Forum Discussion

bluwtr49's avatar
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2017

Converting a Traveler from Dish to Direct

Ever since Dish introduced their new interface I've been so annoyed that I have been considering switching to Direct. The biggest problem with making a change is that Winguard will no longer sell the conversion components.

As I got to thinking it doesn't seem like it's an unreasonable DIY to tackle but I'm not sure what is unique about the two versions. Changing the reflector and LNB's should be simple and I've already to 3 coax cables going into the coach. I'm sure the brain box would need to be changed and might be the toughest to find.

Is there anything else that would need to be addressed or am I paddling up river.

Thanks for any thoughts.
Class A
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Apr 12, 2017
    You cannot change a Winegard Trav'ler for Dish (SK-1000) to DirecTV and receive any of the DirecTV HD programming. Unfortunately, the DirecTV/LNB setup is too heavy for the motor in the SK-1000 to lift. You can install the old DirecTV antenna with the old triple LNB but that setup will only get you the 101 satellite (plus 110 and 119 but there is nothing there) and all of the HD programming is on 99 and 103 which are not accessible with this setup.
    You CAN change a DirecTV Trav'ler to Dish but you cannot go the opposite direction. Sorry!
  • We_Cant_Wait's avatar
    We_Cant_Wait
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2017
    What NEW interface issues are you talking about??? We've had Dish for 20+ years in the S&B, and 5 years in the RV with no issues.
  • vegasfoodguy's avatar
    vegasfoodguy
    Explorer II
    Apr 12, 2017
    We Cant Wait wrote:
    What NEW interface issues are you talking about??? We've had Dish for 20+ years in the S&B, and 5 years in the RV with no issues.


    X2 ????
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 12, 2017
    Forget your root top and spend less than 200 dollars on a decent ground based system and be donw with it.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2017
    vegasfoodguy wrote:
    We Cant Wait wrote:
    What NEW interface issues are you talking about??? We've had Dish for 20+ years in the S&B, and 5 years in the RV with no issues.


    X2 ????


    X3 ????? as well
  • msturtz's avatar
    msturtz
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2017
    We have had Dish for years and don't have an issue with the UI,
  • bullydogs1's avatar
    bullydogs1
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2017
    x4????

    You don't have to have the Hopper...I do very well with my 211K with a drive attached for a DVR...while I would like to do some more recording....I don't sweat it and that's not the reason I'm out with the motorhome anyway...with so many online options like HULU...I get what my wife needs and then I am happy watching a game outside while sitting with the babies...I know the HOPPER is a bit more complicated but I won't pay extra for it...although dish did make a modification that some of the older units will no longer find the satellites.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2017
    I imagine Dick is referring to the Carbon UI introduced on the Hopper 3 receivers, and available for upgrading on previous Hopper models. There have been a lot of complaints about Carbon on the various Dish support forums, enough to discourage me from upgrading my two Hopper w/Sling's anyway.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2017
    bullydogs1 wrote:
    x4????

    You don't have to have the Hopper...I do very well with my 211K with a drive attached for a DVR...while I would like to do some more recording....I don't sweat it and that's not the reason I'm out with the motorhome anyway...with so many online options like HULU...I get what my wife needs and then I am happy watching a game outside while sitting with the babies...I know the HOPPER is a bit more complicated but I won't pay extra for it...although dish did make a modification that some of the older units will no longer find the satellites.

    we have Dish's ViP 422k dual sat receiver/DVR being fed by our roof mounted Winegard Trav'ler. we get sats 110/119/129, HD and SD and locals in whatever area we're in. in dual mode we can record two programs (one on each TV) and watch a 3rd recording. don't recall the capacity but it's a ton of space...more than we'd ever use or need. if you have the Hopper and that's the issue it's a lot easier (and less $$) to switch out the receiver.
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2017
    Dish is fun and all, but I'm starting to find that streaming over data is not bad either. Especially if you just want some movies and such. News comes over the air usually anyway. I know we each have our wants, but that works for me.

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