WINTER SATELLITE TV

When the temperature starts to dip into the low 30's, most "Snowbirds" pack up and head South to warmer climates.  However, there are some people who live in their RV's year-round in some pretty extreme conditions.  They go to great lengths to winterize their RV's against the cold and to prevent the pipes from freezing.

There are also some users of our products that are not RVers.  These individuals might be setting up their tripod and dish on a frozen lake next to a fishing shack, at a remote cabin in the woods or simply on the porch outside their apartment.  The possibilities for winter satellite TV usage are almost endless.

It is to this group of satellite TV user that this issue is directed.  The rest of you folks down South, basking in the warm sun, can go back to rubbing on the suntan lotion or watching TV.

Using a tripod and satellite dish in extreme winter conditions takes some extra consideration to prevent accidents that can damage the tripod and dish.  The extra weight of snow and ice buildup on your dish can overload even the best tripods.  The tripods are generally built to accommodate the weight of the dish with a little extra load capacity to allow for wind gusts, etc.  The accumulation of ice and snow can often double the weight of the dish and easily overload the tripod.

Be sure to check your tripod and dish regularly and clean off any accumulation of ice and snow before it can become a problem.  You can also purchase a dish heater kit that will prevent the ice and snow from building up on the dish.

Because winter wind gusts can often be stronger than those in milder weather, it is even more important to insure that your tripod is properly anchored.  If you are using a ground penetrating anchor it can become loose in winter weather.   As the ground repeatedly freezes and thaws, it heaves and can dislodge the ground stake, rendering it useless.

Routinely check the ground device to insure that it is still firmly embedded in the ground.  If you are using a weighted object as an anchor, it is generally not a problem unless you are using water as the ballast.   In that case the water can freeze and crack the containing vessel.   Water ballast is not recommend for winter use. Using a bungee cord to anchor the tripod in the winter will work provided the bungee is in good condition.  As bungee cords age, they tend to get brittle and weaken.  They can then fail under high wind gust conditions.  Moisture freezing on the fabric of the bungee cord can also cause it to be brittle and break.

For winter conditions we recommend using a ratcheting tie-down device, like the one included with our High-Wind Option Package.  (See photo above.)

Following these easy guidelines will insure that your Satellite TV reception in the Winter months is trouble-free. 

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We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers and newsletter readers a very Happy Holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

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