Winegard MV-3500 User Manual

®

WINEGARD

TM

Movin’ View

Mobile Digital Satellite Antenna

Model MV-3500

U.S. Patent Nos. 6,023,247; 6,188,300

Made in the U.S.A.

Winegard Company • 3000 Kirkwood St. • Burlington, IA 52601-2000

319/754-0600 • FAX [phone] • www.winegard.com

Printed in U.S.A. © Winegard Company 2004 2451019 11/9/04

1

Introduction/How Does Digital Satellite TV Work?

About this manual —We hope this manual will provide clear instructions to install and
operate MV-3500. Two symbols have been used —

Indicates caution should be taken!

!

Introduction

Congratulations! You have purchased one of
Winegard’s latest developments in the mobile satel­lite reception product line —the Movin’ ViewTM. This
system, used with your digital satellite receiver, will
deliver the best reception possible using GPS (Global
Positioning System).

How Does Digital Satellite
TV Work?

Satellite programming originates from an “uplink”
facility on Earth — the facility receives many signals
from different sources, combines the signals digitally
and transmits to the satellites. The satellites (22,300
miles above Earth) receive the uplink signal, amplify
it and then transmit it back to earth in
the Ku frequency band. This signal
is concentrated and reflected to the
LNBF* located at the “focal point” of
the dish. The LNBF amplifies and
converts the signal to the 950 to 1450
MHz range. The signal is then passed
through a coaxial cable to the receiver
where individual channel selection and
processing take place.

For Programming information call:
DISH NETWORK® - 1-800-333-DISH (1-800-333-3474)

DIRECTV® - 1-800-DIRECTV (1-800-347-3288)

EXPRESSVU

Your new Winegard RV Digital Satellite System is an
easy-to-use satellite TV reception system. Because it
mounts on the top of your recreational vehicle, it goes
where you go and provides quality reception of digital
satellite signals. Check with your program provider for
exact coverage area.

MV-3500 features:

Indicates suggestions to make
processes easier for you.

®

- 1-888-SKYDISH (1-888-759-3474)

• GPS technology

• Easy “one-button” operation

• Compatible with most digital satellite receivers

• Ability to toggle between satellites using remote
control, if subscribing to multisatellite programming

• Winegard warranty

DIGITAL BROADCAST SYSTEM
SATELLITE(S)

HIGH POWER KU-BAND
DOWNLINK SIGNAL

* Low Noise Block Converter Feed

UPLINK SIGNAL

PROGRAMMING UPLINK

CONTROL CENTERS

DIRECTV® is an official trademark of DIRECTV, a unit of GM Hughes Electronics Corporation.
DISH Network® is an official trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporaton.

WINEGARD DIGITAL SATELLITE
SYSTEM ANTENNA

TELEVISION
SET

RECEIVER

2

Quick Reference Guide

NOTICE!

This model is PRESET for DIRECTV® receivers.

If you have a DISH Network

®

or ExpressVu

®

(Canada) receiver, you

must change the numbered switches inside the dome.

TO CHANGE SWITCHES INSIDE DOME —

1. Remove screws holding dome to base and remove dome. Place dome in safe spot to avoid damage.

Switches will be set at 101° for DIRECTV. You will be changing these switches.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0= UP

1= DOWN

2. Determine which programming you will be using. This will determine how you set your switches.

For DISH Network®, set switches to 119°. For ExpressVu, set switches to 091°.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0= UP

1= DOWN

(#1 represents Switch DOWN; #0 represents Switch up)

Sat. Rcvr. Switch Set Position

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

DISH NETWORK 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1

DIRECTV 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
(FACTORY PRESET)

ExpressVu 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0= UP

1= DOWN

DIRECTV receivers must be set to the two satellite, oval dish setting. Refer to your receiver manual.

DISH Network receivers must either have the check switch set for SW42 or unknown, no satellite found. See

page 4.

Operation (Vehicle MUST be stationary!!)

1. Turn on receiver and television set. The MV-3500
must be connected to a receiver that is plugged
into 120 VAC.

2. Verify that you are getting the receiver’s menu

screens on the television. These screens are avail­able with or without the dish finding the signal.

3. Turn the power switch on for the MV-3500.
The dish should start moving, making one or two

revolutions before it stops to acquire GPS. This can
take a few moments or up to 10 minutes. Normal
operation will be less than a minute.

4. Once the unit has acquired GPS, the dish will
begin its search.

a. The dish will pause on the signal long enough to
determine which satellite it has found.

b. If it moves off the signal , it is in an effort to verify
the signal and it should return to the signal shortly.

5. After the unit has verified that it has the correct
satellite, it will move to check the alternate satellite
before it completes the search routine.

6. If you do not have signal, see Troubleshooting,
p. 11.

3

To toggle between satellites when subscribing to multi-satellite programming—

The MV-3500 will toggle between the primary and
seconday satellites for either DISH Network or
DIRECTV but not between DISH Network and
DIRECTV. Both have programming on more than
one satellite. When a channel is selected with the
remote control that is not on the satellite currently
selected, the dish will automatically move to the
correct satellite.

DIRECTV programming

1. DIRECTV receivers must be set for oval dish 2
sat selection to enable toggling between primary
101°W satellite and alternate 119°W satellite.
(Consult receiver manual for procedure.) After
receiver is set for the correct dish selection, when
you request a channel located on a different sat­ellite, the unit will automatically move to that
satellite.

DISH Network programming (DISH 500)
To set the receiver to “Switch Unknown”

1. Start by disconnecting the “satellite in” cable from
back of your receiver.

2. With this cable disconnected, run a check switch
to clear any “previous” information out of the sys­tem.

3. The check switch should read, “No switch de­tected” when it finishes.

If this is the first time the receiver has been
used, you may need to download receiver
software; best done on a home dish.

1. While vehicle is stationary, wait for unit to ac­quire satellite signal on satellite 119.

2. After signal is acquired, you have 6 minutes to
complete Check Switch test. Consult receiver
manual for instructions on running this test.

3. During the Check Switch Test, the receiver will
begin checking your switch by toggling between
satellites. When this is completed, SW42 will ap­pear on the screen. It will be at the top of the
screen, satellite designations will be below, show­ing odd and even transponders. See illustration
below.

NOTE: If a switch other than SW42 appears, or
you have an X in one the of the boxes below
the satellites, repeat Check Switch steps.

4. Your system is now set up to toggle between
satellites. It will automatically move to the correct
satellite when a channel is selected.

NOTE: Unless Check Switch was performed
on another satellite dish, such as a home
dish, you won’t need to perform this test
again.

4. Reconnect cable and start a new search with the
dish.

Check Switch
screen display

By sending in your warranty card

!

packed with your system, you will
receive updated information about
DISH 500 future compatibility.

INSTALL SUMMARY

SW42

INPUT: 1 1 1 1

SATELLITE: 119 119 110 110

POLARITY: ODD EVEN ODD EVEN

STATUS: SATELLITE RECEPTION VERIFIED

SUPERDISH ALTERNATE

CANCEL TEST HELP

4

Installation Diagram

FIGURE 1

ADJUSTABLE
BASE FOOT

LEVELING
SCREW

ELEVATION
MOTOR

REFLECTOR

LIMIT
SWITCH
CABLES

LEVELING
SCREW

ADJUSTABLE
BASE FOOT

CONTROL
UNIT

LNBF

GPS ANTENNA

3 FEET MINIMUM

AZIIMUTH
MOTOR

LEVELING
SCREW

REAR BASE FOOT MUST
BE PARALLEL TO THE
CENTER LINE OF THE
VEHICLE.

CONTROL BOX DETAIL

Model MV-3500

(#1 represents Switch DOWN; #0 represents Switch up)

Sat. Rcvr. Switch Set Position

........................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

DISH NETWORK ................................ 0 .. 0 .. 0 .. 1 ..0 .. 0 .. 1 .. 1

DIRECTV .................................. 0 .. 0 .. 0 .. 0 .. 0 .. 0 .. 0 .. 1

(FACTORY PRESET)

ExpressVu ................................. 0 .. 1 .. 0 .. 1 .. 1 .. 0 .. 1 .. 1

TO LNBF

RECEIVER

+12VDC POWER

TO RECEIVER

CONNECTORS

ELECTRONICS INTERIOR VIEW

P4 P3

P3

P4

P4

ELEVATION

P3

AZIMUTH

LNBF

5

Parts Included • Tools Needed • How to Unpack

PARTS INCLUDED:

1 Radome
3 base mounting feet
1 Power switch
2 Wall plates (white & brown)
1 Surface mount box
2 Cable clamps

1 Cable entry plate
1 large yellow spade connector
2 small red spade connectors
All required screws and washers
1 base with electronics, dish, dual LNBF
1 tube silicone

TOOLS NEEDED FOR UNPACKING & INSTALLATION:

7/16” open end wrench
Level
Drill w/3/4” bit
1-1/4” hole saw (if mounting switch in wall)
5/16” Socket for roof screws
1/8” Allen wrench

1/2” Open end wrench
Crimping tool for coax connections
Crimping tool for electrical connections
Small blade screw driver
Pliers
Sealant (consult RV manufacturer for proper type
for your roof material)

UNPACKING THE UNIT

1. Open box and remove packing material.

LIFT UNIT STRAIGHT UP

If using knife to open

!

2. Lift unit out of box vertically. Do not turn box
and “roll” out, or turn upside down to remove.

carton, BE CAREFUL.
Do not cut the dome on
the unit.

USE 2 PEOPLE
when removing the unit
from the carton.

6

Installation

Installing unit on roof of vehicle —

Install in DRY conditions only!

IMPORTANT! Do not install this system
in the rain, or under any wet conditions. Mois-

ture may affect electronics and void your
warranty!

1. For best performance and to reduce signal ac­quisition time, park vehicle on a level surface;
level the RV.

2. Select a level spot on your roof for installation.

Using the chart,
determine the
minimum distances

to other equipment.

FIGURE 3

Obstruction Ht. Unit Clearance

8” .......................................... 4”

10” ................................... 11.5”

12” ...................................... 19”

15” ...................................... 32”

UNIT BASE

!

tion below.

(#1 represents Switch DOWN; #0 repre-

sents Switch UP)

Sat. Rcvr. Switch Set Position

1 2 345 678

DIRECTV .............................................. 0 .... 0 ... 0 ..... 0 .... 0 ... 0 ..... 0 .... 1

(FACTORY PRESET)

DISH NETWORK .................................. 0 ... 0 ... 0 ..... 1 .... 0 ... 0 .... 1 .... 1

EXPRESSVU ........................................ 0 .... 1 ... 0 ..... 1 .... 1 ... 0 ..... 1 .... 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Switches preset for
DIRECTV

Switches set for DISH
Network

0= UP

1= DOWN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0= UP

1= DOWN

OBSTRUCTION

• The unit should be no more than +/-1° off level.

• Be sure no roof-mounted equipment is
blocking the satellite “line of sight”, Fig. 3

• You will need to decide where the wires will enter
the vehicle. A coax and a power wire (minimum 16
gauge) will need to be run into the vehicle. The
power wire will go to the nearest filtered +12 VDC
power source; the coax will be routed to your
satellite receiver.

3. Remove screws holding dome to base and re­move dome. Place dome in safe spot to avoid
damage. Place base on vehicle roof in the loca­tion selected.

REMEMBER:
REAR MOUNTING FOOT MUST BE PARALLEL

TO THE CENTER LINE OF VEHICLE.

4. Determine which programming you will be us­ing. The switches for this model are preset for
DIRECTV

®

programming. To set the switches for

DISH Network®, or EXPRESSVU, see the illustra-

Switches set for

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

EXPRESSVU

0= UP

1= DOWN

5. On each foot, screw the flange nut to the
base of the leveling screw on the mounting
foot, flange up. Place rubber washer, with the
rubber side up, on the nut, Figure 2. Push
mounting foot under base. Push foot screw
through the base and tighten lock nut to se­cure foot to base. Be sure the base feet are
pointing away from the base. Base feet will be
removed later during install.

FIGURE 2

LEVELING SCREW

RUBBER WASHER

FLANGE NUT
(FLANGE UP)

MOUNTING

FOOT

7

Installation

1

1

1

1

1

ROOF INSTALLATION, continued

6. Place the unit on the roof in its permanent loca-

tion and mark around each base foot, Figure 4.
(Make sure the rear adjustable base foot is par-

allel to the center line of the coach.)

FIGURE 4

7. Clean roof area where the base feet will be
attached to the roof. Do not erase your marks!

8. Put approved sealant in the areas marked
for the base feet. Place base feet on top of the
sealant and screw down using (2) of the #10
screws (provided) for each foot.

9. Unscrew the locknuts in the base and re­move the base from feet. Secure feet by
installing four more #10 screws in each base
foot.

10. After all base feet are secured to roof, put
sealant around edge of feet and over screws.
Replace base on leveling screws and reinstall
nut and rubber washer on leveling screw. Do
not secure until after leveling (next step).

FIGURE 5

2345678901234567890123456789012

2345678901234567890123456789012

BASE EXTERIOR

2345678901234567890123456789012

2345678901234567890123456789012

2345678901234567890123456789012

LEVELING SCREW/
FLANGE NUT

GPS installation —

The GPS antenna is pre-wired and has a 3 foot
cable running through one of the connectors.

When deciding where to place GPS antenna, DO
NOT SECURE! After wiring the receiver and initializ-

ing your system, you will need to test the system.

Determine location for GPS antenna. It is recom­mended you place the GPS antenna between unit
base and side edge of vehicle, 90° from rear
mounting bracket, at least 3 feet from dome!
Figure 6.

The recommended location for the GPS antenna
is based on having a level location and a clear
view of the sky. If another location, further from
the base, is desired, loosen the connector and
pull out additional wire in the base. You must re-

wrap and re-tie the GPS cable inside the dome
to prevent interference with the LNBF. Failure to
do so will result in malfunction! Tighten con-

nectors when done.

IMPORTANT! The GPS must be located away
from obstructions on roof of vehicle. You must

have a clear view of the sky for proper opera­tion.

FIGURE 6

GPS ANTENNA MOUNTED A
MINIMUM OF 3 FEET FROM
DOME.

GPS CABLE EXITS THRU
CONNECTOR

FOOT

11. Leveling the base is done by tightening or loos­ening the flange nut under the base, Figure 5.

Using an electronic level is recommended to ad­just base so there is no more than +/- 1° off
level in all directions. Place level on base of unit if
possible. (If your level will not fit inside the base
plate, place on outside edge.) Level front to back
and side to side. Raise and lower by adjusting
flange nut under base. After leveling base, se­cure inside base with rubber washer, rubber side
down toward base, and lock nut.

REAR MOUNTING FOOT

8

Installation • Wiring

Cable entry installation —

1. Decide the best location for the cables to en­ter the vehicle, keeping in mind the desired
location for the switch and receiver.

Drill a 3/4” hole in the roof, push wires inside.
Make proper connections (remember you must

filtered +12 VDC power source).

have

2. Place cable-entry plate over hole and cables.
Screw in place. Seal plate and screw holes with
approved sealant (not included).

FIGURE 7

CABLE­ENTRY
PLATE

3. Depending on the length of the cable on the
roof, you may need to use cable clamps or wire
ties (not provided) between the unit and your
cable-entry plate. Clamping the cable every 12”­16” should eliminate any unnecessary cable
movement, Figure 7, see above.

CABLE CLAMP ­EVERY12”-16”

INSTALLING THE POWER SWITCH

1. Decide the location of the power on/off switch.

Be sure the switch is turned off before you be­gin!

See diagram below.

Wall or panel mount: Drill 1-1/4” hole, pull wires

through wall or panel.

Surface mount: Determine location and direction

of box. Mount box feed wire into one of the box
openings.

Select plate cover (brown or white provided) and
snap the rocker switch into the switch plate. Be sure
switch is off!

2. Connect filtered +12 VDC power from ve­hicle, using red spade connector, to isolated
spade on switch.

3. Connect red power wire from MV-3500 using
red spade connector to center spade on switch.

4. Connect vehicle ground and black ground
wire, using yellow spade connector, to silver
spade on switch.

FIGURE 8

INSTALLING THE POWER SWITCH DIAGRAM

ON/OFF ROCKER
WITH LIGHT
(SHOWN IN OFF
POSITION.)

STEP 4

TWO BLACK GROUND WIRES
1 FROM VEHICLE
1 FROM SATELLITE DISH

STEP 3

RED POWER
WIRE SATEL­LITE DISH

STEP 2

FILTERED
+12 VDC
FROM
VEHICLE

9

Installation • Wiring

Connecting the receiver —

Connecting one receiver

1. Connect the coax cable from the MV-3500 to the

“SATELLITE IN” on the receiver.

Connecting two receivers

1. Connect the coax cable coming from the MV­3500 to the “ SATELLITE IN” input on the primary
receiver. The primary receiver is the reciever used
most often.

2. Run a second cable through the empty Heyco
opening and connect to the ground block-type
feed through and connect the other end of this
cable to “Satellite IN” input on the second re­ceiver.

GROUND BLOCK

CUSTOMER/INSTALLER

PROVIDES COAX

Initializing & replacing the dome after
connecting the receiver(s) —

1. Be sure vehicle is in a location free of all obstruc­tions and with a clear view of the satellite.

2. Power up unit, turn on receiver. The unit may

take up to 10 minutes to initially find the satellite
signal. The GPS is also initializing at this time. After

the GPS initializes, the unit will begin searching for
the correct satellite.

3. If the GPS does not initialize at this time, turn
off the unit. You may need to move the GPS antenna
to a different location on your roof. After you move
the GPS, DO NOT SECURE TO ROOF.

4. TEST YOUR SYSTEM BEFORE SECURING
THE GPS ANTENNA. Make sure the TV/receiver
have the correct satellite.

5. After the correct satellite has been found, secure
GPS antenna by removing adhesive backing and
securing to roof.

6. Install dome. NOTE: After connectors are tight­ened, apply bead of silicone around the
connector where the exterior hex nut touches the
base and around the cables where they enter the
connector on the exterior of the unit. See drawing
below. If second receiver is not used, apply sili-
cone to seal center hole of third connector. See
drawing below.

PRIMARY

RECEIVER

USED ONLY WITH

A SECONDARY

RECEIVER

CONNECTOR

APPLY SILICONE BEAD

AT BASE OF CONNECTOR

UNIT BASE

APPLY SILICONE BEAD IN HOLE
WHERE COAX ENTERS

7. Insert bolts and washers in holes on dome rim.

SEE “INSTALLING DOME” below.

Installing Dome —

Insert bolts and washers (2 for
each bolt) in holes on dome
rim. Be sure bolt is vertical; not
tilted to side. Tighten to thick­ness of top washer. Top
washer will compress, as in
drawing below.

5/16” HEX
HEAD
BOLT

TOP
WASHER

BOTTOM
WASHER

5/16” HEX
HEAD BOLT

RUBBER
WASHERS

10

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM

The MV-3500 does not attempt to find a satellite
or it never moves.

The MV-3500 turns on and moves for a few
seconds then stops and never moves again.

The dish never stops on any of the signals that it
sees.

SOLUTION

1. Check your Power switch to verify that it is in the ON position.

2. Make sure that the receiver is plugged in and the satellite in jack is
connected to MV-3500.

1. Wait 10 minutes. The unit can take up to 10 minutes to acquire
GPS. If it normally takes 10 minutes to acquire GPS, contact
Winegard.

2. If you feel comfortable doing so, look on the roof of the vehicle to
verify that the GPS antenna is at least 3 feet from the dome and
other objects on roof. Failure to have the GPS antenna at least 3
feet away can cause the dome to interfere with GPS aquisition. If
antenna is too close, move it.

3. Check the GPS antenna cable for damage. If there is a
pinched or damaged section, contact Winegard.

1. Make sure that your receiver is set up correctly.

For DISH Network, the check switch should read either “Un-
known” or “SW42”.

For DirecTV the receiver should be set for a Two Satellite Oval

Dish.

2. Make sure the receiver has power and the satellite dish is con­nected to the “Sat In”.

With DirecTV, the dish will find the alternate
Satellite but it never finds the primary satellite.

The dish stopped searching but I don’t have a

signal.

I am not getting all the DISH Network channels
I subscribed to.

The MV-3500 never sees any signals, it just keeps
searching.

Make sure that the Switches on the Electronics Control Box are
set for DirecTV. See page 3. These switches are found under
the dome, inside the Electronics Control Box.

1. Most likely the dish has locked on the satellite. Sometimes the
receiver refuses to show it until its ready. To help it get ready,
turn the receiver, not the dish, OFF. Wait a few minutes and
turn it back on.

2. For DISH Network users, the dish might be set to find DirecTV.
See page 3 for instructions on setting it for DISH Network.

1. Go to the check switch menu in receiver. Make sure that it’s
set for SW42 and lists both even and odd transponders on satel­lites 110 and 119.

1. Rain, Snow or excessive Dew on the dome can interrupt the
signal. Snow and Dew can be brushed off the dome. If Heavy
rain or Snow fall is blocking the signal, it may be necessary to
wait until the weather clears.

2. Check to see if the Southern sky is clear. Trees, Buildings, Large
signs or an Overpass can block the signal. Find an area where you
can be sure that this is not the problem and try again.

3. Make sure the receiver has power and the satellite dish is
connected to the “Sat In”.

11

Specifications & Warranty

Features and specifications

• One button operation.

• GPS satellite signal acquisition.

• Depending on receiver type, access
satellites 119°, 110°, 101° or 92°.

• No user input required.

• No data port required for any receiver.

• 30’ power cable and 30’ coaxial cable included.

• Dome is UV protected.

• Off-white color compatible with all vehicles.

• Compact size —
32” diameter, 15” height
Weight of unit - 43 lbs.
Shipping weight - 59 lbs.

• Elevation range 17° to 75°;
azimuth +360°. (0 - 720°)

• Functional in temperatures ranging from -13° to

+140° F.

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Winegard Company warrants this Winegard product (excluding receiver) against any defects in materials or
workmanship within two (2) years from date of purchase. No warranty claim will be honored unless at the time the claim
is made, you present proof of purchase to an authorized Winegard dealer (if unknown, please contact Winegard
Company, 3000 Kirkwood Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601-2000, telephone [phone]).

Winegard Company (at its option) will either repair or replace the defective product at no charge to you. This warranty
covers parts, but does not cover any costs incurred in removal, shipping or reinstallation of the product. This limited
warranty does not apply if the product is damaged, deteriorates, malfunctions or fails from: misuse, improper
installation, abuse, neglect, accident, tampering, modification of the product as originally manufactured by Winegard,
usage not in accordance with product instructions or acts of nature such as damage caused by wind, lightning, ice or
corrosive environments such as salt spray and acid rain.

The Two Year Warranty is provided on the condition that the equipment is properly delivered with all handling and
freight charges prepaid to your Winegard dealer for repair or return to our factory at the above address. Winegard
dealers will arrange for the replacement or repair and return to you, without charge, the product which failed due to
defective material or workmanship.

WINEGARD COMPANY WILL NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITIES FOR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, MADE BY ANY OTHER PERSON.

ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY ARE LIMITED TO THE TWO YEAR PERIOD
OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY.

The foregoing shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of any person whether in contract, tort or otherwise, and
Winegard shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damage or commercial loss, or from any other loss or
damage except as set forth above.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion of limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Winegard Company • 3000 Kirkwood Street • Burlington, IA 52601 • 319/754-0600 Fax [phone] • www.winegard.com

Printed in U.S.A. © 2004 Winegard Company 2451019 11/09/04

12