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TUCQUALA's avatar
TUCQUALA
Explorer
Dec 18, 2019

Directv Questions!!

I know that there are many posts on much of this, but I don't want to hijack any of those!!

Trying to decide how to do DTV while hosting in a NF campground in Idaho. Have HR24 and H25 at home, and researching which is best to take. Have generator and 450 watts of solar, 300 watt PSW inverter, and no power in cg!! Have a few ways I have thought of to have sat service during the 60+ days in da woods!!

H25 requires swm power inserter (AC - 141 watts) but box runs on 12v DC. Would also need swm dish or swm box.

HR24 is AC, 55 watts. Can work on on swm dish, but needs b band convertors. And only one tuner unless 2 cables or swm dish (add more watts from inverter!!)

King mushroom requires power inserter (1 amp they say), and simple hookup to HR24, or needs swm for HR25 (again more AC watts!!)

DTV hd dish on tripod or 18" legacy dish for HR24??

So many ways, and thoughts!! Looking for mental help to make up mind!! I am aware of DTV dropping 101 standard def programming, and am leaning toward the King setup with HR24, but mulling over the cost!!!

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and info!!

7 Replies

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  • ChuckSteed's avatar
    ChuckSteed
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2019
    The H24 series receiver would be great to use. I use it with my king Quest dome and it receives SD broadcast fine. The tripod and 18 inch dish would most likely always get stronger signals

    Regarding the 101 bird for automatic antenna domes King Quest has announced theirs will work just fine when DTV makes the switch over on satellites. Will be able to receive HD broadcasts with my King Auest auto antenna once that occurs in late 2020


    https://kingconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Ku-Antenna_KING_03.2019.pdff
  • edatlanta's avatar
    edatlanta
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2019
    2oldman wrote:
    I don't think you'll lose anything. Perhaps Bill.Satellite will be along to help.

    I use a Slimline dish on a decent tripod and a SWM setup. Pretty easy.


    Agreed.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Dec 19, 2019
    The TV will likely eat the most power.
    I would take the HR24 for the recording option but that is going to use more power than the H25 due to the hard drive. With a SWM manual portable antenna the HR24 will not need the BBC devices and only 1 coax is required to power both tuners.
    I would not buy a dome since you would get NO HD and when DTV drops their SD programming no one knows which channels will be available from the 1 and only DTV satellite the domes can pick up (101).
    Pick the right hardware to do the right job and figure out how to handle the power instead of the other way around.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Dec 18, 2019
    You really have more of a power problem rather than DirecTV problem. DTV isn't going away anytime soon, but they are dropping SD transmissions fairly soon that will impact the dome style automatic dishes to some extent. Using a manually aimed dish will likely be the lowest power consumption on the antenna end. Depending on your other power needs, your solar may be enough to keep your batteries topped up, but some reasonable generator run time would likely be worthwhile a a backup.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Dec 18, 2019
    Predicting DirectTV’s future isn’t possible but I wouldn’t invest in them.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Dec 18, 2019
    I don't think you'll lose anything. Perhaps Bill.Satellite will be along to help.

    I use a Slimline dish on a decent tripod and a SWM setup. Pretty easy.
  • PNW_Steve's avatar
    PNW_Steve
    Explorer
    Dec 18, 2019
    Hey Neighbor,

    I am afraid that I cannot offer any advice on Directv. I have not had satellite or cable in 15 years. I used to be pretty sharp with that stuff but have been away from it long enough that I an antique.

    I have heard recently that Directv is "winding down" their service. The story is that they are loosing subscribers at a rate that is going to kill their profitability. They are not going to replace or add any more satellites and will eventually shut down.

    I have not done much "fact checking" on this but you may want to look into it before investing too much into your install.

    If you loose DTV, there is a great used book store in Richland. :)


    Edit: I need to update my profile :) Not on the rainy side anymore. We moved to Dayton.

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