TM User’s Guide To subscribe to programming or for assistance with using the Tailgater, contact DISH Network Customer Service at www.dish.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474). Refer to www.dishnetwork.com/supportsection/manuals for additional information regarding equipment used with this product.
It is important that you set up the Tailgater within 30 days of purchase. Please use this User’s Guide and accompanying Quick Reference Guide to set up your system. If you do not currently have a DISH Network satellite television account, please call 1-800-833-DISH (3474) to set up a new account prior to setup. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction .............................................................................................2 Important Safety Instructions ....................................
INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing DISH Network and the Tailgater Portable HDTV System! You are about to experience the excitement of DISH Network satellite television programming and the convenience of the Tailgater portable antenna, which delivers the very best picture and sound quality wherever you go. DISH Network consistently provides the latest products and satellite-delivered services, with high performance, ease of operation, and a wide variety of entertainment options.
ABOUT SATELLITE TV RECEPTION Satellite television uses satellites in a geo-stationary orbit over the earth. This type of orbit enables the satellites to stay aligned over one place on the surface of the earth and to transmit your television programming to the Tailgater when pointed at the appropriate satellite. Your television programming is delivered from up to 3 satellites located at the 110°, 119°, and 129° west longitudes.
RECEIVER ACTIVATION AND INITIAL REMOTE CONTROL SETUP After making the connections and completing the scan on pages 4-9, please call DISH Network at 1-800-333-DISH (3474) to authorize your receiver (page 9, step 8), preferably from your residence or any location where you will have good phone reception. CONNECT YOUR RECEIVER TO YOUR TV 1. Connect your receiver to your TV using the best connection type supported by your TV. (See your TV owner’s manual for its connection options.
INITIAL REMOTE CONTROL SETUP (Steps 1-6 are a one-time procedure.) 1. Plug your receiver into a 110 volt AC power source. The green power light on your receiver should illuminate or begin cycling on and off. Wait for the green light to turn solid. This may take up to two minutes. If it does not turn solid, power on your receiver using the front panel POWER button. GREEN POWER LIGHT RECEIVER FRONT PANEL 2. Plug in and turn on your TV.
DISH Network Remote Control 4. Press the SAT button on your remote control. 5. Press the RECORD button on your remote control. (You may see the remote address change on the screen.) 6. Press the SELECT button on your remote control to exit the System Info screen.
TAILGATER OPERATION The Tailgater requires an unobstructed view of the southern sky for signal reception. Be sure to place the Tailgater in a location free from obstructions such as trees, buildings, etc. (See page 3.) HAND-TIGHTEN COAX CONNECTIONS. OVER-TIGHTENING CAN DAMAGE CONNECTIONS. 1. Connect one end of the supplied RG6 coax cable to the coax port on the Tailgater. It is recommended you use only the supplied RG6 coax cable.
IN STEPS 3-8, DO NOT STAND OR WALK IN FRONT OF THE SIDE OF THE TAILGATER FACING THE SOUTHERN SKY. 3. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight the letter group that includes the first letter of the state you are currently in. Press SELECT on your remote. 4. Highlight the state you are currently in from the state menu. Press SELECT. 5. Verify “Scan” is highlighted. Press SELECT.
The scan will begin and may take up to several minutes to complete. This screen will display during the scan. 6 When the scan is complete, the “Acquiring Signal” message will display. Acquiring the signal may take up to 5 minutes to complete. 7. After your receiver has acquired the signal, the electronic program guide will download. This may take up to 5 minutes to complete. 8. Please call DISH Network at this time to authorize your receiver.
SECURITY The Tailgater can be secured to an object using a padlock and cable (not included) to prevent theft. PROPER CARE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT 1. Always handle the Tailgater product carefully. Do not drop the Tailgater. Avoid excessive shock or vibration to the Tailgater. 2. Use caution when carrying the Tailgater. Always carry the Tailgater by the handle. 3. Do not remove the cover of the Tailgater. Doing so is not recommended by the manufacturer and will void the Limited Warranty. 4.
TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom/Message Possible Cause Complete Signal Loss - 015 Obstructions to the Tailgater's view of the southern sky, such as tree branches, severe rain, etc. Coax cable not connected properly between your receiver and the Tailgater. No Satellites Found - 151 Obstructions to the Tailgater's view of the southern sky, such as tree branches, severe rain, etc. Coax cable not connected properly between your receiver and the Tailgater.
Symptom/Message Possible Cause Troubleshooting Your receiver has not yet acquired signal required to allow access to the electronic program guide. 1) Perform a check switch test: • Using your DISH Network remote, press MENU then 6-1-1. Highlight the Check Switch Button then press SELECT. • Highlight "Scan" then press SELECT. • Once your system has found its satellites, it may take a few minutes to download the electronic program guide and acquire signal before live TV appears.
Symptom/Message Possible Cause Troubleshooting Outside of Viewing Area - 120 Local channels may not be available if your receiver is not physically located at or near the address listed on your DISH Network account. N/A Local Channels Interrupted - 536 Local channels may not be available if your receiver is not physically located at or near the address listed on your DISH Network account. N/A Missing Channels The electronic program guide may not be set to "My Channels.
Symptom/Message Video Pixels / Audio Pops Possible Cause Troubleshooting Obstructions to the Tailgater's view of the southern sky, such as tree branches, severe rain, etc. 1) Make sure nothing is blocking the Tailgater's view of the southern sky, such as tree branches, severe rain, or other obstructions. 2) Unplug the power cord of your receiver for 10 seconds and plug it back in. It may take up to 5 minutes for your receiver to power back on.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY Every Tailgater portable antenna is thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory and is covered by the following one year parts limited warranty from the date of original purchase: One year parts warranty: The customer is not responsible for the cost of replacement parts if the original part is determined to be defective under the terms of the warranty. The customer is responsible for the cost of replacement parts after one year.
FCC GUIDELINES This device complies with Part 15, sub-part B, of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device must not cause harmful interference, and 2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
TM To subscribe to programming or for assistance with using the Tailgater, contact DISH Network Customer Service at www.dish.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
