GL: DirecTV

[Bob Kunath]

For Tom Kinsella,

A few more comments on DirecTV:

Cost of subscription is about $50 depending on options.

We used the FollowMe TV ($900) setup for the Loop.  Comments:

Easy to install.
If you have a mast, you will sometimes block the signal if the mast is higher
than the dish.  Turn the boat around!
Tying up to an iron bulkhead or dock will make it almost impossible to use a
compass to find direction. Look for the orientation of a nearby dish or
perhaps a chart to approximate the heading of your boat.
The FollowMe device will usually hold OK when moderately swinging at anchor,
but can't if the boat is rocking, as there is no automatic compensation for
elevation, unless the satellite is dead ahead or astern.
Using a receiver with an audible homing signal helps so you can hear the tone
when adjusting the dish. Otherwise two people are required, one to turn the
dish, one two yell "turn left, turn right, etc.)
A heavy boat helps.  Bayliner 2650 may lose signal momentarily as the boat
rocks at dock but will recover.
All in, the system is a good solution as reasonable cost.

Bob Kunath
Cruising Editor, Waterway Guide

Bob & Carol Kunath
Sans Souci
Pacific Seacraft 38T
bobkunath@att.net
Tel: 847 540 8175
cell: 847 921 8175