Forum Discussion

subtroll's avatar
subtroll
Explorer
Mar 23, 2014

DTV antennas, what are the choices?

We've used a Track-in-motion antenna for ten years, think it is a KVH L2 model. Never wanted to used it while moving. I'm tired of the long setup procedure...as it finds a dozen satellites before finding the correct one (101A). Sometimes it takes an hour and has to be reset manually after every satellite.

I'm impressed with the new (Dish only) "Tailgater" for less than $400.I also see more Rv'ers with non-dome units on their rigs. I'd like one I can turn on and forget it.

What are the best alternatives for Direct TV users?
Class A
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    May 29, 2014
    tallen1952 wrote:
    Has anyone attempted to use a tripod with the SK-SWM3 yet? I want the HD/DVR capability for DirecTV but I don't want to permanently mount it to my 5'er. Had a roof mount on my last TT. Often had poor reception because of tree cover. Plus, when I traded the unit, that left me without a satellite dish for the new 5'er. I purchased a Winegard carryout. It works okay and I can get Dish HD. But we have DirecTV at home and I'd prefer to just use DirecTV in the 5'er too. But $1400-$1800 for the DirecTV version of the SWM3 is a lot to add only to see it go "bye bye" when you trade your unit.


    The setup will not work on a tripod. If you trade, part of the deal should have been to have them move the antenna. Happens every day.
    Even if they said they would not move it, it only takes 10 minutes to remove the Trav'ler from it's base and take it with you (along with the controller inside). Order a new mounting ring and control cable and it's all ready to be installed on the new coach.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    May 29, 2014
    Buy the DTV dish and mount. Go first class and buy a pro meter to aim the dish.

    I'm guessing $600 or so total but it stays with you.
  • tallen1952's avatar
    tallen1952
    Explorer
    May 29, 2014
    Has anyone attempted to use a tripod with the SK-SWM3 yet? I want the HD/DVR capability for DirecTV but I don't want to permanently mount it to my 5'er. Had a roof mount on my last TT. Often had poor reception because of tree cover. Plus, when I traded the unit, that left me without a satellite dish for the new 5'er. I purchased a Winegard carryout. It works okay and I can get Dish HD. But we have DirecTV at home and I'd prefer to just use DirecTV in the 5'er too. But $1400-$1800 for the DirecTV version of the SWM3 is a lot to add only to see it go "bye bye" when you trade your unit.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Mar 24, 2014
    Crespro wrote:
    SKA-008 Optional mounting plate designed for extra support in thin roof installations.


    99.9% of Trav'ler installations WILL NOT need this additional mounting plate. Unless the roof of your RV has little or no structure to it, the standard materials used to build an RV roof are strong enough to support the wind loads of this antenna. If you are a belt and suspender kind of a guy then, by all means, add this kit.
  • Crespro's avatar
    Crespro
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2014
    We just installed the Trav'ler HD for DirecTV. As long as you are buying new, it is good to have an HD system that will work for several years. It works fine.

    Specs:

    TRAVLER SK-SWM3 DIRECTV HD Satellite for RV TRAVLER SK-SWM3 DIRECTV HD Satellite for RV TRAVLER SK-SWM3 DIRECTV HD Satellite for RV
    Winegard TRAV'LER Installation and Demonstration Winegard TRAV'LER Multi-Satellite Antennas Winegard SWM TRAV'LER Antennas
    SKA-008 SKA-008
    Optional mounting plate designed for extra support in thin roof installations.

    In The Box
    TRAV'LER SK-SWM3 Satellite Antenna
    SWM Power Inserter
    4 Way Splitter
    Printed Documentation
    Warranty & Support
    2 Years Parts, 1 Year Labor Warranty
    Technical Specifications
    Satellites Acquired: 99°, 101°, 103°
    Unit Weight: 53 lbs
    Travel Height: 9.75"
    Dimensions: 44"l x 34"w
    Roof Mount
  • Goldencrazy's avatar
    Goldencrazy
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2014
    CA Traveler wrote:
    Goldencrazy wrote:
    CA Traveler wrote:
    We had a in-motion SD dish that did the job for us and was installed by the prior owner. Never used it when driving.

    Then I discovered that in some areas of the country there are no SD channels - only HD which can viewed on a SD TV if desired. And the MH TV was HD.

    So we gave away the in-motion and replaced it with a RF Mogul. It takes 2+ minutes to locate the satellites and worked great in Alaska which is a long way from the sats.

    But it's SWM only and requires a SWM receiver. Our HR24 was both dual LNB and SWM capable. Just got a HR44 (SWM only) and it is significantly better. I did not call about locals but would

    However you'll pay more for the RF Mogul.


    Good to know. Last time I was to Alaska I had vucube and got nothing so when I go next summer I should do better with the Traveler.


    You got Directv HD in Alaska on a rooftop sat dish? I do like the SWM.
    Yes and a significant part of Western Canada. Check out the beam maps. That and reception during marginal weather is a plus for a full array antenna.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Mar 24, 2014
    Antennas 101:
    Domes work very well with DirectTV.. if the dome has a "Dual" LNB (means 2 outputs) it can run two, or with the proper switch MORE receivers, or DVR.s
    Some work in motion.. As the O/P pointed out some have better software (most of the more modern ones can be told "Look for 101W" and they will not lock on anything else.. Some, not all.

    DirecHDTV: not compatible with current domes I have not even heard of rumors of a dome for RV use for DirecHDTV

    With DISH network, and a SINGLE receiver, some of the Domes work well Both HD and SD With multiple recievers there are serious lmits.

    Note this applies to both roof and portable units.. I will get to Roof/Portable later

    DISH type antennas also come in both Roof and Portable types. You get the dish that matches your service and it works, Period, no if's no "Only one" or anything else it just flat works,,, If more than two receivers you may need some added switch gear (Get it at your Sat TV installer's office)

    Roof/portable

    Roof mounts are good, DOMES can be in-motion type (only reason to have a dome) dishes can not.. They are quick and easy to set up with auto-controllers of the modern read the bird ID type. BUT.. They have a limit.. IF you happen to be parked under the evil signal eating tree: NO SIGNAL

    Portable (or tripod mount dishes) can often be set up 100 feet or more from the RV getting themselves clear of said Evil Tree.

    Recommendation: IF you have a roof mount, put an A(bove)/B(elow) switch in the LNB line(s) to the receivers and if parked under evil tree... hook up ground mount, switch to "B" and set it up (Switch to A before unhooking)
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2014
    Goldencrazy wrote:
    CA Traveler wrote:
    We had a in-motion SD dish that did the job for us and was installed by the prior owner. Never used it when driving.

    Then I discovered that in some areas of the country there are no SD channels - only HD which can viewed on a SD TV if desired. And the MH TV was HD.

    So we gave away the in-motion and replaced it with a RF Mogul. It takes 2+ minutes to locate the satellites and worked great in Alaska which is a long way from the sats.

    But it's SWM only and requires a SWM receiver. Our HR24 was both dual LNB and SWM capable. Just got a HR44 (SWM only) and it is significantly better. I did not call about locals but would

    However you'll pay more for the RF Mogul.


    You got Directv HD in Alaska on a rooftop sat dish? I do like the SWM.
    Yes and a significant part of Western Canada. Check out the beam maps. That and reception during marginal weather is a plus for a full array antenna.

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