Which Sat Antenna & Receiver to Get...

[TC_Z]

We are on trip and this is the 4th location where we can't get TV signal w Winegard crank uo on roof. DW is not happy. For her to do more camping I am going to need to upgrade. I want to get a carry out, self acquiring HD satellite antenna and receiver. I know nothing about them. We have ATT U-verse at home via phone line. I would appreciate any recommendations or guidance on brands and how to compare pros & cons of systems. Am I correct we can use same to get Internet too? Note we have an upgraded smart HD TV in rig.

Thanks in advance....

[TC_Z]

Lwiddis wrote:
Buying something you want but knowing nothing about it is...hmmm...interesting.

How helpful, why do you think I am posting asking for advice? Man...

[Jack_Kay]

I also suggest DISH with a Wally receiver and a Playmaker dish (possibly a tripod). CW has sales on the grouping. The dish will self acquire the satellites and you will get HD. They have a phone app to allow you to change local channels when on the move.

[myredracer]

trb46 wrote:
The campgrounds I usually stay at are packed with trees, so finding a clear shot to the satellites is sometimes difficult. I have a carry-out system, the King Tailgater 3 with the 211 Z receiver and use the Dish pay-as-you-go plan. When I get a good satellite signal, it’s a great system.

I use the dishpointer.com app for finding a hole through trees when we're in a CG with lots of them. We're on a Canadian sat. service and use an 18" dish but no difference except for where a particular sat is in the Clarke belt. I've been able to get signals sometimes when I wouldn't have otherwise been able to figure out where to aim. Sometimes it can be a case of moving the dish just 5-10' in one direction or another to get through a hole in the trees.

The dishpointer app is also good when deciding what site to choose. I sometimes drive around a CG, get out and aim my phone in the sky to see if I can see a sat. I tell onlookers I'm just checking for aliens to see if it's safe there... 🙂

I could be wrong, but a larger dia. dish on a tripod and manually aiming it might be able to catch a stronger signal when dealing with trees or other obstacles. Not sure how you can find an optimal location with one of those small self-aiming dishes.

[theoldwizard1]

Before you give up on OTA digital TV, go to AntennaWeb.org and check how far the closest transmitter are. It may be possible that you need new wiring and/or a better amplifier for the antenna you have.

If you get good cell service (4G LTE) where you camp, a "hotspot" (cell data to Wifi converter) will get you Wifi in your RV. With Wifi in the RV you can use one of many different internet "streaming" device (Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, etc) and choose one of many streaming TV services. You might want to change at home. I did and am saving over $50 month.

[trb46]

The campgrounds I usually stay at are packed with trees, so finding a clear shot to the satellites is sometimes difficult. I have a carry-out system, the King Tailgater 3 with the 211 Z receiver and use the Dish pay-as-you-go plan. When I get a good satellite signal, it’s a great system.

[imgoin4it]

Another vote for Dish. I just changed from DTV to Dish. When we leave in the motor home I can just call Dish and have receiver in house shut off and receiver in motor home turned on.. no additional cost.

[Big_Katuna]

Directv is not RV friendly and no carryout auto dish gets HD with DTV.

I submit another vote for DISH and a Winegard Pathway X2.

It gets HD and DISH lets you change locals whenever you want.

The Pathway lets you choose eastern or western arcs which doubles your chance if a signal.

DISH doesn’t require a contract. You can buy mo to mo.

[Lwiddis]

Buying something you want but knowing nothing about it is...hmmm...interesting.

[TechWriter]

Get a DISH Wally receiver with a Pathway X2.

Then sign up for DISH programming.

If you don't want DISH full time, sign up for the Pay As You Go plan.

[2oldman]

Here's a start with DTV

No, you won't get internet. That's usually done via your phone.

[BarneyS]

I think you will have better luck with this question in the Technology Forum. I will move it there. Good luck.
Barney