SATLOOK NIT
Has anyone tried out the either of the following spec analysers please. I have been pleased with my CRT type Satlook NIT and am looking to get one of these.

Satlook MicroG2 NIT

Satlook Micro HD 8PSK

Are any of our sponsors going to stock them?

I saw earlier this month a question on the First Strike FS1 meter - has anyone used this yet?

I just check out the spectrum analyzer Satlook NIT on Sadoun web site and the Satlook Micro HD on a german website. They are very pricey for the average FTA hobbiest.

I guess you use it for work, I have read many of your replies to threads here on satelliteguys, and I take it that you travel overseas because you work as a satellite equipment installer.
Regards
Mike Lib

pedro,

Not all of the Satlook spectrum analyzer models are available in the USA. If you PM me and include your email address, I will check and get you a price on these too models.

Mike, I am inclined to agree with you on the price but having always used a spec analyser and for the last many years a Satlook I'm hoping the Micro G2 will be around the $450 mark.
This may sound a lot but it makes alignment so simple and accurate.
I read so many threads of unbelieveably hours of patience by FTA guys. I have nothing but respect for them as I just don't have that time or patience. I can only say alignment must be part of their hobby.
I've sent you a pm.



Sadoun, I've sent you a pm

I would agree. When one is used to a SA for alignment, it's hard to go back to what seems the stone age. One can waste a lot of time guessing with other techniques, but a SA shows in an instant what is right and what is wrong. My only problem is I like bench SAs and they aren't practical to drag onto a roof. So far I've worked around this by remoting the SA via a wireless laptop, but I am tempted from time-to-time to get a portable unit.

I haven't used an SA for alignment. I use a Birdog myself. I could live without it but I certainly prefer not to. It's just so much easier to put it the strap over my neck and use it to peak than to peer through a window, get the wife on the phone, or drag a receiver and a TV out there. And I can use it in the rain too. Can't do that with a TV.

An SA would be another order above though. If you've got the extra $$$, get the one with the most (read useful) features for sure.

__________________
Winegard 1M on a Sadoun DG380 HH motor at 63.5W
Winegard 7.5' BUD, 43W to 119W
AzBox Elite, Coolsat 5000, StarTrak 6 Analog
"Hey, what's that sound?" "Why, that'd be me." "Where's it comin' from .. on you?" "Why, that'd be my crotch." - The Edge 1991
Jenny - October 2, 1998 - October 3, 2009

For most installers a Super Buddy, SatHawk, or Birdog will do just fine. A SA will be best for a professional installation job for a commercial, government, or station installation.

I am not sure I entirely agree with you on this one, Alignment using a SA is clearly accurate and can fine tune to a weak TP whilst seeing the effect on the remainder.
I have noticed this is useful particularly where there are a group of sats in the "same" position and with varying footprints. A must in Europe.
I like to see SNR and BER bars especially to accurize the skew.
Whilst you get to recognize sats by their spectrum, and SAs generally read the sat NIT ID as opposed to comparison with software loaded TP info.

I am sure economy is a factor but some SAs are definately priced below super buddy

Pedro, don't get me wrong, I like the SA and would love to see more people have it. But talking from experience and sales numbers, the ratio is 20 to 1 for the other meters. Most installers don't want to buy an SA because they don't like its weight and the steps it takes to get a reading. Also, most installation companies demand from their installers to get the BIRDOG or the Super Buddy exclusively. At least this is the case here in North America. In other regions, the case might be different. I know in Europe installers like the SAs

Wow that ratio says it all and I would certainly agree on the weight. There is a bit of a learning curve with the SA but I think they are as easy to use.

Have you had a chance to see a F1 strike meter yet, or is this another hammer.