Is anyone using the DISH portable satellite dish- not the automatic kind but the kind that goes on the tripod? I always used that type for DirecTV and had no problems; could find a satellite in about 3 minutes and 5 minutes later I was watching TV. When we switched to DISH, we got the Wally with the Playmaker automatic satellite finder. Just cannot get it to work right; it finds the satellites but cannot lock onto the signal. I have a new Wally receiver on the way, and had Winegard check the Playmaker, but I'm not holding my breath. So I'm thinking I may go back to an open dish type. Are any of you guys still using this setup? Thanks for any info.(I also posted this on the FR forums.)

I have Dish and carry both a Tailgater and a tripod mount. If the Tailgater has any problem locking on the sats, I pull out the tripod mount. Doesn’t really take much more time for the tripod than the Tailgater.

BB TX,Do you use a signal meter or the receiver? I just changed from Direct to Dish last week and I went from a Slimline 3 to a Tailgater. I would just use the receiver and the signal tone and could lock on in a couple of minute.I'd like to get a tripod dish and just wondered if I need a signal meter and which one I should get....Thanks.

Just two weeks ago, after 20 years with Directv I switched to Dish, using the same tripod and a new Dish antenna. I have set it up 3 times and have easily locked in on the three satellites with little problem and no meter. Almost seems easier than Directv for what ever reason, maybe just lucky. Love their Hopper 3 receiver and lower bill.

I've used a Dish 1000.4 triple LNB dish mounted on a tripod for the past 5 years or so. I switch the LNB between the eastern arc and western arc versions as needed to get the best view on treed sites. I use the DishPointer app on my phone for best tripod placement, and a then $50 meter I bought on eBay that identifies the satellites for dialing in the signals. Setting up and aiming takes me no more than 15 minutes in most cases. Less when I have the dish and mount pre-assembled and stowed in the toad between sites.

Range Maggot Bob wrote:I'm thinking I may go back to an open dish type. Are any of you guys still using this setup?Besides my rooftop Winegard Travler, I also use an open-face dish on a tripod when I'm parked under trees or need to use DISH's Eastern Arc sats.I've been setting up tripods for over a decade, but recently bought a Super Buddy sat meter. It was expensive, but makes setting up a dish very easy.Apparently, some folks can set up a tripod dish blindfolded. Good for them. Give it a try with no meter or a cheap one and see how it goes. You may be a dish whisperer too.

DISH TV | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2018
I switched to DISH and went with a Winegard Pathway X2. It is the only carryout that lets you pick between the eastern and western arcs. I have Dishpointer to help me find which group of sats are open from interference. The bigger dish gets a stronger signal in rain and clouds.

One thing I’ve noticed with my Pathway that may apply to the Playmaker and others is that if I travel outside the locals, it takes the dome awhile to find the sats and I’ll get “can’t find sats” or won’t find any sats.

I now call to change locals as soon as I level so they will be there when I search.

You can now reauthorize your sat box with their app.
Range_Maggot_Bo
Explorer
Oct 03, 2018
Thanks everybody! I had DirecTV for years, threw my satellite finder meter away after about 2 days, and never had a problem getting a signal. Sounds like the tripod setup is going to be the way to go for us. Again, THANKS!
TechWriter
Explorer
Oct 03, 2018
Range Maggot Bob wrote:
I'm thinking I may go back to an open dish type. Are any of you guys still using this setup?

Besides my rooftop Winegard Travler, I also use an open-face dish on a tripod when I'm parked under trees or need to use DISH's Eastern Arc sats.

I've been setting up tripods for over a decade, but recently bought a Super Buddy sat meter. It was expensive, but makes setting up a dish very easy.

Apparently, some folks can set up a tripod dish blindfolded. Good for them. Give it a try with no meter or a cheap one and see how it goes. You may be a dish whisperer too.
Dutch_12078
Explorer III
Oct 03, 2018
I've used a Dish 1000.4 triple LNB dish mounted on a tripod for the past 5 years or so. I switch the LNB between the eastern arc and western arc versions as needed to get the best view on treed sites. I use the DishPointer app on my phone for best tripod placement, and a then $50 meter I bought on eBay that identifies the satellites for dialing in the signals. Setting up and aiming takes me no more than 15 minutes in most cases. Less when I have the dish and mount pre-assembled and stowed in the toad between sites.
br549
Explorer
Oct 03, 2018
Just two weeks ago, after 20 years with Directv I switched to Dish, using the same tripod and a new Dish antenna. I have set it up 3 times and have easily locked in on the three satellites with little problem and no meter. Almost seems easier than Directv for what ever reason, maybe just lucky. Love their Hopper 3 receiver and lower bill.
Mmwtdh
Explorer
Oct 03, 2018
BB TX,

Do you use a signal meter or the receiver?

I just changed from Direct to Dish last week and I went from a Slimline 3 to a Tailgater. I would just use the receiver and the signal tone and could lock on in a couple of minute.

I'd like to get a tripod dish and just wondered if I need a signal meter and which one I should get....

Thanks.
BB_TX
Nomad
Oct 03, 2018
I have Dish and carry both a Tailgater and a tripod mount. If the Tailgater has any problem locking on the sats, I pull out the tripod mount. Doesn’t really take much more time for the tripod than the Tailgater.

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