I will be tailgating in Auburn Alabama in the fall. I have a spare dish and either a 300 or 500 rec. What do i need to do to ensure it links up? last year was an absolute nightmare, i can't seem to get it to connect and it is so frustrating!!!
Tailgating 101
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Sat-go
DIRECTV - Sat-Go
Leave the dish at home. This new to the market a few months ago.
Hope it helps.
DIRECTV - Sat-Go
Leave the dish at home. This new to the market a few months ago.
Hope it helps.
Tailgating
Have done this for sevaral years and it's still quite a pain to set up.
(1) Get a tripod - not the flimsy plastic POS, get the metal one - takes up more room, but it's more sturdy.
(2) Get a small level - not just the little round one that comes with some tripods. Get a magnetic level that will attach to the post to make sure it's level.
(3) Make sure the thing is level even with the dish in place - VERY IMPORTANT.
(4) Use as small a cable run as possible.
(5) Power Source - I use a car battery hooked up to an inverter - works best for me. I carry 2 car batteries with me at all times for tailgating. DON'T USE THE BATTERY IN YOUR CAR. Generators are noisy and expensive and I don't like the gas smell or fumes. A good AutoZone battery will last you about 6 hours with a 13 inch tv and the satellite receiver.
(6) Don't use the hard-drive receiver outside. It winds up messing up the harddrive. The hard-drive receivers don't have the hard-drives mounted very securely, and any jerking around could cause a crash - take my advice on that.
Have Fun!!
Have done this for sevaral years and it's still quite a pain to set up.
(1) Get a tripod - not the flimsy plastic POS, get the metal one - takes up more room, but it's more sturdy.
(2) Get a small level - not just the little round one that comes with some tripods. Get a magnetic level that will attach to the post to make sure it's level.
(3) Make sure the thing is level even with the dish in place - VERY IMPORTANT.
(4) Use as small a cable run as possible.
(5) Power Source - I use a car battery hooked up to an inverter - works best for me. I carry 2 car batteries with me at all times for tailgating. DON'T USE THE BATTERY IN YOUR CAR. Generators are noisy and expensive and I don't like the gas smell or fumes. A good AutoZone battery will last you about 6 hours with a 13 inch tv and the satellite receiver.
(6) Don't use the hard-drive receiver outside. It winds up messing up the harddrive. The hard-drive receivers don't have the hard-drives mounted very securely, and any jerking around could cause a crash - take my advice on that.
Have Fun!!
I'm going to have to disagree with DAJohnsonGymDawg on a few points. I have also done this for a couple years and at many different locations. And it really isn't hard once you have done it a few times. The very important points are:
As suggested get a good tripod (Radio shack has one for $35 RadioShack.com - Home Entertainment: Accessories: Antennas: Antenna accessories: Heavy-Duty 3-Foot Tripod Mount). Use a fence post for the mast. Alternatively you can use a bucket of concrete and a mast, but I like the tripod better. Make sure the mast is plumb (level). Use a buble level as already pointed out.
If you go with the Dish 500 or Dish 1000 (can see more than 1 satellite) set your skew at whatever it is suppoed to be for the zip code you are in and leave it alone. If you use the Dish 300 then you dont have to worry about the skew.
Set your elevation according to the zip code. You may need to adjust this a bit, to fine tune, but do this after you have done your best on the next step (azimuth).
Get a compass and aim acording to the azimuth for that zip code. When you are aiming make very very very small adjustments because it takes a couple seconds to register the change on the receiver. Once you get the best signal go back to your elevation and adjust up and down a point or so to fine tune.
Power: I used a car battery and inverter for a couple years, but they just don't have enough power for what I run. I run a 622 and 2 27 inch TVs (chaning one of the TVs to HD for the upcoming year) so I have a Honda generator:
Honda EU2000I Generator - Honda Super Quiet Generators
with the expanded gas tank so it will run at full load for about 20 hrs. It is not loud at all (only 59db at full load), you can stand right beside it and don't even hear it over the TV.
As far as cable runs distance isn't a big deal at all. I have used a 100' cable run with zero problems at all. I usually don't need that distance, but I have the 100' run because sometimes the dish needs to be that far away to fine a clear line of sight and when traveling to away games you never know exactly where you are going to be tailgating.
Also as far as using a DVR unit I totally disagree. They work great. I used a 942 for a few years and now I use a 622. Zero problems.
The most important thing of all is to practice a few times. Once you get the hang of it you'll be fine.
Let us know what else you need and we'll be happy to help. By the way, Go Vols!!!! 50 days until kickoff!
As suggested get a good tripod (Radio shack has one for $35 RadioShack.com - Home Entertainment: Accessories: Antennas: Antenna accessories: Heavy-Duty 3-Foot Tripod Mount). Use a fence post for the mast. Alternatively you can use a bucket of concrete and a mast, but I like the tripod better. Make sure the mast is plumb (level). Use a buble level as already pointed out.
If you go with the Dish 500 or Dish 1000 (can see more than 1 satellite) set your skew at whatever it is suppoed to be for the zip code you are in and leave it alone. If you use the Dish 300 then you dont have to worry about the skew.
Set your elevation according to the zip code. You may need to adjust this a bit, to fine tune, but do this after you have done your best on the next step (azimuth).
Get a compass and aim acording to the azimuth for that zip code. When you are aiming make very very very small adjustments because it takes a couple seconds to register the change on the receiver. Once you get the best signal go back to your elevation and adjust up and down a point or so to fine tune.
Power: I used a car battery and inverter for a couple years, but they just don't have enough power for what I run. I run a 622 and 2 27 inch TVs (chaning one of the TVs to HD for the upcoming year) so I have a Honda generator:
Honda EU2000I Generator - Honda Super Quiet Generators
with the expanded gas tank so it will run at full load for about 20 hrs. It is not loud at all (only 59db at full load), you can stand right beside it and don't even hear it over the TV.
As far as cable runs distance isn't a big deal at all. I have used a 100' cable run with zero problems at all. I usually don't need that distance, but I have the 100' run because sometimes the dish needs to be that far away to fine a clear line of sight and when traveling to away games you never know exactly where you are going to be tailgating.
Also as far as using a DVR unit I totally disagree. They work great. I used a 942 for a few years and now I use a 622. Zero problems.
The most important thing of all is to practice a few times. Once you get the hang of it you'll be fine.
Let us know what else you need and we'll be happy to help. By the way, Go Vols!!!! 50 days until kickoff!
Somewhat off topic, but not entirely, I've been to the Iron Bowl (Auburn v Bama), three times and had a great time each time. It is very cool as an outsider going to a game like that - being from TN I hate you both 
. Any college football fans that have not had the chance to attend that game should really try.
. Any college football fans that have not had the chance to attend that game should really try.
Welcome to Satelliteguys reedacus25. The timing of the Egg Bowl makes it hard to attend. Thanksgiving evening is usually reserved for family.
o but boy is it worth it! anyways i must say that this is definitely the best forum for dish network discussion... and trust me i have searched high and low
Lakebum: What type of paint did you use on your dish? I'm thinking about painting over the dish logo and putting up a VT logo. Did you do any prep work to the dish prior to painting?
I agree with Lakebum on his suggestions. I use a Honda generator. Very quiet, runs a long time. I usually place it on the other side of my car away from the tailgate area. It's so quiet I've actually sold other tailgaters on it.
I also use a strong metal tripod, and have purchased fence post to get the dish up in the air. I use a Dish 300, but I find that all the channels I need are on 119 (LA area).
I do my tailgating at the Rose Bowl, and had some of the same problems you did. I purchased a signal meter online for about 20 dollars. Works much better than using the meter on the box, much more responsive.
When I was having problems, I found it was two things: first, I used a small, PVC tripod and I wasn't getting the dish high enough. 2nd, I was having problem with my compass. Seems like with all the cars around, I wasn't getting great readings (I know it doesn't make much sense, but it happened).
So, I usually tailgate in the same area. I went to Google Earth and figured landmarks to use when pointing so I knew I was in the vicinity of 119. Actually worked well and I haven't had a problem since.
Regarding receiver, I use my 510. My understanding is that the drive locks when powered down, so as long as you don't move it while it's on it should be fine. I also like being able to use the DVR pause and rewind during football games.
Good luck to you. Football season is coming, the best time of the year!!
I also use a strong metal tripod, and have purchased fence post to get the dish up in the air. I use a Dish 300, but I find that all the channels I need are on 119 (LA area).
I do my tailgating at the Rose Bowl, and had some of the same problems you did. I purchased a signal meter online for about 20 dollars. Works much better than using the meter on the box, much more responsive.
When I was having problems, I found it was two things: first, I used a small, PVC tripod and I wasn't getting the dish high enough. 2nd, I was having problem with my compass. Seems like with all the cars around, I wasn't getting great readings (I know it doesn't make much sense, but it happened).
So, I usually tailgate in the same area. I went to Google Earth and figured landmarks to use when pointing so I knew I was in the vicinity of 119. Actually worked well and I haven't had a problem since.
Regarding receiver, I use my 510. My understanding is that the drive locks when powered down, so as long as you don't move it while it's on it should be fine. I also like being able to use the DVR pause and rewind during football games.
Good luck to you. Football season is coming, the best time of the year!!
I just used high gloss metal spray paint. No prep required. When doing a logo you have to think backwards. So for my dish I painted the whole middle of the Dish Orange and let it dry. Then I took a cutout of the "T" and stuck it to the dish in the place that I wanted the T. Then I sprayed The whole dish white - which left the orange T in place because I had the T covered.
Another good idea for tripod ( I use when tent camping) the long railroad like tent stakes and something to shim the legs with when anchoring the tripod (mine is from radio shack with fence post) also as stated use a magnetic level as it helps... I use a 9" color ac/dc tv so an inverter works just fine for me with a Deep cycle battery...Camper camping genset for sure....
Like this?
I just retired the 500 and painted up a 1000 last week for some ESPN Game Day in HD
I guess ESPN is on 110 so that wasnt necessary.. but why not be prepared..I might need the ESPN2 or something.. I dont have any pics of the 1000 yet but I just used the same design. Painted the dish maroon... utilized photoshop for the VT logo and hokies... printed it on sticky back paper... cut the design out with an exacto, stuck it to the dish, sprayed it orange.. thats all.BTW I've done it for 3 years using the car battery. Just let the vehicle run a few minutes every now and again and your good to go. If not theres about 65,000 other folks there that could probably help you locate a jump cable.
Attachments
Looks great hokiecb! I'm glad to see that there are some other crazy football fans like me. I'm heading out to Cal for the TN season opener on Sept 1st. I can't wait!
Regardless of the schools mentioned in this post, aint it great to be part of the SEC!!!!!! Best football in the land! Gotta love it!
i appreciate all the feedback, i will have to go get the equipment out and practice...
My fiance' is going to be coming to all the AU games with me and she is an LSU Tiger. She insisted that if i don't know how to get this up and working she isn't going b/c she MUST see her games...ughh, the pressure!
any and all advice on setting up the satellite is welcome...just keep the advice coming!
How do i hit both the satellites? generally if i get one, i don't get the other...thus missing ESPN or my local NBC channels...
i appreciate all the feedback, i will have to go get the equipment out and practice...
My fiance' is going to be coming to all the AU games with me and she is an LSU Tiger. She insisted that if i don't know how to get this up and working she isn't going b/c she MUST see her games...ughh, the pressure!
any and all advice on setting up the satellite is welcome...just keep the advice coming!
How do i hit both the satellites? generally if i get one, i don't get the other...thus missing ESPN or my local NBC channels...
If you are hitting one and not the other (I'm assuming you're using a Dish 500 here). There are a few potential problems:
1) Most likely your mast is not plumb (straight up and down), make sure to use a good buble level and get it straight.
2) Your skew is not set right (make sure you set it based on the zip code that you are trying to use it and leave it alone).
3) You could be hitting the satellite with the wrong LNB (for instance hitting the 119 satellite with the 110 LNB). The best way to figure this out is to figure out which satellite you are receiving (from the point dish screen) and then cover that LNB (if you are using a twin LNB it will say which one is which on the side of the LNB) with your hand and make sure that you lose it on the point dish screen. if you don't lose it then you are aimed 10 degrees off so you need to shift it either right or left.
The final thing that you need to consider is that almost all SD locals are now on spot beam. I don't know where you actually live, but you need to make sure that you are still within that spotbeam where you are tailgating so that you can still get them. This is not a problem with most of the HD locals right now (which is the reason that I use a Dish 1000.2 (so I can pick up the HD locals from my home area, Atlanta, even when I'm taligating at Tennessee and the other schools that we play. Now this will only get you the big 4 locals but that covers about everything since the games on the other locals (for instance MY TV and CW) are usually on the ESPN College GameDay channels or one of the RSNs.
1) Most likely your mast is not plumb (straight up and down), make sure to use a good buble level and get it straight.
2) Your skew is not set right (make sure you set it based on the zip code that you are trying to use it and leave it alone).
3) You could be hitting the satellite with the wrong LNB (for instance hitting the 119 satellite with the 110 LNB). The best way to figure this out is to figure out which satellite you are receiving (from the point dish screen) and then cover that LNB (if you are using a twin LNB it will say which one is which on the side of the LNB) with your hand and make sure that you lose it on the point dish screen. if you don't lose it then you are aimed 10 degrees off so you need to shift it either right or left.
The final thing that you need to consider is that almost all SD locals are now on spot beam. I don't know where you actually live, but you need to make sure that you are still within that spotbeam where you are tailgating so that you can still get them. This is not a problem with most of the HD locals right now (which is the reason that I use a Dish 1000.2 (so I can pick up the HD locals from my home area, Atlanta, even when I'm taligating at Tennessee and the other schools that we play. Now this will only get you the big 4 locals but that covers about everything since the games on the other locals (for instance MY TV and CW) are usually on the ESPN College GameDay channels or one of the RSNs.
