When the IDU senses power on the appropriate pin it initiates the lowering of the antenna.

It's my understanding that the OEM cable is no longer available, thus the need to build one.

Auto-Detect Cable.pdf

Arch Hoagland · 02-01-2022, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winger2

I have large labeled clips I put on my steering wheel. As I get ready to leave I remove them one by one as I perform whatever action is required

I do the same when my TV antenna is up.

Dutch Star Don · 02-01-2022, 04:07 PM

I Monaco came with an antenna up light built into the dash. It was for the Winegard batwing. It was just a magnetic switch.

On my 2014 Dutch Star, I screwed a magnetic reed switch to the edge of the dish and one to the roof. When the satellite was parked, the two magnets lined up and a light I placed on the dash went off.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=magnetic+..._ts-doa-p_3_14

Click image for larger version

Name: 61qhsLAxiFL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
Views: 42
Size: 55.5 KB
ID: 355283

ptw · 02-01-2022, 06:53 PM

We have a velcro strip attached to the satellite controller in front of the raise button. When we raise the satellite dish, we take the velcro off the controller and put it on the steering wheel. Simple and it works for us.

Jpiland · 02-01-2022, 07:38 PM

I use these. Put it in the space on the steering wheel, gap between horn and wheel.

https://www.amazon.com/Rotary13B1-Re...a-521984808369

edge68474 · 02-01-2022, 08:01 PM

I like that one. ^^^^^ Thank you.

RVStitchy · 02-02-2022, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpiland

I use these. Put it in the space on the steering wheel, gap between horn and wheel.

https://www.amazon.com/Rotary13B1-Re...a-521984808369

I use the same red aircraft tag for my propane tank. I do not like driving with the tank open. I attached the red flag to a light chain that is screwed into the inside of the cargo door. When I open the tank I flip it outside the cargo door where it hangs. During my departure walk around I see the tag, close the propane valve and flip it back to the inside of the door.

I like manual indicators.