Cable/satellite hookups

[KDHfan]

My Rockwood had two inputs on the outside of the TT, one for cable and one for satellite. My Coachmen Apex, however, only has a single input on the outside and is labeled "Cable/Satellite". On the inside, under the tv, there's two separate connections... One labeled cable, and the other satellite.
Does anyone know if using the "Cable/Satellite" input and the "Satellite" output will work when I try to plug in my Winegard Carryout for Directv? I have used it connected directly to my outdoor tv, so I know it works... But I haven't tried to hook it into my indoor tv yet. I'm hoping I don't have to run a cable through the window for it to work.

[BandJCarm]

DirecTV requires a home run, direct, run of coax between the dish and the receiver......you can have splitters, but not switches, etc.

Trailers appear to be wired internally very differently. Not much to do but try it before going through a window.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

DirecTV requires a home run, direct, run of coax between the dish and the receiver......you can have splitters, but not switches, etc.

Trailers appear to be wired internally very differently. Not much to do but try it before going through a window.

The splitters need to be "power pass splitters" I don't know about Coachmen but the ones in our Rockwood despite being on the separate "satellite" system, were not power pass and were actually installed backwards. (not that backwards really matters) They were also the cheapest lowest quality spiltters that could be found on the face of the Earth, and that can matter.

[KDHfan]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I might have to modify the set up a little. I'll know more next week when I hook it up. I'll check back in with an update.

[KDHfan]

Ok, so I powered up my Directv this week, and was a little disappointed. The connection did not work when running it through the camper. I tried both the "satellite" and "cable" outputs, to no avail. I ran the cable directly to the my DTV box and that worked. So... Looks like I'll need to try to get the power connectors. I'm guessing I'll have to cut into my tv shelf where my cable comes in. I would assume that's where they split it off?


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[jk510]

With trailer wiring don't assume anything!

[KDHfan]

Double post

[Gohawks]

Email coachman and ask for schematic of coax and splitters. When I found out where mine were in Georgetown I was suprised at location.

[Ford Idaho]

I fish wired the RG-6 that came with the Tailgater.

I can plug it into the Dish receiver or the television, then hookup to whatever system will be used.

I tried it the way you are and it would not work, I figured to many splitters.

I will be redoing the setup later so I do not need to deal with 40 feet of cable.

[Drrayrn]

I am currently trying (emphasis on trying) to hook up my direct tv satellite dish. Am I to understand that I cannot use the satellite connector on the wall behind my tv? I think I understand it to say I have to direct wire it to the receiver (I need clarification). thanks

[BandJCarm]

Depends on your trailer and its wiring. All are different. Cable from satellite dish to receiver has to be a home run.....no switches in the loop. If your trailer has that, hook to it. If not, go through a window with flat coax.

[Drrayrn]

I do not want to appear ignorant (but I am) what is a home run (other than running all the bases). do u mean run it from the dish right to the receiver instead of the switch (or whatever it is) that I mounted to my rear bumper that says in/out etc?

[Drrayrn]

thanks for the info. got wiring right now. will aim it tomorrow.

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by Drrayrn

I am currently trying (emphasis on trying) to hook up my direct tv satellite dish. Am I to understand that I cannot use the satellite connector on the wall behind my tv? I think I understand it to say I have to direct wire it to the receiver (I need clarification). thanks

You should be able to use the satellite connector on the wall to your DirecTV receiver. If it's like our setup, we run the coax from the dish to the connector on the right side of the trailer (outside), the left side being for cable. Yours may be different, i.e. satellite on left cable on right. It's pretty simple really; if that doesn't work there's something wrong. From where you hook it up outside to the connector labeled "SAT" on the inside behind your TV is SUPPOSED to be a straight shot; no splitters and no switches. Again, if that doesn't work, there's something wrong. Are you at least getting to the setup menu on the TV? I've learned the hard way- dish size has to be correct, LNB switch has to be correct, etc. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[KDHfan]

Quite a few campers only have the single input on the side of their TT. If you only have one, take the faceplate off at your entertainment center and look on the other side. I didn't have anything connected to my "satellite" output😡. I contacted Apex and they responded that I should be able to remove the "cable" from the back, then plug it into where the "satellite" connection is. You can then run it to the back of the directv unit. At least that's how I understood it.

[KDHfan]

Here's what my Apex looks like in my entertainment center...

[Ford Idaho]

Mine looks like that.

There are two other splitters behind the stereo in mine.

My feelings are there is just to much splitting going on for the RG-6 cable to provide the power the King antenna needs.

No power means it will not work for tink.

I would like to suggest you tighten every connection you find, I found some that were loose perhaps from vibration.

[KDHfan]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Mine looks like that.

There are two other splitters behind the stereo in mine.

My feelings are there is just to much splitting going on for the RG-6 cable to provide the power the King antenna needs.

No power means it will not work for tink.

I would like to suggest you tighten every connection you find, I found some that were loose perhaps from vibration.

I'm thinking you might have a different setup than mine. I only have the two tv's, so I think my plate is acting as the splitter. I don't see a need for another one anywhere if my two tv's and the antenna are accounted for. I looked behind the plate and I don't see another splitter anywhere. I will know Wednesday if I'm correct or not. I'll be sure to check in.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by KDHfan

I'm thinking you might have a different setup than mine. I only have the two tv's, so I think my plate is acting as the splitter. I don't see a need for another one anywhere if my two tv's and the antenna are accounted for. I looked behind the plate and I don't see another splitter anywhere. I will know Wednesday if I'm correct or not. I'll be sure to check in.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

I do not doubt they are different and I have just one tv.

But I do have a hookup in the bedroom and one outside.

[bob caldwell]

Take your 50' cable, hook it up outside, bring other end inside. Get out an ohm meter and see if you have any continuity between loose coax end and the pictured wall plate connectors...center is power, outer is ground