Satellite dish

H

hackalar

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Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2005
RO Number
16331
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215
Why can't I use a auto tracking satellite dish for an RV on a boat? Has anybody tried it? They are half the cost and easier to install.
 
The only two issues I can think of would be exposure to salt (but your'e in TN, so that won't matter if that's where you boat) and the pitch and roll of a boat in water is different than an RV on the road. However, if you're not going to use it underway and only at the dock or anchor, it should work fine. What particular model RV dish are you looking at?
 
Not really looking at one particular yet but I have had Winegard on two rv's I've had and liked them.
Not near salt water.
 
Kingdome sells one of their RV models for fresh water use, (9762-LP). I've been running mine in a mixed environment, ie fresh/salt water, for 6 years or so and it's been flawless.
 
I cannot see an issue as long as you only use it to point the dish once you are docked. We use a Track-It system but it is only turned on to locate the signal once we are docked. If you do NOT expect to use it underway I am thinking it would be ok since our dish antennas are ok once we tie up.
Usually we have a bit of slop in the lines because we are tied up in a tidal zone. As a result the boat will shift around when the wind blows. Even though we leave the Track-It system off, we rarely pixelate unless the clouds are thick from thunderstorms or, we are moving around in a dramatic fashion.
 
With a list price of $499, if I didn't have the dish I have, I'd be tempted to go with a Dish Network Tailgater:

http://www.dish.com/technology/tv-outdoors/

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What price range are you looking at? What Dan has is I think around $900: http://www.track-it-tv.com/

TITV-4924.jpg


What I have is closer to $1,200: http://www.mssat.com/

Image1.jpg


Both will track at anchor.
 
I have directv. I had the kvh m1 on last boat. Would like to maintain in motion for when on anchor.
 
It looks like the Winegard in-motion units list at $1,299, which I guess is about half of what the marina brands go for. The only issue I see, and it may not be an issue for you, is that they all limit DirecTV to standard definition. They only offer HD for Dish and Bell.
 
The model I mentioned is available new for $1800 or refurbed for about $1000.

"Tracks twice as fast as competing antennas, yet offers truly “silent” operation. The Trac-King includes a digital controller display and features a single cable installation with unlimited rotation and no cable wrap. The #1 choice of RV manufacturers.

A Trac-King In-Motion antenna makes those long drives seem a lot shorter. You’ll get live news, weather and sporting events while on the move - or listen to commercial-free CD quality music channels with nationwide coverage. With advanced technology for positive satellite identification and automatic satellite switching, the King-Dome does all the work for you.

The Trac-King In-Motion Satellite System has the following Features:

Dual LNB for two receivers
DVB for positive satellite ID
Automatic satellite switching
One touch operation
Smart search of the southern sky
HDTV compatible*"

Works great on a boat, underway, at anchor or at the dock.

I won't post a link since our host Les sells them new on Boatfix but I know he doesn't do the refurbs so email me for a link if your interested. (No connection I found it via a google search)
 
The refurb sure isn't a bad deal at $1,000. However, in case HD signal is important to the OP:

"These antennas do not receive DIRECTV HDTV programming from Ka band signals on satellites 99 and 103"
 
I'm a KVH fan Bobby, but I was in a different economic situation when I bought the KVH M-3 in 2006 to 07. In today's economy I would be tempted to try an alternative. I thought I had a problem with the KVH last year it ended up being a bad piece of 5 season old RG-6 I replaced it and all has been fine since. I prefer Direct TV programming over Dish Networks. I like having the in motion feature but we don't do as much in motion entertainment as I thought we would. It's great while cruising that my wife can enjoy her favorite shows but the reality is she is my second set of eyes and ears (stands watch) when we are in motion. Since it's really just the 2 of us watching TV while cruising isn't a priority.
Bill
 
I have been using a KVH, which they say is for an RV for years, fresh and salt water, tracking great, even while
underway at 20 kts. Given the price difference I think it was a great decision. BUT, do shop around,
prices are all over the place. Don't remember the dealer I used, but it was from Texas and the price
was right,even with shipping.
 
I have a tailgater, and it works great!! as long as you have an exposure to the southeast sky it does the rest. I paid $299 for receiver and cable box with a two year commitment from dish. The first year has to be 12 consecutive months, and the second year can be turned on and off for 30 day periods on demand.
 
Who says you can’t? You can see my Datron unit that I have been using for about ten years. I did buy a marine mount from a company here in Fort Lauderdale. The dish is aluminum and I just grease it every other year or so. Never had a problem with it. And yes that pic is in Biscayne Bay which is salt water.

IMG_0011-3.jpg
 
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