Thread: Can I get C band with a Ku dish

Originally Posted by melgarga

Let me add to all the fine comments above Welcome to C Band!..well almost.....lol

The old adage size matters definitely applies here. No such thing as too big....well unless you are subjected to some premadonna HOA Gestapo tactics.

Choosing to support one of the site sponsors is always a good thing but I would like to believe that you could find a mesh dish in the 7.5-10' range with a bit of hunting and developing a "trained eye". If your passion for this increases (as usually is the case) you will end up with a bigger one eventually anyway (deed restrictions and spousal approval not withstanding).
The mini-bud projects are usually an exercise in "proof of concept" or out of necessity to comply with restrictions. (The FCC has really hung us out to dry drafting the 1m size limit and the HOAs eat it up.) Dont get me wrong I applaud the efforts of those who have made what should be impossible happen, but if you can go bigger then by all means do so.

I run polarotor driven dual-band (C and Ku) feeds on both my 7.5 and 10 footer, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Some prefer the 13/18v controlled LNBF over the legacy system, and you will find staunch support in both camps. If you are fortunate enough to locate a system free for the haulin' off, ask about the original analog C band IRD as well if you intend to use the legacy polarotor setup. That is a major (and justifiable) complaint by the LNBF camp, because there is not any polarotor control equipment, save the legacy IRDs commercially available. (There was mention of one in development a while back, but so far nothing has come of it AFAIK.)
I come from the analog days and keep a 4D sub so that is a non issue to me.

If you have an unobstructed "view" of the entire southern sky, and you are fortunate enough to come across a Birdview dish you may want to take the trouble to get it as it has an H-H actuator system. They are not generally a good choice for the 1st time C bander since they require some special attention to optimize performance, but drag it home anyway (pending spousal approval) because if you pass it up and it's gone by the time you get the hang of this you'll be kicking your own butt. There are several Birdview enthusiasts on the board, and you should have no problem getting assistance if/when the time comes.

So...take the wife, kids, whoever will go with you out "dish hunting". My 6 yo grand has spotted some I completely missed! Drive slow, look high, look low, look between houses and peer into back yards, and if you get pulled over for suspicion of "casing the neighborhood" be sure you dont have any unpaid parking tickets......lol.
Once you have canvassed an area re-run the route backwards. Point of view is everything. Stay aware of where south is (turns out pizza dishs actually are useful for something ) think - "If I were a C band dish, where would I be sitting/pointing" Take a camera. Keep a list......FIND THAT PERFECT DISH! It's out there.
When you get ready to take it down and put it back up/re-align it, there are some tips and tricks to that too, all available with a search, or if that isnt enough info by all means post your specific question(s).

Now...get out there and do some re-con soldier!

Yes there is a lot of c-band dishes to be had if any one in CT needs one just ask

Been a C-band dealer since 1982 Scott knows me

or just call my cell at 203 232 8888 diamondsatellite@snet.net