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Boozecamp
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Sep 03, 2013

Wingard portable satellite question

I've never owned Satellite TV system. Considering buying the portable Wingard. What should I expect regarding quality of reception? The advertisement for this product say "receives standard Direct TV programming but not compatible with KA band satellites 99deg and 103deg or HD Satellite at 110deg. It will receive all DISH Network and Bell standard and HD programming".
What does this really mean?
Since I have Comcast Cable TV at home, what should i expect the cost is to use this if I camp 5-7 times per year and each trip lasting 3-6 days average.
Oh, I have a new Bighorn 5th Wheel that is satellite ready.

6 Replies

  • TucsonJim wrote:
    lryrob9301 wrote:
    OK, since you only use your RV part time and live in the eastern US I would recommend the DISH Pay-As-You-GO option. I would also suggest using the Winegard Pathway X2 portable antenna when it becomes available later this month. This will allow you to choose the DISH Eastern Arc satellites as well as the Western Arc. The Eastern Arc sats make reception much easier in the eastern US. The DISH Tailgater set up only receives Western Arc sats which can be a problem in some parts of the east coast. Your DISH receiver should be a VIP211K or VIP211Z which you can purchase from Camping World or a Dish Retailer. Reception wise the picture quality is the same as cable as long as there isn't heavy rain or snow.

    Unfortunately Direct TV does not offer a month to month billing option, you have to sign up for a 2 year contract, and you cannot receive HD TV on a portable dome type antenna with Direct TV.


    Great post. I have the same question. I'm going to preorder an X2 this week! Thanks for the tip


    Did you get your X2 Dish Sat TV? If so, can you share with us what components you bought?, how easy was it to install/operate?, are you happy with it?, and what would have done differently? Thanks for any other advice.
  • Its my understanding that you can indeed buy month to month service with Directv. I did it up until 2005 as we had cable included in our HOA. I would buy a month at a time when we camped and for football season.

    I just Googled it and it looks like you still can.

    Its called the purchase option. You need to ask for an agent and ask about the purchase option.

    There are some cons; I think you now need to buy two receivers at first, (you can sell one later), you will not get any discounts, you are responsible installation and maintenance. DTV will do it but charge you.

    Here is a link, scroll down a few responses.

    CLICKY
  • An important thing to remember about satellite reception is it is completely dependent on a clear sky view (no trees, vegetation, buildings, etc.} to the southern/southwestern sky in order to work. The nice thing about the X2 dish is you can move it around your campsite to gain that un-obstructed view.

    Many state and gov't campgrounds are in heavily wooded areas and finding a clear view of the sky can be difficult, even impossible. The TR-1518 tripod stand can help. Also when using private campgrounds, the office staff may be able to assign you a site that is satellite friendly, if you ask.

    I hope this helps.
    Good luck and good viewing.
    Jim
  • Boozecamp wrote:
    I've never owned Satellite TV system. Considering buying the portable Wingard. What should I expect regarding quality of reception? The advertisement for this product say "receives standard Direct TV programming but not compatible with KA band satellites 99deg and 103deg or HD Satellite at 110deg. It will receive all DISH Network and Bell standard and HD programming".
    What does this really mean?
    Since I have Comcast Cable TV at home, what should i expect the cost is to use this if I camp 5-7 times per year and each trip lasting 3-6 days average.
    Oh, I have a new Bighorn 5th Wheel that is satellite ready.

    Thanks for the advice.
  • lryrob9301 wrote:
    OK, since you only use your RV part time and live in the eastern US I would recommend the DISH Pay-As-You-GO option. I would also suggest using the Winegard Pathway X2 portable antenna when it becomes available later this month. This will allow you to choose the DISH Eastern Arc satellites as well as the Western Arc. The Eastern Arc sats make reception much easier in the eastern US. The DISH Tailgater set up only receives Western Arc sats which can be a problem in some parts of the east coast. Your DISH receiver should be a VIP211K or VIP211Z which you can purchase from Camping World or a Dish Retailer. Reception wise the picture quality is the same as cable as long as there isn't heavy rain or snow.

    Unfortunately Direct TV does not offer a month to month billing option, you have to sign up for a 2 year contract, and you cannot receive HD TV on a portable dome type antenna with Direct TV.


    Great post. I have the same question. I'm going to preorder an X2 this week! Thanks for the tip
  • OK, since you only use your RV part time and live in the eastern US I would recommend the DISH Pay-As-You-GO option. I would also suggest using the Winegard Pathway X2 portable antenna when it becomes available later this month. This will allow you to choose the DISH Eastern Arc satellites as well as the Western Arc. The Eastern Arc sats make reception much easier in the eastern US. The DISH Tailgater set up only receives Western Arc sats which can be a problem in some parts of the east coast. Your DISH receiver should be a VIP211K or VIP211Z which you can purchase from Camping World or a Dish Retailer. Reception wise the picture quality is the same as cable as long as there isn't heavy rain or snow.

    Unfortunately Direct TV does not offer a month to month billing option, you have to sign up for a 2 year contract, and you cannot receive HD TV on a portable dome type antenna with Direct TV.

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