SKYHAWK
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If you're looking for an easier way to set-up your portable satellite system, and get it right first time-every time, you have come to the right place!
Skyhawk is the brain-child of Don Hays, a full-time RV'er who, like so many of you, just wanted to enjoy one of life's simple pleasures while on the road...TV! For no man should be without TV! (No offense ladies, it just sounded good that way!)
Here's how Don actually puts it...
"One of the pleasures of traveling and camping is the modern conveniences that can be enjoyed as a part of this experience, and television is right up there at the top of the list! It doesn’t have to be difficult to watch TV, wherever you happen to be!"
Don Hays, Skyhawk Satellite Systems
Oh it was difficult! As with most "newbies", the Hays' struggled for a while, sorting through all the gadgets and methods, trying this and that. What they ended up with was a lot of conflicting advice and the realization that no one agrees on a system or specific method to use for set-up.
Set-up is the Key! Anyone can go out and buy a portable satellite system, knowing exactly where to point the darn thing is another story!
Everybody has a different opinion on how it's done and, unfortunately, none of them work all the time!
Consequently, most struggle until they “luck” into getting a signal that will produce a picture! Finding this simply unacceptable, Don set his mind on devising a method that simplifies the process, can be duplicated time after time, and produces quick results every time!Then came Skyhawk! Well, maybe not right then. It could've been after Don and his wife Nita tried the "two person" method. That's where one of you is on the outside moving the dish, the other is inside watching the screen, and you basically "holler" back-and-forth until you get a picture. Don says this is the least effective way to find a signal and considered by some as the quickest way to get a divorce!
He explains all this (and offers more sage advice) in a "how-to" guide he has just written: The Complete RV’ers Guide To Portable Satellite Set-Up & Use
This informative guide, written strictly in layman's terms to keep it simple, starts with a detailed explanation of portable satellite set-up and signal aquisition methods, and then offers a look at Don's Skyhawk System and how it works.
What is Skyhawk Anyway?
In the process of developing a "system", one of Don’s objectives was to find a reliable way to do a complete set-up without the aid of an additional person (i.e. no hollering back-and-forth). In order to accomplish this, all of the signal locating work has to be done at the dish, and to do this would require some way for you to visually see the affect of every move made with the dish. (Now read that last sentence one more time and try to stay with us!)Other major concerns included keeping both the size and cost of necessary equipment to a minimum. Most RV'ers with some miles on their tires will agree - Storage Space is like Gold - and let's face it, we're all on a budget! You can buy the same equipment professionals use but prepare yourself for sticker-shock. Don researched most everything available and found it difficult to justify the cost not to mention learning how to use it!
This all resulted in the design and development of an 18 volt DC power pack that ultimately became known as the Skyhawk. Although initially developed for his own use, it finally had to have a name due to sheer popularity!Neighboring RV'ers would see Don "doing his thing" with the satellite and come over to ask "How did you do that so fast?"
He'd show them his device, explain his method, and the next question was always the same, "Well, where can I get one of those?"
In application, this battery pack powers a “signal finder” which passes the power to the dish. When a satellite signal is present, the needle on the finder moves indicating the relative strength of the signal. This guides you in your moves of the dish and allows you to “home in” on the signal.
So, that's how it all started and the Skyhawk power pack became the anchor of the Skyhawk System. Then Don tackled one of the more difficult aspects of setting up a portable sat. system, as mentioned earlier - exactly where to point the darn thing!
There are so many satellites up there, and the power pack doesn’tdifferentiate between them. This presented a need for something
simple & inexpensive that could aid in “aiming” the dish at “your”
satellite. Now, aiming at a satellite may seem like a “no brainer”,
until you've actually tried it!
Look at it this way - you have to point something the size of a
bushel basket, exactly 212 degrees in direction and at a 43 degree
angle, at a satellite you can't see that is 22,000 miles away! It's like shooting a gun in the general direction of a target - with a blindfold!
As necessity is the mother of invention, Don came up with a very low-tech but accurate aiming device that assists in pointing the dish with precision. Compact enough to fit in a shirt pocket, the device is a rotating bezel compass with a telescoping wand that extends 21 inches to act as a linear alignment guide.
You simply "dial" the degrees of direction, pull out the wand and line-up the dish. The gadget was donned "the telescoping compass", for lack of a more original title, and became an essential tool to the overall "system".
Another area of difficulty particular to portable satellite systems is the physical set-up of the dish, the accuracy of which pretty much determines the success of aquiring and keeping a signal. This involves the tripod and mounting pole types used and the method of set-up. Don has developed some techniques and tools to use for and during the set up process and incorporated them into the "system".
That is the story! All of the subjects outlined above became the Skyhawk System as it developed over a 5 year period. Everything mentioned here, plus much more, is included in "The Complete RV’ers Guide To Portable Satellite Set-Up & Use", which is listed below, along with our other great Skyhawk Products.
Great news! We are now proudly associated with PayPal so you can order ourproducts right here on our website and go to a secure PayPal site for checkout! Use your PayPal Account or Any Major Bank Card!
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| Skyhawk Products (All prices include standard shipping - Click thumbnail images for large view) |
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The Complete RV'ers Guide to Portable Satellites......................$22 Invaluable information if you've ever struggled with a portable satellite! Simplified, common sense approach you're sure to refer to again & again! Comes complete with a deluxe binder. Telescoping Bezel Compass....................................................$24  A simple, accurate and compact aiming device for precision dishalignment. You'll wonder how you ever did without it! Comes complete with carrying case. Skyhawk Power Pack Kit.........................................................$89  Skyhawk 18v Power Pack Kit with charger, signal meter,complete instructions & carrying case. |
| Additional Parts & Accessory Items |
Signal Meter..........................................................................$18 Connects in-line between dish and receiver to indicate a signaland its relative strength. Custom A/B Switches!...........................................................$20  These are quality push button switches to which Don adds acustom mounting bracket. The bracket allows for installation with buttons facing forward regardless of mounting orientation. Very handy! "F" Connector Straps!............................................................$12  Flat, ribbon style "F" connectors for outside-to-inside cableconnection through windows & doors. Allows passage without damage to cables! Right Angle "F" Connectors......................................................$4  A must have for custom installations in tight places and around corners. Shims - Sturdy plastic wedges, great for leveling tripods!................$3 |
| Custom Satellite Systems/Installation |
| Don can design a complete satellite system for your RV, provide custom installation and personally instruct you in proper set-up and signal aquisition. Little Rock/Central Arkansas only! Call for details & options, 501-366-0336 are subject to change upon actual physical inspection of vehicle in question! |
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SKYHAWK PORTABLE SATELLITE SYSTEMS
Call Don @ 501-366-0336
