Winnebago Satellite Connection

ChiefJohn · 04-11-2010, 10:13 AM

Given my King Dome is down due to a 'comm error' which I understand can be anything from a loose connector, tuner, etc. -- bottom line, above my pay grade! Going to the factory on 19 Apr and let them fix the problem.

That said, my lovely bride wants her satellite TV? Set up my portable dish and using the signal meter, I'm not getting any power to the dish. Is there an A/B type switch to go between the dome and a portable unit? I'm thinking this is done internally in the tuner?

Bill Adams · 04-11-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefJohn

Given my King Dome is down due to a 'comm error' which I understand can be anything from a loose connector, tuner, etc. -- bottom line, above my pay grade! Going to the factory on 19 Apr and let them fix the problem.

That said, my lovely bride wants her satellite TV? Set up my portable dish and using the signal meter, I'm not getting any power to the dish. Is there an A/B type switch to go between the dome and a portable unit? I'm thinking this is done internally in the tuner?

You need to run a cable directly from the antenna to the back of the receiver.
If you are trying to use a cable or other external connection you likely have that cable running through a video control center or splitters and this will prevent the system from working. Let us know when you are up and running and we can discuss what components you have in line and what you may be able to do for a more permanent solution.

ChiefJohn · 04-11-2010, 10:43 AM

Thanks Bill -- I was hoping to hear from the "expert" on this stuff!

The 5th wheel we owned had an A/B switch to go between the dome satellite and portable dish connection. Our "Portable Satellite" connection is in the water bay -- I need to dig into the entertainment cabinet and see if there is a separate cable routed to the cabinet -- if so, I assume I disconnect the satellite dome cable and connect the portable cable. Seems like it would much easier if Winnebago had added an A/B switch to go between the two?

Bill Adams · 04-11-2010, 11:24 AM

That would sound like the most logical conclusion. Look for a small panel in the cabinet with receiver what has several coax connectors. You might have one with an open coax connection that is labeled ground or tripod connection. If so, just move the coax connected to the "roof" connection to the ground connection and you will have the right connection. If this is the case, it's really easy to self-install an A/B switch so you don't have to jump through this hoop in the future.

ChiefJohn · 04-11-2010, 02:13 PM

Bill,
Cleaned out all my DW's stuff stored in the cabinet and have a clear idea of how to proceed. I'll install a A/B switch to handle those situations where the dome cannot get out. Seems like this would have been included as it is in other makes of RVs.

Bill Adams · 04-11-2010, 03:52 PM

I only know of a couple of manufacturers who install a similar setup that includes an A/B switch. Alpine comes to mind but I am not sure there are many others.
In any case, I am glad you found what you needed an I am glad I could help.

ChiefJohn · 04-11-2010, 04:43 PM

Peterson Industries, Excel 5th wheels, adds the A/B switch at each of their satellite wired connections.

Wayne M · 04-12-2010, 07:20 PM

John,
My 2008 Winnebago Destination has a Video Selection System. It consists of 3 banks of push button switches, with some banks duplicating what the other has. One bank is for Main tv, another for Back tv, and the other for VCR. The selectivity is typically Ant; VCR; Cable; Sat, etc. I did have to go into the back of it and bring a 3' cable out to the satellite receiver. Once that was done, I just choose the Sat button and everything worked. The Vectra, I would think, most likely has something different, but yet similar.