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Directv in snow country

Discussion in 'Technology' started by jonesdds, Jun 22, 2010.

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  1. jonesdds

    jonesdds Formula 3

    Aug 31, 2006
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    Jeff
    #1 jonesdds, Jun 22, 2010
    Considering Directv in my second home in Deer Valley Utah, have had for years at my primary home. Concerned about reception during storms and snow/ice buildup affecting it. Seems in Santa Barbara that I have less incidence than I used to with heavy rainstorms but still occassionally get disruptions. I assume snowfall would be worse. They claim of course it's not an issue but I really do wonder. I should be able to get it mounted where snow accumulation on the roof doesn't affect it but in the coldest months snow and ice freezing to it is a concern. What have you all experienced with snow, especially in higher elevation locations?

    Jeff
     
  2. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

    Sep 25, 2006
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    Ian Anderson
    #2 Fast_ian, Jun 22, 2010
    Disclaimer: The following is based on looking at other installs, not direct experience;

    It seems the guys around Lake Tahoe cover their dishes in big 'ol trash bags - Tied down on the mast seems to prevent (reduce?) snow/ice build up. There's enough of 'em doing it that I'm guessing it must work.....

    Does look like **** on occasion though.....

    As always, ymmv,

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
  3. jonesdds

    jonesdds Formula 3

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    #3 jonesdds, Jun 22, 2010
    Huh? Interesting. Clear or Black? Supposedly the new dishes have a special surface that sheds snow. Anyone else have personal knowledge?

    Jeff
     
  4. JohnLClark

    JohnLClark Karting

    May 15, 2005
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    #4 JohnLClark, Jun 23, 2010
    Personal experience during the huge storm this last winter in PA. Lost signal after a few hours of snow. Had to trudge out to clean the dish off. Worked fine after I did that. Able to keep sane watching tv for the two days I was snowed in. Never lost the signal like that before in the 8 plus years I've had service.
     
  5. JohnLClark

    JohnLClark Karting

    May 15, 2005
    188
    Pittsburgh
    #5 JohnLClark, Jun 23, 2010
    Personal experience during the huge storm this last winter in PA. Lost signal after a few hours of snow. Had to trudge out to clean the dish off. Worked fine after I did that. Able to keep sane watching tv for the two days I was snowed in. Never lost the signal like that before in the 8 plus years I've had service.
     
  6. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

    Sep 25, 2006
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    Ian Anderson
    #6 Fast_ian, Jun 23, 2010
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2010
    Black ones! [The signal will pass thru' that no problem.] Although, if you could find clear ones big enough they may look a little better.

    In my (somewhat limited) experience up there, there's *nothing* that (successfully) sheds snow for very long!..... Although, we're dealing with Tahoe cement rather than the dust you guys typically get up there. [Yep, I'm jealous ;)]

    Having said that, IIRC someone now makes what looks like a big ol' "heating element" that can be mounted on the dish (?) - That may do the trick? Plus, it doesn't look like a, well, satellite dish with a condom on!

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
  7. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 TexasF355F1, Jun 23, 2010
    Noticed something interesting at my parents during a rain storm. Lost connection on the living room tv (52" lcd sony flat panel), yet the signal in my dad's office on the 27" CRT sony never did.
     
  8. powerpig

    powerpig F1 World Champ

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    #8 powerpig, Jun 23, 2010
  9. jonesdds

    jonesdds Formula 3

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    #9 jonesdds, Jun 24, 2010
  10. 8 SNAKE

    8 SNAKE F1 Veteran

    Jan 5, 2006
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    #10 8 SNAKE, Jun 24, 2010
    That's odd. I've had that happen before, but each receiver was connected to its own dish. I assume that both of the tvs at your parents' house are connected to the same dish?
     
  11. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 TexasF355F1, Jun 24, 2010
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2010
    You know I'll have to check. They only have one dish that I'm aware of. But have a box for all the tv's, except the one in the bathroom which is connected to the tv in the bedroom I stay in. And the office tv could be connected to the living room box. I'm going to have to figure it out next time I'm there.
     

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