Changing out a roof mount satellite dish

If it's a King Dome installed at the factory in 2006, then it's definitely a No Go on Dish.

The breakpoint on software vs. hardware replacement was in mid-2009.

If it was installed aftermarket, then the only way to really be sure is to check the serial number.

The ONLY ways to check the serial number are: 1) If the past owner kept the documentation and wrote it down, or 2) go up on the roof, take off the cover, and check the plate on the base of the antenna).

It probably has a 9704 Kingdome on it. That Dome is originally set up w/ dish, but I changed mine to Direct using the programmer from KD w/ $200 deposit.
It should be easily changed back to Dish network. Mine still working great on Direct. Did Bill say it won't work w/ dish anymore ??? That's a bummer.

He's looking at a 2006 Monaco LaPalma. Doubt he will know the model #.

wtmtnhiker wrote:
Hi all,
I'm looking at buying a class A motorhome. It currently has a King Dome or King Air not sure which mounted on the roof. It is a Direct TV receiver. Would it be difficult and/or expensive (over 500.00) to change it out to a Dish antenna? I have two dish receivers now and I like my package and programming. Thanks.

The King Dome antennas can be used with both DirecTV and Dish Network. If this is an older King Dome then the recent changes to the Dish service will have rendered it unusable with Dish. Do you know the model #? Is it capable of in-motion viewing or stationary only? How old is the RV (the dome can't be any older than that).
If it is a recent model King Dome you will only need to get an installer to connect a keypad and enter a couple of numbers or King Dome will send you one (which you must return) and you can do it yourself.
The major draw back to ANY dome is trying to use 2 receivers can be a real challenge. Dome style antennas can only "see" 1 satellite at a time so both receivers must be watching programming broadcast from the same satellite. This also limits you to single tuner receivers (add a hard drive if you like) but you can't do use true DVR's as you might at home.

if the receivers are 211's, you might consider the pathway X-2. I prefer this one over my old school roof dish.

I have never had any of mine walk off. It just doesn't happen. Actually, is kinda is 'rocket science' :) hahahaha

In all the years I have taken satellite with me, I have never worried about that. Can they walk off? Sure, but why would someone go to the trouble?
Aiming a ground antenna is not rocket science. Yes, it takes practice and a few basic tools, but is doable for most.

donn0128 wrote:
A decent ground based SWM antenna with tri pod is around 175 dollars from any number of online retailers.

Yes, but I think many find aiming them is just too difficult. And then there's the 'grow legs' fear.

New Winegard Travler SK-SWM is going to set you back around 1500 dollars. A decent ground based SWM antenna with tri pod is around 175 dollars from any number of online retailers.

If you are buying from a dealer, then perhaps the swap could be part of the deal.