DISH Tailgater VQ4900 User manual

To subscribe to programming or for assistance with using the
DISH Tailgater Pro, call 1-800-963-DISH (3474).
This manual contains detailed information on your DISH Tailgater Pro.
To start using your DISH Tailgater Pro right away,
see the Quick Reference Guide.
VQ4900 Owner’s Manual
Designed and Manufactured by
For use with ViP®Receivers

Page 1
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
To provide ongoing technical support and to better
facilitate warranty processing, please register your product
at kingconnect.com/support/product-registration.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................2
DISH TAILGATER PRO PACKAGE CONTENTS ......................................2
APPLY RUBBER FEET TO ANTENNA UNIT .........................................3
ABOUT SIGNAL LOSS ..........................................................3
ABOUT SATELLITE TV RECEPTION ..............................................4
CONNECT RECEIVER TO TV ....................................................4
DISH TAILGATER PRO SETUP ...................................................5
DISH TAILGATER PRO OPERATION WITH NEW AND UNACTIVATED RECEIVER........6-9
DISH TAILGATER PRO STANDARD OPERATION ................................10-12
SECOND RECEIVER OPERATION ............................................14-15
PROPER CARE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT ..........................................16
SECURITY ..................................................................16
ACCESSORIES ...........................................................16-17
ROOF INSTALLATION ......................................................18-21
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................22-25
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................26
FCC GUIDELINES ............................................................27
HDMI is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing L.L.C.
DISH, Tailgater and ViP are registered trademarks of DISH Network L.L.C.
KING and Dome Magic are registered trademarks of Electronic Controlled Systems, Inc.

Page 2
DISH TAILGATER PRO PACKAGE CONTENTS
Thank you for choosing DISH and the premium DISH Tailgater Pro Portable HDTV System!
You are about to experience the excitement of DISH satellite television programming and the
convenience of the DISH Tailgater Pro portable antenna, which delivers the very best HD picture and
sound quality wherever you go.
NEW AND UNACTIVATED RECEIVERS: First-time use of your DISH Tailgater Pro should be at a
location with good phone service, as you will need to call DISH to activate your receiver (page 9).
INTRODUCTION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Please read this Owner’s Manual thoroughly before using the DISH Tailgater Pro.
2. Keep this Owner’s Manual and the included Quick Reference Guide in a safe place for future
reference.
3. Follow all instructions and warnings. Set up and operate the DISH Tailgater Pro in accordance
with the instructions.
4. Do not power wash the DISH Tailgater Pro. Do not submerge the DISH Tailgater Pro or place
in standing water. Hand wash only with mild soap and water. See page 16 for additional care
instructions.
5. Do not operate near any indoor or outdoor heat source such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, barbecues, campres, or other items that produce heat.
6. Servicing may be required if the unit has been dropped or damaged in any way or if the unit
does not operate normally. Call KING Customer Service at [phone].
7. Tighten all of the coax cable connections only by hand. If you use a wrench, you may
overtighten the connections and damage your equipment.
8. To avoid risk of electric shock, unplug your receiver before connecting the DISH Tailgater Pro in
damp or wet conditions.

Page 3
APPLY RUBBER FEET TO ANTENNA UNIT
ABOUT SIGNAL LOSS
OBSTRUCTIONS
The DISH Tailgater Pro requires an unobstructed view of the southern sky for the best signal
reception.
Be sure to place the DISH Tailgater Pro in a location free from obstructions such as people, trees,
buildings, vehicles, etc. This will allow for the strongest signal and will help prevent any interruption to
your programming. Point the handle approximately north to speed up scan time.
RAIN AND SNOW FADE
Though rare, heavy rain, snow, or dense cloud cover can reduce the satellite signal, which may
interrupt your programming. Your programming should return as conditions improve.
DO NOT BLOCK THE DISH TAILGATER PRO’S LINE OF SIGHT
TO THE SATELLITES IN THE SOUTHERN SKY AT ANY TIME!
PLACE DISH TAILGATER PRO ON A REASONABLY LEVEL SURFACE.
IMPORTANT!
If you move the antenna unit any
time during or after a scan, you will
have to repeat the scan process.
IMPORTANT!
Do not apply rubber feet if roof mounting the antenna unit.

Page 4
1. Connect your DISH HD Solo Receiver (ViP211z, ViP211k, ViP211, 411)*to your TV using the
best connection type supported by your TV. (See your TV owner’s manual for its connection
options. Connection type and location may vary by model.)**
DO NOT PLUG IN OR TURN ON RECEIVER AT THIS TIME.
*Receiver models compatible with the DISH Tailgater Pro may change. This list may not be complete.
Please visit kingconnect.com/dish-receivers for the most up-to-date receiver information.
** Your receiver may also have standard-denition “TV SET OUT” and “S-VIDEO” ports,
and high-denition “COMPONENT” ports to view video. See your receiver’s Owners Manual for more information.
Images shown may vary by receiver model.
Satellite television uses satellites in a geostationary 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 DISH Tailgater Pro 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. The DISH Tailgater Pro will automatically nd and then switch between satellites as
you change channels to offer you the ideal viewing experience.
Due to the low look angle for the 129 satellite in the northeastern region of the United States, you may
experience difculty viewing programming from the 129 satellite while in this area. (Programming
from the 110 and 119 satellites should still be available.)
ABOUT SATELLITE TV RECEPTION
CONNECT RECEIVER TO TV
HDMI®Cable
(High-Denition Connection)
OR
Composite Cables
(Standard-Denition Connection)
Back of DISH ViP211z Receiver
Compatible receiver models
on KING website

Page 5
The DISH Tailgater Pro requires an unobstructed view of the southern sky for signal reception. Be
sure to place the DISH Tailgater Pro in a location free from obstructions such as trees, buildings, etc.
(See page 3.) Point the handle approximately north to speed up scan time.
1. Connect one end of the supplied RG-6 coax cable to the MAIN port on the DISH Tailgater Pro
and place in position. It is recommended you use only the supplied RG-6 coax cable.
2. Connect other end of the supplied RG-6 coax cable to the SATELLITE IN port on your receiver.
DISH TAILGATER PRO SETUP
• Do not put the DISH Tailgater Pro where it can be bumped, knocked over or struck by a person or vehicle.
• Do not put the DISH Tailgater Pro near any heat sources.
• Do not route coax cable where it can be tripped on or run over by a vehicle.
• Do not overtighten coax cable connections.
• Do not put sharp bends or kinks in coax cable.
NOTE: Place the DISH Tailgater Pro on a stable and reasonably level surface with a clear view of the southern sky.
When placing the DISH Tailgater Pro in position, be sure surface is dry and free of loose dirt or sand.
HANDTIGHTEN COAX. OVERTIGHTENING CAN DAMAGE CONNECTIONS.
3. 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. (On “z” models,
this is located behind the door panel.)
4. Plug in and turn on your TV.
In your TV’s input selection menu, choose the input that matches the connection from your
receiver. (Example: If using an HDMI cable from your receiver, choose the HDMI input on your
TV.) See your TV owner’s manual for details.
Front of ViP211z receiver with door open

Page 6
WHILE IN USE, DO NOT BLOCK THE DISH
TAILGATER PRO’S LINE OF SIGHT TO THE
SATELLITES IN THE SOUTHERN SKY AT ANY TIME!
IMPORTANT!
If you move the antenna unit any
time during or after the scan, you
will have to repeat the scan.
IF YOUR RECEIVER IS NEW AND UNACTIVATED, START HERE.
Otherwise go to STANDARD OPERATION on page 10.
DISH TAILGATER PRO OPERATION WITH NEW AND UNACTIVATED RECEIVER
NEW AND UNACTIVATED RECEIVER
IMPORTANT!
Your TV screen may look different from what is shown in this manual.
Screen information may vary depending on choices you make during the setup process.
For best results, follow the on-screen instructions.
MAKE SURE TO INSTALL THE BATTERIES IN THE RECEIVER’S REMOTE
CONTROL (INCLUDED WITH REMOTE CONTROL).
1. Point your receiver’s remote at the front of
the receiver and press SAT.
Press RECORD.
When a number appears in the box,
verify “Continue” is highlighted.
Press SELECT on your remote.

Page 7
NEW AND UNACTIVATED RECEIVER
The Portable Antenna Setup screen
will display.
2. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to
highlight the letter group that includes the
rst letter of the state you are currently in.
Press SELECT.
3. Highlight the state you are currently in
from the state menu.
Press SELECT.
4. Verify “Scan” is highlighted.
Press SELECT.
The scan will begin and may take up to
several minutes to complete.

Page 8
NEW AND UNACTIVATED RECEIVER
The receiver will download software
for the DISH Tailgater Pro.
This step may take 20-25 minutes.
5. The receiver will reset and the Mobile
Antenna Setup Screen will appear.
Repeat steps 2-4 to start
a second scan.
The unit will scan a second time.

Page 9
NEW AND UNACTIVATED RECEIVER
When the scan is complete, the
Acquiring Signal message will display.
Acquiring the signal may take up to 5
minutes to complete.
6. After your receiver has acquired the signal,
it is ready to be activated. To activate
service call 1-800-963-DISH (3474).
After your receiver is activated,
the electronic program guide will download.
This may take up to 10 minutes to complete
(potentially longer if an external hard drive
is connected).
This completes the setup for new receivers. You may now use
DISH TAILGATER PRO STANDARD OPERATION starting on the next page for subsequent use.
1-800-963-DISH (3474)

Page 10
DISH TAILGATER PRO STANDARD OPERATION
WHILE IN USE, DO NOT BLOCK THE DISH
TAILGATER PRO’S LINE OF SIGHT TO THE
SATELLITES IN THE SOUTHERN SKY AT ANY TIME!
IMPORTANT!
If you move the antenna unit any
time during or after the scan,
you will have to repeat the scan.
IF YOUR RECEIVER IS NEW AND UNACTIVATED, MAKE SURE TO
DO THE FIRST-TIME SETUP PROCEDURE ON PAGES 6-9 FIRST.
STANDARD OPERATION
IMPORTANT!
Your TV screen may look different from what is shown in this manual.
Screen information may vary depending on choices you make during the setup process.
For best results, follow the on-screen instructions.
After connecting and turning on your equipment as instructed in DISH TAILGATER PRO SETUP, the
Mobile Antenna Setup screen will display. (It may take up to two minutes to display.)
Note: If the Mobile Antenna Setup screen does not display, press MENU, 6, 1, 1 on your
remote. Highlight the “Check Switch” button then press SELECT on your remote.

Page 11
STANDARD OPERATION
1. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to
highlight the letter group that includes the
rst letter of the state you are currently in.
Press SELECT on your remote.
2. Highlight the state you are currently in
from the state menu.
Press SELECT.
3. 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.

Page 12
STANDARD OPERATION
4. When the scan is complete, the
Acquiring Signal message will display.
Acquiring the signal may take up to 5
minutes to complete.
OPERATING NOTES:
When in the northeastern United States, television programming from the 129 satellite may not be
available (see page 4).
If your system is inactive for an extended period of time, you may have to call DISH Customer Service
at 1-800-333-DISH (3474) to reauthorize your receiver.
If your receiver has not been used for awhile the 013 error message may appear.
Call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) and follow the prompts to reauthorize your receiver.
Note that if channel 101 appears, scroll channel up or down to make sure 013
error message does not appear.
You can view your programming when your receiver has been authorized and the
guide has nished downloading.
IF YOU MOVE THE DISH TAILGATER PRO, YOU WILL HAVE TO REPEAT STEPS
1-5 TO REACQUIRE THE SATELLITES AND RESTORE PROGRAMMING.
5. After your receiver has acquired the signal,
the electronic program guide will download.
This may take up to 10 minutes to complete
(potentially longer if an external hard drive
is connected).

Page 13
This page intentionally left blank.

Page 14
SECOND RECEIVER OPERATION
INITIAL SETUP FOR SECOND RECEIVER
1. With the antenna locked on the satellite
and the second receiver connected to the
antenna unit’s AUX port coax, use your
DISH remote control and press
MENU, 6, 1, 1to display the
Point Dish screen.
2. Use the arrow buttons on the remote
to highlight “Check Switch.”
Press SELECT on your remote.
See the next page for downloading programming to the second receiver.
3. Verify “SuperDISH” and “Alternate”
are not selected.
Verify “Test” is highlighted.
Press SELECT on your remote.
4. When test is complete, highlight “Save.”
Press SELECT on your remote.
Antenna locked on
and
receiver connected!
Receiver sold separately.

Page 15
DOWNLOADING PROGRAMMING TO THE SECOND RECEIVER
After completing the steps on the previous page, reset the second receiver by pressing the
POWER button on the front panel for 10 seconds. The TV picture will go away and should
reappear within two minutes.
The receiver will then download the program guide to show only the channels available on the
current satellite as determined by the channel selected on the main receiver. Downloading the
new program guide can take up to ve minutes to complete.
The channels available on the second receiver are determined by the channel/satellite selected on
the main receiver. For example, if you select a channel on the main receiver that is broadcast from
the 119 satellite, then the second receiver will be able to view any channel broadcast from the 119
satellite.
If you switch channels on the main receiver to one that is broadcast from a different satellite, (for
example, your channel was broadcast from satellite 119 but your new channel is broadcast from the
110), the antenna will automatically switch to the 110 satellite and programming will be lost on the
second receiver until you either:
• Select a channel on the main receiver that is broadcast from the previous satellite (satellite
119 in this example).
(or)
• Reset the second receiver by following INITIAL SETUP FOR SECOND RECEIVER
(on previous page) to download the program guide for the newly selected satellite
(satellite 110 in this example).
NOTE: If you choose a channel on the main TV that causes the antenna to switch satellites, you may have to run a
check switch on the second receiver.

Page 16
PROPER CARE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT
SECURITY
1. Always handle the DISH Tailgater Pro carefully. Do not drop the DISH Tailgater Pro. Avoid excessive shock or
vibration to the DISH Tailgater Pro.
2. Use caution when carrying the DISH Tailgater Pro. Always carry the DISH Tailgater Pro by the handle.
3. Do not remove the cover of the DISH Tailgater Pro without authorization. Doing so will void the Limited Warranty.
4. Do not stack the DISH Tailgater Pro on top of or below other electronic devices as this can cause heat build-up or
block the satellite signal from reaching the DISH Tailgater Pro.
5. Never power wash the DISH Tailgater Pro. Keep the enclosure clean from dirt, bugs, and other debris by hand
washing with mild soap and water.
6. Do not coat or paint the DISH Tailgater Pro with any substance. KING Dome Magic® (KING #1830-SP) may be
applied to the DISH Tailgater Pro to help keep snow and rain from building up on the surface.
The DISH Tailgater Pro has been designed to be maintenance and trouble free. If not using the DISH Tailgater Pro for
long periods of time, it is recommended that you set up the system on a quarterly basis (every three months) to keep all
moving parts of the DISH Tailgater Pro in good working order.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact KING Customer Service at [phone], or by email
at [email protected].
The DISH Tailgater Pro can be secured to an object
by looping a cable thru the handle.
NOTE: The optional KING AL1000 Alarm
is also available (see next page).
Cable sold separately.
Allows you to position
your DISH Tailgater
Pro almost anywhere
for best line of sight
to satellite. Keeps
antenna off the
ground away from
moisture.
DISH Tailgater Pro
ts securely inside.
Features include
zippered cover, foam
padding, carry handles
and pockets for
cables, receiver and
remote.
TR1000
Tripod Mount
CB1000
Carry Bag
DISH Tailgater Pro not included. DISH Tailgater Pro not included.
ACCESSORIES (Sold separately - see kingconnect.com/products/accessories)

Page 17
ACCESSORIES (Sold separately - see kingconnect.com/products/accessories)
The KING AL1000 Alarm goes in-line between your
powered receiver and the DISH Tailgater Pro.
It will sound an alarm if the coax is
disconnected from the DISH Tailgater Pro.
(Not for use when a second TV and receiver are connected to AUX port.)
AL1000
Alarm
DISH Tailgater Pro not included.
Allows hanging of antenna unit on vehicle
window or included hanger bracket.
For stationary use only.
Vehicle must not be in motion while antenna
unit is on window or hanger bracket.
MB500
Mounting Bracket
DISH Tailgater Pro not included.
The DISH Tailgater Pro is not compatible
with the MB100 Mounting Bracket.
Use of the MB100 will void warranty.
The use of any unauthorized
mounting bracket will void warranty.
MB160
Mounting Bracket
DISH Tailgater Pro not included.
Allows you to easily use
your DISH Tailgater Pro
as either a roof-mounted
or portable antenna.
The MB600 removable mounting feet allow semipermanent
mounting of your DISH Tailgater Pro on your vehicle roof.
MB600
Removable
Mounting Feet
MB700
Quick Release
Roof-Mount Kit
DISH Tailgater Pro not included.
DISH Tailgater Pro not included.

Page 18
1. Make sure you have the following tools and materials before starting.
ANTENNA UNIT LOCATION (see illustration on next page)
2. Select an area on the roof for the antenna unit and the location where the wiring will enter the
vehicle through the roof to the satellite receiver inside using the following criteria:
• A shorter distance between the antenna unit and the satellite receiver is most desirable.
• Make sure you have enough room to mount the antenna unit.
• The antenna unit should be mounted on the center line of the vehicle, and not tilted more than 2
degrees in any direction.
• There must be no “line of sight” obstructions. Air conditioning units, other antennas, and
storage areas that are too close to the antenna unit may prevent the satellite signal from
reaching the antenna unit.
• Mount the antenna unit with the handle to rear of the vehicle.
NOTE: Many RVs are prewired with RG-6 coax cable for satellite antennas. Contact the manufacturer of your RV or
your local dealer to verify where this cable is located.
If prewired, run the existing coax cable from the prewired location in the roof to the antenna unit. When
choosing the antenna unit location, make sure the prewiring will reach the antenna unit.
ROOF INSTALLATION
Optional Installation Accessories
(see page 17)
MB600 Mounting Feet: Allows you to
semipermanently mount the antenna unit.
MB700 Roof-Mount Kit: Allows you to
easily use the DISH Tailgater Pro as either
a roof-mounted or portable antenna.