Introduction
Utilizing a home entertainment system is part of the great joys of RV camping. Most notably, this includes tuning in to our favorite weekly shows. Tuning in is a thoughtless task at home, but when it comes to watching television in your RV, it becomes a more complicated task.
Most modern RVs use the purposed design DISH satellite system to watch their prized television. However, this set is more complicated than it may appear. There is a great deal more to consider during installation, most significantly the Arc orientation.
This article will briefly outline the most appropriate method of deriving the best setup for your RV.
Getting Past The Jargon
Like a lot of modern technology, there is a plethora of complicated jargon to understand. This remains true when dealing with what seem to be very complex satellite configurations. However, it is a little more straightforward than it appears.
Firstly, what is a satellite arc? An arc is simply the angular degree for which a signal is positioned. It is the area of the sky in which a particular signal can be received.
This is less of a home concern than being on the road. Due to your entertainment system’s mobility, your dish angle changes too. Therefore the satellite signal arc becomes a hugely significant factor.
Often you will hear of a satellite dish. A satellite dish is a clever piece of kit which is designed to collect and amplify radio waves in the atmosphere and send them into your entertainment system.
However, this can become a little confusing within the eastern and western arc context. DISH is a satellite network in the US that transmit mainly US television channels via its satellites. These signals are picked up by DISH orientate satellite dishes which are positioned on top of your RV.
What are the Eastern and Western Arcs?
When you are purchasing your DICh satellite systems, you will likely be asked about your preferred arc. This may have come with a degree of confusion, but understanding what they mean is crucial for you to make the most appropriate choice.
Eastern Arc
The eastern arc refers to a three-point satellite constellation that broadcasts television channels. They are noted as being at the angles of 61.5, 72.7, and 77 degrees.
They are relatively steep-angled and are positioned on the eastern seaboard of the united states. The eastern arc is the newer system which was implemented around 2010 by DISH.
Western Arc
Similar to the eastern arc, the western arc is comprised of three satellites in its constellation. They are positioned at the western seaboard at 110, 119, and 129 degrees.
The western arch employs a much shallower angled constellation which can trouble some if there are large surrounding structures that block a clean signal.
Dish Eastern Arc vs Dish Western Arc
Key Differences
An initial difference between the two systems can be identified during the purchasing process. Several satellite manufacturers produce dishes that can pick up DISH broadcasts. However, they tend to be orientated toward one particular arc.
This is primarily due to the angular differences and limitations of either preference. Hence why the first key distinction is the difference in receiving equipment, you will have to purchase.
Another critical distinction is the preferred location of each arc. Initially, some benefits have been associated with which side of the US you will spend most of your time in your RV.
Simply put, depending if you most often travel from one side to another should be a factor for which you install and use. An assessment of which arc is preferable, you can draw a line between the state of Texas and Wisconsin.
Either side of this line represents the optimal east and west satellite divide. If you live on or around this line, then you are lucky enough to make your own choice, as they both apply.
In a similar fashion, the angular difference of each option has differing benefits. The eastern arc provides more steeply positioned satellites, which means they are generally more easily viewed by your RV’s dish.
The easter arc may be better for your need if you do a lot of outdoor adventuring in the wilderness, the easter arc may be better for your need. This is because the signal is not obstructed by mountains or trees very easily.
It means you can enjoy your favorite television shows even in the middle of a national park. There are also some channel differences which are highlighted in the graph:
| Western Arc | Eastern Arc | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 129 | 119 | 110 | 77 | 72.7 | 61.6 |
| HD Local SD Locals | America’s Top Programming SD Locals | DishLATINO AT250 HD Core SD Locals | HD Local SD Local | America’s Top Programming | HD Programming SD Locals |
As illustrated by the graph most of the same channels can be picked up by each arc. However, it should be noted the primary exception is the ‘Dish Latino’ channel. This is currently only available on the 110-degree western arc at the moment.
However, there are plans to expand its broadcast to the eastern arc. The graph above is a valuable tool when you only have specific frequencies of your arc available. It provides the available channels to you depending on the signal availability.
A hugely significant factor is the level of interference each arc will pick up. The eastern arc is often regarded as the more preferable orientation due to its steeper angle, improving signal strength in built-up areas.
However, it is more susceptible to signal disruption caused by heavy rain or thick cloud coverage. Although it is generally preferable in a more natural setting, it is by no means the ideal option either.
Neither East nor West
If you are an extensive RV traveler who wishes to tour every inch of the US, you may wonder what the best option is for you. In this instance, you can consider installing both systems.
Utilizing both systems is a constant and somewhat complicated process. However, if you are a TV show fanatic, it may be the best option for you if you are planning on traveling around the US for an extended period far and wide.
This will require two satellite dishes as they each require their own systems.
Conclusion
Ultimately, as an RV owner, you must take responsibility for the arc orientation that suits your needs the best. You must not consider where you live by where you most enjoy taking your RV but where you are likely to spend most of your time traveling.
Although this can be difficult to predict accurately, it is the best method to ensure you make the best choice.
There may not be a perfect option, but now you have the knowledge to make the most suitable choice for you to help guarantee you don’t miss any of your favorite television episodes while you are adventuring on the road.
