TAILGATING 401 - The Tailgaters Guide to Electronics, Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Outdoor TV

When we first discussed the idea of a tailgate party in 2003, I was skeptical. “Sure it sounds fun, but how can I watch the other games of the day on TV if we're out in some stupid parking lot?” I asked. Little did I know that technology has blessed us with the ability to be a couch potato anywhere, even at a tailgate party! Now the anti-social and the football degenerates can gather around the TV (HD, of course) and watch games, as if they were sitting at home alone!

This section provides you with all you need to know to successfully run your tv & satellite at your tailgate party.

Here's what you will need:

1. Television (uhhh, obviously)
2. Deep Cycle Marine Battery (more than one, preferably)
3. Power Inverter
4. Dish Network / DirecTV receiver, with all required cables, etc. for hookup
5. Dish Network / DirecTV satellite dish and tripod (purchased or homemade)

This guide will assume that you already know how to complete elementary tasks such as hooking up your receiver to your TV, etc. If you don't know how to do that, ask a friend.

Here is the setup that we use:

HD Dish Setup
Power - Marine Battery Marine Cranking Amps: 875 Cold Cranking Amps: 675

We usually have 4 of these for any tailgate...we usually go through 2 or 3 in 10 hours of tailgating. We have four just in case. They are rechargable, so charge 'em up during the week so they are ready for gameday!

Inverter - Vector: 700 watt or Black & Decker: 750 watt

DishNetwork HD - Dish: Dish 500+ or 1000+ Triple LNBs – Satellites 110, 119, and 129 Receiver: VIP211 HD

The power and inverters should be available at any store that provides such things. We run a 37" LCD TV, a Dish receiver, and some rope lights, all day long.

You need something to prop up your dish. You can purchase a portable tripod. Make sure that the one you buy is compatible with whatever dish you use. Set the tripod and dish up on a level surface. Before your first tailgate, make sure you know the angle / azimuth you need to find, as well as the general direction towards which the satellite requires a clear view. Nothing stinks more than being ready, only to find a forest of trees blocking your dish from its intended satellite!