When is...

[Scott Greczkowski]

When is someone going to make a receiver with a built in Zip Code Database, so you can just take the receiver, plug into your zip code and have USALS automatically setup for your location?

Imaging how easy that would make motorized installs. Move the dish to the satellite you want them move the dish on the pole until you get signal.

 

[Vondertrenk]

Hi Scott
make sure it includes the canadian postal codes as well... we are very good FTA players as well...

 

[SatelliteAV]

Been working on this for years, but the zip/postal code database is very large and consumes far to much flash.

Our new receiver allows the user to select from a list of cities, but the flash is limited to only allow 50 city coordinates. Since USALS accuracy is dependent on exact coordinates, my concern is that this limitation would result in more motor install issues, not less!

If the database was online, this would solve the challenge.

 

[KE4EST]

How large a database are we talking?

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

I can't imagine it being that big... The SuperBuddy has the Zip Codes built in.

 

[Magic Static]

SuperBuddy costs 5 times as much as an average receiver. I'm sure that feature would add a lot to the cost. And like Brian said, it's not accurate enough for USALS for the most part. Well speaking as a Montanan where Zip Codes cover miles and miles of territory

 

[SatelliteAV]

Currently testing a STB that has GPS. Now, that would be accurate for integrating an auto USALS feature.

Also, once a STB is connected to the internet, anything becomes possible. Suddenly become a few lines of code to query a database...

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

I like the GPS idea. Except behind the walls of my house will it see the GPS satellites?

 

[SatelliteAV]

It acquires GPS signal in my house while located 6 feet from a window. Acquires much faster if near the window.

 

[Anole]

Unimpressed

With the varying sizes of area codes and zip codes, neither sound reliable.

I don't see how burdening a receiver with GPS makes sense, either.

If an uninformed end user is installing, sloppy workmanship is likely a larger source of error.
So, if we educate the newbie in the ways of the plumb pole, he can get accurate coordinates, too.
I only have to find my own once, and write it down.
All MY dishes (and motor experiments) will be at the same place.

Only an installer benefits from carrying a GPS device.
With that being a feature of so many cell phones today, I don't see need for other solutions.


PS: it really would help if the Topic of a thread said what it was about.
I've lost a number of useful discussions 'cause they were confusingly labeled.

 

[rv1pop]

Hmmm... My motorhome finds and tunes Dish and Direct from the GPS in a couple of minutes. The GPS mounts out by the dish. But the MH retailed for $300K.

 

[wallyhts]

I want an HH motor with GPS and auto tracking.

Like Ron Popeil said with the showtime "Set it and forgot it"

 

[updatelee]

Id rather just goto dishpointer.com to get my long/lat then pay $50 more for a receiver because it has gps. Its really not that hard.

UDL

 

[northgeorgia]

Yes, but can the GPS receiver do 4:2:2? Sorry, I had to sling that mud around hahaha

 

[KE4EST]

Yes, but can the GPS receiver do 4:2:2? Sorry, I had to sling that mud around hahaha

Maybe it will play 8-tracks too, since we are bringing up fading technology....

 

[wallyhts]

Maybe it will play 8-tracks too, since we are bringing up fading technology....

I was hoping it would play my sony minidisc's.

 

[SatelliteAV]

Yes, but can the GPS receiver do 4:2:2? Sorry, I had to sling that mud around hahaha

Yes.....

 

[northgeorgia]

Yes.....

Do you hear that? Sounds like stunned gasps everywhere hahaha

 

[Stargazer]

Why not have a file online and download it to a thumdrive and stick it in the receiver with the database of zipcodes?

 

[Lak7]

Need a Dish that aligns itself too.