Pathway X2 + Dish with 2 Receivers

[js415]

I have a Pathway X2 that I have been using for 2-3 years now with no issues. I use it with one receiver, and connect it to an outside TV for sports and races.

If we ever wanted to watch TV inside, I just moved the receiver, connections, etc. inside and watched in the trailer.

This meant going through the entire set-up process before we could watch inside. Sometimes taking 10-15 minutes to find all the satellites and acquire the signal.

This year I have decided to buy another VIP211z and mount it inside the trailer, and use the 2nd port on the X2 for inside TV viewing.

I have read the instructions several times, but I am wondering if there are any "real world" tips or tricks using the Pathway X2 that you folks could share.

Any steps to make both receivers hook up and work perfectly would be great. The instructions basically say to hook up the primary and then after it is setup to go ahead and run the same process on the secondary receiver.

Does this sound right, or is there a better/easier process?

Thanks for any advice or tips,

Jerry

[Robocop]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
You don't need to explain it, everyone has the ability to watch 2 different channels on 2 different TV's with the portable dome style antennas. The only restriction is that both channels must be being broadcast from the same satellite.

Ah ha! Thank you Bill. I have misunderstood the application. I am still excited though!

[Bill_Satellite]

You don't need to explain it, everyone has the ability to watch 2 different channels on 2 different TV's with the portable dome style antennas. The only restriction is that both channels must be being broadcast from the same satellite.

[Robocop]

I picked up a Wally for free recently and have been trying to get the Pathway X2 to set up to both my receivers. I tried this and that but stumbled on the method provided on this thread by trial and error. Who knew? The process laid out here works great. In addition, and I am not sure how to explain it, but after all the frustrating hours of changing the set-up configs and switching cables, I actually have the ability to watch different channels on both TVs at the same time. I have been using the Pathway X2 for a long time and believe in it. I know Dish has their own software and tech issues but the Pathway X2 for the most part is flawless. My Tailgater was more like a door stop for 2 years except at the ocean or a farmer's field! Many thanks to folks who put out good info on this forum.

[js415]

Final update for the week:

I pulled the trailer out of my barn today to get it ready for next weekends trip.

I hooked the satellite up to the outside receiver and let it do it's thing....

After it was working fine, I hooked the secondary cable to the port on the rear of my trailer, connected the receiver in the living room and fired it up.

Sure enough, it started acquiring a signal, downloaded the guide, and I was up and watching TV at two locations in just a few minutes.

This situation works perfect for our needs. We will test it out at the campground this weekend, and see how it works out.

Thanks to all for the advice and help.

Jerry

[js415]

That is a great idea for the situation when both TV's are staying inside the trailer.

I primary TV is outside, and we only want to watch TV inside on a few occasions. On those occasions, I'm not sure I would be able to leave my equipment outside and be able to change channels while inside.

Thanks for your idea though, I might give it a try to hook up a second TV in the bedroom, and try connecting it through the secondary Dish receiver inside.

Thanks,

Jerry

[neal10a]

I have the Wineguard Carryout that has the second receiver capability and was considering another Dish network receiver as the second unit for $90, but I went to this https://www.bestbuy.com/site/actiontec-mywirelesstv2-wireless-video-transmitter-and-receiver-black/6350009.p?skuId=6350009 instead. It works great in my 40ft trailer while being able to change satellite channels with the Dish IR remote while watching TV in the Bedroom. It costs more but is more convenient. Also I can easily switch from Satellite to local channels.

[Dutch_12078]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
The 2nd receiver will be "stuck" watching programming coming from the same satellite selected by receiver #1 as that's the one that's going to control the movement of the antenna. The is the idea behind pointing to 72.7 as all of the programming is there except the Networks. This assumes you use your OTA TV antenna for the OTA programming which is also workable if you have your OTA TV antenna connected to your Dish receiver(s) and you are in an area where you are able to receive them.

Until Winegard comes up with an update for the X2, the selection of 72.7 for dual mode TV use is no longer valid. Dish recently moved a large number of the most popular channels to 61.5.

[Bill_Satellite]

The 2nd receiver will be "stuck" watching programming coming from the same satellite selected by receiver #1 as that's the one that's going to control the movement of the antenna. The is the idea behind pointing to 72.7 as all of the programming is there except the Networks. This assumes you use your OTA TV antenna for the OTA programming which is also workable if you have your OTA TV antenna connected to your Dish receiver(s) and you are in an area where you are able to receive them.

[js415]

99.9% success!!!!

I did as advised, and disconnected the whole setup.

Connected my primary receiver and secondary receiver to the satellite, but only powered on the primary.

I went through the entire setup, acquired a signal,using the 110, 119, and 129 satellites, downloaded the guide, etc.

When that all went smooth as silk, I then powered on the secondary receiver. It started acquiring a signal and then the guide.

Both TV's working perfect, clear HD channels, and local programming on both TV's.

This setup works perfect for us.

When I tried to view some of the higher channels on the secondary TV that required looking for another satellite, it just went to a blank screen. I was expecting that, so no surprise there.

We watch very little TV, but when we do we would like to see the same program on the outside and inside TV at the same time. This setup works perfect.

Now that I know everything works, I need to hook it up to my trailer and see if the satellite wiring in the trailer works.

Thank you to both Bill and Ford Truck Guy for your expert advise.

Imagine that last night I spent 3-4 hours with tech support, only to be told my receiver was bad and needed to be sent back.....

Jerry

[Bill_Satellite]

Glad to hear you got through the activation process. Now go back to the signal receiver setup pointed to WA and after the antenna locks on, turn on the 2nd receiver.

[js415]

95% success!!!!!!

This morning I hooked everything back up and had complete failure on the new equipment.

Following Bill's advice, I changed my settings to point the dish to satellite 72 with only the primary receiver. After it found service and was working properly, I connected the new receiver to another TV, and then to the dish.

After powering it up, I was greeted with a screen that said "the system has encountered a problem and is checking your switch". It then went through a 38 step process that took almost 20-30 minutes.

After that was complete, it acquired a signal, downloaded a guide, and the next thing you know I'm watching TV on 2 sets!!!

Of course, I'm still on satellite 72, which does not work best for us.

At least I know the receiver is in the system properly and working properly.

Now to point and tweak the system to the satellites I want and see what happens.

Stay tuned....

Jerry

[ford_truck_guy]

I had the same issue, The girl I finally found told me that I needed to have a clear view to the West satellite’s, that is the only way to get them to update...

After 3-4 days, and almost 16 hours total on the phone, i got it all working...

Call this number - 1-800-970-7959 . . The tech I had was from Minnesota..

[Bill_Satellite]

To activate a brand new receiver I like to point to 72.7 if you are not out West as all of the programming and activation signals come from that one satellite. Maybe that would help. If you have a home dish antenna, this is the best place to get a new receiver up and running.

[js415]

My new receiver showed up today finally.

I set it up to use as the main receiver only. I did not hook up my original receiver for the activation and testing purposes.

I called Dish, went through the activation process and paid the additional fee for a 2nd receiver.

They guy told me to wait a few minutes and it should activate itself and be ready to use.

Sure enough, about 3 minutes later the screen changes and says my receiver is being activated. Please wait and be ready to aim the dish when finished.

After a few minutes the aiming menu showed up....then the problems started.

I pick one receiver, pick my state, and then it starts to scan. Only it scans for about 3 seconds before telling me it can not locate any satellites. Over and over and over.

4 different Tech support guys, about 3 hours on the phone, and they tell me they don't know whats wrong, but maybe the receiver is bad....

I gave up and will try again in the morning. I'm going to hook it up tomorrow as a second receiver and see if it gets anything.

Stay tuned...

Jerry