Basic Tutorial for Beginners

In preparing this tutorial I am 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 give you multiple receivers, so you can use them in different rooms.  I only have one, so I must take the one from the main set each time I go on the road.  If you plan to use your RV frequently, it might be more convenient to invest in a second receiver to leave in your RV.  Your receiver will also 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 these 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 (eyes) won't work with some receivers.  It is essential that you use the dish and LNB's 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.  I say "dishes" because my system requires two dishes to get all the channels I receive.  One dish receives signals from two different satellites and has the majority of the programming, while the second dish receives the local stations (*see below) for my area.  I bring two dishes with my RV, so I can get the local stations while on the road.  You can also purchase an RV Satellite Dish, but these generally only receive one satellite 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 have to loosen nuts and bolts to make adjustments and the adjustment systems are somewhat clumsy and hard to move.  That is where my Satellite Dish Conversion Kit comes in real handy.  Read more about this kit in the listing.  I generally connect a 3' cable to the LNB head on my dishes.   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.  I saw one dish propped up with rocks, which worked OK until the first big rig went by and it moved a little.  You need a sturdy mount that won't move or shift and loose the signal right in the middle of your favorite show.  That's where my tripod does a superb job.  It's easy to set up and take down and provides a nice, solid mount.

THE COMPASS - You will need an accurate compass to point your dish in the correct direction.  I offer a 3" compass that has been modified to mount on top of the tripod I sell. (It won't fit other brands of tripods.) This allows you to "pre-align" the tripod, so when you mount the dish you are pretty close to being pointed correctly.  Pre-aligning the tripod and not the dish is better, since the steel in the dish deflects the compass needle and you don't get an accurate heading.  So, keep the dish away from the compass while aligning the tripod.

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.  I offer the newly improved SF-95 model, with a lighted dial, at a price lower than most other eBay venders and I supply a FREE RG-6 Coupler with each Satellite Finder.  No other eBay vender offers that bonus.

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.  I have found that two, 50' cables work better for me than one, 100 footer.  Most times I can get by with one, 50 footer and I don't have to mess around with 100' of cable.   But, on those few times I need a few more feet, I couple on the second 50 feet, using a RG-6 coupling fitting, and 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 WalMart 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.

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.  Mine doesn't have that problem, so I can get a signal up and down the West coast, where I generally travel.  Check with your satellite provider about "spot" signals if you are interested in getting your local stations 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 me, I do supply technical support to those who need it, and I'm always glad to answer any questions you might have.

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