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tcreek

Last reply May 25, 2018 · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Tripod and Dish for RV

Looking for a reasonable source to buy a tripod and dish with LNBs to use with my Hopper w/Sling in my trailer. Have the Traveler on the roof, but will be parked in a treed area for the next two months. Need to setup a tripod about 15 feet from the trailer.

I should mention I'm in Alaska, so shipping needs to be reasonable also.

Found one on Amazon for less than $200 including shipping. Anything better available?

Thanks,
Tom

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NYDutch

May 24, 2018

I modified a basic $25 tripod roof mount with about $15 in additional hardware to add adjustable leveling feet and handwheel shaft locking. I use it with an easy to adjust/aim 1000.4 dish, but the slightly smaller 1000.2 would also work. I've been using the tripod extensively since 2008, and other than an occasional spritz with WD-40, no maintenance has been needed. I anchor the tripod with either a 5-gallon bucket 1/2-2/3 filled with water or one or two "dog tie out" screw in anchors and adjustable tent tie downs.

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Jackonearth

May 24, 2018

NYDutch said:
I modified a basic $25 tripod roof mount with about $15 in additional hardware to add adjustable leveling feet and handwheel shaft locking. I use it with an easy to adjust/aim 1000.4 dish, but the slightly smaller 1000.2 would also work. I've been using the tripod extensively since 2008, and other than an occasional spritz with WD-40, no maintenance has been needed. I anchor the tripod with either a 5-gallon bucket 1/2-2/3 filled with water or one or two "dog tie out" screw in anchors and adjustable tent tie downs.

Here's a stupid question. Where'd you get the $25 tripod
And what additional hardware did you get?

Brussam

May 24, 2018

Roof mount tripods are very cheap and are not useful for RV use as is. If you are a machinist type, you can kludge one up like NYDutch did.

I am into the 12th year of my TV4RV.com and I had to engineer nothing.

tcreek

May 24, 2018

Brussam said:
Roof mount tripods are very cheap and are not useful for RV use as is. If you are a machinist type, you can kludge one up like NYDutch did.

I am into the 12th year of my TV4RV.com and I had to engineer nothing.

I'm not an engineer either, so broke down and ordered from TV4RV.com.

tcreek

May 24, 2018

Along these same lines of thought, what is the better and best satellite meters for aligning the dish? I've heard the Birddog is one of the best, but have no experience with any of them.

NYDutch

May 24, 2018

Jackonearth said:
Here's a stupid question. Where'd you get the $25 tripod
And what additional hardware did you get?

I found mine on eBay about 10 years ago, but the $35 Winegard SW-0010 is identical except mine included the 1-5/8" shaft for the dish mount. The additional hardware consisted of fifteen pop-rivets, three 5/16" threaded inserts for furniture leveling feet, three 8" x 5/16" carriage bolts, three 5/16" plastic handled 'T' nuts, three 5/16 lock nuts, six 5/16" hex nuts, three 5/16" wing nuts, and three 5/16" fender washers. The only tools needed were an electric drill with a 1/8" bit, a pop-rivet tool, and a couple of open end or adjustable wrenches. All of the hardware was purchased at a local True Value hardware store. The photo shows the leveling foot assembly, but not visible are the two pop-rivets that lock each of the swivel feet in a fixed position. Assembly time was about an hour, and no machine shop was needed...

I'll also add that in 10 years of using this tripod, I've only needed to stick boards under the feet twice. Once due to a steep side hill location that was beyond the range of one leg, and once due to extremely soft, wet ground.

Brussam

May 25, 2018

For non-Hybrid use, I had good luck with an Acutrac 22 Pro (discontinued) and a First Strike FS1. The FS1 will identify the satellite to insure you are pointing at the correct one. Plain meters can tell you you have a good signal but not what satellite it is from. The Birdog is very good, but pricey.

There are new meters that claim alot of capability but I have not tried them.

For Hybrid (Hopper 3) the Allied Instrument Super Buddy is needed to handle the signal. The latest version new can be $900 but can be found for around $300 on eBay but probably needs a battery.

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tcreek

May 25, 2018

Brussam said:
For non-Hybrid use, I had good luck with an Acutrac 22 Pro (discontinued) and a First Strike FS1. The FS1 will identify the satellite to insure you are pointing at the correct one. Plain meters can tell you you have a good signal but not what satellite it is from. The Birdog is very good, but pricey.

There are new meters that claim alot of capability but I have not tried them.

For Hybrid (Hopper 3) the Allied Instrument Super Buddy is needed to handle the signal. The latest version new can be $900 but can be found for around $300 on eBay but probably needs a battery.

Thanks, I ordered a FS1. The other two are just to pricey for what I need.

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

23 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Rest in Peace Walter Koenig & Patrick Stewart

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxc8oEnTTpc

Direct YouTube Link - Rest in Peace Walter Koenig & Patrick Stewart
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 5:55 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

USA Healthcare Costs are Ridiculous

Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs

My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.

Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.

After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.

I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.

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b4pjoe

Today at 3:49 PM

osu1991 said:
Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs

Are you employed with no work insurance or that is what you are paying for your workplace insurance? Or is that through Healthcare.gov? Retired? Eligible for medicare?

vazhog

Today at 4:05 PM

that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

telstar_1

Today at 4:07 PM

The 2030s will likely bring renewed health reform

osu1991

Today at 4:28 PM

b4pjoe said:
Are you employed with no work insurance or that is what you are paying for your workplace insurance? Or is that through Healthcare.gov? Retired? Eligible for medicare?

Started my own business in 2006, been self employed for 20 years this year.

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meStevo

Today at 4:52 PM

vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

Even sarcastically it's wrong. Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls." The immigrant-related pieces are a small part of the ~$1 trillion. They cut the federal match for emergency care from 90% to the state's regular rate and end eligibility for some lawful immigrants like refugees. Most of the "savings" come from work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, and provider tax limits, which hit citizens.

Either way, the cost doesn't disappear. It shifts to states, hospitals, and everyone else's premiums and will only serve to make issues like those raised in this thread worse.

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dishstaller

Today at 5:05 PM

meStevo said:
Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls."

That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

- California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]
- Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]
- New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]
- Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]
- Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

meStevo

Today at 5:55 PM

dishstaller said:
That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]

Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]

New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]

Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]

Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

Fair point, but it's consistent with what I said: no federal Medicaid money goes to undocumented immigrants. Those programs are state-funded, so the federal ~$1T cut can't touch them. Whatever states decide to do with their own programs is a separate budget decision.

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 5:53 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

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gms49ers

Today at 1:34 PM

Can't You Hear Me Knocking - The Rolling Stones

long_time_Dish

Today at 4:06 PM

I Can Hear Music - The Beach Boys

dishstaller

Today at 4:16 PM

Boom Boom ( Out Go The Lights ) - Pat Travers

sdfntx

Today at 5:30 PM

Palisades Park - Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon

Reactions: RaiderPower and Bobby

RaiderPower

Today at 5:53 PM

Cherry Hill Park - Billy Joe Royal

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 5:42 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Apple's New Touchscreen MacBook Pro with Tandem OLED Display

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Obg_1yMsldU

Direct YouTube Link - Apple's New Touchscreen MacBook Pro with Tandem OLED Display
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 5:34 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Claude's site is still up and running. New link required

I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!

satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.

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dishstaller

Today at 5:34 PM

If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.

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Linus Tech Tips

Today at 4:32 PM · posted in Linus Tech Tips

Ep. 35 - Best Tech for a Deserted Island...

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9st7OYkUHJk

Direct YouTube Link - Ep. 35 - Best Tech for a Deserted Island...
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 4:12 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

What's For Lunch?

We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so...

Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...

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dfergie

Oct 19, 2026

Chili dog bowl, water… (homemade chili)

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TRG

Monday at 2:53 PM

Leftover wanton soup and pork fried rice. Water.

dfergie

Yesterday at 1:26 PM

Sweet tea…

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TRG

Yesterday at 1:50 PM

Tuna salad sandwich on toasted honey whole wheat bread with a handful of kettle chips. Water.

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TRG

Today at 4:12 PM

Breakfast for lunch. Crispy corned beef hash, home fries, two over easy eggs and sourdough toast.

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 4:09 PM · posted in The Sports Section

Auto Racing 2026

New thread or keep this one?

View: https://www.youtube.com/live/AgOI9DNCmPg?si=l-YcZmHl7GXXF8fX

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dfergie

Sep 26, 2026

View: https://www.youtube.com/live/FN7KEVee0IY?is=G-gCAp4CudLNgaYP

Foxbat

Sep 26, 2026

Weird F1 weekend is already over with a Saturday race.

dfergie

Oct 9, 2026

Tried to watch the truck race but the stage c**p is why I don't watch NASCAR anymore…

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Yespage

Oct 16, 2026

Today is the anniversary of Dan Wheldon's passing at Las Vegas in a dreadful crash that luckily didn't take more drivers' lives. I vaguely remember the crash, but I more strongly remember Paul Tracy trying to keep it together as he left the Medical Center knowing that Dan most likely wasn't going to.

The safety in these vehicles is beyond incomprehensible, especially relative to what it was 60 years ago, when dying wasn't unexpected. But it is still very dangerous. I always scoff at the prayer invocations, but never scoff at the risks these drivers take and the emergency workers out there who might need to pull short of a miracle to save a driver's life.

dfergie said:
Tried to watch the truck race but the stage c**p is why I don't watch NASCAR anymore…

HBO Max has the live in car streaming without commercials, which provides an interesting take, but you are driving blind, knowing only what the team is telling the driver about what is happening on the track. The stages definitely ruin the NASCAR set up.

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Yespage

Today at 4:09 PM

NASCAR is an abject mess, but at least it has Kyle Larson. Guy had the lead on the green/white checker, fell back to 12th or the like, kept his cool, and charged back to win with room to spare at the line. And win very cleanly!

NASCAR needs to stop racing at Talladega. Especially if they are going for elderly Sunday drives at the track! Stage racing is real stupid, but NASCAR should consider one half point a second per group gap as a bonus.

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 4:02 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network