HOT Scoop on Winegard and Hughes SatelliteWhile attending the annual internet satellite rally at Augies RV Park in Gila Bend, Arizona, we were treated to some great news, and remember you heard it here first!
Ray Klett gave a presentation informing us that the Winegard Corporation has reached an agreement with Hughes Satellite not only to manufacture, sell and support the new “DirecStar” mobile automatic internet satellite system (more information here: http://www.direcstar.us/ ), but it has also agreed to work with Hughes Satellite to support non-motorized satellite mounts.
Why is this significant you ask? Because Hughes Satellite (who bought out Direcway last year) has never (until now) recognized the stand alone non-motorized satellite systems. Those tripods you see around campgrounds with the large parabolic dishes mounted on them were never officially authorized” by anyone.
Winegard recognizing the value of a partnership servicing this growing community of stand alone satellite users has diligently worked on a prototype tripod system.
This prototype is very strong and therefore durable. It is also very well engineered – hat tip to the engineering department – because this unit has very accurate satellite pointing capabilities.
It also has an excellent fold-out fold-up capability. Since this is a prototype they are still working on it and refining it, but they are off to a GREAT start! 
New users will now be required to go through training to setup their satellite units which, in my opinion, is a great idea! Hughes is developing the training program and should start training sometime in March 2007. Here is the prototype foot - those of us at the seminar thought that the legs should be telescopic and the feet should be able to be "steaked" to the ground. Stay tuned for more extiting breaking news here on your "Great RV Gear" Blog!
