Dish Network Dish

[FloridaPhilly]

I'm a brand newbie in the field of FTA. Didn't know it existed til recently. Now, I'm determined to learn about all this and get going on getting it for myself.
Ok, question....can a Dish Network dish, still mounted and still has the cables running to the house, be used for FTA? I have one leftover from a couple of years ago and since it's already there, thought I would ask. If so, what modifications would I have to make to make it operable?
Please remember "Newbie" when replying and use Layman's lingo.

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Anole]

There are several models.
One (out of 6 or 8 possibilities) can be re-aimed and put to work with little bother.
It would say something like,"Dish Network, SuperDish".

Give us more info or a picture.

 

[FloridaPhilly]

There are several models.
One (out of 6 or 8 possibilities) can be re-aimed and put to work with little bother.
It would say something like,"Dish Network, SuperDish".

Give us more info or a picture.

Thanks Anole. I'll take a picture of it tomorrow and post it..

 

[FloridaPhilly]

Here's a couple of pics of the Dish Network dish I am trying to see if I can use for FTA. All it says on it is DishNetwork 500.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Magic Static]

Unfortunately that one won't work for FTA. The LNBFs on that are circular polarization. You need a Linear LNBF. The dish itself is not really big enough for good KU reception.

 

[FloridaPhilly]

Thanks, Magic Static....Just my luck.
I'll have to find a good deal on a satellite somewhere. No hurry, though...still got a lot of reading/learning to do.

 

[Anole]

There is a wide gap between buying "the right stuff" new, and cobbling together from an "almost big enough" dish.
We support both ends of the spectrum.

On the "buy it" end, you couldn't do better than a 36" dish kit from SatelliteAV.
Find one of his posts, and click the eBay link in his signature.
Good dish. Good price. Comes with latest LNBF included.

At the other end, if you locate a particular model discarded DirecTV or Dish Network dish, just aim it and you are done.
The LNBF will work on FTA.
DirecTV: World Dish
Dish Network: SuperDish

Both are oval in shape and perform like a round dish of diameter roughly equal to the width of the oval.

Other recycled dishes of width or diameter above 30" can be outfitted with suitable LNBFs, to get started.
However, if you are buying a new dish, I couldn't advise in investing in anything under 36".


iPhone4

 

[FloridaPhilly]

What About Another Brand Dish

Besides the old Dish Network dish, I also have a DirecTV dish. I went from Dish to DirecTV and I'm still subscribed to them but the contract will expire this coming February. Can I use the DirecTV dish for FTA? Also, do I need to post a picture of it?
Thanks.

 

[KE4EST]

I am using a slim line for 125W right now....I assume you most likely have that one.

 

[FloridaPhilly]

I'm not really sure if it is or not. I think it only says DirecTV on it. I'll check to make sure tomorrow and let you know.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am SOO new to this and am trying to learn, but at this point I pretty much know nothing.
Thanks

 

[KE4EST]

Can you just run out with a flashlight tonight and let me know what it says on the dish, and is the dish bigger the the DISH dish? Is it an oval shaped dish?

 

[FloridaPhilly]

Can you just run out with a flashlight tonight and let me know what it says on the dish, and is the dish bigger the the DISH dish? Is it an oval shaped dish?

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you....
Ok, I did as you asked and besides DirecTV it says Multi-Satellite. I can't tell if it's bigger than Dish or not;DirecTV is pole mounted about 4 feet off the ground and Dish is mounted high up on the end of the garage so I can't really tell.
And yes, the DirecTV is oval shaped.

Thanks

 

[KE4EST]

Most likely is a slimline...and that you can modify for FTA....but soon after you get your feet wet you will want to get a bigger dish, but it is a good start...just get you a good receiver to start things out.
http://www.satelliteav.com/p/shop/?ws_pid=1593&ws_cat=446

 

[olliec420]

FloridaPhilly where are you in NW FL, i'm in northeast Pensacola, are you in the neighborhood?

 

[Tron]

The ones that have "Multi Satellite" on them are usually Phase III dishes, and are not suitable for FTA. The Slimline will have "Slimline" on it, and would still require modification (removal of the LNBF stack and replacement with a linear Ku-Band LNBF mounted using a conduit holder) to receive FTA.

 

[johann12]

I tried the TurboHd dish that dishnet left behind and a 500 from a friend.
With the TurboHd I am able to get over 200 channels on 97W or G19 satellite which is kinda hard to do for a beginner, but not impossible.
With the 500 it took me over 1 hour to get about 10 channels on the same satellite, this dish is way to small and extremely sensitive for the slightest movement or adjustment and for an beginner and to small for most satellite and channels for FTA, I just wanted to see the difference between a bigger and smaller dish.
Also, on both dishes I had to extend the LNBF-arm by 1-2 inches to get focal point right , using a linear LNBF.
Using a 36'' or bigger dish is recommended.

What kind of receiver did you want to use with it or do you have ?

 

[FloridaPhilly]

Yeah, I saw your Pensacola Beach avatar and knew I had a neighbor in this FTA. I'm over in Ft Walton Beach.

 

[FloridaPhilly]

The ones that have "Multi Satellite" on them are usually Phase III dishes, and are not suitable for FTA. The Slimline will have "Slimline" on it, and would still require modification (removal of the LNBF stack and replacement with a linear Ku-Band LNBF mounted using a conduit holder) to receive FTA.

Yes, I was afraid of that. Thanks

 

[FloridaPhilly]

There is a wide gap between buying "the right stuff" new, and cobbling together from an "almost big enough" dish.
We support both ends of the spectrum.

On the "buy it" end, you couldn't do better than a 36" dish kit from SatelliteAV.
Find one of his posts, and click the eBay link in his signature.
Good dish. Good price. Comes with latest LNBF included.

At the other end, if you locate a particular model discarded DirecTV or Dish Network dish, just aim it and you are done.
The LNBF will work on FTA.
DirecTV: World Dish
Dish Network: SuperDish

Both are oval in shape and perform like a round dish of diameter roughly equal to the width of the oval.

Other recycled dishes of width or diameter above 30" can be outfitted with suitable LNBFs, to get started.
However, if you are buying a new dish, I couldn't advise in investing in anything under 36".


iPhone4

Thanks for the info. I had hoped I would be able to use one of the 2 I already have, just to get started. But since that seems unlikely, I'll get a 36" as soon as I can.

 

[primestar31]

Go for this, and you'll never need anything else: http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.as...nt-(DS3100)&c=DIRECTV Dishes&sku=615798314699

$90 + $29 shipping. You probably can't find a 36" dish for that price, and this is a premium dish. Order quickly, because this price goes up and down $30 every few days depending on whether they include the wall mount or not. This is the low price, so no wall mount included. You can make one yourself, or put it on a ground pipe or larger motor (DG380 Sadoun.com)