portable antenna reviews?

Question

I've been trying to find recent reviews of portable antennas but can't seem to find any. I like Dish's ability to have no-contract service. For the last few years I've been moving every six months between two locations, and I'd like something that has a self-align feature that I can just pick up and take with me. I'm in all kinds of weather, heavy rain and heavy wind, even below freezing at times, sometimes in intense heat (100+ degrees with desert sun strength.)

I'd like it to work without major fiddling (just hook it up) and also be secure-able because either of my locations it could walk off. I don't want to have to put it inside every time I go to the grocery. Cost is also an issue, and I only have one TV and to date have only watched over-the-air channels.
Is there a thread somewhere with this discussion, that I didn't find with a search? Thanks.

donn0128 · Answer

Not really.  Most people just ask their questions.  The big problem with any dome type antenna is.... small dish which can fade out faster in inclimate weather.  Plus, like you mentioned they can have a tendency to grow legs and walk off without being secured. Personally, I have a Winegard Trav'ler on my roof, but if I had ando over I would not install one.  Where we go there is just too many trees for consistent use.  Instead I have a oval dish and a large tri pod so I can locate it where I get a clear signal.  Once it is secured to the ground there is little chance of it disappearing.

lryrob9301 · Answer

I have DISH and use the Winegard Pathway x2. It is probably the largest in size of all the portables which can cause storage issues, but it also means it has the largest reflector for more signal gain than other portable models. I used it in light to moderate rain with no problems, and in all types of weather. It is only compatible with DISH Network, will not work with DirecTV.

bill_satellite · Answer

If you really only move 2 times per year your best option (IMHO) is an open face antenna mounted on a tripod like you would find at TV4RV. Yes, it takes 20 minutes or so to setup but you only have to do it twice per year. No one is going to steal it as it has very little value and you will get the very best service available no matter the weather. It's the same antenna mounted on a house so it's as good as it gets.
It also gives you the option of installing a DVR unit so you can join us "time shifters" where we (you) watch what you want when you want vs. being tied to being home at the exact moment a show you would like to watch comes on.
There is NO downside to this type of antenna setup while there are downsides of some kind to any portable dome style antenna.

jvowell1 · Answer

I bought the new king dish tailgator today at Camping World on sale for $349.  I bought it because I could mount it to the top of the RV.  Took about an hour from out of the box to watching tv. Will see how it does in the rain.

bill_satellite · Answer

It WILL cr4p out in the rain.  Nothing having to do with King Dome, just a fact of life or the portable domes.  It also dramatically limits what receiver(s) you use (211 series only) and it's Western Arc only.

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