Hard-wiring Satellite Dish Elevation Display |
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A common complaint with the Winegard DM4000 satellite dish elevation indicator is that it likes to eat up 9-volt batteries. Even though the display shuts off after several seconds, a battery would last only a short time. The indicator is designed to operate from either 9-volt or 12-volt power sources. Being not a great wizard with a soldering iron, I contacted Winegard and they kindly provided, free of charge, the 12-volt plug that fits into the black jack on the right in the photo. (The left jack is the 3-pin connector for the wiring from the dish). |
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I was able to snake a pair of power wires through the ceiling hole and then down to the area behind the TV where I have my "media/comm center" controls. I wired it into the 12V regulated power supply that I use for the TV, so that it receives power only when the TV is on. I soldered the short leads from the Winegard connector to my power wires, and of course, taped them before stuffing them up into the ceiling. |
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If you compare this picture with the one above, you'll see a slight difference: I had to cut a small notch in the ceiling to accomodate the new connector. A Dremel tool worked nicely for this. When mounted, the displate plate covered the notch. |
