Questions for RVers with DISH

[TC_Z]

Hi, we recently bought a Winegard G3 carryout antenna and DISH receiver. It works fine, but takes some fiddling, and patience to get it running. I attribute that to me being new and not knowing what I am doing.

I have read, and reread the instructions several times. After I get set up and everything is connected I turn ON the power inserter. My question: is the receiver supposed to already be ON too? Or I am supposed to turn the receiver ON after the antenna has completed pointing. Or does it matter?

Also, on the receiver TEST SWITCH menu there is an option to ALTERNATE ON/OFF at bottom. It defaults to OFF. Do I ever change to ON? Or always leave OFF. This isn't covered anywhere I can find.

Many thanks, safe travels....

[campermama]

Range Maggot Bob wrote:

Edd505 wrote:
are you running through the RV wiring? I find mine starts faster when I run the coax though a window and attach it direct. I use an adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Window-Coaxial-Coupler/dp/B0002KR74A

Satellite Bill- even though I'm going through the RV satellite hookup, do you think running direct would makes things easier and faster? And then undo and hook-up to the RV? Thanks for any info!

CamperMama- how's your satellite set-up going?

I just posted an update in my thread.....

[Bill_Satellite]

Range Maggot Bob wrote:

Edd505 wrote:
are you running through the RV wiring? I find mine starts faster when I run the coax though a window and attach it direct. I use an adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Window-Coaxial-Coupler/dp/B0002KR74A

Satellite Bill- even though I'm going through the RV satellite hookup, do you think running direct would makes things easier and faster? And then undo and hook-up to the RV? Thanks for any info!

CamperMama- how's your satellite set-up going?

It's always best to start with a direct run from the antenna to the receiver. If that works but anything else does not, you have isolated the issue.

[Range_Maggot_Bo]

Edd505 wrote:
are you running through the RV wiring? I find mine starts faster when I run the coax though a window and attach it direct. I use an adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Window-Coaxial-Coupler/dp/B0002KR74A

Satellite Bill- even though I'm going through the RV satellite hookup, do you think running direct would makes things easier and faster? And then undo and hook-up to the RV? Thanks for any info!

CamperMama- how's your satellite set-up going?

[Bill_Satellite]

The Winegard G3 and Playmaker are not the same antenna and work differently. That's why they have different names.

[Edd505]

are you running through the RV wiring? I find mine starts faster when I run the coax though a window and attach it direct. I use an adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Window-Coaxial-Coupler/dp/B0002KR74A

[Range_Maggot_Bo]

eHoefler wrote:
You need to turn them both on at the same time. If the antenna is on for 5 minutes with out a signal from the reciever, it will shut down.

Not mine. Went out today and heard my Playmaker making that funny sound when it's trying to find a satellite. Went inside the RV and everything was off.

[TC_Z]

eHoefler wrote:
You need to turn them both on at the same time. If the antenna is on for 5 minutes with out a signal from the reciever, it will shut down.

Good to know, thank you. Wish all this was documented somewhere....

[eHoefler]

You need to turn them both on at the same time. If the antenna is on for 5 minutes with out a signal from the reciever, it will shut down.

[Rover_Bill]

Ed_Gee wrote:
I thought those portable satellite dishes were powered up the coax by the receiver, which means they are not even on until the receiver is on......??

The DISH Playmaker antenna is powered via the coax cable and DISH receiver. The G3 is external powered and can be set to work DISH, DIRECTV, or BELL receivers.

[DFord]

My Carry Out GM1518 has a separate power supply and cable. There are many satellite antennas that do get there power from the receiver but mine isn't one of them. I'm not sure about the OP's newer G3 model.

[Ed_Gee]

I thought those portable satellite dishes were powered up the coax by the receiver, which means they are not even on until the receiver is on......??

[DFord]

I use a CarryOut GM1518. I always try to turn it on first but don't necessarily wait for it to finish locking on before turning on the power to the receiver while we're setting up. I don't know if it makes any difference though. Ir still takes several minutes for everything to settle out and get all the guide downloaded before I can watch anything. The dish has enough intelligence to lock on to satellites without being connected to the receiver.