Direct TV dish question

[jrs1871]

Well after spending another week in a campground where there was little off air TV available, we have determined that we will be taking our Direct TV with us.
We can take the SD receiver from the family room without much problem. However, we don't want to take down the dish each time. We have an extra round dish, with a single LNB, that we used with our old receiver. But when we switched service so that we could get local channels, we got an eliptical dish with three LNBs. I realize that we won't get local channels when we are on the road but will the round dish with the single LNB work with the SD receiver? Or do we need to find an eliptical dish like is hooked up at the house now.
I looked at the Direct TV website but couldn't get an answer. I'm sure for a price that a technician would come out an get us fixed up. But I'd rather do it myself if possible.

[Bill_Satellite]

As with all things, YMMV! For me and you (years of experience) it's simple. For a newby, maybe not.

[mikestock]

nomad297 wrote:

Bill.Satellite wrote:
not everyone wants the extra hassle of lining up 3 satellites instead of only one.

I don't get why some people consider this a hassle. As long as you have the skew setup right on your Slimline dish, all you need to do is hit 101 and the other two fall right into place.

Bruce

I agree completely. Been setting up a Slimline 3 for years with a meter that only sees the 101. The 99 and 103 are always there as long as I preset the skew/tilt according to recommended settings for my location.

[CA_Traveler]

The IR remote for the receiver is another consideration. It may not be desirable/practical to use a IR remote in a RV due to the IR alignment requirement.

I bought a RF remote for the HR24 and mounted the receiver vertically in a closed cabinet. The HR44 uses a RF remote only. If remote TVs are also connected then use the same remote.

[CA_Traveler]

You might also need to change the TV resolution in the receiver depending upon TV differences when you move the receiver. The HR44 with HDMI does that automatically.

You might be surprised at how far you can get your locals. While 200 miles is a guide I get San Francisco HD locals at the Oregon border (300 miles) and I get the San Francisco SD locals in Long Beach, WA (600 miles). The spot beam map leads me to believe that the EW range would be significantly less. Of course it might be very wet traveling west. :B :B :B

[nomad297]

jodeb720 wrote:
I got a slimline 3 from a freind of mine and the whole assembly weighed at least 25lbs! way too heavy for my lightweight tripod.

Just go to www.tv4rv.com and buy a nice, light, high-quality tripod setup so you can have your HD.

Bruce

[nomad297]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
not everyone wants the extra hassle of lining up 3 satellites instead of only one.

I don't get why some people consider this a hassle. As long as you have the skew setup right on your Slimline dish, all you need to do is hit 101 and the other two fall right into place.

Bruce

[jodeb720]

My issue with the HD disk is the weight. I designed my tripod/dish holder to be lightweight and adjustable. I got a slimline 3 from a freind of mine and the whole assembly weighed at least 25lbs! way too heavy for my lightweight tripod.

Since I'm not a full timer, and it's weekends/holidays/vacations, HD isn't that important - but I sure would like it! LOL

[Bill_Satellite]

You also then get the privilege of paying DirecTV an extra $10/month for the HD service. Not everyone wants HD and not everyone wants the extra hassle of lining up 3 satellites instead of only one.

[FlatBroke]

Bet if you call direct they will send you an HD reciever to replace your SD. Then get the slim dish. Of course I avoid SD like the plague, these new TVs look like krap unless the are HD.

[jrs1871]

Thanks for the replies. Josh, I had planned on getting it working at home before hitting the road. That way, if I have problems, it will be easier to eliminate the culprit.

[jodeb720]

I just went through this recently. I upgraded from a SD receiver to an HD receiver and wanted to connect using a single LNB, 18" dish.

Here's what I had to do (beyond the tripod I had to make)
Go into the SD Receiver, Setup.
Go into satellite
Set Dish type to 01 18" Round
Set Switch Type to MultiSwitch (NOT SWM!!!!)
Since you already have a SD receiver, you don't need to change you display to "Display SD Channels" (if you were using an HD box, as I am, I had to make this change.

Some Explanations for you.

Satellite type, that's pretty much self explanatory
Switch Type - Multi Switch tells the Receiver to put voltage on the coax to power the LNB and amplify the signal. If you choose SWM, it requires external power to put power on the coax and drive the amplifier (LNB).

As to setting up the satellite, I created a tripod, that is disassemble - if you want pictures, send me your email and I'll send them directly to you. It's made out of 1-1/4 or 1-1/2" PVC pipe. I put some adjustments on the three legs to level it.

I carry a compass (7.00 at a sporting goods store) and a small level and I can usually get the signal in about 10 minutes or so. If you need instructions, please ask, and I'll be glad to share my knowledge.

I've been to your movie and struggled through what you're going to attempt.

Most important thing you can do:

Use your SD box at home on your home network - then setup your 18" dish at home, using the same box until you get it working. At least that way, you'll be sure it works when you're on the road (assuming you have a clear line of site for the satellite).

Take care,

Josh

[docj]

Your dish will work fine, but you will need to repeat the Satellite Setup portion of the receiver menu. At home the antenna settings are going to be something like Slimline-5 or Slimline-3 and the Switch Type could be either Multiswitch or SWM depending on how long ago your installation was done.

In order to use your portable dish, the antenna type has to be 18" round and the switch type will be Multiswitch. When you return home the receiver will need to be reset to the home settings, whatever they were.

[LynnandCarol]

yes, should work with no problem. when we changed our service (no longer needed 3 LNB's) we went back to our old dish for travel.

[donn0128]

That should work just fine. Local stations are usually available up to about 150 mile radius of your home zip code. So considerthat in your antenna choice. Also be sure to get a good tripod and enough quality coax to allow you to place the antenna where it has a clear view of the southern sky