Will Winegard Traveler work w/ existing cables?

My KD in Motion just died. Cheaper to add the Traveler than fix the KD.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
I think we have argued this in the past . . .

OP, Bill is right. You should be able to use your existing roof wiring for a Travler.

However, I think you should take the opportunity to run two more cables (for a DISH Travler) for possible future use.

Here's an install graphic from the Winegard's Travler manual:




This is a closeup of the Travler base where the connections are made:



Finally, this is the cable plate included with a Winegard Travler:



This cable plate is the real reason why I think you should install all the cables (not just one RG6 and the interface box cables). Because after running the Traveler wires under this plate and into the RV and then screwing the plate down on the RV roof, you'll put Dicor over plate and screws.

All this stuff is hard to remove if you want to add those cables at a later time. I know. I've done it and it's a PITA.

Running these extra cables essentially gives your RV all the capabilities of a house DISH installation. Lots of possibilities.

wa8yxm wrote:

Rodz wrote:
I have read a few posts about people replacing their in motion sat with a Winegard Traveler. Curious why they're doing it.

Not sure what cables the Winegard needs, Bill can respond if he spots this.

However this question I can answer.. In days of old when folks were bold DirecTV used one satellite, Dish used two, and some (many) domes were set to work with just those 3 birds.....

Some with just one, (They needed a long time to switch birds and often manual input)

Some with 110/119 Dish pair, swiftly swithing between them

Some could do all 3.

But 129 was not on the menu (or is it 127) the new 3rd Dishnetwork bird.

THUS if you want HDTV you have to either

1: Use a ground mount dish type antenna

or

2: Subscribe to DISHNETWORK and upgrade your dome.

I suspect that, just like me, no one has any idea what you are talking about here! :?
As an aside, if you don't know anything about the OP's question (will it work with the existing cables) why are you trying to muddy the waters with this rambling post? I usually do that when I have finished my 2nd drink at cocktail time. Not sure what your motivation is.

Rodz wrote:
I have read a few posts about people replacing their in motion sat with a Winegard Traveler. Curious why they're doing it.

Not sure what cables the Winegard needs, Bill can respond if he spots this.

However this question I can answer.. In days of old when folks were bold DirecTV used one satellite, Dish used two, and some (many) domes were set to work with just those 3 birds.....

Some with just one, (They needed a long time to switch birds and often manual input)

Some with 110/119 Dish pair, swiftly swithing between them

Some could do all 3.

But 129 was not on the menu (or is it 127) the new 3rd Dishnetwork bird.

THUS if you want HDTV you have to either

1: Use a ground mount dish type antenna

or

2: Subscribe to DISHNETWORK and upgrade your dome.

You need to read the manual for the traveler. It can be installed with a splitter to go to different receivers. See page 5
Traveler

I think we have argued this in the past and I disagree and, of course, that was also not the question. Since the question was only related to whether he could use the existing wiring, the answer is yes he can use the same coax but needs to run a new control cable.
As to running 3 coax cables, 3 to where when there is likely already one running to the front and one running to the rear. Even if you install a Hopper/Joey setup you can install the Solo Node on the roof and use the existing coax for both. Only if you wanted to install 2 hoppers (or a Hopper and a Super Joey) would you need the 3rd cable and that connection can be made on the roof as well.

Bill.Satellite wrote:

It makes no difference whether you are Dish or DirecTV, the wiring will be exactly the same.
You will need only one coax cable running to each receiver so the coax you have now should already go where a receiver is expected to be.

Not quite. If you have DISH, I'd suggest running RG6 cable to all three of the LNB ports on the Travler (labeled "A", "B", and "C") + running the Winegard controller cable.

While you might just need one of those RG6 cables at the moment, running all three gives you more options for the future -- and it's easier to do it when you 1st install a Travler.

Snomas wrote:
I have a roof mounted KVH in motion sat dish and want to replace it w/ a new Winegard Traveler. MY question is will the existing prewired KVH cables/wires (and inside switch box Newmar installed) work on the traveler without adding any new ones?

You will be able to use the existing coax cables but you will need to run the new control cable that comes with the Trav'ler. This is a six wire setup that must be used and runs to the Winegard controller inside the coach. The 48V used to power the motors plus all the signals required to operate the antenna are sent through this wiring harness and cannot be substituted with any other wiring.
It makes no difference whether you are Dish or DirecTV, the wiring will be exactly the same.
You will need only one coax cable running to each receiver so the coax you have now should already go where a receiver is expected to be.

Rodz wrote:
I have read a few posts about people replacing their in motion sat with a Winegard Traveler. Curious why they're doing it.

Because the traveler picks up all three satellites and doesn't have to move when one TV changes channels. So, you can truly watch different programming on two TV's. Also, there is the moisture problem with the dome.

Great answer on why to replace the dome. I sold mine on craigs list.

The coax's will work fine but as mentioned you do need to run the new control cable.

If your RV has an antenna up alarm (for the crank up), you can buy a magnetic switch and parallel the Travler so they are both alarmed.