Auto Satellite TV

Submitted: Monday, Feb 13, 2012 at 19:55

ThreadID: 127882 Views:6099 Replies:7 FollowUps:7

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Grumblebum & Dragon

What is recommended for roof mounted Sat TV systems? - anyone had problems with a specific make/model?

Regards

John and Jean

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Reply By: NIK `N` OFF - Monday, Feb 13, 2012 at 21:00

Monday, Feb 13, 2012 at 21:00

We had the Oyster fitted by SIM in 2010 it's been trouble free, a lot of $$ for the convenience of auto set up but like you we have been living in the van for majority of time.

We are still waiting for the 12v Vast decoder to become available, when it does we will have one fitted

AnswerID: 583798

Follow Up By: Flavs - Monday, Feb 13, 2012 at 23:15

Monday, Feb 13, 2012 at 23:15

Hi Mick,
SIM has a modified 12V Vast Decoder, I bought one as part of a kit, so not sure of the individual price, but they modify the decoder for $149.

regards
Noel & Denise

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Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 00:35

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 00:35

Thanks for the info Noel, i was aware of another company in Qld that has been doing this for a while now but didn't know SIM did the same. Will follow up on it.

Aubs we do not use an invertor in the van, no need when everything is 12v which is why i have been waiting for the 12v version

FollowupID: 854224

Reply By: aubs. - Monday, Feb 13, 2012 at 23:57

Monday, Feb 13, 2012 at 23:57

Hi,

we had ours fitted as part and parcel when we took delivery in August, it is the only tv reception we have, we didnt bother with the wineguard, The Oyster and Vast combo in fully automatic.

I would say 98% magic, its very clear, the only time we loose signal is in heavy rain which has happened about 3 times since August and we loose if for about maybe 5 mins at a time.

The 12v retro fit was not available when we took delivery the power loss is very minimal, the audio on 12v draws more than the VAST on 240 coming through the inverter. I will not be doing the reto 12v fit out any time soon as we dont miss that little bit of power.

Looking forward to catching up

AnswerID: 583799

Reply By: surfy53 - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 19:06

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 19:06

The following info comes from Brian at SIM as of 7th Feb 2012.......

"Vast is $279.00 + $169.00 for the 12 volt mod.
Installation and cables approx $160.00 approx but it should be straight forward. Allow about 2hrs install time.
Looking forward to helping out.
Cheers,
Brian".

Chris.

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AnswerID: 583800

Reply By: Trackor 2 - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 19:50

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 19:50

Suggest looking at the AUTOSAT from Intellisat. Totally sealed unit, doesn't need maintenance like the Oyster.

Great support from Manfred at Intellisat. SIM fitted mine, think the Oyster may be cheaper.

Peter

AnswerID: 583801

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 21:15

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 21:15

I wasn't aware the Oyster required maintenance, any idea what is required?

FollowupID: 854225

Follow Up By: Trackor 2 - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 21:48

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012 at 21:48

Not exactly sure, but think there are bearings that need lubricating. Maybe some one with an Oyster can provide details, although I understand most don't know about it.

Peter

FollowupID: 854226

Follow Up By: Flipp'n Lorry - Monday, Feb 20, 2012 at 21:58

Monday, Feb 20, 2012 at 21:58

You are supposed to apply silicon spray to the rubber seal every 6 months or so, where the satdish rotates - if not, the seal can dry out, and then catches as dish rotates and can pull out and subsequently jam the auto mechanism. This happened to us, maintenance was recommended by Thomas at SmartSat.

FollowupID: 854227

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Monday, Feb 20, 2012 at 22:22

Monday, Feb 20, 2012 at 22:22

Thanks, i wasn't aware. I will add that to my jobs.

FollowupID: 854228

Reply By: Deleted User - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 at 02:50

Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 at 02:50

Hi folks.

Yes.. at long last we now offer a 12 volt VAST option. We change the 240 volt power supply over to a regulated 12volt DC unit. After the modification, the VAST decoder draws only .7amp. More current efficient than using a inverter. We can modify existing units for $169.00.

The Oyster Smartsat Satellite system does not require regular maintenence. The Oyster Smartsat and the Intellisat 2 are both manufactured in West Germany and are constructed very similar.

An occasional spray with silicone spray around the revolving base and joints is all both require. We have had such fantastic service from the Smartsat Oyster System. Back up service is fantastic as well. Easy to operate and super reliable in tough Bushtracker environments.

Thomas Kuenzel, the National Manager of Smartsat will be visiting the Kalbar Muster in March to answer any technical questions and chat with people.

Please contact me if I can assist further.

Regards,
Brian.

AnswerID: 583802

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 at 06:32

Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 at 06:32

Thanks Brian for that info, i will send you an email with some other questions.

FollowupID: 854229

Reply By: Grumblebum & Dragon - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 at 19:17

Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 at 19:17

Thanks folks, look like a goer for when we leave the cattle and sheep property here in CW Qld - evn if it means hauling down to the Big Smoke for Brian's boys to attend too.

Thanks

John

AnswerID: 583803