4 Common King Dome Satellite Dish Problems

king dome satellite dish problems
king dome satellite dish problems

Introduction

For many, entertainment while they are on the RV vacation is a critical aspect of a peaceful trip. An entertainment system is what makes your mobile house on wheels feel more like a home. Being able to kick back after a long day of adventuring is crucial for the perfect RV experience.

The innovative King Dome is an essential addition to any RV because it comes with the latest signal receiving technology and a contemporary protective dome.

However, there are some key issues that have become increasingly apparent over time. There is nothing worse than a key piece of equipment developing a fault while you are on vacation.

Therefore, this article will highlight all of the more common issues associated with the King Dome and how to best deal with them.

King Dome Satellite Dish Problems

1. Will Not Turn On

most common issues is electrical system

Several issues can prevent you from turning the King Dome Satellite on. Overall, the most common issues are associated with the electrical system that powers it.

If your satellite, there are some standard processes you can do in order to begin to troubleshoot, identify and resolve the problems yourself. So, let’s discuss them in order.

Firstly, you should Identify if there is an issue with your RV’s electrical appliances. All of the devices onboard are typically powered with an integrated leisure battery setup or a direct-to-mains hook-up, usually at campsites.

Next, switch on your television, test the lights in your RV, and observe if they are functioning as expected. If they also fail to turn on, your RV will have an overall electrical flaw.

In this case, you should check if the batteries have died, if the mains hook-up is compromised, or if there is a significant cable connection issue.

switch on your tv to test

If the appliances in your RV are functioning as usual, then you should inspect the on-off rocker switch. It is a straightforward mechanism that controls the current flow to the satellite.

It typically has a tiny LED light that also turns on when power flows to the appliance. If it is on and there is no light, you should consider whether the switch has simply failed and needs to be replaced.

Moreover, there could be a connectivity issue specific to the satellite. Finally, due to the demanding and unusual needs of an RVs electrical system, they tend to experience more fuse breakages than a standard home.

Therefore, you should consult your user’s manual to identify the location and rating of the fuse you should replace to see if it resolves the fault.

consult your user's manual to resolve fault

Alternatively, you should inspect the lead from the battery to the satellite itself. External wiring on RVs faces extreme conditions regularly, which can easily impact the fixing required by the appliances.

Additionally, the vibrations from driving can shake connections loose over time or create friction breakages in the wiring.

Therefore, follow the wire from the battery all the way to the satellite, inspecting if there are any issues with the leads. This can be a challenging task as much of the system will be built into the RVs paneling.

Should the LED light turn on but the satellite still fails to operate, then you can assume there is a more fundamental issue associated with the appliance. You should contact your local dealer or technician to inspect and identify the issue.

Working with electricity is dangerous, and you should take every precaution to keep yourself and others safe. Although these appliances operate using a very low 12/24 volt supply, you should seriously consider contacting a professional if you are not confident in your abilities.

2. Positioning Error

positioning error

During the initial setup and installation some critical problems can be illuminated. Most significantly, King Dome owners have reported that they install the dish and experience a lack of satellite connection error.

There are several more significant infrastructure issues with the satellite system which can create this problem. However, if it occurs directly after initial installation then it is likely to be a problem with the dish placement.

The most prominent symptom will be your television displaying an error regarding the inability to locate the satellite signal. In this instance you should consider the placement of the King Dome.

You will have endless options for where to position the dish, especially if you have a larger multi-level RV. It is critical that you use the highest point on your RV to guarantee the easiest access for signals.

Moreover, you should be mindful of any additional appliances and divots in your RV roof. Keep the King Dome as far from any obstructions as possible. Otherwise you increase the likelihood of connectivity errors substantially.

3. Signal Block

struggle to find a signal

The King Dome Satellite utilizes a unique conceptual design. It incorporates a plastic dome shield over the dish as a means to protect the delicate components necessary to receive signals. Unfortunately, although this is an innovative setup, it does not help against typical dish issues.

Firstly, these signal receivers are reliant on radio waves to function. They absorb and amplify these invisible waves to decode them into the entertaining movies and TV shows we want to watch. Without a continuous signal, then, the dish is rendered useless.

On the other hand, with a weak signal, you will hear static and receive a heavily diluted picture and sound quality. Both of these are telltale symptoms of a partial or complete signal blockage.

If you park your RV in a rural area, you may find that you struggle to find a signal. If you are many miles from the nearest signal station, you will not get the required signal strength to watch television.

Moreover, this issue is not exclusive to wild, isolated areas. Lack of signal can also result from natural and unnatural structures blocking adequate signals.

natural and unnatural structures blocking signals

Mountains, bridges, buildings, and even large construction vehicles can be the culprit of your King Dome Satellite failing to bring you entertainment.

You must simply reposition your RV to a more appropriate area to resolve this irritation. Easier said than done in urban environments. You may have to entertain yourself if you are in the wilderness.

Reports have suggested that the dome design can cause block signals from getting through. It is made from a material that readily allows radio waves to get through onto the hidden dish face.

However, over time it is suggested that the dome’s material is susceptible to producing mold spores which can quickly envelop the entire appliance. These can seriously interfere with the quality of the signal that gets through to the dish.

Frustratingly, the dome is often difficult to inspect due to its location, so this problem can easily creep up on the user. Fortunately, it can be resolved with a simple cleaning, allowing it to work as normal again.

4. Incompatibility Issues

older King Dome satellite will not operate

A satellite dish is a reasonably rudimentary device with a straightforward function. It gathers and absorbs signals which are then sent directly to a receiver.

The receiver is the unsung hero that is doing the crucial work. It consolidates, organizes, and decodes the signals that are being received. It performs the essential task of turning these invisible signals into audio and picture formats for us to enjoy.

These two devices must work harmoniously for your entertainment system to function optimally. However, there have been some compatibility issues highlighted by King Dome customers.

Complaints have been made mainly by owners of older RVs who have noted that King Dome will not operate with their current entertainment system.

install a more advanced receiver

Essentially, older receiver systems cannot understand the information the satellite is absorbing, which prevents it from working. This has come as a great disappointment to new owners, as they have yet to meet their needs.

RV owners are renowned for their desire for longevity and trustworthiness with their purchases. Unfortunately, it is clear that no allowances have been made for older systems in the design process of the King Dome.

To resolve this issue, RV owners must install a more advanced receiver which is both costly and wasteful.

Conclusion

King Dome satellite is an advanced

There is no doubt that the King Dome is an advanced, innovative piece of equipment that can enhance any RV experience. However, there are some key issues that have been associated with its usage.

Like many RV appliances, there are several issues associated with extreme operational environments. Punching devices to their limits will often draw out their greatest vulnerabilities.

Therefore, the list above should identify all of the key areas for concern for any diligent owner. Follow the advice and you should have a reasonably trouble free experience with the King Dome.

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