Forum Discussion

dkscism's avatar
dkscism
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015

Satellite setup for 1st timer

Hi all, new to the forum here and planning my first true rv camping trip. I'm a college student, and I am going to be camping in the southeast. I have a simple pop up that a few buddies and I plan on following NASCAR with and other weekend trips. I want to take my Directv receiver from home along on a few of these trips so we don't have to miss some sports action along the way. The receiver I have is model #HR44-700. I was looking at an all inclusive kit that seems like it would fit my particular model. Here is a link to that.link. I do wish to have HD. I have a few questions.
1. Which Dishes/LNB's are compatible with my receiver?
2. Is a kit like the link above my cheapest option?
3. Will I be able to get Pay-per-view while camping? (Mayweather fight)
  • sdetweil's avatar
    sdetweil
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2015
    dkscism wrote:
    Hi all, Since I last asked about this, I have purchased a Pop-up camper, and a tripod kit. I plan on using a friends Slimline Dish with a SWM-3 LNB. I do have one concern. The receiver I have (HR44-700) has 'SAT IN (SWM-5)' beside the RG-6 input. I am concerned that because of this label, a SWM-3 will not work. Does anyone have any info on this?


    it should work. I think the label is telling you it can consume 5 receivers. (34/44 are genie's). check to see if the head is actually an SL3. (on the green label on the dish side of the head)

    if not, you could make a cheap purchase and upgrade to 8 receivers
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Directv-SL3S4NR4-01-SWM-LNB-Antenna-SL3-Green-LNB-SWiM-Satellite-HD-LNBF-101-/181730634472
    pop the head loose, unscrew the cable, screw it onto the new head, pop the head back onto the arm.
    this is the head on my tripod mounted slimline dish. I am doing the HR24 in my RV cause I can't have two genie systems on the same account (already have one at home).
  • dkscism's avatar
    dkscism
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2015
    Hi all, Since I last asked about this, I have purchased a Pop-up camper, and a tripod kit. I plan on using a friends Slimline Dish with a SWM-3 LNB. I do have one concern. The receiver I have (HR44-700) has 'SAT IN (SWM-5)' beside the RG-6 input. I am concerned that because of this label, a SWM-3 will not work. Does anyone have any info on this?
  • edatlanta's avatar
    edatlanta
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2015
    Instead of a much higher priced meter, I use the signal strength screen on the HR44 and a wireless baby monitor. The HR44 has the signal strength "beeper" like they used to have and I can hear it over the baby monitor when outside. I then look at the screen to see the signal strength to maximize it. I aim the monitor camera at the TV screen.

    Works like a champ.
  • Lije_Baley's avatar
    Lije_Baley
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    I upgraded to the TV4RV tripod and wish I'd done it sooner. You'll also need the slimline dish, a SWM-3 LNB, a power inserter, a SWM splitter and sufficient RG-6 cable.

    While you can use the signal strength meters on the HR44, I prefer using an external meter. Sat Pro sells the Tracker Light, which is adequate for your purposes. The cheapo (screaming tone) meters do not usually work well with a SWM system. The Tracker Light makes peaking the 101 signal easier, and that peaking is critical to having strong signals on the HD (99 and 103) satellites.

    Before buying a package, you should explore through vendor websites and eBay whether buying the individual components is cheaper.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Feb 25, 2015
    dkscism wrote:
    Does anyone know about pay per view?
    Yes. I order by texting 'movie' to 223322. Online works too, texting is just easier. You don't want to call.. they charge for that.

    That's how movies work, not sure about sports.

    Another vote for not using that tripod.
  • CT_WANDERER's avatar
    CT_WANDERER
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2015
    I have gotten PPV Movies from DIRECTV. while camping. I had internet to connect to order the movie. I believe if you connect with DIRECTV by internet or phone you can order PPV if you have an account set-up. Gary
  • dkscism's avatar
    dkscism
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2015
    Thanks for the info guys. I'll try and get a tripod from tv4rv. Does anyone know about pay per view?
  • edatlanta's avatar
    edatlanta
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2015
    Big Katuna wrote:
    I am not a fan of that tripod. I would get a surveyors tripod which has adjustable legs and is very stable. The mast needs to be perfectly level for HD.
    Look at TV4RV. Definetely get Dishpointer AR for your phone.


    I have been using my tripod from TV4RV for almost 5 years full time.

    No other way to go IMHO.

    I would have an automatic portable, but no one makes one for HD on DirecTV and I'm not switching to Dish.
  • Swampman597's avatar
    Swampman597
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2015
    Big Katuna wrote:
    I am not a fan of that tripod. I would get a surveyors tripod which has adjustable legs and is very stable. The mast needs to be perfectly level for HD.
    Look at TV4RV. Definetely get Dishpointer AR for your phone.


    X2
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Feb 24, 2015
    I am not a fan of that tripod. I would get a surveyors tripod which has adjustable legs and is very stable. The mast needs to be perfectly level for HD.
    Look at TV4RV. Definetely get Dishpointer AR for your phone.

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