What type of satellite antenna?

[Oregon]

Looks like I'll be switching from Directv to Dish. Have the info I need for home conversion but...

Will want to take it on the road. I will be getting a VIP 211k receiver but not sure what to use for an antenna.

So what are others using??
If you are using a dish and tripod (like the Dish 1000) what do you think of the steps for set-up?

Been using a dish on tripod with Directv for years and haven't had any problems but realize the Dish antenna will have two or three LNBs. Is this more difficult to aim?? If you can't get all three satellites can you still watch programs on whatever satellite you do get??

Any suggestions and comments appreciated.

[BandJCarm]

I don't know about the 1000 or what it is. I had DISH for the RV for about a year, and dropped them due to poor service and contractual issues. But I had the Winegard Pathway X2 and it is automatic. It locks onto all 3 DISH satellites. But to change channels it often has to manually switch to another satellite. It does this automatically, but takes several seconds. DISH has 3 satellites, spread out. DirecTV has 3, close together.

That's all I know about it.

[Gidyupgo]

Wingard X2 here. Plug it to the reciever and let it do the aiming. Use a Sat finder app for my phone to make sure I place it where it has a hole in the trees to see through. Very satisfied.

[bdifonzo]

I installed the winegard roadtrip t4. I use the older VIP211k's because my Sunseeker is wired for coax. The VIP211k has a an hdmi and a coax out. So for my main tv I wired hdmi and used the coax cabling for other 3 connections. The 211z has no coax out. I traveled from NY to Arizona I found that the roads that are tree and rock lined don't get good reception. On an open road, or wide multi lane road, or across the plains of the US great reception.

[wildcatmlm]

I have DISH in my home and use a VIP211K receiver plus a Tailgator satellite antenna in my Georgetown. Nothing could be easier than setting it outside with the handle pointing north and turning everything on. You can do pay as you go or just $7.50/month as an add on to your residential plan. I just leave the service on all through the season and have DISH deactivate during the winter. The only problems I've had have been with a coax that broke connection and a smart card problem. DISH replaced the entire receiver because smart cards stay with the receiver. Happy with there service except once when the person I spoke with on the phone did not know what an RV was. They do have people that are knowledgeable regarding satellite service in RV's though.

[Telstar]

I Cary a DISH1000 antena to use when trees are blocking my roof mounted KingDome. Download the "DISH FOR MY RV" app and setup is a breeze.

[DKRITTER]

I am at a point in my life where simple and easy is important to me so;

We now have the Trav'ler from Winegard and really like it, push a button drink a beer. Downside is it's expensive.

We had a Pathway X2 it worked pretty well usually, when it was working well it was fine but it seemed like it had to be reset every day or two.

We had a tailgater for a few days , kinda poor reception and interference caused it to go down.


My opinion is if you stay in one place for a while just get a dish 1000 and manually aim it you'll get the best picture and it is the least expensive. Downside is having to aim it each time you setup and I have seen a lot of people struggle with aiming both direct and dish antennas.

We tend to stay only a few days in one spot so I wanted the convenience of the Trav'ler and the quality reception it gave. Install was straight forward and the trailer was prewired for it.

[WayneLee]

I did the switch from DirecTV to Dish when I purchased my Sunseeker. I guess that I am the lazy sort, so I purchased a King Dome antenna that is mounted on my roof, and let it do all the work. Actually, if I have a lot of trees, I can remove the antenna from its mount and use it as a portable antenna - but that's too difficult for me.

You will really like the switch to Dish since you can get HD while DirecTV is still SD. But, you are correct that by using Dish, you need to aim your portable antenna more accurately. The Tailgator, or Trav'ler, seem to be good options for RV'ers.

[bend302]

I use a tailgater with great results. Never any serious problems. Just add the $7.00 per month when traveling or in Florida in the winter. We have the old analog TV and can use the receiver as a converter when watching locals through the antenna.

Then when somewhere for a while we call Dish and change our home ZIP.

Downside? Only one tv program at a time. If more than one TV both much watch the same channel.

Bill

[edcronin01]

I use the KING VQ4500 Tailgater you can mount to roof, or use it on a tripod has two output ports so it can be used with 2 TV's (need 2 receivers). I got mine from Camping World for 325.00. Have fun!

[MMMH]

I have Dish at home so I got the King Dome and a 211 receiver, added the unit to my home bill and I leave it active all the time. At first I thought that being portable was the way to go because of obstructions but I recently installed it on the roof of the MH so I didn't have to deal with it at every CG. If I don't get every station no big deal, I can read a book or watch what is recorded on the 2TB hard drive which is a great way to go and keeps Momma happy. One time hook up fee for recording and I think it's worth it. The 211 isn't as good as your home receiver but it's doable. Price was pretty even everywhere so I did the free shipping.
Bottom line is the wife hits the levelers, I hook up outside, come in and hit the button and in 10 minutes or so it scans your location and you are in business.

[W5CI]

I have the Tailgater I use with a VIP211 receiver that I take from home each trip. No extra charges

[GA_Boy]

Caution--------I understand that the automatics for DISH only track the WESTERN Satellites. Maybe someone knows of one that tracks the Eastern satellites.
Marvin
PS I see after re-reading you use a manual on a tripod. I did that for years without too much trouble. You should be fine----------JUST be sure you get one for the same SATS. that you have on you home. I made the mistake of trying to acquire the Weatern arc when my other receiver at home was permanently set on the Eastern Arc.

[DSurette]

GA Boy, the Winegard Pathway X2 can receive either the Eastern arc or Western arc. You have the ability to select which one when you set it up. I have the X2 and love it. Previously I carried both 1000.2 and 1000.4 antennas and did the manual setup thing, Life is much better now.

[GA_Boy]

Originally Posted by DSurette

GA Boy, the Winegard Pathway X2 can receive either the Eastern arc or Western arc. You have the ability to select which one when you set it up. I have the X2 and love it. Previously I carried both 1000.2 and 1000.4 antennas and did the manual setup thing, Life is much better now.

Thanks, I did the same for years.
Is there a way to mount the X2 to my roof permanetly? I have a VIP612DVR and not sure if it will work on that antenna.
Marvin

[DSurette]

Unfortunately, the X2 cannot be mounted on the roof. I contacted Winegard to see if their new ladder mount for the X1 could be used with the X2 and they said that it could not. The little tripod that they sell for the X2 works well, but I would like to have a ladder mount option, also. But the X2 is still a great option even with limited mounts available now.

[Gidyupgo]

15" x 21" and weighs just 16lbs. If you're adventurous you could modify a bike rack I guess. It is not "in motion" capable however.

[DKRITTER]

Originally Posted by DSurette

Unfortunately, the X2 cannot be mounted on the roof. I contacted Winegard to see if their new ladder mount for the X1 could be used with the X2 and they said that it could not. The little tripod that they sell for the X2 works well, but I would like to have a ladder mount option, also. But the X2 is still a great option even with limited mounts available now.

When we were still using our X2 we had the tripod and a gallon jug full of water underneath it attached to the tripod and that worked well.



BTW if anyone would like to make me a fair offer for the X2 and the stand let me know.

[DSurette]

We use the gallon jug of water too. Works well and is easier than driving the screw anchor in the ground.

[Ford Idaho]

Tailgater using Dish on the monthly package mounted on a tripod with the water jug holding it down.

Clouds seem to be the biggest issue for our setup other wise the boss is happy so my life is easy.