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jodeb720's avatar
jodeb720
Explorer
Jul 28, 2018

Which Portable Automatic Satellite for Dish?

As many of you are aware, I've just switched to Dish - and honestly, I've been impressed with the service and the technology - which Directv doesn't seem to possess today.

That being said, I'm looking at getting a wally and an automated antenna.

As I've doing research there are three or four players in the Market - Winegard, Tailgater (not sure who makes it) King, and one more.

Since I'm a newbie at this there are western and eastern Arc Satellites and not all of the devices will work with both Arc's.

Since i'm looking to retire and travel this terrific country of ours I don't want to purchase something that will only work in one part of the country (western arc - since I'm Los Angeles based today).

Which of the devices can use both western and eastern arc?

Thanks in advance

Josh

20 Replies

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  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2018
    jodeb720 wrote:
    I've been told the 211 is the way to go - but what's the difference between the K or Z?


    The Wally is the latest in the 211 series and has a more modern interface and firmware. Both the 211Z and the Wally can have a hard drive added to turn them into a single-tuner DVR. The 211's, however, only accept USB-2 hard drives (getting harder to find) where the Wally is USB-3 (easier to find and also faster).

    Rob
  • jodeb720's avatar
    jodeb720
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2018
    I've been told the 211 is the way to go - but what's the difference between the K or Z?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 28, 2018
    WInegard Pathway X-2 is the only portable I'd recommend.. WHY.

    Larger than the x-1 which is larger than all the competitors. Larger = More gain = Stronger signals.. It can also be set to use the EASTERN ARC as well as the west so if you visit say Myrtle Beach. Still good.

    That said I do not recommend portable domes or any dome at this time.

    IF you use a SINGLE VIP-211@ receiver (The @ can be a K or Z or any letter) then a dome will work well. but if you use a dual channel Receiver/DVR or multiple receivers Domes are not a good choice. a DISH 1000 "Dish" type antenna is. and it only takes a few minutes to set one up once you learn how.
  • jodeb720's avatar
    jodeb720
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2018
    Thanks Everybody! You've helped me make the decision so much easier!

    josh
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2018
    Another happy X2 user.

    Getting both arcs is a big advantage when there are trees or hills.

    I have Dishpointer to “see” where the sats are (they are in different areas of the sky) which has let me get a signal more than a few times.

    I have a roof mount dome I haven’t used in years.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2018
    ford truck guy wrote:
    If your looking for portable, look at the Pathway X2... It is HD, it will pick up BOTH Eastern and Western arch satellites.. It also has a secondary port for 2nd coax and TV..

    I have it and it works well...

    Joe


    X2^^. Have used a Pathway X2 for three years - from coast-to-coast and up to the top of New England. HD all the way. It has the largest reflector of any of the automatic portables and, as a result, will bring in the strongest signal. The new phone app with the ability to manage our own locals without contacting Dish is wonderful, too.

    Rob
  • Rover_Bill's avatar
    Rover_Bill
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2018
    A PlayMaker will be just fine for most of the USA (especially west of the Mississippi). If you plan to spend much time in the New England states (NY, VT, NH, MA) then the more expensive Pathways X2 is recommended. Please be aware that DISH service does not extend into Canada
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jul 28, 2018
    Tailgater has worked well for us. But from all I have read, if the Tailgater fails I will buy the Pathway X2.
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Jul 28, 2018
    If your looking for portable, look at the Pathway X2... It is HD, it will pick up BOTH Eastern and Western arch satellites.. It also has a secondary port for 2nd coax and TV..

    I have it and it works well...

    Joe

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