gary085
NJ
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Joined: 12/13/2007
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I am seeking advice for equipping our new 5er for satallite reception. We had a manual roof dish on our old motorhome and used Direct TV. As we still have the 'box' and the service at home we will stay with Direct tv. Since the 5er is taller we don't want a dome on the roof. That leaves the portable types. I have heard the tripod mounted dishes are hard to set up and aim. Also there is the consideration of being able to watch 2 different (2 LNB?) programs. Was thinking of the VuCube due to the portability and reported ease of use. However, the 'Cube can only receive 1 channel at a time and I don't think it is available for Direct Tv at this time. I am also concerned about theft of any ground setup, especially the VuCube.
Comments, please.
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rebdjb
Lees Summit, Missouri
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Been using mine on the ground for 3 years now. No one has ever tried to mess with it or take it. 1st year we used a tripod and that did fall over a few times. While visiting my son in Oklahoma last year we noticed a dish abandoned on his roof. When we went up to look I found a rectangle frame with the dish mounted in the center. This new set up rides in the back of the truck great,is easy to set up and adjust, and very stable.
Ron Donna ,
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Eycom
Fl to NY
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I've used a Bullseye for 4 years. Best mount I've owned. A little pricey relatively speaking, the quality and versatility is second to none. Virtually idiot proof. Get a signal in the high 90's in a 4 or 5 minutes and absolutely stays where I place it. Packs lite which is great for my situation. Space is a premium. You know truck campers... you have to go outside to change your mind.
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seattlefirervr
Snohomish, WA
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Use Directv with a tripod and don't have any trouble setting it up. Just find the zip code of the area you are in and go to the signal finder screen. I have found the azimuth is accurate, the elevation is the tricky part. I pound some tent stakes into the ground thru the provided holes on the legs of the tripod. You would need a dual LNB and two boxes to get different channels on multiple tv's. The boxes are cheap (if not free) and all over "Craigslist". About $20 for a new card and $5 a month per box, Directv will bill month to month on the boxes you specify.
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kennethwooster
Perryton Tx USA
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I'm not sure why having a dome on a 5th would be a problem. My
A/C units set higher then my dome. We've always had the domes mounted about mid way on the trailer which put the front A/C higher then the dome. We've set up in trees in have always been able to use the dome. I've tried the tri pods, and never got one to work. Course my son in law can get it going in a few minutes.
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Moved from 5th wheels to technology corner.
Fran
RV.net blog
For those of you looking for expert advice, here ya go!
Frank
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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I thought that the vucube worked with direct TV, just not HD IIRC.
and yep, you are restricted to one channel at a time I believe.
bumpy
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Tex Road Dog
North Texas
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I just have my dish screwed to two 2X12s stacked together about 16 inches long. It won't blow over unless it is a strong wind. Just plop it on the ground, somewhat level, set the elevation and turn to tune. I find it doesn't need to be that level to work.
Tex Road Dog
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del7226
Lake Stevens, WA
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If you have the round dish sat 101 from DirecTV looking at only one satellites signal the tripod is a quick and easy answer. The aiming of the dish is quite simple, only one satellite to worry about.
The rest of the dish antennas for either Dish Network or DirecTV become harder to aim. If the mast is not plumbed; the skew or tilt is not correct; or because of falls or storing the antenna it get warped; any of these can make it much harder to get a good signal. This includes Dish networks Dish 500 looking at two satellites to DirecTV’s HD SlimLine looking at five satellites.
I have my own stand and believe it’s the best; however, the main problem with any stand is how stable is the stand and how plumb is the post (mast).
Get a good compass and start with correct Azimuth setting. Look out for any metal building, dumpster, cars that can affect the compass reading. If you must setup around metal get away from the area with the metal interference to determine Azimuth setting, then use landmarks to point the dish. Be sure that you have a clear line of sight to the satellite signal, no trees buildings, and other rigs in the way. The LNB does not point at the satellite (the signal bounces off the reflector) so it usually points 5 to 10 degrees more than the Azimuth. With multi satellite the line of sight for the signals is wider take that into consideration when determining you clear line of sight.
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Bobbo
Memphis, TN
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del7226 wrote:The LNB does not point at the satellite (the signal bounces off the reflector) so it usually points 5 to 10 degrees more than the Azimuth. With multi satellite the line of sight for the signals is wider take that into consideration when determining you clear line of sight.
Actually, for the Directv round dish, the Azimuth (left to right) is pointing at the center of the dish. It is the elevation (up and down) that is not what it seems. Look at how much below the center of the dish the LNB is, the satellite is about that much ABOVE the center of the dish.
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