Smaller Substitute for Slimline for Campers and Tailgaters

[schneid]

For a while I have been following a thread on DBSTalk where folks were experimenting with getting DirecTV HD from a smaller dish than the Slimline. It can be done.

You need:

DirecTV Phase III Multi-satellite Dish. Discontinued but can still be found. I got mine on eBay. This dish was originally mated with a triple LNB for the 101, 110, and 119.

DirecTV SL3 SWM or non-SWM LNB depending on your install. This LNB receives the 99, 101, and 103. Some installs require an SL5 as some Locals are on the 119. I don't know if an SL5 would work.

The SL3 fits the Phase III arm but you must cut a 1/2" long notch and drill new mount holes in the SL3. Some just force the LNB in and don't bother to bolt it in.

I also copied the TV4RV.com folding arm kit so this dish stows very flat.

Bottom line is that it works. I obtained the 101 easier than with my Slimline and the 99 and 103 were there too. You do lose about 6pts on the signal meter but I still got the 101 in the low 90's and the others in the low 80's.


I also copied the TV4RV.com folding arm kit who also makes the great tripod kit above. The thread is here:

How to Make Your Dish Arm Fold - Escapees Discussion Forum

 

[dfergie]

I've used a Phase III and the SL5 for the last couple of years deer hunting with my Camper... I have a tripod but have some brackets on both campers I can mount to... works pretty good.

 

[raoul5788]

For a while I have been following a thread on DBSTalk where folks were experimenting with getting DirecTV HD from a smaller dish than the Slimline. It can be done.

You need:

DirecTV Phase III Multi-satellite Dish. Discontinued but can still be found. I got mine on eBay. This dish was originally mated with a triple LNB for the 101, 110, and 119.

DirecTV SL3 SWM or non-SWM LNB depending on your install. This LNB receives the 99, 101, and 103. Some installs require an SL5 as some Locals are on the 119. I don't know if an SL5 would work.

The SL3 fits the Phase III arm but you must cut a 1/2" long notch and drill new mount holes in the SL3. Some just force the LNB in and don't bother to bolt it in.

I also copied the TV4RV.com folding arm kit so this dish stows very flat.

Bottom line is that it works. I obtained the 101 easier than with my Slimline and the 99 and 103 were there too. You do lose about 6pts on the signal meter but I still got the 101 in the low 90's and the others in the low 80's.
View attachment 60024

I also copied the TV4RV.com folding arm kit who also makes the great tripod kit above. The thread is here:

How to Make Your Dish Arm Fold - Escapees Discussion Forum

Good for you getting it to work! It takes some persistence from what I have read. BTW, I don't think the Phase III dish is discontinued. It is still used for sd installations.

 

[charper1]

SolidSignal has them HERE for about $60

 

[raoul5788]

There is some guy selling new ones on eBay for $22!

 

[schneid]

SolidSignal has them HERE for about $60

Interesting. They were listed as discontinued for the last few months.

 

[schneid]

Good for you getting it to work! It takes some persistence from what I have read. BTW, I don't think the Phase III dish is discontinued. It is still used for sd installations.

I thought all the SD was on the 101 hence no need for other than the standard 18" round dish.

 

[schneid]

There is some guy selling new ones on eBay for $22!

I managed $36 which included shipping.

 

[Liquidforce88]

Good for you getting it to work! It takes some persistence from what I have read. BTW, I don't think the Phase III dish is discontinued. It is still used for sd installations.

Yes we still use the PhaseIII all the time. 119 is where the locals are in our area, so the Phase III is standard dish for non HD installs.

 

[schneid]

Very confusing. Solid Signal says it's used for HD off the 101, 110, and 119.

Here:

18 Inch x 20 Inch Triple LNB DIRECTV Multi-Satellite Dish Antenna (OD1820-BX) - DIRECTV - KT1820BXLNB -

 

[steecoe]

Very confusing. Solid Signal says it's used for HD off the 101, 110, and 119.

Here:

18 Inch x 20 Inch Triple LNB DIRECTV Multi-Satellite Dish Antenna (OD1820-BX) - DIRECTV - KT1820BXLNB -

That's old info. The dish was used for HD, back when there was only about 10 HD channels.

BTW - I have been using the phase III/SL3 combo for a long time in a permanent setup & it works flawlessly! I chose to grind down the nub on the LNB itself rather than modify the dish arm.

 

[raoul5788]

I thought all the SD was on the 101 hence no need for other than the standard 18" round dish.

There are still many dmas that have their sd locals on 119.

 

[schneid]

Thanks Steecoe and Chip for the explanation.

Been looking at my Slimline "fine-tuning" knobs. Wonder if they can be high-jacked to the Phase III?

 

[Lbrannen]

hello
this is my first reply/post as I just joined satellite guys today and have a question regarding the SL3 non-SWM LNB for 99-101-103 satellites: I live in SE Georgia/Savannah DMA area (zip 31545, Jesup, Ga.) and am not sure if my locals come from 119 or 99 sats. Is there a way to determine which satellite transmits my locals...ie. 119 or 99 as I wish to utilize the SL3 setup ?
any ideas are welcome.

thanks

 

[schneid]

Try this spreadsheet:

http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24163&d=1292457759

 

[schneid]

Looks like only SD is on the 119:

DIRECTV Local Channels and RSNs

 

[Jimbo]

Looks like only SD is on the 119:

DIRECTV Local Channels and RSNs

The HD side of things is on Sat 99 Tpn 18

 

[schneid]

The HD side of things is on Sat 99 Tpn 18

Glad you have a secret decoder ring.

 

[Jimbo]

Glad you have a secret decoder ring.

Ah yes, the old Secret Decoder Ring trick !!! (said by the one and only Maxwell Smart)

 

[schneid]

C-I-N-C-Y. Go Bearcats