[Shyanne]

I am so confused, our neighbor told us about FTA yesterday and it looks like just the ticket we need for our RV when travelling as we are not interested in subscribing to Dish or DirectTV, we just want the ability to watch over the air TV in our camper. Presently our camper 'antenna' only picks up between 1-6 channels when on the road.

After spending until 2am researching all this we are no further along than when we started as to what we need for our RV. Can someone explain to me in easy to understand lingo just what we would need?

Here is what we would like, the ability to use 2 tv's on different channels (I assume this means 2 receivers?) Currently our RV is wired with cable & antenna coax cable (the same (one) cable for both), will we need to rewire it for satellite? Apparently there must be some type of splitter alreadly in place in the RV, as the connection for cable comes in one place in the camper (near the living room TV) and then splits from there and goes to the bedroom TV, would we need a different type of splitter for satellite?

Also in looking at receivers, what would be the best solution for what we need, what features should we look for? As to how all this works, it is still all Greek to me and my head is spinning!

Thanks for any help!
Shyanne

[creativegenius]

Do you visit the same spot when you RV or are you all over the place (i.e., truly exploring this our great United States)?

Creative Genius

[Shyanne]

Originally Posted by creativegenius

Do you visit the same spot when you RV or are you all over the place (i.e., truly exploring this our great United States)?

Creative Genius

We are everywhere, and at times in places where there is not any TV reception at all.

[hazwis]

yes you will need to remove any splitters in line and run 2 separate lines, 1 from each receiver to a dual lnb dish. if your going to get true FTA, you need a 30 inch dish or larger with a motor.

[Shyanne]

Originally Posted by hazwis

yes you will need to remove any splitters in line and run 2 separate lines, 1 from each receiver to a dual lnb dish. if your going to get true FTA, you need a 30 inch dish or larger with a motor.

Do they make motorized ones for RV's? All I could find were for homes.

I am researching the Dish500, will that work?

[Shyanne]

Another question, on researching the receivers they say something referring to upgrades to the receivers, do you need an internet connection to do this? This part really has me confused have no idea what it means!

[creativegenius]

A lot of the Dishes (roof top style) approx. $1300.00 do not work with FTA for some reason, so I'd suggest a portable type set up you could stake in the ground (like a Tripod based dish).

Save you some $$$ for sure.

Creative Genius

[fossil112]

they do have a portable antenna that installs on top of your RV. Though, you would need a subscription, or a file to view it.
It works using an internal GPS and is smaller than your rooftop AC unit. It's pretty handy since it will always pickup channels even when you're on the go, or stopped at the park.
They're expensive, though. That's the biggest catch...

[VGiddy]

There are RV Satellite dishes that you can buy. You need not go for the GPS style one which is quite expensive. Instead, go for a regular type one but, the disadvantage is that every time you go to a different location you will need to reset your Satellite dish.

Once you get the hang of it, it's quite simple. You will need a DP Dual or Quad LNB to pick up 119 and 110, and two cables from it into your Motor Home.

I would consider the Sonicview Dual tuner receiver so you will only need one Receiver to hook up to two TVs on different channels.

[Shyanne]

Originally Posted by VGiddy

There are RV Satellite dishes that you can buy. You need not go for the GPS style one which is quite expensive. Instead, go for a regular type one but, the disadvantage is that every time you go to a different location you will need to reset your Satellite dish.

Once you get the hang of it, it's quite simple. You will need a DP Dual or Quad LNB to pick up 119 and 110, and two cables from it into your Motor Home.

I would consider the Sonicview Dual tuner receiver so you will only need one Receiver to hook up to two TVs on different channels.

Thank you VGiddy.... we were looking at the Sonicview but got confused as it only had one remote, how would you change channels on the other TV? It appears the only one that has 2 remotes is from Dish (322 or 522), and looks like it requires a monthly subscription plan, seems strange no other receiver makers have ones with 2 remotes. The satellite Dish we are looking at is the Dish500, I don't guess you need a subscription plan for the Dish as our neighbor has this type of Dish and a non-DishTV receiver (not a dual receiver) and it works fine for picking up satellite connections.

[VGiddy]

Under the circumstances, maybe you can go with two cheaper receivers which is just as good like the Captive Works 700 which is upgradable with a USB stick or if you want recordable capabilities then the CW800. They are fairly cheap (in Canada Can$95 for the 700 and $120 for the 800) . Will be less in the US.

The 322 and 522 are Subscription receivers directly from Dishnetwork. Not a good idea as you will have to sign up for minimum of 2 years.

Yes the Dish 500 is fine with a DP Dual or Quad LNB to pick up 119 and 110 and it has a built in DiSEqC switch. Two cables to the two receivers.

Thats the best scenario for you.

[altazink]

i suggest a Winegard RoadTrip SD or SDi Antenna (sdi can be used while in motion...spend the extra buck and keep kids quiet...or the wife)

then you have 2 options,......
1- if most places have cell coverage, and you have a cell with data plan, and a laptop....then you can use an IKS (nfusion ect) reciever....
basically you use your phone (usb port)as an internet connection for the laptop. you let your laptop share the internet through its lan port which can go to a router and split to 2 different recievers.....
then you need 2 coax lines from the Winegard RoadTrip to each reciever (no splitting)


2-if you dont have cell that can tether, or area with no service.... then you need a non iks (Captive Works 700 ect) reciever

Usually best option for your line is put reciever above spot (bedroom for instance.) and run cord for second line with it and then around baseboardish area to where you need second reciever.
you cannot just plug the second line into the coax line already in your rv as it will have open line splitters which can degrade your signal strength. The only way it would work is if you can find the splitter and create a direct path beween your bedroom and other reciever area with no offshoots....then the second line could just go into the wall in the bedroom and out of the wall at the other area.... no running new cord around the base boards.

the beauty of the Winegard RoadTrip is you dont have to search satelites, adjust angles ect.

[cisco123]

here ya go a little info and follow the link for more ....


12" RoadTrip® SD and SDi automatic dome satellite TV antennas are known for their reliability, simple one button on/off operation, and sleek look. DVB technology ensures extremely fast and accurate satellite acquisition.

The RoadTrip SD and SDi are just 12” high, no taller than a roof-top air conditioning unit, which makes them a great choice for RVs with height restrictions, or for those who want to minimize the appearance of the satellite on top of the RV.

One Button Operation
The RoadTrip will automatically locate and lock onto the desired satellite signal within minutes with just the flip of a switch.

Compatible with DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Bell TV
NEW! DISH Network - all standard and HD programming. Toggles between 110°, 119° and 129°. Starting in 2009, all RoadTrip antennas are equipped with the ability to toggle between 3 DISH Network satellite

RoadTrip SDi and RoadTrip SD Satellite TV Antennas - Winegard

[altazink]

lol i should mount one on my mini-van..... attach it to a reciever that runs using a power converter....and then have it go to a lcd mini display...

HELLS YA

[altazink]

actually a good display for this application would be viper Pro...

[snakebite]

thanks cisco ,i did not even no about these .i am using a cw800 and a standard 500 dish with tripod and dual lnbs when i go up in northern ontario.if she goes down i have to travel about 50 miles out of bush to my buddies house for updates.lol but the pvr is the cats a$$ for these times.

[Shyanne]

Originally Posted by VGiddy

Under the circumstances, maybe you can go with two cheaper receivers which is just as good like the Captive Works 700 which is upgradable with a USB stick or if you want recordable capabilities then the CW800. They are fairly cheap (in Canada Can$95 for the 700 and $120 for the 800) . Will be less in the US.

The 322 and 522 are Subscription receivers directly from Dishnetwork. Not a good idea as you will have to sign up for minimum of 2 years.

Yes the Dish 500 is fine with a DP Dual or Quad LNB to pick up 119 and 110 and it has a built in DiSEqC switch. Two cables to the two receivers.

Thats the best scenario for you.

Thanks again VGiddy! Our neighbor came over tonight and explained a bit more about this. We have decided to go with the Dish 500 DP Plus twin Inb, and the Viewsat PVR VSPro (since that is what he has and he is familiar with setting it up)

Wish us luck!
Shy

[creativegenius]

Good choices ... get a tripod for the dish as well.

Creative Genius

[VGiddy]

Excellent decision, since you have someone with experience to help you along.

I dont need to wish you luck since you already have it......

[Shyanne]

Originally Posted by creativegenius

Good choices ... get a tripod for the dish as well.

Creative Genius

Yup got a tripod and a satellite finder thing as well! PLUS another dish as hubby decided he wanted one for the house too!

Thanks!