NOTICE: If you think you have a 2018+ unit, please see my NEW video. If it turns out you do not have a 2018+ unit, you would still be able to use the method below as it will work for any Winegard DISH Trav’ler.
UDATED UPGRADE INFO – CLICK HERE
So you have a Dish Winegard Trav’ler and would love to use the very powerful and fast Hopper 3 but have been told you could not. Well, you were told wrong! You surely can do it and in this video, I show you how.
The Hooper 3 is Dish’s top of the line receiver with 16 tuners! Yes, you read that right…16! As such, you can record A LOT of shows even if they are all on at the same time. It is a very fast and friendly DVR right down to being voice activated. (Internet access is required for some functions such as that.)
There are three parts you will need…
Parts Needed:
Hybrid DPH42 Switch: https://amzn.to/2JyZntf
Solo Hub: https://amzn.to/2GQC6oT
1.5 Foot Patch Cables 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/2IHi78x
IMPORTANT NOTE: A DVR uses a hard drive to store things like a computer does. The hard drives in DVR’s, any DVR as of this writing, is a mechanical device with moving parts. As such, you want to be sure you unplug or power off the DVR when you travel. If you do not do so, you run the risk of damaging the hard drive to the point of system failure.
Great Vid!
Does this upgrade work on King dish. we just found out that our wally HD receiver is incompatible with the King Dome Dish.
No, not even close as one is a an actual DISH with multi LNB’s and the other is a DOME. :)
Geez, David.. you’re going to make me spend more money.. ;) I can’t imagine what streaming 16 shows at the same time looks like for disk utilization. Hope it has a really big cache.. Its really amazing that it could keep up. Even if its compressing to mp4 in hardware. Hmm, do they stream it in MP4? -Bill
I have the hopper 3 and the winegard traveler it works fine just as it was installed as long as the receiver is off until after the satellites are locked on. Have not tried voice commands.
Yes, it will work, but it will not switch properly for the tuners, as the switch in the LNB’s is not correct.
I do have trouble in some locations getting HD especially for local channels, maybe this is why?
Could be, all depends on what sat they are on and how the switching is done to receive that channel. The Hopper 3 is expecting to find a Hybrid switch. Thus the use of the DPH42.
I’ve run into this at my “home location” outside of Knoxville. The HD Locals simply do not exist on the Western Arc Satellites!
When you powerup the Trav’ler, hit enter to get to the menus, and switch the search mode to “manual 61.5”
My Knoxville HD locals (and most eastern arc locals) are on 61.5
David Thanks! but I do have some questions.
What to do when I have the new LNBF for the hopper 3 installed. I will copy and paste my situation below that I sent to Winegard today:
Winegard help
Winegard SK-1000 (NO LNB VOALTAGE)
What I have done:
Removed original LNB and installed new LNBF supplied by DISH
Removed old Solo Hub 185834 and replaced with new Hybrid 203952 Solo Hub
I have 26.5 volts to the LNBF 1 position (only one connected)
When SK-1000 starts all is good but then the NO LNB VOLTAGE shows up.
I have watched “Make your dish winegard Trav’ler hopper 3 compatible” by David Bott on Utube.
I have ordered the DPH 42 switch and power pack and can hook it all up according to him with the original LBN back in place.
But! my question’s to you are:
(these question’s are it being wired with hopper 3, new Hybrid 203952 Solo Hub to dish position 1on new LBNF)
Does it not work because the voltage is higher on the new hopper 3, 26.5 volts?
Could I just plug in the new power pack going to position 2 on the dish?
or
Could I just plug the power pack between hopper 3 and new Hybrid 203952 Solo Hub?
or
Could I just plug the power pack between new Hybrid 203952 Solo Hub and the dish?
Thanks for your help.
Scott
(Edited to remove exposed e-mail address.)
Hi…What LNB was supplied by DISH? For what reason did you contact them? Their are TWO LNB’s that can work with the Hopper 3…The original one that came with the SK-1000 that then must use my instructions with to make it work. Or a NEW Hybrid LNB (Dish 1000.2 DISHPRO Hybrid (DPH) Triple LNBF) that will only with with the SK-1000 if it was manufactured this year. If it was not made this year, you MUST use my instructions with the 42 switch. The ones manufactured after X date have the proper electronics in the controller to work with the new Hybird LNB with no need for the 42 switch. In that case, it is a simple upgrade which I have not yet done the video on as I am wanting for approval from Winegard as they are going to get me info as to how to identify if you have one with the new controller or older one. They are also going to offer an upgrade kit. Stay tuned later when I get the OK for all that. But for you…I hope the above helps. The voltage is fine…You do NOT use port 2. The power adaptor goes between the Hybrid Solo Hub and the 42 Switch as was shown. The power is ONLY USED IF USING THE 42 Switch as it is that that needs the power. If you have a the new HLNB, you DO NOT use the 42 or the power. But again, this is a different setup requiring the most current version of the SK-1000.
David, Thanks for the quick response!!!!!!
I got it, mine is 4 years old. I Will install the old LNB and use your set up and save the new LBNF for future upgrades.
Thanks again for all you do!!!!
Scott
Just be sure to follow the video and you should be fine as long as you have the right items. :) Also, still not sure what you were sent or why, but if it is not the new Hybrid LNB (3 LNB Western arc), then it is likely the same thing that came with your system in the first place. The new LNB is the DPH version like this…. https://amzn.to/2K3fM88 Have fun! And when you do the setup and it run a test, it should come back with the proper switch name listed. So…Receiver —> HyBrid Solo Hub —> Power Inserter —> 42 Switch —> Winegard. (Be sure to pay attention to the ports to connect each to.) Good Luck!
David,
Do we have any info on this “upgrade kit”? or on what exactly was changed in the “2018 or newer” Trav’lers?
I’d love to get rid of the DPH42, it is a power hog!
I have no other info than what I provided. I would check with Winegard if you are looking for more information.
David
Below is the reply from winegard
The Hybrid LNB is not compatible because it communicates differently than the DPP LNB that system was designed for, sometimes it will actually search and lock on but more often than not you will receiver the NO LNB VOTLAGE error. You have to have the DPP LNB installed and the DPH42 kit for proper operation of the Hopper 3 with the Trav’ler system.
Yup…More or less what I had said and guessed what took place. Even more so when you said you got a new LNB. :) So put the other one back and set up as mentioned and you should be just fine. The updated hardware of the new units can either use the 42 or the new HLNB. But the old ones need to use the 42 and the standard LNB.
Dave, do you have all four tv’s hooked up to the Hopper 3?
We have 3 TV’s as we omitted the one at the windshield. But yes, we can use it at all 3 of them as I use a maxtrix HDMI switching system.
Can you explain the Matrix HDMI switch setup?
Not really. It is just a 4×4 Matrix HDMI switcher. Select the source and select where you want it to go and it switches the input to the right output. All depends on your needs and wants… https://amzn.to/2qRKnyP
Thanks for all the tips. You are fun to watch and you make things simple for the tech challenged people like me. Oh I forgot you are funny too!! Enjoy your clips!
Thanks! :)
Ok so I had mine all hooked up working perfectly in the Seattle area, when I went to Mesa last fall I just had to go into dish outdoors to switch to the local channels. Now that I’m back in Seattle it will not switch back over. Dish is no help they say it’s not meant to be used in a Coach and pretty much too bad. Sure would appreciate any suggestions on how to get the bugger to work, dvr on cable channels works fine just no local channels.
I would call again and get a different rep as they surely will switch the locals as we do it all the time. Well, we do it when we will be somewhere more than a week and we moved far enough that the old locals we had stopped working.
I have two questions: 1. Can I use the same equipment on my Winegard TR-6100 tripod mount Dish Antenna.
2. How can I connect the Joey in my bedroom TV. Present both receivers terminate at the TravelR on the roof.
Thanks
Seeing you are using a tripod, I would look to just get the Hybrid LNB then. Here is the Wastern Arc one. https://amzn.to/2HmPAsE (Trav’ler units can not use this one currently based on the inside electronics. Thus the need for the switch.) I would use a Wireless Joey so no need to run any cables.
David, We have the Winegard 1000. Will this work with that receiver? Thanks for all you do.
It “Should” with the parts mentioned and connected.
So David, it appears that you left the Hybrid switch on the roof. Did you weather proof it and attach it to the roof?
Yupper…I left it on the roof, what else would I do with it as it needs to be connected? :) I even mentioned in the video to be sure to secure it. I would just use a small about of Dicor and stick it down so I would not need to use screws.
David, Is the roof top unit weather proof?
Not sure what you are referring to. But if you mean the 42 switch, I was told by Dish it was. Looking at it, it has no openings.
David I’m switching from Direct to Dish. The Kit to convert the Trav’ler to Dish is on the way. I don’t have consistent internet connections. 1. Would you recommend the Hopper 3 and this set up as opposed to the “Hopper with Sling”, which was suggested by the “Dish for my RV” people? 2. Will the Hopper 3 work at all if not connected through the DPH42 and Solo Hub?
Hi…The Hooper 3 REQUIRES the DPH42 Switch and Solo HyBird Hub to be used. The Solo HyBird Hub is always used, the switch depends on the LNB’s. On the Trav’ler, it is needed for those LNB’s and the inside electronics of the Trav’ler are not compatible with the HyBird LNB’s . (Newer Trav’ler hardware may be as they are working on testing. But you will not have that.) The Hooper 3 does not require Internet, but it is needed for a number of function to work just as the Hopper with Sling would. The Hooper 3 is far better hardware than the Hopper with Sling by far! Check with Eric from CM Wireless to get a Hopper 3 if Dish will not sell you one. 866-717-2355 and tell him I said hi. I have no idea who “Dish for my RV” people are. But that is old hardware.
Hi Dave, It was explained to me that if you want to use the Hop 3 w/ a wireless joey that all you need to do is replace the trav’s LNB w/ a 1000 LNB connected to port 1 on the LNB and connect to the C port on the trav, from the C port to the hybrid Solo Hub and you’re golden.. This was told to me by a long time satellite installer in Colorado.
Actually, that is not entirely correct. First off, that is the wrong LNB, it would need to be the new Dish 1000.2 DISHPRO Hybrid (DPH) Triple LNBF. (https://amzn.to/2ryrq4x) However, per Winegard, that will only work on newer units as the older controller boards inside the unit are not compatible with it. Thus the use of the DPH42 HyBird Switch BEFORE the Trav’ler. I am not 100% sure on the manufacturer date the Trav’ler needs to be to have the new hardware to support the HyBrid LNB, thus I did not mention it as most people likely will not have it as it was changed in 2018 sometime. Thus the way I showed will work with older and newer units. It is more than just the Hybrid solo Hub. I verified the upgrade with Winegard before posting the information. (Note, they do not offer support to do this.) Thanks
That’s exactly what I have Dave, 2018 Traveler.. Connect to port 1 of the LNBF and use the C connections on the Traveler w/ a solo hybrid inline. Works like a champ and use my wireless joey..
Can your solution work with Winegard Pathway X2? Thanks,
No as that is a single LNB device and a Hopper needs to be able to see the sats at the same time.
Dave, I can’t get my hopper 3 past the test installation screen. It’s hung up on acquiring satellites at the 6 min. mark. The traveler is locked on to all 3 satlellites (119,110,129) I have reset the hopper a few times including unplugging. Any thoughts?
Thanks
I would verify your connections are in the right ports and that you got the CORRECT switch and Solo Hub. Some people bought 44 switches by mistake.
Also be sure you have the Solo Node connected as needed. TO HOST is to the Hopper TO ODU is to the switch. But before going to the switch you put in the power inserter. So… Hopper —> TO HOST on Solo Hub —> From TO ODU —> Power Inserter —> Out to PORT 1 on the DPH42 switch.
Yup everything is correct. Traveler to DPH42 to power inserter, to hybrid solo hub, to receiver. I hooked all the cables up just like you showed. I’ve powered everything down, and unplugged. Restarted the traveler, waited for it to lock on the satellites, plugged the receiver back in. Receiver starts it’s install and gets hung up at the 6 minute mark. I’ve let the receiver sit on that screen for an hour. Nothing. I guess I could let it sit overnight and see if something happens.
Thanks
Letting it sit will not do anything. I am not sure what you mean by “Installing”, it should be checking the switch and then go back to the page and either says FAIL or is all good. It will say the switch type and everything. If it is stopping, without ever going back, it seems to me you may have a hardware issue as it surely should fail out. Try this…Disconnect the RG6 going to the back of the Hopper and run it and see if it fails for surely it should. If it does not, then you know it is the Hopper 3. Even if the switched fails, the Hopper 3 will/should go back to the screen and tell you so.
Yup everything looks correct. Traveler to DPH42 switch to power switch to solo hub to receiver. I have shut everything down and unplugged. Started Traveler up, waited for it to lock on satellites, turned on receiver and it starts it’s set up and gets hung up on the getting satellites menu at the 6 min mark. It’s been sitting on that screen for 1.5 hours. I’m going to let it sit over night and see if it does anything.
Thanks
Same thing. Still hung up at the 6 minute mark.
Question: Does the Hopper have an internal smart card? It is showing a smart card number on the screen during setup. The receiver does not have one in the slot on the side. It did not come with one when I purchased from Amazon. Not sure if that might be the issue even though the receiver does not make it to the activation screen during setup.
Thanks
Hi…No Card in side that I can see. You do have it connected to the internet right? It needs to be connected. Either via ethernet or Wi-Fi. Based on what you just wrote, you have not even passed the initial setup. All this time I was thinking you were doing a check switch. :-)
You are correct, initial setup. I do have it connected to the internet.
Then something surely could be wrong with the Hopper 3 if it is not making it through setup and never errors out. Good luck.
Hi, David great video. Dish and Winegard are unable to help me with this. I have a Winegard roadmate ontop VIP211 works great. When I hook up a Waly I’m unable to pick up Sat. 129….Why oh Why?
So frustrating.
Thank you.
Joe
The dome it not made for multi receiver use. (In case you are trying as you mention two receivers.) And I am guessing you mean RoadTrip as I have not heard of a Roadmate. If so, it is listed as compatible… https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1846077/1-learn-more/learn-more-files/Compatible_Antennas.pdf?t=1457761583079 So I am guessing you have tried to running a CHECK SWITCH to set it up? Also, are you SURE 129 is in clear view as it is low on the horizon. But thats as much as I can help in this one.
Thank you, David, It’s a Roadtrip stationary sorry about that. I was only trying to hook up one receiver.
David I have an older Wingatd Road trip Minimax. We tried the wally dish teceiver but would freeze at the 6 min. Mark, took it inside the house & hooked it up to my house satillite same thing hsppened. They made an appointment for me with a dish tech he had the same problem said the wally was defective, it was new out of the box. I have a joey hopper never used would your video parts work with my dome minimax roadtrip thanks. Al
The video is for setting up a Winegard Trav’ler dish to be used with a Hopper 3. You can not use a dome with a Hopper 3 as it needs to be able to see all sats at once.
Wow, sure wish you were staying where we go. I would hire you in a second to set up ours. Not even sure about everything I read in all the comments, understanding wise. We had someone hook up everything in our 5th wheel, and we have a Joey in the bedroom. Since we already have the old DVR, and we can record from up in the living room and the bedroom, will just doing what your video says, still work like it does now?
The Hopper 3 is a not the same system as your DVR. But the Hopper 3 would be the master and would record everything and you can still use the Joey to pay back or watch live.
I’m going to switch from Directv to Dish mostly because changing my service address has proved to be near impossible after the merger. In my RV, I have a Winegard Travler pre 2018 that I understand can be converted to a Dish compatable unit. Where I’m having trouble understanding is when using a DPH42 on top of the RV only one line comes inside. So, how can the Traveler controller be connected and run the auto sat positioning.
1. I need the ability to watch at least two independant tv stations and perhaps record at the same time. (Hopper3?).
2. We have one TV able to be connected via hdmi near the AV cabinet, one TV in the bedroom that is not easily wired and a third location in a bay for outside TV. (Hopper3 and wireless Joyey’s?)
3. We also have a Winegard Rayzor OTA that needs to be connected to all tv’s
What do you think would work?
Hi John…Wow, thats a lot of question. Let’s see… The control cable that is run to the Treav’ler is used for the controller to talk to it and thus instruct it as to location the sats. The Hooper 3 is the way to go with the wireless Joeys. So you are good their. For the OTA with the Rayzor, you would want to get the USB to OTA adaptor for the Hopper 3. Then you connect the Rayzor to that and the Hopper and Joeys would then have access to the OTA channels. You just need to go into the menu of the Hopper 3 and scan for locals when you get somewhere new. Hope this helps.
So, does installing the DHP42 take care of three outputs from the Travler to one signal to the receiver or node and the power to the controller remain separate?
And I intend to have a home install done with a hopper3 and wireless joeys then take this equipment to my RV when traveling. Sound good?
Hi…I am not sure how it is not clear in the video. Not even sure what you mean by power to the controller. The controller was not even mentioned, so yeah, that all stays the same seeing that it has its own control cable going to the Trav’ler. If you are going to upgrade it to a Dish system, you may care to call Winegard as what is sent for the upgrade you may not need the DHP42 and could just use the Hybrid LNB instead. The new units of the Trave’ler support the new LNB. So you really want to talk to them about the parts you need to upgrade and let them know you want to use a Hooper 3. Heck, they may even have a kit for it. :)
David, love your videos!
I am connecting my new sk-1000 to my Tiffin RED and find that the control (pwer) wire prewired to the roof is a two wire connector seemingly incompatible with the 6 wire connector pin on the Trav’ler. Is there anything I can do short of running a new wire?
Sorry, not that I know of. I am not sure if that model comes pre-wired for the actual Trav’ler unit, but if it does, it is clearly not the right cable that I am aware of.
Excuse me, but this looks exactly the same as rvseniormoments.com presented in Sept 2017. Is this where you receive the information
Nope…Never even heard of the site. I worked with Winegard directly on this solution, I have worked with them for years, and also on setting up with the new Hybrid LNB on the new units.
Hi David,
I purchased a traveler at the Perry GA FMCA event in March of 18.
So I have to assume it is the latest version. However, how do I know if this mod will work? I very much want to use our Hopper 3 instead of the Wally.
Please advise?
And thank you for your video!!!
Hi…Seeing you have a new one, check out the update I posted just about a week ago and you will be all set! https://outsideourbubble.com/update-dish-hopper-3-winegard-travler-upgrade/
Thanks for the new Video David! Yes my Winegard is a 15Feb18 unit.
Currently there is a triple LNB on the dish, do I still need to purchase the new Hybrid LNB or is this possible it is already a hybrid LNB?
Thank you Sir!
Hi…It has the STANDARD LNB as the Hybrid one is only used for the Hopper 3. So you will need that and a Hybrid Solo Hub if you want to use the Hopper 3. (Both links to Amazon provided in the post.)
JUST BE SURE YOU USE THE NEW POST and the links. I just realized this was the post for older units. :)
Yes thank you David! I am ordering a Hybred one now through your link so you get credit on it!
Hi David, just wanted to drop in and say thanks for the videos and nice work. We pulled the trigger on a SK-1000 today. Previously had an original Hopper + Joey setup that worked great with a tripod dish using the cheap satellite finders. Upgraded to a Hopper 3 + new Joeys + Hybrid LNB on the tripod and swifly found that the cheap satellite finders did not work with the Hybrid LNB’s. So, stuck between a rock and a hard place, my options were to get a SuperBuddy or just say screw it… and drop the coin on the SK-1000 and everything that is needed for that as well. Supposed to arrive late next week, so once it arrives, we’ll be looking at the controller serial number and crossing our fingers that we do not have to go the DPH42 route. Thanks again for the videos – should make install a breeze!
Hi…If you just ordered it, it surely should be a 2018 unit. :) That is unless you bought it from someplace that does not sell many or something. But not likely. One you have it and and get it running, you will love how easy it is to use. :) Enjoy!
David
I’m with Direct and am fed up. I’m fulltime and only have a tripod setup. No traveler. Wife does not want to add a traveler to the rig, so I’m doing the tripod setup for the foreseeable future.
We currently have a DTV HR77 in the living area and a wired genie in the bedroom. The tripod setup is dialed in manually with my birddog unit.
Q: what would I need to purchase from DISH to match what I currently have and stay with a tripod?
Q: will switching over to a DISH LNB work on my large SWM based reflector?
We travel all over the US, the east west arc thing has me baffled. I want to be able to use our system in every state. Is that even possible?
Hi…I am not an installer mind you, but you would need a completely different dish setup and can’t just change the LNB. (Reason is the dish is shaped in a way to bounce certain sat positions into the LNB.) Like this kit includes the dish and new Hybird LNB for use with a Hopper 3 unit. (Trust me, you want a Hopper 3) https://amzn.to/2EfuJ7u The ability to hit sats is based on location and trees etc. The higher up north you go, the lower the main sats get on the horizon. This is why they have the other arc. However, I have not had issues with my travlier getting 110, 119, 129 even in upstate NY. Hope this helps.
Why can’t you mount a sk-1000 on say the metal mounting plate and then lay it on the ground level it and security to the ground and use it as a portable dish. We travel a lot and have a couple different rigs. I have the tripod style now but as been mentioned here in the past it is a pain to set up. I have a Dish with a hopper3.
Hummm…Sure…But it is REALLY heavy so have fun with that. :)
David, what ports in the solo hub do you connect to of the 4? Thanks.
Host = Hopper 3 ODU (Outdoor Unit) = Dish on Roof. The other two are if you have other units like Joeys.
Will the winegard X1
Work with hopper three
Hi…No it will not.
The last two times we have set up our Traveler, it locks on to Satellite 129 and 119, but does not lock on to 110. What would cause this?
Hi…It could be that the 110 is being blocked by a tree or something and thus can not lock. (Which I hope is the case.) Otherwise, the LNB that handles 110 may have gone bad.
It definitely is not blocked. Should we check the cable first – bypass with a new cable? If it is the LNB, can you get a new one and is it easy to install? Thanks for your prompt reply and help.
I would suggest a call into Winegard and see what they may suggest. https://winegard.com/ If it were the cable running down inside the coach, all would not work. So it “could” be a cable that goes from the turret up though the arm to the LNB. If you are using the DPH42 Switch method, then it can be harding to figure out. Not sure if you are using the switch or the new method with the Hybird LNB.
Hello and many thanks for this post….I recently converted my Travlr from direct tv to dish with the Winegard kit RPSK-21. It worked great with my old hopper 2 with sling and 2 wireless joeys.
I just got upgraded to a new hopper 3 and it doesn’t work in the RV. I do not have the DPH42 switch as it wasn’t required with hopper sling. May I assume that is my problem? And secondly since I am using wireless joeys via the access point, I presume i do not need the solo hub. I can plug directly from power inserter to receiver? Many many thanks.
Hi Ken…I am sorry to say I am not sure on how to answer this. Seeing you upgraded from DTV I am not sure what LNB you would have received in the kit or even how long ago you may have done this. Newer Trai’lers use the new Hybird LNB and thus does not use the DP42 switch or power inserter. In regards to the Solo Hub, I have always used one with our without a Jony as it was how it was said to be setup in the docs. :) Thus I have not tried removing it as it just works. :) But I am kind of surprised the Hopper 3 does not just work as a direct replacement with a Hopper 2. Sorry I am much help.
Great video and explanation. Questions. Is there any way to determine which LNB set that I have? My Trav’ler was originally a direct tv version and I swapped it to dish a few years back. My goal is to be able to watch different channels in the bedroom and outside. I am fairly wi can do this with a Joey?
Thanks for your great help. Steve
Hi…
I would look up when you purchased the conversion kit and give Winegard a call and ask if that time if the kit was Hopper3 compatible. I mention this as it is not just the LNB that makes the difference. I “Think” the new Dish Travl’er in 2019 we already compatible out of the box. But not sure on the conversion kit.
As far as using Joey’s. Seeing you want to go to a 2 other locations, I would look to use WIRELESS Joey’s to make install easy.
Good luck.
David
Hi…
I would look up when you purchased the conversion kit and give Winegard a call and ask if that time if the kit was Hopper3 compatible. I mention this as it is not just the LNB that makes the difference. I “Think” the new Dish Travl’er in 2019 we already compatible out of the box. But not sure on the conversion kit.
As far as using Joey’s. Seeing you want to go to a 2 other locations, I would look to use WIRELESS Joey’s to make install easy.
Good luck.
David