Picking your brains about the best and cheapest way to go
Well I have not done this yet but plan on using a VUQUBE 2000 for my satellite TV.
John
TV or Internet or both?
Also, stationary or in-motion? Seems to be quite a few options based on how you would like to use it.
Brian S.
I would like to have something mobile . I've looked on line not much info. except very expensive. I don't like the crank-up types even though they are not very high priced. I was hoping some one has had some experience and would comment.
I have a Motosat Freedom Dome (not in motion) and Directv. Very happy with the set up.
I too would like in-motion, but the price is a bit much for me. I have DirecTV and use a small dish mounted on a tripod that I can deploy when stopped. Works great!
Brian S.
I use an old Tracvision M. They can be had for not much money on the E place.
I got mine when they first came out and paid waaaay too much. They are great.
The other option I like that most of the entertainer coaches I drive have are a unit called Tracstar. They have a little lcd screen where you tell it what sat to grab and it does. You can use any provider or just about any box. When I upgrade I am going to check them out.
Not sure about price. I do know they are reliable or the leasing co.'s wouldn't use them,
Good luck in whatever you decide
We use the VuQube. We've had it for about 3 yrs. and are very happy with it. We can't watch while traveling, but can when parked under trees...Cable
Papatony,
We also have a Vucube 2000, used it three times and had to send it back for repair under warranty. I think it had been struck by lightning. I like this set-up, because if parked under trees you can position the sat. anywhere within your range of cable. Hard to use at truck stops though, it can walk away if you are not careful! It does have a place on the side where you can cable and lock it, we just put it in the bay for the night.
They have three different models, the 1000 is totally manual, 2000 finds the sats. automatically, and the 3000 can be used in motion.
Brandon
Like I say I have not got my Vuqube yet. The truck stop scenario I would like to have a way to have it on the roof and in the woods be able to move it to a clear location.
John
We have a Winegard Movin View. I picked it up used from a guy that couldn't figure out how to install it. In fact, I had to take it off the roof of his MH after he screwed it down with sheetrock screws and no brackets or sealant and then complained when his roof leaked. Fortunately, he never figured out how to hook up the power or anything else either. We subscribe to Dish because we find it the least expensive at 39.99/month with locals. Never any problems with either and never had to move the bus because we couldn't get TV. We do carry a portable dish and tripod in the bay with a 100foot cable just in case, but haven't needed it since installing the roof unit just over 3 years ago. Hope this helps and good luck. If your missus is like mine, you might want to run the TV, DVD, and reciever through your inverter so it never goes down if the power does. Mine has a tendency to get a bit fidgety if her TV ever goes down lol. Happy New Year and good luck, Will
Will:: send me that guys name and address, he sounds like a good source for a lot of things. I really would like to have something like that,(to take up my assistant drivers time some where else ) They are just so expensive we could not afford one unless we found a deal like you.
Will can you do emails from this unit I need that as much as any thing.
Papatony, it is strictly a TV signal device. Mobile Satellite internet is another animal entirely. I think it was Redbus that commented he has that capability, not sure. I looked into it a while back and the cost put me off. We're sticking with WiFi when available until I see where 4G goes. Good luck, Will
too bad you weren't at THE Rally in Arcadia. Lots of examples and experts.
We provided the satellite Internet for the live broadcast. We have an automatic satellite finding system that locks on in about 10 minutes. Cost for a unit new is about $5000. i know of a used system, still working, that we just sold for $350. the new owner will need to spend about $200 for the plate and cables to mount it on top. used units should be under or around $1000 depending on how old. Monthly is $60-$180 per month with a possible contract required. i also know of another that may be going up for sale in the next few months.
if you stay in civilized areas, cellular may be better and is certainly easier. buy a MiFi from Verizon for aobut $50 wtih a new contract, the $50 per month. but it has a low limit of 5gb. so you have to evaluate where you go and how much you need.
Satellite TV is similar. decide if you want Dish or Direct, have them install a ground unit (free), then take it down and build a mount you can shove in the bay for when you are under trees. Buy a wingard bubble for the roof, about $1000 at camping world, but don't let them install it unless you don't mind poor installations cheaply done.
if you are full time, you don't need the clutter in your bays for the cube. it only take 5 min to aim a sat dish for tv, once you get the hang of it.
Tom :: Everbody I thank all of you for so much info. I know now I can make an informed decisions. papa T
We just got the winegard movin view. We had the old wingard semi automatic. It was a pain finding the satellite. Took forever of hunt and try again. Love the movin view. Easy to install. Handles two receiver hook ups. The best part, the first time we parked, turned on the on switch and there it was. We had to reset our satellite settings because we have an hd receiver, but that was all. We haven't tried the in motion. Also bought it used and customer support still would talk to me.
Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340
Tom, you are in the business, so I will defer to your recommendations.
However, we avoided the Verizon MiFi because it does not have the ability to attach an external antenna for the marginal areas. Instead, we selected a USB modem that has a port for an antenna and then network with a CradlePoint MBR-1000. That allows us to switch between the satellite and Verizon.
At home we have the satellite, but when it snows we sometimes loose our signal. We then use the Verizon as a backup. However, we are in a marginal area and have to use a Wilson antenna in the window to get enough of a signal to have reasonable bandwidth.
Jim