Winegard SK-SWM3 User Manual

Automatic

Multi-Satellite

TV Antenna

Model SK-SWM3

TRAV’LER® DIRECTV® SWM Slimline Antenna

www.winegard.com/mobile
For Technical Services, email [e-mail] or call 1-800-788-4417
For Receivers and Programming, call 1-866-609-9374

For up-to-date information on receiver compatibility and programming,
visit www.winegard.com/receivers

Product Registration

Installation Manual

Please register your Winegard product by filling out and returning the Product Registration Card
provided or by completing the online registration form at http://www.winegard.com/registration.

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Before Installing the Antenna

You have selected the Winegard® TRAV’LER® automatic multi-satellite TV antenna. The TRAV’LER antenna will deliver
the ability to view multiple satellites at the same time with unmatched signal strength, the lowest travel height on
the market, maximum HD capabilities and easy to use functionality—just like you get at home. This manual provides
important information on the installation and operation of your TRAV’LER antenna on an RV. Please take time to read
the manual in its entirety before installing or operating your antenna.

Follow the instructions on this side of the manual if installing the TRAV’LER DIRECTV SWM Slimline antenna. For
operation instructions, follow the instructions on the reverse side of the manual.

Specifications

Depending on location and receiver type, the following satellites can be accessed with the TRAV’LER DIRECTV SWM
Slimline antenna during automatic operation: 99°, 101°, 103°.

Clearance Requirements

The arm of the TRAV’LER antenna extends 33” from the center of the base and may operate only 10” above the
surface to which the TRAV’LER antenna is mounted. To ensure you have adequate clearance for the TRAV’LER

antenna to safely operate, check that there are no obstructions taller than 10” within 33” of the center of the base.

Also, check that there are no obstructions (such as tree limbs) above the antenna that will prevent it from raising.

At its highest point, the antenna will extend to 37.5” above the roof to which it is mounted (see fig. 3).

Height of assembled unit: 9.75”
Width of assembled unit: 34”
Length of assembled unit: 44”

23.5″

FIGURE 1. Dimensions of SK-SWM3

Width of mount base: 21”
Length of mount base: 24”

21″

24″

44″

34″

Unit Weight: 53 pounds
Shipping Weight: 74 pounds

Parts

Mount Base with 30’ Power/Control Cable

FIGURE 3. Range of motion for TRAV’LER SWM antenna

Splitter21V SWM Power Inserter

Interface Box

Power Supply

Safety Recommendations

Do not attempt to install this
system in the rain or under any wet
conditions. Moisture may affect
electronics and void your warranty.

Do not paint this antenna. Painting
the TRAV’LER antenna will void
your warranty.

Pay attention to the pinch points as
the antenna raises. The pinch points
should be labeled on the antenna
(see fig. 2).

1

Pinch point (labeled)

Pinch point (labeled)

FIGURE 2. Pinch points

24” AC power cord

30’ Gray Coax Cable

Interface Box

Mounting Screw (20)

Reflector

5/16” Reflector Nut (4)

Cable Entry Plate

5/16” Reflector Bolt (4)

2

Choosing a Location for the Antenna

1. For best performance and to reduce signal acquisition time, park the vehicle on a level surface that is free of
obstructions such as trees or large buildings. Make sure you have a clear view of the southern sky.

2. Before removing the TRAV’LER antenna from its box, contact your RV dealer or manufacturer. Your RV may be pre­wired or have a reinforced area for this system.

Installing the Antenna

1. Place the TRAV’LER antenna on the roof where you plan to install it. On the mount base, the transition plate is
marked “FRONT” and “BACK.” Rotate the TRAV’LER antenna until the front of the mount base faces the front of the
RV. The TRAV’LER antenna must be installed on or parallel to the centerline of the coach. See figure 6.

3. Then, choose a location on the roof that meets the following requirements:

a. Offers enough support for a secure installation

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FIGURE 4. Required roof space for antenna

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b. Allows dish to raise and rotate without

interference from other roof-mounted equipment

c. Has a minimum roof space of 44” x 34” for

antenna (see fig. 4)

d. Lacks obstructions taller than 10” mounted within

a 33” radius from the center of the TRAV’LER base

e. Has a gap of less than 3/16” between the bottom

of the antenna and the roof

WARNING

more exists between the bottom of the antenna
and the roof, as the antenna may damage the roof

f. Is within 5 degrees of level, or the system may

require more time to locate satellites (for best
operation, must be within 3 degrees of level)

Do not install the antenna in a
location where a gap of 3/16” or

No obstructions

taller than 10″
in a 33″ radius

Mount on or parallel to Centerline of RV

Centerline of RV

FIGURE 6. Antenna (without reflector) installed parallel to centerline of RV

33″

When installing the antenna on a rubber roof, Winegard recommends using Model SKA-004

TIP

roller plate, which is designed to create a solid landing area for the roller. If not using this plate,
make sure that the roller does not come in contact with any rib supports or bubbles in the roof when in
operation. Failure to do so may result in damage to the roof.

2. Verify that the marked “FRONT” of the transition plate is facing the front of the vehicle (see fig. 7).

Front of RV

SKA-004

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Choosing a Location for Cables to Enter the Vehicle

Once you have chosen a location for the TRAV’LER antenna, choose a location for the cables to enter the vehicle.
Keep in mind the following:

1. The TRAV’LER interface box must plug into a well-ventilated
110 V outlet.

2. The 24” AC power cord must be long enough to extend
from the outlet to the interface box power supply, which will
then connect to the interface box.

3. The 30’ control cable must be long enough to extend from
the mount base to the interface box.

4. The power inserter must be mounted inside the vehicle, but
the splitter can be mounted on the roof of the vehicle (see
Setup Option 1 & Setup Option 2 under “Overall Setup”).

5. Wires should not be run through the striped area (see
fig. 5). Anything in the striped area will interfere with
the operation of the TRAV’LER antenna and may cause
damage to the object or to the antenna.

Make sure cables are long enough to reach their destination points inside the vehicle. For cable
runs longer than 30’, an extension may be purchased. Winegard recommends using Model CL-SK26
25’ extension cable. Do not exceed 55’ of cable!

FIGURE 5. Marked area of
antenna where cables should
not be run

CL-SK26

“FRONT”

FIGURE 7. Marked “FRONT” of transition plate on fully assembled antenna

3. Mark the location where the nine screw holes will go. It is important that you can see these marks on the roof of the

RV. Then, move the mount base out of the installation area. It is recommended that you do not pre-drill the screw

holes at this time.

4. To prevent water from getting into the mount base, use a solid line of approved sealant to connect the marks in
the shape of the base. This step must be completed, or the unit will fail due to corrosion. Replace the TRAV’LER
antenna base.

5. Before using the supplied mounting screws, check with your vehicle manufacturer for any special screw
requirements. Then, screw the antenna base to the roof using nine mounting screws.

WARNING

Winegard is NOT liable for damage, expenses,
or injury caused by improper installation.

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6. Run a solid bead of sealant around the edge where the transition plate meets the roof, making sure to cover each
screw head. Be careful not to get any sealant above the transition plate.

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