Truck Satellite T.V.

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by donhall108, May 22, 2007.

  1. donhall108

    donhall108 Bobtail Member

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    May 22, 2007
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    Am new here so am not sure if this question was posted recently. Am a company driver and am need of easy to install/use system without the P.V.C. pipe/mirror mount problem fiasco. Anyone know of people using the new Mobile Sat/KVH tech products? Recommendations? For a Volvo Fleet Truck. Thanks!
     
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  3. Pur48Ted

    Pur48Ted Road Train Member

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    Grand Rapids, MI
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    Because of the price of using these products ($2000 plus??) I can't see the reason for using them.
    I have been using the 'home mount' attached to the passenger side mirror with-out problems for about 10 years. I can align the dish and start watching TV in just a couple minutes on most days. If you would like, I will post pictures of how I attached it.
     
  4. Basho

    Basho Bobtail Member

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    Feb 14, 2007
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    I'm pretty mechanically challenged-I'd like to see the pix!!
    Also how do I get the service set up?
    Thanks
    basho
     
  5. LKat

    LKat Light Load Member

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    May 5, 2007
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    I'd like to see the pics of this, too; please post when you have a few minutes - and tell how you set it up :)

    Thanks!
     
  6. BigRigBobby

    BigRigBobby Bobtail Member

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    May 24, 2007
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    I had a Vu Qube installed on my Volvo. They made a aluminum plate and bolted the vuqube to it and then mounted the metal plate on the truck using the qualcomm bracket holes that were already on my truck. The vuqube was a hell of a lot less than the other systems out there. I looked at the kingdomes and KVh and winegard. Vuqube was only $699. And I get a signla in about a minute. Now I get to watch my shows.
     
  7. donhall108

    donhall108 Bobtail Member

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    May 22, 2007
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    Thanks for the reply to the thread. Sounds like we both have similar mounting problem. I have qualcom on rearcab left side to contend with. Can you please give more details on your setup,please. Would love to see if this will work for me. Thanks again!!
     
  8. KD5AXG

    KD5AXG Papa Bear

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    Commerce, Texas
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    All I did was buy a couple of U-bolts and bolted it to my passenger side mirror. (I drive a Freightliner). I took off my passenger side CB antenna to ease aiming of the dish.
     
  9. donhall108

    donhall108 Bobtail Member

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    May 22, 2007
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    Thanks for the heads up. After some research on their website,I will be stopping by one of their dealers to check one out,ask questions,and generally make a "pain in the ###" out of myself to see if this will work for me. Many Thanks to you for your help. Reminds me of the reason I have always loved being associated with truckers. When you get right down to it,it makes you feel good inside,being able to help another guy,or lady driver out!
     
  10. Pur48Ted

    Pur48Ted Road Train Member

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    OK Basho and LKat, I will post pictures as soon as I get the truck back....

    AC took a crap wednesday and took the alternator out with it. Boss has the truck in the shop and I wont get it back until tuesday night. I will post pics and explain SET-UP after then.
     
  11. Pur48Ted

    Pur48Ted Road Train Member

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    Grand Rapids, MI
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    [​IMG]
    I estimated that the mirror mounts were somewhat smaller than the Dish Mount, so I took the mount into a Home Depot and found two "U-BOLTS" that had the same diameter as the Dish Mount. They are relatively inexpensive. I also bought a Satellite Finder; a signal meter that measures the signal of the satellite. This cost about $20 from Home Depot as well. There are other places to get them, they range in price from $20 to $60 depending on model and store.
    You will need a zip code directory (GPS or LON/LAT capable mapping software), cheap compass and a small level.
    You use the level to make sure your mount is perpendicular.
    As long as the mount is straight "up-and-down", it is relatively easy to get correct dish alignment.

    In order to "point" the dish, you need to "tell" the receiver where you are. You can use either a zip code or Longitude/Latitude coordinates for this. Some satellite receivers even allow you to enter the nearest city.
    Once you enter your location into the Sat Receiver, it will give you the
    Elevation and Azimuth for the dish. Elevation is the "UP/DOWN" adjustment on the dish and Azimuth is the "DIRECTION"; North, South, East or West as represented in "Degrees"

    A good rule of thumb is..always point the dish toward west Texas. So, if you are fairly good at getting lost like me, or not knowing north from south, a compass works well.

    This is also where the Sat Signal Meter comes in handy. It allows you to "FINE-TUNE" adjust your alignment to get the best signal possible. BE WARNED: there are about three "groups" of sats that your signal meter will pick up, but only ONE sat is the correct one for DirecTV and one for DISH Network. USE the "signal meter" in the satellite receiver as well.

    The satellites for DISH Network are much lower on the horizon, so getting a good signal at higher latitudes; such as along I-90, might be more difficult. That's why I subscribe to DirecTV.

    When you first get started, be PATIENT, it takes PRACTICE to find a satellite signal quickly. After awhile, you will be able to start watching TV in just a few moments after getting parked.





    [​IMG]
    As you can see in the photo(s) I posted, removal of the passenger-side antenna isn't necessary. I can point the satellite dish in almost any direction and the antenna will bend enough to be out of the way. I always try to park so that I am pointing the dish either over the cab or over the trailer, so that other trucks parking next to mine don't accidentally "bump" the dish and miss-align it. But that does happen sometimes.
     
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