Satilite on ice castle. Need help

[LakeDocktor]

I would try to get a wiring diagram from Ice Castle to find out what coax goes to where. If that isn't an option, you can figure out which cable it is coming from the dish. I have a toner specifically for this, but it can be done without a toner.

-Find an old piece of coax

-Cut an end off and strip back the center conductor and wire braid.

-Hook the center conductor (copper) up to the positive side of your vexilar battery.

-Hook the braid up to the negative side of the battery.

-Go inside the house and take off the wall plates and disconnect each connection.

-Take a multimeter and see which line has current running through it.

You now know which cable runs directly to the dish and which one to connect the receiver to. You also need to make sure the settings for the dish are the correct settings in the set up menu. With the Winegard dish, select the 18" round dish as the dish within the system. Go to the signal strength screen and with the dish already pointing towards the south and an elevation between 35-36 degrees, move slowly from right to left until signal populates on the screen.

This may sound confusing, but in reality it is rather simple. Once you determine the correct coax to hook up to, you will get quicker at finding signal. Some have mentioned using a signal meter. Unless you have an expensive meter, you cannot deceiver whether or not you are on the correct satellite as the meter will tone out Dish Network's as well as other satellites in the sky.

[BigGuy]

The sat.coax is the one with the 12 volt power supply....how many camera connections do you have about a foot above the floor by the holes ..3? or do you have an antenna also ?

[dougger222]

What I found works best is to drag along the Tivo box and not watch any shows a few days prior to a fishing trip. After a few minutes searching for signal the box gives up and then you just go into your playlist. On a trip to LOW early in Dec last year we watched a lot of Wicked Tuna. Personaly can't stand watching commercials so all my tv watching is off the Tivo box.

DTV is better than Dish IMO but Dish offers portable HD sat much easier and cheaper than DTV. Last I looked to get DTV HD portable you'll either have to bring along a roof mounted dish or spend close to $1,500 on an auto unit. For Dish to get HD you just need the Tailgate unit which is around $500 and auto finding.

With a DTV HD dish you really have to hit a narrow target. The standard dishes are very easy to locate a signal without entering a zip or anything. Point to the South and slowly move it around...

[bassNspear]

I have 2 by the holes. Just not sure what one is what.

[Hawg]

Are you sure the card in it is active?

[Hawg]

We were all in your position at one time trying to get these things to work. First the terminology, big words for up and down to start with and it goes on from there. If you would find a friend to show you the first time you'll understand it. I was so frustrated I wanted to smash things when I did it, still do sometimes. And you can see from previos posts, trying to explain it without being beside you is very difficault. Some of the experts(?)on here are going to high tech you to death. Find someone thats been there, have them show you, and spend your time drinking beer and relaxing.

[LakeDocktor]

Whether the card is active or not, he still should be able to acquire signal from the dish and have it show in the signal strength screen.

[bassNspear]

ya im ready to just say f it and sell that dang dish. lol im gonna try it again this weekend.

[LakeDocktor]

Will you be around Tuesday at all? I will be in St Cloud on Tuesday and I could swing over and get everything going for you and give you some tips on getting it set and ready to go in the future.

[bassNspear]

yes... that would be so awesome if you could

[LakeDocktor]

Jay,

Sorry for not getting back to you. I didn't make it into St Cloud on Tuesday. If you would like, I could probably walk you through the steps a little easier on the phone or I will let you know when I will be in the area again.

[bassNspear]

Let me know when your in area. I need hands on