DirecTV Winegard Travler to DISH Conversion

[TechWriter]

Just completed a DirecTV Slimline Travler (SK-3005) to a DISH Travler (SK-1000) conversion for a neighbor. Took a couple of hours, but it was fairly straightforward and it worked . . . Here are the details.

[Bill_Satellite]

Right. I said HD. You cannot get DirecTV HD with the SK-3003.

[TechWriter]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
For those reading this, just be aware that it does not work the other way. You cannot convert a Dish Trav'ler to DirecTV HD Trav'ler.

Didn't there used to be a kit to convert a DISH HD SK-1000 to a DirecTV SD SK-3003 Travler?

[Bill_Satellite]

Yes, as I said, there are only a few folks. I never said you were the only one but you are among a very small group. The setup is not supported by Winegard so support for issues down the line would not be able to be directed to Winegard. Hopefully, one of those "early adopters" would be able to help but that would be your only line of defense.

[TechWriter]

Bill.Satellite wrote:

You are likely one of only a few folks who have modified a Trav'ler. The last I saw reported you still had somewhat of a hack to get it to lock on. But that's also why I stated the Winegard is not currently compatible with the Hopper 3. I don't want someone buying one and hooking up a Hopper 3. It simply won't currently work that way.

There's more than one of us. The only "hack" is to disconnect your Hopper 3 from the Travler while it locates the sats. Once that's done, you just reconnect it. That's it.

[Bill_Satellite]

TechWriter wrote:

Bill.Satellite wrote:
The Winegard Trav'ler which is not currently compatible with a Hopper 3 . . .

The stock Winegard DISH Travler can be easily modifed to work with a Hopper 3 -- here's how.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Does anyone think they would really ever need the option to record 16 (or 32) channels.

Maybe not, but at least you have the option. BTW, the drawing above just let's you record 16 tuners on each Hopper 3, not 32 total . . . although you might be able to get 32 with the "cross the streams" trick used in previous versions of Hoppers. TBD.

Anyway, it's handy having 2 Hoppers because if one fails, you have a backup.

You are likely one of only a few folks who have modified a Trav'ler. The last I saw reported you still had somewhat of a hack to get it to lock on. But that's also why I stated the Winegard is not currently compatible with the Hopper 3. I don't want someone buying one and hooking up a Hopper 3. It simply won't currently work that way.

[Bill_Satellite]

In all the years I have had my Genie I believe I might have needed(?) more than 5 tuners 2-3 times. Usually during an HBO free weekend or similar. I also like having 1 set of centrally located satellites which are generally higher in the sky. I also am a fan of the DNS service which Dish took away from their customers. I don't have to call anyone when I travel, I just turn on the TV and watch the Network where ever I am.
I bounce back and forth but I think I am just a DirecTV guy.

[az99]

You don't need 16 tuners but it is nice to not run into recording conflicts when adding a minute or two to each show to be sure the whole show records.
The other 2 big things with Dish is Prime Time recording of all networks and the ease of getting locals changed when moving.
The main problem with Dish and the Travl'r is the lack of EA. It can be an issue on the east coast.
If you move to Dish you really should get the H3.

[TechWriter]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
The Winegard Trav'ler which is not currently compatible with a Hopper 3 . . .

The stock Winegard DISH Travler can be easily modifed to work with a Hopper 3 -- here's how.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Does anyone think they would really ever need the option to record 16 (or 32) channels.

Maybe not, but at least you have the option. BTW, the drawing above just let's you record 16 tuners on each Hopper 3, not 32 total . . . although you might be able to get 32 with the "cross the streams" trick used in previous versions of Hoppers. TBD.

Anyway, it's handy having 2 Hoppers because if one fails, you have a backup.

[Bill_Satellite]

The Winegard Trav'ler which is not currently compatible with a Hopper 3 and cannot do EA so there are a few holes in your claims. Does anyone think they would really ever need the option to record 16 (or 32) channels. I still have a bit of my life left that does not include watching TV.

[TechWriter]

Dutch_12078 wrote:

A Hopper 3 with 16 tuners would blow your Genie's 5 tuners out of the water. And having the EA/WA choice just gives you more aiming opportunities. 🙂

Dutch, really . . . that's just putting spin on the fact that DISH uses two sets of sats as opposed to DirecTV's one set.

But 16 tuners does kick arse . . . and when DISH introduces its new DPH42 switch in January, it may be 32 tuners:

[Dutch_12078]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
I have actually looked into moving to Dish due to the high cost of being a DirecTV customer (any satellite provider that you have been a customer for much too long). The deals are great but now I have to deal with satellites spread across 20 degrees and EA and WA and a guide I can't figure out. I would need a Hopper (3 tuner) to replace my Genie (5 tuner) and I guess a Super Joey to add 2 more tuners. The rest of the wiring works and I am sure that I would be just as happy with the changes (in time) but for now, I like what I have and I really hate change.

A Hopper 3 with 16 tuners would blow your Genie's 5 tuners out of the water. And having the EA/WA choice just gives you more aiming opportunities. 🙂

[Bill_Satellite]

I have actually looked into moving to Dish due to the high cost of being a DirecTV customer (any satellite provider that you have been a customer for much too long). The deals are great but now I have to deal with satellites spread across 20 degrees and EA and WA and a guide I can't figure out. I would need a Hopper (3 tuner) to replace my Genie (5 tuner) and I guess a Super Joey to add 2 more tuners. The rest of the wiring works and I am sure that I would be just as happy with the changes (in time) but for now, I like what I have and I really hate change.

[aslakson]

Cool - might make price shopping twixt the two services more palatable.

Thanks.

al

[Bill_Satellite]

Yes. Save all the parts and then re-install them.