Antenna Wizard
faq's
We are the Edmonton area’s leading choice for RV telecommunication systems and have been serving the community for more than 15 years.
We carry satellite systems for either Shaw Direct or Bell TV/ Dish Network, cell boosters and Starlink for RVs.
We understand that there are a lot of confusion sometimes with this type of technology, but hopefully this list of frequently asked questions will clarify most of it.
Satellite TV
I spend much of the year in the United States. Which system is better?
The Bell systems can be reprogrammed to pick up Dish Network once in the US and you can now get a pay-as-you-go Dish Network account during your time in the US. Reprogramming instructions are included in the user manual.
Shaw Direct will no longer have service outside of Canada as of June 2023. After this date, there will no longer be any Canadian satellite TV services broadcasting in the US.
I hear Shaw Direct won’t work in the US anymore. Is this true?
Yes. As of June 2023, there will no longer be Shaw broadcasts outside of Canada.
I only use my RV up to 6 months in a year. Do I need to pay my satellite subscription for the entire year?
Absolutely not! Your programming provider will allow you to disconnect your services when not in use (some restrictions apply). If you already subscribe to satellite for your home, you may either bring your receiver from home into your RV or add another receiver to your account for a minimal monthly fee.
What are the advantages & disadvantages between a tripod or temporary mounted dish and a fixed dish on my RV?
There is one main advantage to staying with a temporary mounted system: the dish can be positioned away from trees or other obstructions even if the RV is surrounded. The disadvantages include having to store the mount and dish, having to aim the dish every time you move, and it is subject to vandalism.
What are the advantages of a full size, roof mounted dish vs a dome style dish?
A full sized dish will give you more a stronger signal in more places and will allow you to have more than 2 receivers in your RV (additional hardware may be required). It will also allow each receiver to work completely independently from the others.
A domed dish can have maximum 2 receivers connected, but one will act as the master and the other will act as the slave. This means that if the master is watching a channel that is broadcast from one satellite, the slave receiver can only watch a channel on the same satellite. If the master receiver is switched to a channel broadcast from another satellite from the same provider, the dish will move to look at the required satellite and then the slave receiver will have to watch a channel from that satellite as well.
The dome that covers the dish can also be affected by dirt, bugs, rain and snow. These will hinder the ability for the dish to clearly see the satellites up in space, resulting in a lower signal strength or no signal at all.
Are dome systems compatible with Shaw Direct?
No, there are no domes that can work for Shaw Direct. To receive Shaw Direct signals with an automatic system, it is necessary to use a full size, fold up dish.
Do I need a separate receiver for each TV in my RV?
If you want to watch something different on each TV at the same time, or you want an HD picture on each TV, yes you will need multiple receivers.
If you want the same channel on all the TVs, we can typically connect one receiver to multiple TVs with some low cost but additional hardware. Please note that the other TVs will not be displaying HD picture.
Do I need a new account for TV in my RV if I currently have satellite TV at home?
No, we have automatic satellite systems for either Canadian provider. So, for example, if you have a Shaw direct system at home, it makes sense to have the same provider in your RV. Now you can simply take a receiver from the house with you when you travel or add a dedicated receiver to the RV. This way, you do not have to pay for two accounts just to have your TV on vacation. With both companies, you can have up to six (6) receivers per account. Please check with your service provider first for restrictions.
Cell Booster
Will a cell phone booster give me signal anywhere?
No. A booster can only amplify signals, not create them. So, you will need some signal available for it to boost. If you have one area of your campsite/ mobile office/ home etc. that has reliable signal, then yes, a booster can expand that signal to the rest of your site. Please keep it mind that if you only have bad reception where you are, a booster will only increase the amount of bad signal, not necessarily improve it.
Do I need a special type of booster for my cell phone provider?
No, our boosters will work for all providers, worldwide on all 4G networks.
Starlink
Why should I buy the RV system instead of the portable system on a tripod?
The RV system is connected all the time, and tracks while you drive. This gives you high-priority options on the network, and will allow you to make VOIP phone calls, stream TV and full internet access.
The tripod system needs to be placed outside in order to use it once you are parked. This means that the cable needs to be run each time, usually through a window, door or a slide seal. All of these allow for bugs to get into your RV and, in the case of the slide, the seals can become deformed by the cable, causing leaks.
How much is the data? Are there limits on it?
The data plans start at $150 per month USD.
There are no limits on the data, but during times of peak network congestion or times of high data consumption, speeds can decrease.
There is also an option to purchase Mobile Priority Dat5a on a per BG basis. Mobile Priority Data enables our fastest network speeds for consumers.
Do I need to sign a contract for service?
No, you can pause your service.
Where will the Starlink work?
The Starlink system will work anywhere within the continent of purchase.
Can I have Starlink on my home and my RV?
Yes, you can have multiple systems on same account but will have to pay for each service separately. When you activate, Starlink will ask if you have an existing account.
Who handles the warranty for Starlink systems?
Starlink will handle the technical support and warranty concerns.