Satellite TV

Topic: Satellite TV (Read 2316 times) previous topic - next topic

Satellite TV

February 07, 2013, 03:45:26 am

All this talk of satellite TV on the forum has me asking myself a question that some of you may be able to shed some light on and help me make a decision.

I currently have a Tracvision L3 in motion dish. It came with the coach. It was set up for Direct TV. I have Dishnetwork. I have a 211 HD receiver to use for Dish service. I have not been able to use it. I tried briefly to set it up and reprogram it for Dish but was un able to get a signal. I thought at the time that it was because of tree blockage. The self check for the Tracvision shows that there are no problems detected with the dish (plugged the Tracvision into a laptop for software updates and self check diagnostics) . I bought the A/B keys for the dish and feel that with enough effort on my part I can get it to work. A $100+ tech support call to Tracvision may also be needed.

Here is my question, Is it worth it?
The system will bring in HD on Dish but it seems from what I've read that it will need a satellite switch to be able to go from one satellite to another. I'm not sure how much that switch will cost. The L3 is a dated system. I know that others have replaced this system simply because the newer technology works better. Should I take the chance and maybe throw good money after bad getting the L3 to work (maybe).

I see Wineguard has a in motion system for about $1000. I think Tracvision also offers a newer in motion system but for a bit more money.

If I decide to move to a new system, what would be a better choice ( I will stay with Dish)?
I prefer the in motion system, just don't know who has the best unit out there now.
Recommendations?

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #1 – February 07, 2013, 08:19:26 am

We had an in motion and returned it for an auto find type. We are on the east coast and most of the inter states are tree lined and it did not work well because of tree cover. So my take is that they would be great out west or where you have clear skies above.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #2 – February 07, 2013, 08:49:04 am

From what I understand, the only advantage to an in-motion system is that you (or someone) can watch TV while going down the road. Who does that??? Unless you travel with kids who need video pacifying while traveling (and they have DVD players and games and all manner of hand held gizmos) there is very little advantage to having any kind of in motion anything. Most coaches are properly set up that the front TV will not operate while the engine is running, anyway. Our Kingdome is original to this 2002 coach and is beginning to fail. We are yanking it out and replacing it with a Winegard Traveler, which we have had before and very much like. My understanding is that the Tracvision folks are only supporting the units that still remain in use and are no longer manufacturing ... they are on their way out. Gary Omel has some better info on this, however.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #3 – February 07, 2013, 10:06:13 am

We installed the Winegard Traveler after looking at all the choices. We felt that in motion was unnecessary, but we wanted HD. DW wanted a dome type dish. From what I found "DISH" is the only HD provider choice in a dome arrangement due to their satellite placement in space. As we wanted to stay with DIRECTV we choose the Traveler.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #4 – February 07, 2013, 10:20:16 am

We have a 211K in the house and another in the U300. We sold an earlier model of the Tailgater (see: dish tailgater | eBay ) because the Dish Network satellite footprint did not extend very far into Mexico for the small dish that all the rooftops and portables have. The Tailgater does work well where the RV is close to trees and if you use an iPhone with a satellite finder app, you can instantly see if there is a clear view to the satellite.

The down side is someone can steal it if you leave it outside and you have to take it out of the compartment. They weigh almost nothing so even a small child could carry one.

Pierce

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #5 – February 07, 2013, 11:09:04 am

search the forum, if you you can live without in motion (i had in motion direct dome and traveler from winegard both on the coach when I bought it - LOVE my Traveler - search old post on FoFum and you will see many testimonials.

Took Dome in motion off top of coach and included with my U-270 trade in

Traveler sees all three satellites from Dish at once, and there is no switching lag - full service just like at home, and absolutely sees through trees much better than domes.

Downside of traveler - you can't tell till your set up if your signal will be blocked at your parking site, but I have only had 2 spots that I was blocked by trees, moved a bit and I regained signal.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #6 – February 07, 2013, 06:45:48 pm

When I bought my coach last summer, it had an In Motion set up that worked in the parking lot but not beyond...
The coach also came with a Tracvision unit (with all components) stored underneath in one of the bays... I decided not to install the Tracvision as I would not need 'in motion' service but my plan to upgrade TV's to the latest LED units and get High Definition + 3D TV (your right...who needs that) but I hope to for once...to get ahead of a curve...any curve!

My online search led me to RF MOGUL company. Seems top management and top engineers left Motosat after the company went thru something....and this crew developed and are now marketing their own product. I like new things so went for it. It is manufactured in Korea. Bought it from them directly and installed it myself.

so far, so good! My unit has locked on, in 4-6 minutes.

Not important for sure, but here is a link to what I wrote, back in September 2012 regarding this RF Mogul unit.

Memory Roads: Satellite TV Upgrades, Motosat or RF Mogul?

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #7 – February 08, 2013, 09:55:10 pm

@MemoryRoads The RF Mogul looks interesting. I'm doing a carry out on a tripod now and it's getting really tired of hunting for satellites. Pushing a button and walking away sounds awesome. Where did you buy from? and what's the price range?

see ya
ken

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #8 – February 09, 2013, 08:53:53 am

At the time, late summer, there were few dealers for RF Mogul per state, so I took the chance and called them directly. Suggested a discounted price if I would be a test subject doing an install with feedback to them.

They agreed, so my price was under the price listed then. Found some issues with instructions etc. but installation and all else went smoothly.

They did have a mechanical glitch in the early units(which I rec'd) but I was able to fix mine as soon as I found the problem and they have changed the design on their units solving the issue. I checked out a unit installed last month on a Foretravel to confirm mfg. change... and it was the new design.

I've been very happy with the unit!

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #9 – February 09, 2013, 10:37:23 am

I have used inmotion receiver to drive around tornados in the midwest. I was driving to NW Iowa and there were huge storms coming so I had to see where they were going and the direction and have the ability to move out of the track. I was on I 80 at the time and turned north and drove up to state route 20 to avoid them.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #10 – February 09, 2013, 01:13:03 pm

Quote from: John S – February 09, 2013, 10:37:23 am

I have used inmotion receiver to drive around tornados in the midwest. I was driving to NW Iowa and there were huge storms coming so I had to see where they were going and the direction and have the ability to move out of the track. I was on I 80 at the time and turned north and drove up to state route 20 to avoid them.

Yet, in today's tech world, I can do the same weather map and alerts on my iPhone with TWC App.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #11 – February 09, 2013, 06:41:38 pm

Quote from: Peter & Beth – February 09, 2013, 01:13:03 pm

Yet, in today's tech world, I can do the same weather map and alerts on my iPhone with TWC App.

We use Weather Forecast & Reports - Long Range & Local | Wunderground | Weather to plan and adjust routes.

When we had functional DirecTV while on the move, we enjoyed listening to music channels. We have dropped DirecTV on the road and at home after 12 years of subscription. We don't miss it at all. We do like to receive radio broadcasts or Internet streams of NPR when we are stopped.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #12 – February 09, 2013, 07:49:28 pm

That is true and that trip was before the advent of smart phones doing that. But I still have used it to run from storms as they tell the county and you can see it. I travel a lot in the spring and that time is always ripe for tornados.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #13 – February 09, 2013, 09:16:15 pm

OK. I've been out and about in other countries on a boat, a bus or just playing with 3rd world communication necessities and now have to pull my head up from the sand here in the U.S..

Now, like John S. is doing, probably going to at some point, travel thru weather that can be monitored....
So, what are the best/most reliable methods available for that at a cheap price if possible?

It doesn't seem that we need rooftop in motion $2K tv or internet equipment for that, or do we??

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #14 – February 09, 2013, 09:58:14 pm

Quote from: MemoryRoads – February 09, 2013, 09:16:15 pm

So, what are the best/most reliable methods available for that at a cheap price if possible?

It doesn't seem that we need rooftop in motion $2K tv or internet equipment for that, or do we??

We use iPhones. Our iPhones do provide Internet access most of the time. With tethering, I can view the weather on the larger screen of my MacBook. I rely heavily on the information from Weather Forecast & Reports - Long Range & Local | Wunderground | Weather and information on the Internet from state departments of transportation.

I generally don't use television broadcasts for information on weather conditions for travel. I especially don't use it on the road because we generally don't receive any kind of television broadcasts, satellite or terrestrial.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #15 – February 10, 2013, 02:45:18 am

Thanks for all the input.
I never considered the ability to monitor weather in real time on a local tv channel, that would be a good function for in motion satellite service. I thought the ability to record programming while driving would be a big plus.

How much better, if at all, is the stationary dish to the in motion? I read that the stationary dish is a bit larger but I'm not sure that the slight difference in size would make a big difference in reception.

I also like the idea that the entire dish and components are covered under the dome. I would think that this would help protect the electronics from dirt and moisture.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #16 – February 10, 2013, 11:47:17 am

HD service is only available with stationary dishes. I wouldn't be without it. All the essentials are covered in a stationary dish, so I don't think protection of electronics is an issue. We found dew to be an important factor in reducing signal strength in in motion dishes.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #17 – February 10, 2013, 11:52:10 am

I have an in motion system from trac star....had some problems initially, but alll working great now. Its a good thing to have while traveling for sports, etc. Passes the time....not watching TV while driving but passengers do....I do get benefits from it as well!!

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #18 – February 10, 2013, 12:17:54 pm

I had in motion dome and Stationary Wineguard Traveler. Stayed with Stationary - easier one button set up, big dish sees through dew, trees and rain much better than dome, HD w/o switching delay between Satellites since triple LNB

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #19 – February 10, 2013, 12:33:22 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – February 10, 2013, 12:17:54 pm

I had in motion dome and Stationary Wineguard Traveler. Stayed with Stationary - easier one button set up, big dish sees through dew, trees and rain much better than dome, HD w/o switching delay between Satellites since triple LNB

That is exactly our experience, Tim. We had the TracStar, and although we did iron out some problems (excellent customer service)... for the reasons you cite, we went to the Winegard Trav'ler. And very pleased we did - especially with the HD DVR. We have the same set-up in the winter home, so we suspend one account and activate the other (with DNS service to receive and record networks in the coach - we needed two accounts). Happy campers!

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #20 – February 10, 2013, 06:30:21 pm

I am thinking of adding a stationary traveler set up too.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #21 – February 11, 2013, 03:48:05 pm

Quote from: amos.harrison – February 10, 2013, 11:47:17 am

HD service is only available with stationary dishes. I wouldn't be without it. All the essentials are covered in a stationary dish, so I don't think protection of electronics is an issue. We found dew to be an important factor in reducing signal strength in in motion dishes.

My TracVision R6DX does In motion HD quite well. It is not true that HD is available only on stationary dishes

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #22 – February 11, 2013, 06:47:03 pm

Quote from: chazb11 – February 11, 2013, 03:48:05 pm

My TracVision R6DX does In motion HD quite well. It is not true that HD is available only on stationary dishes

Do you have service with dish or direct TV?
I was under the impression that HD In motion was not a problem with Dish but was a problem with Direct.

How long have you had your KVH system?
Any issues with in motion or stationary reception?
Is KVH still servicing and selling equipment for RV use?
I read they were leaving the market. The last few times I emailed them with questions I had no response. They used to follow up with phone calls by the next day.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #23 – February 11, 2013, 08:37:12 pm

We had in motion on last coach and Travlr on this one. We took a spare Dish Hopper from the house and put a Joey in the bedroom. It is perfect for us. If we wanted another TV in the bay we could add another Joey. Easy set up. Very pleased.

Re: Satellite TV

Reply #24 – February 14, 2013, 07:14:59 pm

2 subjects maybe... I'm not sure.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, I was driving my car out to Nacogdoches from Florida. In S.E. Louisiana, I found myself possibly too close to a tornado.
The car's radio was squealing alerts every few seconds but I was on a One lane(in each direction) road with an 18 wheeler in front of me and another behind. Ditches and no shoulders to my right. Blinding rain and near no visablilty...but no one was slowing down.

It was the First Time I really thought "my goose was going to be cooked" or 'toast'.

Would a simple radio shack device do well in our travel modes?

I'd rather have an Audio alert than be glued to a tv or computer, while I'm driving.

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