4 advantages why portable satellite dishes could be ideal for you when on the move
When on the move one of the simplest ways to allow you to be able to watch all your favourite TV shows is through the use of one of the many portable satellite dishes now available. Today not only can such equipment be used in motorhomes and caravans but whilst camping. However they can also be used at home or in the office just like a normal satellite dish would be used.
Not only being so mobile makes these an excellent addition for those who like to spend a great time outdoors they are also to assemble and dismantle. In fact it only takes a few minutes for a motorhome satellite dish to be assembled. So of course as soon as you arrive at your chosen destination you can have yours set up and being able to watch your favourite programs.
Of course this isn’t the only reason why people who like to go away camping or exploring the country in a caravan or motorhome. There are several other advantages to be had from investing in one of these portable satellite systems. Below we look at just what some of these are.
Advantage 1 – With portable satellite dishes you are able to have very fast connection to the Internet enabling you to be able to not only watch TV on your PC or laptop but also search online.
Advantage 2 – Should you be visiting more remote locations that are somewhat isolated then having a camping satellite dish means you can still watch TV. However it does require that the location where you set up will have a clear view of the satellite.
Advantage 3 – A mobile satellite TV system when folded away is very compact and won’t take up very much space inside your motorhome or caravan. Plus is even small enough to take up hardly any space in the boot of your car.
Advantage 4 – There are a number of portable satellite systems available today that are capable of performing a variety of different functions. If you are willing to invest a little extra in such equipment then you can purchase one that not only allows you to watch TV, but also surf the web, listen to FM radio and of course make phone calls. So no matter where you are you can remain connected and of course no one can say they are bored when the weather isn’t as good as it should be.
Of course with so many portable satellite TV systems now available choosing the right one can prove difficult. It is important that you choose one that is capable of receiving a strong signal no matter where you are. One worth considering purchasing when it comes to portable satellite dishes is that available through Rockdale. The upper part of the folding satellite dish that this company offers rotates so getting it aligned with the satellite is very easy. Also it can be placed on any kind of surface even where it is uneven as the fit on the tripod are hinged.
If you are intending to purchase say the kind of motorhome satellite dish that Rockdale sell then there are certain things that you need to take into consideration before you do. Below we take a look at what some of these are
Portable Satellite Dishes – 3 Things You must Take Into Consideration Before You Buy
- You must first check to see whether your motorhome is already wired for satellite. Quite a lot of the new model motorhomes will be wired internally to allow for cable television, but how good the reception is will depend on the kind of cabling used. Certainly you should be looking for your motorhome to have RG6 rather than RG59 cabling installed. The latter is regular television cable and isn’t as robust and so won’t be able to receive satellite signals as well. Of course if you happen to have a much older motorhome you can if you wish wire it to enable you to include such a device in the future. There are a number of good installation kits available and your local RV dealer or even portable satellite dish dealer should be able to recommend one to you. However if you are at all concerned about installing such wiring into your motorhome then why not invest a little more and have a professional carry out this work for you.
- Make sure that the portable satellite system you select is one that allows you to actually plug your receiver from home into it. So you can save yourself money because you won’t also have to purchase an additional receiver. When you purchase portable satellite dishes make sure that you check with the retailer that this is the case. Plus also make sure that they explain to you fully what needs to be done to ensure that you can set up your receiver for this particular dish.
- The other thing that needs to be looked at of course who is going to be providing your satellite service to you. You could of course continue with the same package that you use at home. In fact you may find that using it will not cost any more especially if you have chosen a package where you are able to run more than one receiver at a time. Of course if you have cable at home then we would recommend you shop around for the service to use when away. We say this because you may be hit with some hidden extras especially when the price originally quoted to you seemed too good to be true.
We hope that you have found the information that we have provided above regarding portable satellite dishes of some use. Certainly investing in such equipment could prove extremely good especially when away and the weather isn’t suitable to allow you to enjoy the great outdoors. Plus on a summer evening when you and your family want to enjoy a quiet few moments you can whilst the kids are sat watching some TV before they go to bed.
Click Here to find out more information about Rockdales unique folding portable satellite dish
Why portable satellite dishes are a great solution for watching your favourite tv shows when on holiday
When away in your caravan and the weather isn’t that great would you like to have the opportunity to watch your favourite TV shows? If you would then why not think about investing in one of the many portable satellite dishes now available. With such equipment you have the ability to be able to watch your favourite TV programs whenever you want, once the dish has been set up.
Owning caravan satellite dishes is the first step to be able to watch TV wherever you are. As well as the dish you will also need a TV and a satellite receiver that can be a Freeview, Skybox or anything that is similar to these. As soon as you have everything set up then you can watch TV in your caravan instead of having to play games or watch a DVD.
So what reasons are there for you to invest money in the kinds of portable satellite dishes that companies such as Rockdale offer?
Aside from the obvious there are many reasons why so many people who own a caravan have decided to invest in quality satellite dishes. Below are just a few more of these.
Reason 1 – It provides you with the opportunity to watch your favourite shows anywhere in the UK as they are happening. For some people missing out on their fix of their favourite shows including the soaps such as Eastenders, Emmerdale or Coronation Street is hard and has become something of a ritual in their lives. Well of course having a portable satellite dish they can continue to watch what they love when it is on.
Reason 2 – If you have a TV in your caravan that is able to receive a satellite signal then of course it can help to break up the monotony especially when the weather is bad. Rather than you and the kids having to play the same games you have played before you can turn on the TV and find something that is of interest for you all to watch.
Reason 3 – With portable satellite dishes you can keep abreast more readily with what is happening in the world, especially when something important is likely to take place. It will offer you the opportunity for example watching Usain Bolt win the 200 metres final at the World Athletics Championship can be watched live if you wish.
Reason 4 – Finally such equipment will provide you with the opportunity to keep up with what is happening in the location where you are staying. Turning on the TV you can immediately find a local TV channel that will not only tell you if any special events are taking place but also what the weather is going to be like. So of course you can then arrange your next days sightseeing trip to suit you and your family and of course the weather.
Above we have shown you just some of the reasons why investing in a caravan satellite dish could prove very beneficial to you. Of course a quick search online and you are going to find plenty of other reasons why investing in such equipment is a good idea.
Of course with so many different portable satellite dishes to choose from, it can prove difficult to decide which one to purchase. However those offered to you by Rockdale are worth considering and below we explain why.
Is the Rockdale unique portable satellite dish ideal for you?
Firstly these are not only easy to set up but it only takes a few minutes to have them out of the case in which they are stored and ready to use. This is a result of it actually coming preassembled. So all you need to do to get yours set up is remove it from the case and follow the four steps required to have it up and running. Plus no tools are needed to set it up you simply click each part in to place and if you want to save even more time you can actually store it in the case with the LNB and cable connected.
Secondly you will find that carrying one of these around isn’t that difficult as they are very lightweight as they are made from good quality aluminium. However the main brackets are made from pre-galvanised metal to ensure that they don’t become damaged by the elements too easily.
Thirdly, aligning the dish is very simple because the upper mast of these portable satellite dishes rotates. This can either be rotated whilst sat on the tripod that is made from steel and aluminium or in situ on a mast.
Fourthly, the tripod that you get comes with hinged feet allowing it to be placed on surfaces that are uneven. Plus to further ensure that the tripod will not move once a signal has been found there are points in the feet through which pegs can be placed to provide it with additional stability.
Fifthly, you will find that these dishes are easy to store as not only the arm but also the dish fold down to a very compact size. Once folded away you store it in the case provided and it can then either be placed in the caravan or boot of your car whilst travelling.
Finally to ensure that the dish can cope with regularly being moved it has been ribbed to make it much stronger. This further ensures that the integrity of the dish during use and during transportation when stored in the case is maintained.
As you can see from above purchasing any kind of portable satellite dishes to use in your caravan when on holiday can prove very beneficial. Of course if you don’t believe us then why not contact some caravan owners who have invested money in such equipment already through various online forums and see what they have to say. We are pretty sure that like them in the not too distant future you will suddenly be saying that you cannot live without yours and I bet the kids when on holiday with you will enjoy having it as well.
The Best Satellite Systems For Caravans That Are Available
What you generally find is that satellite systems for caravans are in many respects similar in design to those that you would find on your home. However when it comes to the purchasing of such equipment you will find that there are a number of different kinds to choose from. In this article we take a look at what these are and why investing in such is a good idea.
Type 1 – Fully Automatic Caravan Dish Satellite
This kind of satellite system for your caravan will be permanently fitted to the caravan and you control it form inside the caravan using a small control box. With just one press of a button you can be watching your favourite shows almost immediately. However in order to operate this system it needs to be linked to some form of power such as the battery in your car. Also you may not want to purchase this unit is as the cost is quite high and also you need to employ the services of a professional to install it.
Type 2 – Fully Automatic Caravan Dome Satellite
This may prove a good choice, as it is one of the few that if you want can be removed from the roof of your caravan and stored inside. This type of portable satellite technology has been around for some time now and has proven very reliable. However you may again find that the cost of investing in such equipment is quite high and won’t be a worthwhile investment if you don’t spend a great deal of time away in your caravan.
Type 3 – Fitted Manual Satellite System
These types of satellite systems for caravan’s looks like a dish and needs to be fitted through the roof of your caravan. But it doesn’t remain in the upright position, as inside there will be a crank mechanism allowing you to raise or lower it. Plus it is also this mechanism that helps you to align the satellite properly so a clear signal can be received. Just as with the previous two types of satellites installation needs to be carried out by a professional or there is a risk of you causing damage to your caravan.
Type 4 – Manual Portable Satellite System
As well as being the least expensive of all satellite systems for caravans it is also the easiest of them to actually set up. You simply remove it from its carrying case then place it on a tripod or a mast that you have attached to your caravan before then making sure that the alignment is correct so you receive a good signal. With this one you don’t need to spend money on having the system installed and as for the cabling you simply can pass this through a window or through the door.
Of course as well as purchasing a dish there are other pieces of equipment that will be important. You will of course need a satellite receiver box; the one that you use at home is okay. However investing in an additional box would be a good idea that you can then keep permanently in the caravan with the satellite dish. Just imagine what the holiday would be like to find you forgot the box.
Another important thing you will need is a satellite finder or tuner. This is a very important piece of equipment if you are intending to invest in a portable system. You have two choices when it comes to purchasing this item you can either go for a simple model that simply makes a sound when a satellite signal has been found. Otherwise you can go for a more complicated model where it will show you not only what satellite you are on but also the strength and quality of the signal being received.
When it comes to portable satellite systems for caravans you will discover that the sizes of the dishes vary. Some only measure around 54cm whilst others measure around 65cm in diameter. Which size you opt for depends on how much space is available for storing yours when not in use. But they all come with their own cases for easy storage and also for being able to carry them. Plus many of them are very easy to set up, certainly the Rockdale model is one that you can have set up and ready to use in just a few seconds as it only takes 4 moves to have this preassembled model up and running.
So what are the benefits to you and your family of getting a satellite system for your caravan?
Well first off when the weather isn’t that great to allow you to go out then you can stay snug and warm in your caravan, watching your favourite shows. So there isn’t any risk of the kids complaining that they are bored or are fed up with having to play Cluedo, Monopoly or Snakes and Ladders for the 100th time that week.
Secondly it offers the opportunity for you as parents to have some quiet time together. Put the TV on and let the kids watch their favourite programs before it is time for them to go to bed or when you just want to enjoy the quiet and beauty of the location where you have decided to pitch your caravan for a few days.
Finally of course it means you can keep abreast of what is happening not only where you are staying but around the world.
Of course you don’t need to be spending your whole holiday in the caravan watching TV, it is just there as a back up when needed. So as you can see spending money on purchasing one of the many caravan satellite systems we have discussed above can prove to be an extremely worthwhile investment not only now but also well into the future.
If you are still debating whether spending money on your caravan for satellite tv is worthwhile log into a number of different caravan forums and see what other owners have to say.
Folding Satellite Dishes – A Unique Portable Satellite System in a Suitcase
The setting up of folding satellite dishes is quite simple really. Especially when you opt for models such as those available through Rockdale which come preassembled. With these models it is simply a case of removing them from the case before you then unfold and click each part of the dish into place. Then once the dish has been unfolded you simply place it onto a tripod or mast before then connecting it to your satellite receiver.
Of course having the dish and satellite is only one part of owning such systems that you can use when you go away camping or caravanning. You will also need to ensure that you have invested membership of a good satellite service. Again you have a number of options to choose from so finding one that suits your particular needs shouldn’t prove a problem. However make sure that it is one that also fits your finances. You could of course always consider taking away the satellite receiver you have a home, but remembering to pack it may prove difficult especially if you decide to go away without any prior notice.
One thing that we would recommend you do is invest in an additional satellite receiver box that you can keep permanently in your caravan or with your camping gear. Most of the satellite companies today actually will offer an additional box for a nominal fee and which will provide you with the same programs you receive on the main one.
After purchasing such equipment we would highly recommend that before you go away for the first time you spend some time learning how to set up the dish up. Below we offer some tips below you may find useful when it comes to the setting up of folding satellite dishes for the first time.
Step 1 – The most important piece of advice we can give to you is to ensure that you have the right equipment to hand. As well as the dish and receiver it is also worthwhile investing some money in a satellite finder or tuner. You will find that most stores that have folding satellite dishes for sale will also have these. Costs vary depending on what sort of satellite tuner or finder you purchase. The least expensive models are those that are very basic and will emit a high-pitched note when a signal has been received.
Step 2 – The next thing you need to do and which is also crucial to ensure that you end up setting up your satellite dish correctly is to read through the instructions that the manufacturer of your dish provides. By reading through these you will understand better what needs to be done. Once you have read through the instructions provided fully now you go back to the beginning and follow each step as the manufacturers have laid it out.
Step 3 – Before you do get your dish out of its case you need to decide on where it should be placed. Ideally you want a position where it is going to receive a strong signal but is in a place that is well protected from the weather. Plus you need to make sure that the position you select from setting up folding satellite dishes is free from trees and other obstacles. What you want to do is place your satellite in a position where the satellite would be visible to you in sky.
Further you must make sure that the location you choose to place your dish is one that allows it to face south. This is what will help to ensure that you get the best possible signal no matter how remote your location may be.
Folding Satellite Dishes – A great solution for staying up to date with your favourite programs when in your caravan, motorhome or going camping
Step 4 – Once you have your dish set up and all the necessary connections made to the receiver you need to check that the dish is getting a signal. This is where the satellite tuner or finder comes in handy. You simply place it in front of the dish then you rotate the dish until the sound or lights alert you to a signal being found. After this has been achieved you of course need to check the strength of the signal being received and you can do this in two ways. You can either do this by turning on the TV to see what the picture is like. The other way is through using a signal tuner or finder that will tell you what the signal strength and quality is.
If the quality of the signal isn’t that great then of course you may need to move your dish slightly to help improve it. It is important that you make sure that you follow the steps we have mentioned above as the first time it comes to setting up folding satellite dishes can prove very difficult indeed. So you don’t want to be attempting to do this when away with the kids screaming in the tent or caravan that they are bored as it lashes down with rain outside.
When it comes to moving the dish you should wait a short space of time (around 5 to 10 seconds) between each move. This will then allow the receiver to complete a scan for a signal and then lock on to any signal that has been located. A good signal should be between 50 and 80 anything below this and either there is something obstructing the dish or you haven’t pointed it up enough.
Step 5 – You may find that you actually need to adjust the LNB unit on the rockdale folding satellite dishes in order to get a really good signal. If you do then make sure that once any adjustments have been made you ensure that the bracket supporting the LNB has been tightened up. If it remains loose then of course the LNB is likely to move and again your signal will become slightly off and the picture you see on TV won’t be as great. Also you shouldn’t attempt to move the LNB too much.
Check out Rockdales main website for more information on there unique folding portable satellite system
How to choose the most suitable satellite dish for your motorhome
Fitting satellite dishes to motorhomes is a great way for you to continue to watch all your favourite TV programs when on the road. There are a number of different satellite dishes available that have been specifically designed for use with your motorhome and which can be mounted in a number of different ways.
Of course what portable satellite systems you purchase will depend on where you intend to travel in your motorhome. In this article we offer some advice about what size dish to purchase. Plus we also offer some advice on whether you should be looking to purchase a self or manual searching system.
So what size dish should you be looking to purchase that you can use on your motorhome?
When it comes to motorhome or caravan satellite dishes the size you choose depends on where you are intending to go in yours. If you are intending to travel in your motorhome around the UK then 40cm – 65cm dishes will be ideal. These are about the same size as the mini digital dishes that Sky now use and which you see on the sides of homes around the UK. However if you are looking to travel further afield such as Ireland, the South of France or even the northern parts of Scotland a much larger size dish will be required. For such trips you will need to invest money in a dish that measures around at least 65cm.
For those of you who are actually looking to travel in their motorhome to say Spain or Portugal next summer then in order to get a really good signal an 85cm dish will be required. You shouldn’t actually go any larger than this as not only will motorhome satellite dishes be a lot more difficult to mount, but will also be a lot more difficult to store when you are travelling.
Now you know what size dish you need the next thing of course you need to decide is whether you should go for portable satellite systems that search for the signal themselves, or for one that requires you to search for it. Below we take a look at a number of the advantages and disadvantages to purchasing either of these systems.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self Searching Systems
The main advantage to opting for the self-searching system is that they can be ready to use in a matter of minutes once the system has been turned on. However the big disadvantage to these types of satellite dishes for motorhomes is that they need to be mounted on to the roof of your vehicle. Although you could actually do this work yourself it is far better to arrange for a professional to carry out the installation for you. So of course as a result of having to mount these systems to the roof of the vehicle they will cost more.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Manual Searching Systems
The main advantage to purchasing such satellite systems for your motorhome is that they are much less expensive. Plus you have the option of either mounting them on the roof of your motorhome or they can be mounted on a tripod beside the vehicle.
Of course the big disadvantage to opting for this type of system for your motorhome is that you will actually need to search for the satellite signal yourself. You will do this by actually having to move the antenna until the strength and quality of signal reaches a suitable level. It may take you awhile to achieve this. But you could improve the speed at which you find the signal by practicing using the system at home before you go away. However if you opt for a roof mounted manual search system the benefit is that you can do the searching for the signal from inside the motorhome.
The other advantage of opting for such portable satellite dishes for your motorhome is that you don’t need to actually hardwire the system in. You simply run the cable from the dish through to the receiver through the window or through a small hole you have made in an inconspicuous place in your motorhome.
What is important to remember is that most of the satellite dishes for motorhomes you purchase today only will work when the vehicle is stationary? However there are a few dome models that you mount on your roof that allow you to watch TV whilst on the move and certainly could prove useful when travelling long distances with children.
These types of dishes have been designed to ensure that they search for a signal at all times even when the vehicle is in motion. However because there are restrictions with regards to their height these only measure around 40cm in diameter so won’t be effective if you are intending to travel outside of the UK.
Of course you shouldn’t only be looking at what size of satellite dish to buy, as well as whether to go for the self or manual searching system. There are a number of other features you may want to consider. For example does the system you are selecting come with a satellite receiver. Although they don’t normally come connected to a particular service as your own receiver would at home would. It does mean that you don’t have to remove the receiver in your home every time you go away.
Another feature to be looking for when it comes to purchasing portable satellite systems is do they come with an auto skew facility. This will help to ensure that you receive a signal much more quickly when travelling abroad without the need to try and search for the signal yourself.
One other feature of course worth considering looking for when it comes to satellite dishes for motorhomes is does it allow you to use the Internet via them. However if it does be aware that you may be faced with certain costs for using such a service as this.
3 types of caravan satellite dishes you can choose from
With caravan satellite dishes you have the opportunity to be able to watch all your favourite satellite TV shows when away from home. These systems are portable and designed to be set up wherever you decide to pitch your caravan for the night. The majority of these portable dishes are pre-assembled and to install them in any location simply requires the correct placement of the antenna. Followed by a setup scan to be run with the receiver.
However the first thing you need to decide if you are going to be investing in any kind of camping satellite dishes is whether you want an automatic, fitted manual or fully manual system. The choice is yours. However if you are not sure what each of these types of LNB caravan satellite dishes are below we offer a brief explanation.
Type 1 – Automatic
Of all the caravan satellite dishes you can use this is the easiest and doesn’t need you to have any prior knowledge about how to locate a satellite. Most of these units operate simply by pushing a button and most weigh between 9 and 19Kg. These dishes generally are fitted to the roof of your caravan and cannot be moved unless you are transferring them to another one.
Type 2 – Fitted Manual
Like the first type this one is also permanently installed on the roof of your caravan as well as to the side of a cupboard. These systems tend to weigh less, but it does mean that you need to locate the satellite from which a signal can be received using a sat finder. Some of these are semi automatic, where the elevation part of the system has a motor. But most will require you to set the elevation by hand through turning a handle.
Type 3 – Manual
This is the most economical and is often preferred as being the best mobile solution. It comes in a number of different formats, with some having a pivot on the base that allows you to set the caravan satellite dishes elevation. Then there are others, which have a solid base, and to set the elevation a screw needs to be turned.
What type you purchase will depend on just how much money you have to spend on such an item. Unfortunately when it comes to the first two types of satellite dishes one can use on a caravan today these will need to be attached to your vehicle on a permanent basis. If you are unsure about what to do then factor in the cost of having a professional install the dish on your vehicle for you.
It is for this reason that many people are opting to invest money in the third type of caravan satellite systems available today. Not only are they cheaper to buy but also of course they don’t require any professional training to actually install them.
If you do decide to purchase one of the many manual portable satellite systems for your caravan that are now available you will then need to know how to set it up. In the next part of this article we take you through the various steps that will help to ensure that you set up your satellite system correctly.
5 steps for setting up your caravan satellite system
Step 1 – Remove all the satellite items from the case in which they come. Then you need to take the base of the satellite dish and place it on the ground in a location where it is provided with unobstructed views of the southern sky. Once this has been done you then need to attach the pole on to which the antenna dish is going. When you have attached the pole now you can slide the antenna dish on to it, not forgetting to tighten up any brackets to prevent it moving down the pole.
Step 2 – The next thing that you need to do is locate the direction of 145 degrees. You can of course use a compass, but if you want to find it quickly then we would recommend that you use a Satellite Finder device instead. These work on locating the satellite signal and will indicate loudly when it has been found. When you have found the right direction now you need to turn the antenna of the dish so it is also facing in this direction as well.
Step 3 – When in the dish is facing the right way you now need to connect the coaxial (RG 6) cable into the port that is located at the base of the antenna assembly and the other end of it into the port for the antenna located in the back of the satellite receiver, that in turn is connected to the TV in your caravan.
Step 4 – Once the cable is connected to the antenna and the receiver you need to turn the receiver and the TV on. Then after you have turned them on you need to press the “Menu” button on the receiver remote so that the main menu screen appears. Now you need to go to the “Services” section of the main menu and then inside this you need to go to “System Setup”. Then press enter so that “System Setup” has been selected selected. Then once this is done the receiver will run its own automatic signal test and the results of this will then appear on the TV screen showing you what the “Signal Strength” is.
Step 5 – If the signal strength isn’t very good you will have to move the antenna slightly, around about 1 degree should be enough. Then return inside to see if the signal strength has improved. You should continue to move the antenna until a message appears on the TV showing that the signal strength is “locked”.
Of course it may take a few attempts for you to get this right but once you have done it several times getting it correctly placed won’t prove difficult at all. One thing worth doing therefore before you go away in your caravan is try setting it up at home and on a sunny day.
Why mobile satellite tv is a sensible option for keeping up to date with your favourite tv shows and programs when on the move
Do you often go travelling in your caravan or motorhome? And would you like to be able to watch your favourite programs and shows while on holiday?
Well the solution is mobile satellite tv. With todays technology you have the ability to tune in to all of your favourite tv shows and programs even if your on holiday in your motorhome or caravan. You can of course still use mobile satellite tv for other things like boats, vans and cars but generally portable satellite systems are ideal for caravans and motohomes because if the weather isnt too good then you can sit indoors and watch some of your favourite tv shows, programs or films.
To be able to access satellite tv direct from your caravan or motorhome you dont always need to be subscribed to any additional satellite service like you do in your own home, because there are complete satellite systems which come with a dish and a reciever and will automatically be able to track a satellite and convert the signal to a picture and audio.
There are quite a few different designs and models to choose from and of course they all vary in price as well. For instance if you have a motorhome and you want to install a fixed system then it could end up costing you a lot of money, but the same with anything the most expensive is not always the best to buy.
One very popular system which many people decide to go for is the portable satellite system which is often the ideal solution because it allows you to store the system away when its not in use. Below we are going to look at a few different portable satellite systems that you can choose from.
3 mobile satellite tv options to choose from
Winegard Carryout Automatic Portable Satellite Antenna GM-1518 Review
- Lightweight (13.5 lbs) and Compact (15.6-Inch h x 20-Inch dia)
- Easy Grip Handle for Effortless Carrying
- Eyelet Attached to Base Provides Ability to Lock-Up Antenna for Added Security
- 50′ Power and Coax for Optimal Placement
- Views Single Satellite; Automatically Switches Between Provider’s KU-band Satellites
This winegard satellite antenna is usually fairly simple to set up. It includes a 50″ coax and power cable and runs off the standard 12 v outlet in your vehicle. Compatible with DISH Network® and Bell TV™ standard and HD programming; DIRECTV® standard programming. Temporary and permanent mounting options available (sold separately).
Directv 18 Inch Satellite Dish Rv Tripod Kit Review
- Compact Satellite Dish tripod kit for Directv
- Receives satellite 101w for Directv standard definition programming
- compatible with all Directv receivers (receives standard definition only)
- Comes with satellite finder for easier aiming
- Satellite dish aiming instructions included
This direct tv 18inch satellite kit a cost effective way of taking your favourite tv shows and programs with you on the road. Its simple to set up and very mobile and it comes with everything you need apart from the reciever which you will need to buy seperate.
Rockdales Unique folding 60cm dish in a suitcase Review
- Quick and easy set-up.
- Stows in suitcase.
- Complete with ground pegs for stability.
- Lightweight design.
- Upper mast rotates for simplified alignment.
- Pre-galvanised brackets.
- Manufactured in steel with aluminium tripod.
- Dish edge protected with polymer moulding.
- Housed in a P/E suitcase.
- Combines folding arm with a folding dish for ease of transportation.
- Ideal for HD & SD signals.
- Dish can rotate on the tripod or in situ mast.
- Dish ribbed for strength and integrity.
- Tripod complete with hinged feet for uneven surfaces and peg piercing.
This rockdale folding dish comes pre-assembled and remains assembled in the case. There are only four actions for complete operational readiness. There are no tools required and the alignment is simple. It can be stowed with cable and LNB connected in the case. All you do is lift it out of the case and within four clicks the dish is ready to be used.
To get more information about the rockdale portable folding satellite dish head over to Rockdales Main Website Here.
How to Choose the Best Motorhome Portable Satellite System
Did you realise that there is every opportunity to watch all your favourite TV shows when away for the weekend or week in your motorhome. This is because there are a number of companies that have now made portable satellite systems for motorhomes.
As like so many others who have chosen to invest in such equipment they can prove invaluable. Especially on those days when the weather isn’t that great and so exploring the surrounding area isn’t an option. Instead you can spend the day curled up in the warm watching your favourite programs. This can prove very good when you have children travelling with you.
Of course with so many different portable satellite systems now available determining which one is right for you can prove quite challenging. Therefore we offer some advice you may find useful in helping you to decide which system is right for you to use with your motorhome.
1. The first thing that you need to decide when purchasing a portable satellite system for your motorhome is the channels that you wish to receive. Are you after a system that will allow you to receive say Sky channels because you only intend to use yours occasionally so you can then bring the receiver you have at home along. However would you prefer a system that enables to receive all the channels from all the satellites. Once you have decided on this then you can move on to the next thing that needs to be considered.
2. The next thing to be thinking about is where you are intending to use yours. For those of you who are actually only going to be using their system within the UK then you won’t need a very large dish. In fact the folding satellite dish offered by Rockdale which measures 60cm in diameter should be more than adequate for your needs.
However if you are intending to travel around Europe then a much larger size dish will be required. If you are looking to spend your time travelling around Spain for example then you are betting getting a dish that measures 1.8 meters in diameter.
3. Once you know what size dish it is you need you of course now need to think about how much you are wiling to spend on your purchase. How much you can afford to spend on your purchase will directly affect what kind of motorhome portable satellite you can purchase. If you haven’t got a large sum of money to spend on this equipment then you will have to settle for a system where you will need to set it up manually. However if you have quite a bit of money to spend say around £1,300 you could opt for buying a portable satellite system that can be set up automatically.
If you opt for the manual system, which is cheaper, we would recommend that you spend some time at home learning how to set it up. Certainly once a person has mastered the art of setting up a portable satellite manually they can carry out this process in a matter of minutes. Just imagine what would happen if you didn’t do this and the first time you take it out of the case it is lashing down with rain and blowing a gale.
4. Another thing of course you need to consider is do you have enough space in your motorhome for carrying this additional piece of equipment. You probably find that you will as these satellite dishes are extremely compact once they have been folded down and placed in their own storage and carrying case. In many cases you will find that these types of systems come in cases about the same size as the suitcase you are allowed to carry on to a plane as hand held luggage.
5. The next thing to be looking at when it comes to purchasing motorhome dishes is what features the system has. Ideally you should be looking for a system that comes with the following:
Features to Look For When Buying Your Motorhome Portable Satellite System
A system that is quick and easy to set up. For example with the Rockdale folding satellite dish you only need to carry out four actions to have it up ready to provide you with a signal to the receiver.
Next look at how the dish is going to be made secure when stood on a tripod rather than attached to a mast on the side of your motorhome. Ideally choose a system where ground pegs are provided to ensure that the feet of the tripod remake securely on the ground. Also make sure that the tripod is made from steel to ensure that it provides a strong stable base on which the dish can be placed. Further more look to ensure that the feet of the tripod are hinged so that even when placed on an uneven surface the tripod remains stable and will also ensure that the dish itself is on an even keel.
The other thing to be looking at is the kind of materials from which the dish for your portable satellite system has been made from. Ideally it should be made from a lightweight material yet is also provided with plenty of support. The material also used in the dish should be covered in some form of protective coating to ensure that the elements cannot damage it. The kind of dish like the Rockdale model is a very sound investment as the dish is ribbed to ensure that it is strong.
Finally when it comes to the purchasing of any portable satellite systems for motorhomes you need to make sure that it is capable of receiving both HD and SD signals. Again this is something that the Rockdale folding satellite dish can offer those who choose to invest in it. Plus with this particular model obtaining a good quality signal is simple as you are able to rotate the dish when on the tripod or when attached to a mast.
Why a collapsible satellite dish could be your ideal solution for watching tv on the move
A collapsible satellite dish will provide you with the perfect entertainment solution for your caravan or motorhome. Quite a number of owners of caravans and motorhomes will choose to invest their money in antennas that are mounted on the roof rather than look at what other options are available to them.
The problem with such units is that they are extremely expensive in some cases costing more than £2,000. Yet investing in a satellite dish that folds down is much more affordable, so you have money left to use on purchases that may be more important to you.
Today there are numerous places where such dishes can be purchased that are perfect for you to use. But as anyone will tell you who already owns a satellite dish setting them up can prove somewhat of a challenge when attempting to get the best signal possible. However when it comes to collapsible satellite dishes you will often find that they include everything that is needed to set them up quickly and efficiently. In fact most people find that they are able to get theirs set up and working within a few minutes.
Of course it is important to ensure that the dish is secure to prevent if from being knocked over by the kids or the wind. You have a couple of options available to you when wanting to secure your satellite dish. You can either attach it to a mast that is fixed on to the side of your motorhome or caravan or you can stand it on its own tripod. Those that stand on a tripod will include some pegs that allow you to securely fix the feet of it to the ground.
The actual process of setting up a collapsible satellite dish is actually very similar to that you would use when setting up such equipment at home. However of course you will need to actually spend time each time you set yours up to make sure that it is properly aligned to ensure that the best signal is being received. This is important to remember because every time you move to a different location then the latitude and longitude grid squares are going to change and this is why readjustment of the dish when it is set up is going to be required.
So what needs to be done to ensure that you receive the best signal possible when each time you use your satellite dish on your caravan or motorhome? Below we take you through the process of setting such equipment up. However before you do anything else you must make sure that you have everything you need to at hand. Once you have everything together then you can begin setting your dish up.
5 steps for setting your collapsible satellite dish system up to get the best possible signal
Step 1 – The first thing to do is set up the tripod or the mast on to which the dish is going to be mounted. It is important that the location you select for when the dish is going to be placed is one that provides it with a clear view of the Southern sky. So make sure that when selecting a location to park your motorhome or caravan it is in a location that isn’t surrounded by trees or other obstructions.
Of course if you find the location you chose doesn’t offer a clear view of the southern sky then move it to one that does. However if you aren’t able to locate it on the ground by your caravan or motorhome then you can always consider setting it up on the roof. But again make sure that you have something to ensure that it is securely fixed in position.
It is also important to remember that although the space next to you may be free when you arrive there is every chance it will be taken up by another motorhome or caravan shortly. So always make sure that you position the dish in a location where it will be constantly provided with a clear view of the southern sky.
Step 2 – Once the tripod on which the dish is to be placed has been set up you can now attach your satellite dish to it. Once this is done now rotate it so that the dish is then roughly aiming towards the direction from which the satellite signal is being sent.
Step 3 – After doing this you now are ready to secure the tripod into position. You have a couple of ways this can be done. You can either secure it using some pegs that you hammer into the ground through the holes in the feet provided or you can just lay some heavy objects such as sand bags over them. The reason for doing this is to prevent any strong gusts of wind from moving the tripod and so causing the signal to be lost or interfered with.
Step 4 – Once you have aligned the dish with the satellite signal you now need to rung the coaxial cable from it into your motorhome or caravan. Then attach the cable to the receiver, remembering of course to attach this then to the TV. Then turn your TV on making sure that it is on the channel, which you use to view satellite programs.
Step 5 – Now you need to adjust the azimuth and elevation of your collapsible satellite dish to make sure that you get the best signal possible. Although many of the satellite dishes available to use on caravans and motorhomes require adjustment of them to be made manually there are a few now that come with a remote control. So allowing you to adjust the azimuth and elevation of the dish in the comfort of your vehicle if you wish.
It is important that when performing this step that you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your equipment. This will help to ensure that you are aiming at their specific satellite. Once you have got the best signal possible then you need to make sure that the locking screws have been tightened to ensure that the position of the collapsible satellite dish is maintained at all times.
What to look for when buying caravan satellite kits
With caravan satellite kits you are in a position to be able to watch all your favourite TV programs no matter where you decide to pitch. Certainly this can help to make your holiday especially when travelling with children a much more enjoyable experience.
One of the most important features to be looking for when buying any satellite kits for a caravan is how easy they are going to be to set up and take down. What you don’t want to do is get a system that is going to take up valuable holiday time because you have to spend hours setting it up. Certainly most caravan satellite kits available today are ones that come with certain features that ensure that the process of setting them up is performed in a matter of minutes.
When it comes to purchasing such equipment look for those kits where you will be provided with an indicator that tells you the satellite dish is level. Certainly if the dish once set up is off kilter then aligning it to receive a signal becomes much more difficult, in fact almost impossible to achieve. There are a few models that will be fitted with an electronic device indicating when the dish is level, but of these cost money. Then there are those that come with a built in spirit level instead.
Also when it comes to setting up your satellite dish you must make sure that it is set at the right angle (often referred to as its elevation). This is important to do because each time you move the position of the satellite, which you want to receive a signal from, will be different.
Again there are some caravan satellite kits where the process of setting the angle of the dish is automated, and then there are others where this needs to be done manually. However with these cheaper models you will find that a chart is provided to ensure that the correct elevation for where you dish is located is provided. You simply refer to this to make sure that you have it set at the correct elevation.
Another thing that needs to be considered when purchasing such equipment for you caravan is how the dish will be mounted. As you would expect you have several options to choose from. For quick easy mounting some dishes come with pads that allow you to attach the dish directly to the side of your vehicle. The problem with this method is that the pads tend not to be very strong and eventually the dish is likely to fall off the side of your caravan.
The other ways of mounting a satellite dish is through the use of a mast that you attach to the side of your caravan or a tripod stand. The main issue we have with use of a mast is that if the dish isn’t secured properly then one strong gust of wind could cause it to rotate slightly. As for the tripod mount we feel this is your best option not only does it provide a more stable and secure base for the dish, but can be placed in positions where it is offered protection from the elements.
What satellite service you are going to be using for your caravan satellite kit?
You could of course take the receiver that you have for use in the home away with you. But the problem you may be faced with is that the provider of the service requires it to be connected to a phone line. This needs to be taken into account otherwise you could find yourself on holiday and all channels have been lost because the satellite provider cannot identify the unit being used. Furthermore you must carry out checks to see when travelling abroad that the channels you receive as part of your premium account are still valid.
There is one thing that you need to understand when it comes to investing in any kind of caravan satellite kits is that the dish must be placed in a precise position and facing in the right direction in order for a signal to be picked up. Should the dish be out of position even slightly then receiving a good quality signal will prove very difficult indeed. Also you need to make sure that the position in which it is placed is free from any kind of obstruction as again this can affect how much signal is able to get through to it. Remember these dishes aren’t as big as the kind you will have on your own so they will find it much harder to pick up any kind of signal if they have been properly set up.
Of course you can attempt to align the dish manually, but it will take a great deal of time. Therefore we recommend when purchasing any kinds of caravan satellite systems you also purchase a satellite finder. This is a small hand held device that will enable you detect the position of the satellite you wish to receive a signal from. This device not only tells you the right angles to position the dish in but will also confirm to you when a signal is being received.
As you would expect just like the satellite kits the costs of these finders differs quite a bit. So make sure that you spend time comparing the various models and if you have the opportunity to try them out. This way you can get a feel for the one that you will find most comfortable and easy to use. However purchasing a more expensive satellite finder is worth considering as a very sound investment because they tend to provide you with much more precise measurements.
However if you will only be using these caravan satellite kits a few times each year then a budget model should suffice. Although the measurements may not be as precise they will still come with details about the most major satellites built into them.