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Tutorial for Beginners - Using Satellite TV in your RV |
 In preparing
this tutorial we are assuming two things - first, you have a TV set in your RV and
second, you are presently signed up with a satellite service provider like Dish Net,
DirecTV, FTA, StarChoice or similar. That said, let's begin:
THE RECEIVER - You will need to bring along the receiver for your satellite system.
The receiver is the box that the cable from the dish plugs into and has a another cable
that goes into the back of your TV set. Many satellite companies provide multiple
receivers, so you can use them in different rooms of your home. If you don't have an extra
receiver and you plan to use your RV frequently, it might be more convenient to invest in
a second receiver to leave in your RV. The satellite provider will bill you for additional
receivers, however. Your receiver will have a menu program to provide you with
the exact positioning coordinates for your dish at each new location, using the local Zip
Code for that area. Consult the receiver's instruction manual to locate that menu.
THE DISH - While satellite dishes are all very similar looking, they are each, very
different, in their application of usage. Even within the various companies, (Dish Net,
DirecTV, etc.) some types of dishes and LNB's (the head on the end of the arm sticking out
in front of the dish) won't work with some receivers. It is essential that you
use the dish and LNB that are correct for your system. If you can easily reach the dish
and LNB head for your system, they should have a model number or type printed on them
somewhere. If this involves climbing on the roof, then it might be wise to call your
satellite provider and have them tell you what type of dish or dishes and LNB's you might
need for your receiver. I say "dishes" because some systems require two dishes
to get all the channels. One dish may receive signals from several different
satellites and has the majority of the programming, while the second dish receives the
local stations (*see below). You can also purchase an RV Satellite Dish, but these
generally only receive one satellite signal at a time and you will get limited programming
or be required to move it back and forth to different satellites. The standard, roof-top,
type dishes are designed to be set up once, on your home, and are seldom, ever moved
again. They are, therefore, not exactly "user-friendly" in adjustment. You will
have to loosen nuts and bolts to make adjustments and the adjustment systems are somewhat
clumsy and hard to move. That is where our Satellite Dish Conversion Kit becomes very
handy. Read more about this kit in the listing. Connect a 3' cable to the LNB head.
You will see why further on down.
THE TRIPOD - Once you get to where you are going, you will need to set up your dish
onto a support and align it to receive the satellite(s) signal(s). The easiest method is
to use a tripod. We offer two styles of tripods, which will accommodate most all TV
satellite dishes being used. Consult our Tripod Selection Chart to
determine the correct tripod for your needs. They are both easy to set up and take
down and provide a nice, solid mount.
THE COMPASS - You will need an accurate compass to point your dish in the correct
direction. We offer a Lensatic Engineer Compass that has been modified to mount on top of our
tripod. (It won't fit other brands of tripods.) This allows you to
"pre-align" the tripod, so when you mount the dish you are within 2 or 3 degrees
of being pointed correctly. Pre-aligning the tripod and not the dish is important, since
the steel in the dish deflects the compass needle and you won't get an accurate
heading. Keep the dish well away from the compass while aligning the tripod and be
aware that ANY large steel structure, like your RV or vehicle, can effect the sensitive
compass needle by as much as 15 - 20 degrees.
THE SATELLITE FINDER - It pays to invest in a Satellite Finder. This is a small,
electronic box that has an indicator needle and emits a variable pitched sound as the
satellite signal gets stronger. It is temporally connected between end of the 3' cable on
the dish and the cable leading to the receiver while setting up the satellite dish, then
removed when setup is completed and a RG-6 coupler put in its place. It saves running back
and forth between the dish and the TV set to see if you have a signal. Worth its weight in
gold. We offer several models to choose from, with a lighted dial and other features and
we supply a FREE RG-6 Coupler with each Satellite Finder.
THE LEAD-IN CABLE - You will need a length of standard, RG-6 coaxial cable to run
between the dish and the TV input connection on the RV. It's best to have too much cable,
than not enough. Depending on the trees around your campsite, you might have to be
creative in finding an open spot to get a clear view of the satellite. We have found that
two, 50' cables work better than one, 100 footer. Most times you can get by with one, 50
footer and don't have to mess around with 100' of cable. But, on those few times you need
a few more feet, just couple on the second 50 feet, using a RG-6 coupling fitting, and you
can reach most areas of the average campsite without a problem. It's best to have 2 or 3
of these coupling fittings handy. You can buy the cables and fittings at Wal-Mart, Radio
Shack or similar type stores, in the TV department. Many people have the 3' cables around
the house, as they come with most TV sets, VCR's, DVD players, etc. and never seem to get
used or they can be purchased at the store. When connecting the cable to your RV insure
the cable within the RV does not have and power amplifiers or splitters as these will
create a problem with the signal from the dish. You should have a dedicated line
from the dish to the receiver, with no splitters or amplifiers.
AIMING THE DISH - With practice, you will become more and more proficient at
locating and fine-tuning the satellite signals. As long as you have a clear view of the
area of the satellite you should be able to get a good, strong signal, without a problem.
*A note about local satellite reception: The local stations often come in on a
separate satellite, depending on your provider. Some locals use "spot" signals,
where the signal is confined to a small area (where you live) and you can't get that
signal if you move the dish outside that area. Check with your satellite provider
about "spot" signals if you are interested in getting your local stations when
on the road.
This concludes our tutorial and gives you a little more insight into what is involved in
bringing your dish on the road. When you make your purchase from us, we do supply
technical support to those who need it, and are always glad to answer any questions you
might have.
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