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Topic: Dome vs open satellite dish (Read 1056 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Winegard TRAV'LER Sat...

Dome vs open satellite dish

Don't want to hijack this post, but I didn't see the need to start a new post on pretty much the same subject.  When I purchased my coach satellite company was OOB...wife said, "that's OK we won't be watching tv anyway", well that was 12 months and two trips with friends who have functioning satellite systems ago....SO.....now tv is a bigger/big deal with the wife.  I love the cost of the pathway x2 but just thinking about boondocking at Walmart for the night with the x2 portable and I get all kind of images as to what could or would happen..."this is where I left the damn thing...what happened?"...I wish the x2 had a ladder mount....it does not right?
I do like the thought of after a long day driving, pull into boondock location, hit the level button, maybe even slide out the slide, flip a switch and the tv starts doing its thing while I make myself a nice tottie for the evening.....and boom it's relaxin' time.
What is the difference between a dome antenna and an open face like the Dish SK1000....is there a significant advantage of one over the other?...they darn sure ain't cheap..just in the early stages of considering my options right now.
Thanks everyone,
dave
Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA

Re: Dome vs open satellite dish (split from Re: Winegard TRAV'LER Satellite Antenna)

Reply #1 –
Quote from: dke1955 –

I do like the thought of after a long day driving, pull into boondock location, hit the level button, maybe even slide out the slide, flip a switch and the tv starts doing its thing while I make myself a nice tottie for the evening.....and boom it's relaxin' time.

My first question was 'What the heck is OOB?' and, being cunning, came up with Out of Business. Or Obsolete Other Brand.

We wanted a simple system that got HD on two receivers. One front/back. Chose Winegard's Travelr™ (Stupid spelling.) and Direct. Two years later and I can justify the bucks...for lack of swearing and peaceful viewing of Ancient Westerns. The main reason for NOT having an In-Motion system is safety. I witnessed a NASCAR race in full screen color at seventy MPH. It was some other knothead's rig—through Dallas at Rush Hour(s). Too many distractions for me, Race Day or not.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: Dome vs open satellite dish (split from Re: Winegard TRAV'LER Satellite Antenna)

Reply #2 –
Dave, if you are thinking Directv (we have it) only the open dish will receive HD broadcast as the dome will only receive standard definition.  We greatly prefer watching HD TV.  A larger dish will likely send a stronger signal to your receiver, which means when outside the fringes of the country and during heavy rain, a dome may not work as well.  But only domes can be in-motion and are not affected by high winds.  We have had our SK1000 and have never had a problem finding satellites, even when 500 miles north of the border in Ft McMurray Alberta.

Re: Dome vs open satellite dish (split from Re: Winegard TRAV'LER Satellite Antenna)

Reply #3 –
Dave,
You are more or less correct about the Pathway X2 not having a ladder mount.  I believe that it would fit the same ladder mount as the old carryout or newer tailgater BUT winegard says that it is not suitable for winds (or road speeds) over 35 mph and specifically says not to mount it on a ladder/roof.

From my experience the difference between the dome and the open antenna comes in marginal weather.  The dome, with a considerably smaller reflector, will lose signal sooner in dense clouds or light rain compared with the open dish. ( In heavy rain both will drop the signal.)  Because of its design the Pathway X2 is in between the dome and open dish in reflector size and signal acquisition.

I don't spend many nights in parking lots so my preference may be different than yours.  I have and like the Pathway for the flexibility around trees, etc. compared to a fixed roof mount unit in the campgrounds where I spend most of my time.  I would skip the TV for the few nights that I spend in Flying J, etc. parking lots.  However, even in campgrounds I lock the antenna down with a cable and lock much like Lowes or Home Depot use to lock up their outside lawnmower displays.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Dome vs open satellite dish (split from Re: Winegard TRAV'LER Satellite Antenna)

Reply #4 –
Thanks everyone for your replies...as always...great and very useful information!
Take Care
dave
Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA
 

Re: Dome vs open satellite dish (split from Re: Winegard TRAV'LER Satellite Antenna)

Reply #5 –
I hope this is not going too far sideways, but we carry both the tailgater and our big fellow. Hardly ever have problems with the little fellow, but, I NEED MY NASCAR! ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
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