Country Coach Owners Forum

Country Coach Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums => Country Coach Archive => Topic started by: Glen Pankratz on October 13, 2010, 08:46:22 pm

Title: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Glen Pankratz on October 13, 2010, 08:46:22 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64397 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64397)
I usually am on the road - not in parks with trees. I overnight at Flying Js or Wally World. I want the best dish I can get that will let me push 1 button when parked and levelled and have the dish find the satellites for HD viewing. I do not need in motion. I have heard the domes can cause reception problems with dew, etc as opposed to the open dish type but that may not be true. I have not decided on which network either. I am not looking to spend a fortune but want a good one. I have already swapped out the old CRT type in the BR for a new LED and the front one is next - any experience, advice, source, etc. will be greatly appreciated. (My local RV Svce Mgr installs after hours)
We just came home from a 2200 mi round trip with the old CRT w/converter up front - never again!

bojangles5169

'97 Intrigue #10414

email: bojangles5169@... (bojangles5169@...)
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Don S. on October 13, 2010, 08:54:52 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64399 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64399)
I have a Motosat Executive and since installation in Aug of '01 it has operated flawlessly. I am staying with Motosat when I upgrade to HD this fall.
It is true that domes have problems with heavy rain and dew and I will not have one.

Don

'02 Intrigue #11427
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Lee Zaborowski on October 13, 2010, 09:20:08 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64400 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64400)
MotoSat, IMHO. Talk to Dale Morris. I assume you have been reading the group posts of the last few days???

--

Lee Zaborowski

07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13
----------------
Title: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Johns RV on October 13, 2010, 09:25:11 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64401 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64401)
I don't believe you can have a dome and HD. Motosat is the way to go for Direct or presumably Dish. I just got mine at Oregon Motor Coach in August around 4500 with DVR, GPS and Blue player/Amp.
Push one button and it locks in, even faster if you get the GPS option.

John

2007 Inspire 52028
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Dale Morris on October 13, 2010, 09:30:08 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64402 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64402)

I am sure you will get many responses to this, but here is mine.
As a former customer service rep for Motosat, at one time about 5 years ago, 80 % of our customers had Direc tv. That leaves a ballance of 20, shared by Dish Network, and Bell Express Vue from Canada. At that time, bout 80% of trouble calls came from dish network people who had their service. Now the past few years, they build equipment that is designed for Dish Network, and they work much better. I still believe that if you have the correct dish, that you will have less issues with Direct TV. Reguardless of what either of them say, the costs are about the same. Open faces dishes work best, and will only work when stationary. There are two systems available for HD, one from Winegard, and one from Motosat.
I am a little prejudice, as I worked for Motosat for many years, and believe they build the best product, and that is their only business, mobile satellite tv product. All their units are fixable in the field, should there be an issue. With Winegard, you have a problem, you will need to send it to factory for repairs, sort of a big problem for a traveler.
Motosat has a 3 year warranty, and Winegard has a 2 year warranty.
Motosat is the oldest RV satellite manuafacture out there, and have a record as the industies most toughest. They have always handled wind issues, of high winds, but the new Winegard has maybe got a handle on this also. Before their latest model, 25 mph winds would cause picture failure.
Motosat will most likely cost your more than you may have to pay to get a winegard. I am a dealer and only sell Motosat, and my web site says, we sell the best and service the rest. However, the new HD from Winegard, is not field serviceable.

Hope this may help some,
Dale Morris 91 Savanna #4702
dmsrvsatellite.com
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Ken on October 13, 2010, 09:58:29 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64403 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64403)
Quote from: Glen Pankratz"

> I usually am on the road - not in parks with trees. I overnight at Flying Js or Wally World. I want the best dish I can get that will let me push 1 button when parked and levelled and have the dish find the satellites for HD viewing. I do not need in motion. I have heard the domes can cause reception problems with dew, etc as opposed to the open dish type but that may not be true. > > bojangles5169

'97 Intrigue #10414

email: bojangles5169@...
We have the dome now. Would not buy another one. Go with the open kind. Any kind of water pixilates, fog, dew rain etc.

Ken 2007 Beaver Contessa
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Leonard Kerns on October 13, 2010, 09:59:02 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64404 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64404)
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/winegard-travler-automatic-multi-satellite-tv-antennas/6795 (http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/winegard-travler-automatic-multi-satellite-tv-antennas/6795)
One button up and locked on all 3 Dish network birds. One button down, locked for storage. Not effected by rain or wind, first hand experience like this last weekend on Oregon coast. Heavy wind to rock coach matched by heavy rain. Not one signal drop. The dome we had would loose signal when it got wet, useless in rain. Pick your network. We have been Dish customers for over 15 years. Good equipment-free upgrade once a year on receiver, good customer service now days, they had growing pains. Told by tech, yesterday to call Dish with what ever Zip code you are in and you can get the local stations. All the HD out there. Can do install yourself. Not hard at all. Biggest job would be getting dish on roof. I did it using a extension ladder and slide dish up ladder. Ran cables on roof and dropped through hole where the old roof mount off-air antenna was. Have the latest dual DVR in house. No DVR in coach. Would if we full timed it. One thing would suggest you check out is the menu and receiver responsiveness. Kids have Direct, I like Dish much, much better. Give the Travler system a 10 out of 10.

Leonard Kerns
97' Magna 5418
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Rich on October 14, 2010, 12:34:38 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64407 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64407)
Glen,

Not up on the latest domes but I think the new ones are all pretty fast. As far as the rain and dew are concerned, I have an old Kingdome and it is only in very heavy rain or very heavy dew that I have a problem. That Dome Magic spray really helps. If you are really in those conditions a lot, KVH makes dome models with heaters for dew, I believe. If you want HD right now, and a dome, only Dishnetwork will work. I like Dish anyway. They make the best DVR's. The programming is all about the same.

Rich 2002
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Dale Morris on October 14, 2010, 08:38:25 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64409 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64409)

Another thought, not wanting inmotion, open face is the best. Lets say you decide on a DVR, with any dome, you can only see one of the 3 satellites that are available, dish network, and if you want to record something that may be on another satellite, it can not be done. And of course, Direct TV, Hd is just not available with any dome. If you get one of the two multiheaded dishes from the two previous mentioned systems, and properly wired, you could run 2 DVR's and tape any thing on your guide. If you use a KVH dome, each time you go east coast or west coast, you need a computer to change the satellite access as they use different satellites on each coast. Domes just are two small a dish to to get what they offer.
Either pop up they make, will make you a happy camper if properly installed. There is no maintenance to a popup, and all domes require cleaning, and even solutions to help the water from forming and wiping out your signal.
If you happen to get 2 receivers, you would be stuck with the same satellite for both receivers by having a dome system. Sometimes, this is not a fun way to go. If you and your wife have favorite programs, and they happen to be on different satellites, you may loose.

Dale Morris
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Dan Fahrion on October 14, 2010, 11:07:40 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64410 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64410)
Rich

If you are a sports nut then Direct TV is your best choice.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: TerryB on October 14, 2010, 02:51:10 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64415 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64415)
Dale, I have a "TracStar" dome and I get HD with Dir TV. Also, I have two recievers and can watch two different programs.

Terry
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Richard Skinner on October 14, 2010, 03:08:18 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64416 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64416)
Motosat is the way to go if you can afford it and particularly if you have Directv. Also, the LED Displays are the way to go especially LG Displays.
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Jim E on October 14, 2010, 05:18:45 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64424 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64424)
Richard,

Just for my info, why do you say Motosat is the way to go? What makes it better than Winegard?

Jim
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Leonard Kerns on October 14, 2010, 05:46:39 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64425 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64425)
Good question JIm. We had a Motostat with Internet on the coach when we got it. Looked the system over, needed a computer to turn it on, plus it has an old out of date system, seems there was a fee to even start it, never could tell for sure. Could not give it away even to the local dealer. He had two like it and didn't want another. Had the Winegard, all you need is power and a finger to push the button to operate it. The Motostat went in the recycle scrap bin. No need to carry something that big around when the Winegard is smaller, lighter and works great. Use Verzion wireless for Internet. Even the local Motostat dealer confessed to doing the same for the Internet. Guess I'm looking forward to being educated on the Motostat. Maybe I missed something I should have found.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Leonard Kerns on October 14, 2010, 05:53:13 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64428 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64428)
And by the way, when I removed the big aluminum base plate, found standing water. Lots of standing water and yes it looked sealed.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Richard Skinner on October 14, 2010, 06:38:55 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64433 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64433)
Well, I meant it was the Best Choice for me after doing alot of research and hearing discussions about both units which both will get the job done but the overwhelming choice has been Motosat.
However, I always Value all comments and reviews of products and yours is the first I have heard that thought Winegard was better than Motosat so I will research further to see what others who have had both units feel about the respective devices.
All I want is Ease of Use and Dependability and I will be using it for Directv in a stationary environment not on the road traveling.
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Jim E on October 14, 2010, 07:11:41 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64436 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64436)
Richard,

I used to follow your line of reasoning, i.e., folks on these forums favored the Motosat. It was about the only thing available that was automatic. Some of the units included the kind that had internet access. I had a Motosat on my last MH and bought it for the same reason. It retrospect, it wasn't all that great. Failed several times and had to call for help to get it working again. Also, the programming had to be upgraded occasionally, which required a special module that I had to buy. Seems the programming was rather complicated. That cost $60.
A couple years ago Winegard came out with an automatic unit. Very small control module, just push one button and in a couple minutes your ready to go. Never requires programming upgrades and never fails to locate satellites. Couple hundred bucks cheaper also.
Now, having said all that, the new Motatsat units might be different.
Did I misunderstand, why do you want an auto system if you are stationary?

Jim
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Richard Skinner on October 14, 2010, 07:22:31 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64437 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64437)
What Winegard Unit do you recommend? I am a Directv Software Beta Tester and I will of course be using Directv and I want Ease Of Use, Dependability and Easy Maintenance and Low Maintenance Costs.

Thanks for your input!!!

Also, I meant that I don't need an In-Motion Dome because I want be using it while driving as I have my Verizon Droid for emails and weather.
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Jim E on October 14, 2010, 07:31:00 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64438 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64438)
Winegard Trav'ler Slimline Model SK-3005

Jim
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Richard Skinner on October 14, 2010, 07:31:01 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64439 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64439)
How can you get HD Channels on a Dome when they have been all moved to Sats 99 and 103 which are MPEG-4 which can not be picked up by Domes that only get MPEG-2 Sats??? These Domes can only pick up MPEG-2 Sats and they are either foreign channels or SD channels.
There is only one In-Motion Dome capable of picking up and locking onto the new MPEG-4 Sats 99 & 103 and that unit is the TracVision HD7 which is designed for Yachts that move slower than an RV. Also, they are very expensive and are too tall to put on the top of your RV.
Title: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Been There, Done That on October 14, 2010, 08:54:30 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64442 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64442)
John,

I just checked a web site which has the following domed in-motion antenna which appears to offer some HD channels.
KVH is pleased to offer full support for DIRECTV's complete Ku-band programming selection, including all standard definition programming and a selection of 15-20 HDTV channels (when using KVH's Tri-Sat AutoSwitch option and a DIRECTV H21-200 or H20-600 HD receiver). KVH part #01-0263-04 Price    $2,174.00

Web site is: http://www.satellitesinmotion.com/m7/KVH-R6%20ST%20WHT%20DTV.html (http://www.satellitesinmotion.com/m7/KVH-R6%20ST%20WHT%20DTV.html)
Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Rich on October 14, 2010, 09:06:32 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64443 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64443)
Dan
Not.

Rich 2002 Magna
Title: Calais Maine Border Crossing
Post by: Graeme Arnott on October 14, 2010, 09:52:10 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64446 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64446)
Looking for a bit of advice, we're crossing into the US tomorrow at Calais Maine. Never used this crossing before and would like to avoid any problems before it's too late, got into the wrong lane (customs officer's fault) previously at another crossing and couldn't make the turn in front of the booth. Had to disconnect the toad, backup and take another run at it in the next lane, only blocked traffic for 5 minutes.
For those that may have crossed at Calais in the past are there any lanes that a 45' plus toad should avoid? Also, just wondering if someone can recommend a fuel stop past Calais?

Thanks.

Graeme Arnott

09 Allure CP #31690
Title: Re: Calais Maine Border Crossing
Post by: Jsmmrlin on October 14, 2010, 10:52:06 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64448 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64448)
We made that crossing in July. Follow the signs to the truck crossing and it is easy. There are two crossings in Calais, the old one is for cars and located in the middle of town. A new one on the edge of town is designed for large vehicles. At the entry point of each lane there are two tall yellow metal poles and a line painted on the ground between them. Do not pull between these poles until directed to do so. If you block them for several minutes an alarm goes off and you will be delayed. They took our fruit, would have taken our PEI potatoes if we had them, and my wife sweet talked them into letting us keep our small house plants. The Customs agents we had were young ladies and very nice. If you have any more questions give me a call 970-690-6629.

Jerry Summerlin
'07 Allure 32485
JSMMRLIN@...
Title: Re: Calais Maine Border Crossing
Post by: Jsmmrlin on October 14, 2010, 10:57:25 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64449 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64449)
I forgot to respond to the fuel stop question. On US-1 near the intersection with Hwy-9 is an Irving Station with several truck lanes on the side.

Jerry
Title: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Richard Skinner on October 15, 2010, 05:35:45 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64456 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64456)
Here is the follow up details from Solidsignal.com.

1 Free DISH HD receiver requires activation through KVH
2 KVH TracVision systems support DIRECTV's Ku-band standard and high-definition broadcasts. However, DIRECTV is in the process of moving its HDTV programming to new Ka-band satellites. Reception of Ka-band broadcasts requires larger antennas and additional equipment. As a result, KVH TracVision systems and all other domed mobile satellite TV antennas cannot support reception of DIRECTV's new Ka-band HD broadcasts.
If you can not receive the Ka Band Satellites then you can not get HD Channels from Directv Period-End-Of-Story. What this does is requires a subscription to Directv for SD Channels in the Ku Band and a subscription to Dish for HD Channels and I do not want to pay for 2 subscriptions and have to toggle back and forth between the 2 and not be able to use my HR24-500 Directv DVR to Record HD Directv Programming.
You have to read the Fine Print to understand that the HD Channels will come from Dish and the SD Channels from Directv.
That is not suitable for me. I will just use either Winegard or Motosat when I am not in motion and be done with it.
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Dale Morris on October 15, 2010, 09:02:02 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64458 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64458)

Terry, how many cannels of HD do you get, and how new is your satellite? AS of a month ago, there was no dome that got direct TV, and if you are correct, I surely want to know? I am from Idaho, and would have to see to believe!! KA band, does not work with a small dish, unless someone in the past month came up with something.

Dale Morris 91 Savanna #4702
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Dale Morris on October 15, 2010, 09:11:09 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64459 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64459)

Leonard, you are refering to an Internet system by Motosat, not a satellite system for tv. Compare apples to apples. Like I said earlier, both are good, Motosat is repairable in the field should there be a problem, has a 3 year warranty, a better mounting system for less stress on your roof, is upgradeable thru an SD card so you can make changes should the happen 24/7, but it does take a computer to do this. Also, if you decide on another carrier, Dish Network, or Shaw Direct from Canada, for a small fee it is upgradeable. With the other one, you decide to switch, you need to remove everything, and start over. Motosat has lost some ground to Winegard with the new HD units, but still has advantages I believe. Motosat is usually a little more money to purchase, and with there TV product, if you ever want to throw one away, call me, I will take it in a heart beat. They don't wear out!

Dale Morris
Title: Re: Calais Maine Border Crossing
Post by: Graeme Arnott on October 15, 2010, 09:17:03 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64460 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64460)
Thanks for the info Jerry, we'll take a run at it later this morning.

Graeme Arnott

09 Allure CP 31690
Title: Calais Maine Border Crossing
Post by: Johns RV on October 15, 2010, 09:43:41 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64461 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64461)
got into the wrong lane (customs officer's fault) previously at another crossing and couldn't make the turn in front of the booth. Had to disconnect the toad, backup and take another run at it in the next lane, only blocked traffic for 5 minutes.

Can't help you with the Maine crossing but wanted to tell you that I had a similar experience crossing from Canada to Washington just east of Vancouver. The road forked, and the sign said something like Cars left. Trucks right. Nothing about RV's and I could not see the booths from where I was. I took the truck side and it turns out it was for commercial vehicles only. They were very nasty about it and said something like you are a car. I bit my tongue until it bleed, smiled and they let me through.

John
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Gordo on October 15, 2010, 10:52:43 am
Yahoo Message Number: 64469 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64469)
Good morning group... Gordo here.

Let see, we are now deciding what satellite system is best. Okay I'm cool with that. I chose the Winegard Trav'ler slimline model SK-3005 because Winegard worked closely with Direct-TV and Dish-TV to design an RV style unit that actually worked as claimed! So far, I'm more then thrilled with this units performance no matter what Mother nature throws at it. It is true you MUST choose between Direct-TV or Dish network before buying the unit. No changing ones mind midstream or its back to the drawing board This could get pricey to prove a point to respective satellite companies why you feel their service sucks!
If you are savvy, one can be had with a 3 year extended warranty plus the 1 year from Winegard (full replacement and labor) from Camping world for less then other with only a 3 year warranty. It's all about watching Camping worlds mailers. Since I already subscribe to the deluxe burrito HD Direct-TV (10 years now) at home, it was a no brainer to add/include this HD service in da MoHo. An extra 10 dollars per month for permanently installed HD-DVR and standard HD receiver in bedroom. I used to spend that and more on bagged ice monthly, smarting up I bought a basement ice maker for da MoHo.
What I like best about this system? The fact, all I do is power it up, pop a beer and watch the game. Now, that's the good life.

Gordo

99 Allure 30344
Sacramento, Ca.
Title: Re: Calais Maine Border Crossing
Post by: Graeme Arnott on October 15, 2010, 02:33:13 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64474 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64474)
John,

I'm sure you're talking about Blaine Washington, the same place where we had our little encounter.

We're sitting in a RV park in St. Andrew's New Brunswick, had to delay our crossing because of gale force winds and driving rain and to make matters worse we now have a leak in our roof, likely from our satellite antenna. I'll be up on the roof once the wind and rain subsides a bit.

Graeme Arnott

09 Allure CP 31690
Title: Motosat vs Winegard
Post by: Jay Williams on October 15, 2010, 03:34:11 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64475 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64475)
Greetings!

When I bought my Inspire, I had the Motosat MHDTV installed to enable the HD package. It works fine but, a couple of years ago, Direct TV expanded to five satellites (from three) and I no longer receive the majority of my channels, and receive nothing in HD. I am in a cost/benefit quandary regarding upgrade.
I need to answer two questions before I pitch a perfectly good system in the river and drop many $$$: (1) How long will Direct TV stay with its current satellite array; (2) What is the relative financial stability between Motosat INC. and Winegard INC.?
I have a feeling Motosat is beginning to lose internet system sales to the improved performance of cellular internet connections (this is only a suspicion - - no evidence). The TV end of the sales is still apparently going strong. Can it carry the company in absence of the internet side?

How is Winegard doing in the downturn? Will they pull through?
We've seen a few vendors bite the dust, some unexpectedly. I'd rather not buy into an unsupportable system. (As well as my Motosat works, it requires periodic software updates. Without them, where are we?)
Anyone out there have any wisdom to pass my way regarding questions 1 and 2?

Have a good weekend!
Jay

05 Inspire 51457
Title: Re: Motosat vs Winegard
Post by: Dale Morris on October 15, 2010, 03:56:26 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64476 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64476)

Jay, right after Motosat built the MHDTV model, Direct changed over to the KA band format, requiring the Slim Line 5 dish, and lnb. You would have to change the mount only for the new HD-SL5, all the cables ect. will work fine, provided you have enough coax leads coming down. Love to get MHDTV mounts in trade, they have great value. Give me a call if you are interested. You would be best to change out to the new SD-2 controller also, but at least you could get a new system, with out paying for a complete new system. The old MHDTV system does work great for people who like their home town networks and they don't stray too far from home.
As you said, all HD programing dissapeared when direct tv made that change with the MHDTV unit. Many people lost their 7 channels, and with the new dish, you get well over 100.
Dale

702-604-6757
Title: Re: Motosat vs Winegard
Post by: Leonard Kerns on October 15, 2010, 04:05:42 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64477 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64477)

I heard from Dish that the parking spots available for sat's was filling up. Who knows what that really means. Think as the present sat's age they will be replaced with newer more capable units.

Quote
> (2) What is the relative financial stability between Motosat INC. and Winegard INC.?
Who knows, look at Country Coach. grin

Quote
> I have a feeling Motosat is beginning to lose internet system sales to the improved performance of cellular internet  connections (this is only a suspicion - - no evidence).  The TV end of the sales is still apparently going strong.  Can it carry the company in absence of the internet side?

Consider this: Satellite = limited band width, limited speed with no plans to upgrade, if you use too much, they choke you down. Wireless is now going 4G, up from 3G. Increasing speed and area coverage. Satellite is good only were cell is not available. Cell is just to good and to fast and can be used other places other then in RV. Have two family members that had sat's, now both have Verzion wireless.

Quote
> How is Winegard doing in the downturn?  Will they pull through?

We’ve seen a few vendors bite the dust, some unexpectedly.  I’d rather not buy into an unsupportable system.  (As well as my Motosat works, it requires periodic software updates.  Without them, where are we?)

No updates needed on the Winegard system. It simple works out of the box. Although it does have the ability to be updated.

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Anyone out there have any wisdom to pass my way regarding questions 1 and 2?

Good questions. Isn't making these decisions fun?

Leonard Kerns
97' Magna 5418

Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satellite antenna
Post by: Steve Dailey_01 on October 15, 2010, 06:06:17 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64478 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64478)
Every bit as important, perhaps even more so, is to get the right INSTALLER! We got our satellite from a dealer at the FMCA rally in Indio in January of this year. We mistakenly assumed that FMCA would have checked out their vendors for honesty and reputability. We were very wrong and we were 'taken in' by a dealer who not only lied and misrepresented the products but who did an extremely poor installation as well. As a final blow, he also damaged our coach ...taking responsibility for none of the above. The point of all this is that you should first make sure that you find a good installer/vendor ... and that FMCA rallies aren't necessarily the place to find them.

Steve Dailey
'06 Allure 31299
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satellite antenna
Post by: Jim E on October 15, 2010, 06:44:48 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64481 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64481)
A fine example of why I dropped FMCA several years ago.

Jim
Title: Re: Need Advice on BEST Satallite antenna
Post by: Rich on October 15, 2010, 08:28:11 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64483 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64483)
Richard, As I understand things, this satellite move/dome HD issues only applies to DirectTV, not Dishnetwork. I spoke with Kingdome and they say that their domes work with Dish HD.

Rich 2002 Magna
Title: Re: Motosat vs Winegard
Post by: Jay Williams on October 17, 2010, 02:49:04 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64535 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64535)
Dale, I was led to believe (by Motosat and others) that the base plate stays. Unbolt the MHDTV and bolt on the SL5. Is that correct?

Thanks.
Jay
Title: Re: Motosat vs Winegard
Post by: Richard Skinner on October 17, 2010, 03:18:43 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64536 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64536)
Directv will stay with the current array of satellites for quite some time because they had to convert to MPEG-4 Compression Scheme over the MPEG-2 Scheme as they could fit more channels onto a single transponder so they added two more satellites that were MPEG-4 and moved their MPEG-2 Channels over to those satellites so now you really only need an Slimline (SL3) Dish to provide you with over 150 Channels most of which are HD. You no longer need the SL5 unless you want Spanish Speaking Channels, etc.
Title: Re: Motosat vs Winegard
Post by: Dale Morris on October 17, 2010, 10:09:59 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64546 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64546)

The base plate is interchangeable, so best not to disturb the roof when doing an upgrade. It is best, however to buy a complete unit, use the new controller, and mount on your system, and trade in or sell the MHDTV as a good used unit. Have sold several of them, they don't really wear out.
I always say never disturb a roof mount, if you don't need too. It takes 8 screws to remove the motor mount, and then reattach the new mount, without taking a chance of causing any roof leaks.

Dale Morris
Title: Re: Motosat vs Winegard
Post by: Dale Morris on October 17, 2010, 10:14:40 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 64547 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/64547)

However, Rich, the SL-3 head will not work with the Motosat, and will creat it not to find a satellite at all. Seen guys try it, and it does not work. If you use a perminate mounted dish some where, and or a tripod SL-3, and learn how to point it, it works great. The SL-5 system for Motosat, uses the 110, and 119 lnbs only to help line up the satellites, not for any programing, unless maybe some home town programming from some cities.

Dale Morris