Winegard PL-8035 Black Dish Playmaker, Dual HD RV Satellite Antenna Dual Receiver Capability

Bought the Playmaker Dual for our RV. It's working well so far on our first camping trip which is great because OTA and cell service is weak. The system did several updates, one at my home on an initial test and one at our campsite. We are only using one receiver currently. HINT -when choosing a campsite use Google earth to pick one without obstructions and a clear view of the southern sky.

I purchased this antenna to replace a King model that we bought when we purchased Dish Service. We are a full-time RV couple. Predictably the King did survive the fall from our roof caused by sustained 25+ mph winds. So, the cost, which is competitive with the King is tuition (I failed to appreciate what could happen to an unsecured antenna on the roof - so I pass this along for others.). The King was under a year old, but prior to its demised had developed difficulty in changing channels when changing satellites. The Winegard seems to provide a somewhat clearer picture and has provided programming during times of intense rain beyond what the King provided. The Winegard did lose the signal eventually as the storm passed through. For now, I’m keeping it on the ground while considering the tripod.

I wish there was a no star. From the date I received this "boat anchor" it has not been reliable. It tunes, then loses signal, takes HOURS to tune then loses signal. I get it tuned but cannot change channel because it will lose signal. Call Dish, they say call Camping World. CW says call Winegard. Winegard says call Dish. IF you get a tier2 Dish tech, they are helpful but it is not there problem so no blame on them. Finally Winegard tech was helpful but could not solve it. CW OKC was great! Hooked up the receiver and the antenna in various configurations with other gear and determiner antenna is bad. Winegard provided shipping so that was good. It came back to me after they had it for 6 day ( including Saturday and sunday). No details om the return list jus says, repair. Not sure if it is same antenna or not. Regardless. OH Surprise! It tunes and loses signal. Tried a neighbors Tailgator sitting in the same location I hade this and great signal, changes channels, WOW.DO NOT BUY a Playmaker!

Showed up a day early. And after a couple of calls to dish it works great.

This product works fine with an absolutely clear view to the satellites. However, it is advertised as a dual receiver but I can only watch one receiver at a time.

Bought the mounting kit and installed it on the roof of the RV.

Yes - dual feed you need two Wallys, two DVR hard drives, two 25 ft coaxs, two hdmi cables and one AntennaA Wally is receiver that controls the dish antenna. A hopper will not control the dish antenna that finds and tracks your satellites. Now could you use your hopper as a slave receiver. I don't have that answer. I think it is possible. Maybe some software issues.What you get in the box - 1 antenna, 1 Wally, 1 25ft Coax, and 1 hdmi cable. No DVR included.The DVR - self powered external harddrive of 2TB or less. Is only needed if you want to record. $7 fee to have Dish Network enable devices.Master Wally - controls what satellite both TVs or Wallys watch. Wally selects the channel on that satellite you want to watch.Slaved Wally -Tech Support could do nothing to help. Software issue in the Wally caused slave receiver to go off line. This issues is still a problem and dish has no resolution at this time.Still remaining issue is you watch what ever satellite of the three your master Wally receiver is watching. Also this antenna system only receives 1 eastern satellite.The dish antenna - is like a very focused flashlight pointing into the sky. Yes - trees, heavy rains, snow, and your neibors RV cause signal loss.The X2 receives all 3 satellites for western and all 3 in eastern. Depending on your current location. That being said the X2 has a flat face is more likely to be affected by snow and rain. It is also an older antenna system. I don't remember slaving on the X2. It had loose parts inside and was returned.

I bought this for our RV so we could feel at home anywhere.So far it's great!! It's simple and ready to use right out of the box except you have to call and get a Dish Network subscription.It does take a little time to "warm" up and find satellites but the wait is not unreasonable and set up is extremely easy.You can even get local channels.