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jayhardy's avatar
jayhardy
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013

Getting HD Signal from a Portable DirectTv Dish

OK-- I have had great success getting a DirectTv signal from just sitting outside waiting for my portable dish to recognize a loud beeping noise inside my Montana (Wife yells -Yes!!). In Wash State I have always found a signal. Sometimes more frustrating than other. No fantasy meters.. However, I've heard getting a HD signal is way harder and I might need a newer dish than my Winegard portable. Any thoughts????
  • I use a slimline 3 dish with multi switch lnb and dishpointer pro app on my android phone and usually can get 90% or better signal on 99,101,103 satellites within 5 minutes or so. The app helps me determine where to put portable dish to see between trees, etc.
    Steve
  • I use three methods to get my HD signal.
    Dish pointer to scope out the area. Align-A-Site to get really close and birdog sat meter to lock on. Works great. Birdog allows my to be sure I have the correct satellite, and shows me the signal strength and quality without having to run in and out yelling at my wife or trying to see the TV from maybe 30 feet away. T get HD signal you need a better antenna. Get one of the packages from one of the many online retailers. It is well worth it at the end of the day.
  • jayhardy wrote:
    I looked for Birdog on apps and found nothing


    Birdog is a brand of meter, not an app. Dishpointer is an app that shows you where the satellites are relative to where you are standing. It's great for seeing whether or not they will be blocked by trees or other objects.
  • I use Dish Pointer Pro (app) also and it works great. I also have a DirecTV Slimline Antenna with SWM LNB. For aiming I use a baby monitor. Point the camera at the signal strength screen on the TV and take the wireless remote out to the dish with me. Works great. I use a tripod from tv4rv.com.

    You can not get HD on DirecTV with an automatic portable dish. I have been asking Wingard and VU Cube for this option for a long time and neither one says they have plans for it.