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Out with the bad, in with the hopefully better. 
I took the spun aluminum down yesterday, and it is ready for the recycler.
A friend came down this afternoon, and we put up the 10" Perfect 10 dish (sorry Al). It went up pretty smoothly considering we put it together from scratch.
I didn't paint it or even clean it. I just used all the new parts that I had and threw it up. We strung it in several places, and everything is perfect.
What a change when setting the F/D and Focal length. I set the F/D at .38 (specs say .375). The Focal Length according to the book I got with it is supposed to be EDIT 44-5/8" measured distance. The book also says the calculated distance is 45", so I am a little confused about the book, but it will be really simple to move it in a little if necessary.
There are a few hail dents in the mesh, but I'm not concerned about that. I can get new mesh panels locally if I want to go to the trouble.
Here is a pic right now. Will take more after getting it tuned in.
Here's hoping for better SQ!
Fred
I took the spun aluminum down yesterday, and it is ready for the recycler.
A friend came down this afternoon, and we put up the 10" Perfect 10 dish (sorry Al). It went up pretty smoothly considering we put it together from scratch.
I didn't paint it or even clean it. I just used all the new parts that I had and threw it up. We strung it in several places, and everything is perfect.
What a change when setting the F/D and Focal length. I set the F/D at .38 (specs say .375). The Focal Length according to the book I got with it is supposed to be EDIT 44-5/8" measured distance. The book also says the calculated distance is 45", so I am a little confused about the book, but it will be really simple to move it in a little if necessary.
There are a few hail dents in the mesh, but I'm not concerned about that. I can get new mesh panels locally if I want to go to the trouble.
Here is a pic right now. Will take more after getting it tuned in.
Here's hoping for better SQ!
Fred
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That is exactly what I did. I started over from the beginning.
When I went up this morning, I told my wife that today was going to be the day that I finished it. She asked "what if it doesn't perform like you think it should"? I told her that I would blow it off the roof if it didn't.
Thank God it is finally over!!!
I did precisely what Mike told me to do. Took a flat piece of steel to lay across the elevation bar and put my protractor and got my exact elevation, then laid the same piece across the back of the mounting ring to get the total angle. Then set the declination just over 5 degrees of difference. I tightened that down and didn't touch it again.
I adjusted the center for best signal, then started taking readings. I moved the Focal Length back out to the farthest point and tried moving in with both .40 and .38 until I got the best readings across the arc. It still wasn't giving me much and in some cases I was losing ground.
About 3:00, I was on G17 and ONN, and sitting there wondering why it wasn't maxed out. I had been doing the push down, lift up, but it just wasn't giving me any indication of what it needed. I had already tried moving the assembly in the direction that gave me some improvement yesterday, but that didn't help. I usually always move the whole assembly from side to side while at the center to keep the dish steady. This time, I decided to make ONN max out while I was looking at it so I loosened up the bolts and swung the assembly until ONN was at 99% and locked it down.
That did the trick and from there on all the others fell in place after adjusting their positions from the twist.
Here are the numbers from the Pansat compared to yesterdays.
G15 133W C-Band 3747 H California Channel 45% SQ now at 45%
G27 129W White Springs Ku 10-15% SQ now 75%
G10 127W 11720 V is at 30% now at 90%
G11 91W 12060 V 45% SQ now at 45% as compensation for the ends better quality.
G11 91W C-Band 11720 H bouncing between 90-99% SQ now at a solid 90% reflective of the Ku numbers on that position.
G17 74W 11732 H ONN is now at 90% SQ 99%
AMC6 72W 12053 V satops mux 45% SQ now at 75%.
Tried AMC3 and couldn't even pull in Montana PBS. Montana PBS at 60% SQ
Tried AMC2 and couldn't get the test card digital or analog. got the AMC2 (AMC16) digital test card at 89% SQ and got the analog test card.
I set up a DBS satellite just to make sure the used DTV LNBF was working and it works fine.
I unhooked the Pansat and hooked up the Traxis just for comparison so here are it's numbers:
G15 133W C-Band 3747 H California Channel Pansat 70% - Traxis 70%
G27 129W White Springs Ku Pansat 45% - Traxis 74%
G10 127W 11720 V Pansat 90% - Traxis 72%
G11 91W 12060 V 45% SQ Pansat 45% - Traxis 63%
G11 91W C-Band 11720 H Pansat 90% - Traxis 77%
G17 74W 11732 H ONN Pansat 99% - Traxis 80%
AMC6 72W 12053 V satops mux Pansat 75% - I still couldn't get these to come in on the Traxis. Very Strange.
Tried AMC3 and couldn't even pull in Montana PBS. Montana PBS at Pansat 60% SQ - Traxis 73%
Tried AMC2 and couldn't get the test card digital or analog. Pansat 89% SQ - Traxis I forgot to write it down.
The Traxis meter readings are very strange higher on some and lower on others. It is not consistent.
So the F/D ratio is .38 and the Focal Length is 47-5/8". That is 1/4" inside the mouth of the wave-guide.
I would put the dish overall performance right up there with the Birdview and probably the number 2 spot of all 5 BUDS.
I am going to run the coax into the house tomorrow afternoon and I will have final pictures.
Thanks for everyone's help, and thanks to Mike Kohl for forcing me back to the basics.
Fred
T
Glad you got it Fred
I know my 12 foot Unimesh with just C band on it is touchy on C band because of the beamwidth but when you hit that sweet spot it smokes. May be related to your ku experience on a 10 foot. I think the mesh dishes aren't the best for Ku. A good solid offset will run rings around them. That's why Im using different dishes for different bands and always left my 12 foot for c band only. Years go I was going to put up a solid 6 foot for Ku but never did since other things in life took me away from the hobby and ku analog faded. I guess my original idea still are the best idea. Hence all my smaller ku dishes now.
I know my 12 foot Unimesh with just C band on it is touchy on C band because of the beamwidth but when you hit that sweet spot it smokes. May be related to your ku experience on a 10 foot. I think the mesh dishes aren't the best for Ku. A good solid offset will run rings around them. That's why Im using different dishes for different bands and always left my 12 foot for c band only. Years go I was going to put up a solid 6 foot for Ku but never did since other things in life took me away from the hobby and ku analog faded. I guess my original idea still are the best idea. Hence all my smaller ku dishes now.
T
My 12 foot has Ku mesh but I never upgraded the feedhorn Lnb for ku. The beamwidth is very tight on c band and Ku is 3 times more critical than c, so setting up ku could be a nightmare. As you saw with your 10 foot with a wider beamwidth.
I have found that a good offset like my Primestar 90cm will perform as well or outperform most mesh dishes on ku. Alot of it has to do as you said with mesh size and surface accuracy.
When your tracking the clark belt on a movable system you will never get 100% performance on all birds. While c band will be forgiving, Ku shows the limitations of your dish more. Due to tracking errors of the mount etc there will be some issue somewhere. The best thing to do is favor the arc where you watch tv the most and live with the marginal performance on some channels. If that one marginal channel is an important one to you? You may be better off to throw up an az-el offset for it and tweek it to the max. Probably will save you some headaches.
Anyway Im glad the Unimesh worked out. So when's the next project starting ??
My 12 foot has Ku mesh but I never upgraded the feedhorn Lnb for ku. The beamwidth is very tight on c band and Ku is 3 times more critical than c, so setting up ku could be a nightmare. As you saw with your 10 foot with a wider beamwidth.
I have found that a good offset like my Primestar 90cm will perform as well or outperform most mesh dishes on ku. Alot of it has to do as you said with mesh size and surface accuracy.
When your tracking the clark belt on a movable system you will never get 100% performance on all birds. While c band will be forgiving, Ku shows the limitations of your dish more. Due to tracking errors of the mount etc there will be some issue somewhere. The best thing to do is favor the arc where you watch tv the most and live with the marginal performance on some channels. If that one marginal channel is an important one to you? You may be better off to throw up an az-el offset for it and tweek it to the max. Probably will save you some headaches.
Anyway Im glad the Unimesh worked out. So when's the next project starting ??
I had several projects that I wanted to do this fall, but getting this fifth BUD up and running has been as you say, a "nightmare".
I still want to fine-tune the Pinnacle dish some more using the "Gold Ring" and Mike Kohl's procedure and I have the materials to do that but don't know if the weather will hold. A lot of great weather has already passed me by and we are at the time of the year here when it could become bad any time.
Last summer we had a storm pass through with a strong wind which cocked the Birdview on the 5-5/8" pipe that it sits on. The mounting cap was made for a 6" pipe and had a center bolt that came down from the top and screwed into the original mounting pipe that kept that from being possible. So I was holding mine on with the original 3 bolts which are pretty far apart with a 6" cap and they are along the bottom. The cap is also shorter than most because of the top bolt. I have since drilled out and inserted a total of 12 bolts in the cap. 6 around the bottom and 6 around the top. I adjusted it back as well as possible but need to hook up a receiver at the dish and re-peak it.
I also wanted to do some more multi-lnb experiments, but again time has passed me by.
And there is always dish hunting. I would like to find another 4 Birdviews and replace all my big dishes with them. (might not be possible in our area)
Though I do know where two are, it is just a matter of getting them eventually.I need to go dish hunting for a while while the leaves are off.
Fred
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Cutting Edge
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That is what I have to explain to customers all the time. They want it free with no ads
https://www.directv.com/insider/mysports-changes-the-game/
https://streamtv.directv.com/mysports/ (You might have to logout or open a private window to see the details)
As of now this is only available for streaming customers in select markets. Existing streaming customers can switch to it for $69.99, but they are not eligible for the $20 off for 3 months discount. More genre-specific packages will launch during the first half of the year.
https://streamtv.directv.com/mysports/ (You might have to logout or open a private window to see the details)
As of now this is only available for streaming customers in select markets. Existing streaming customers can switch to it for $69.99, but they are not eligible for the $20 off for 3 months discount. More genre-specific packages will launch during the first half of the year.
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HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
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Supporting Founder
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According to this article on The Verge, Videostrong Technologies based in Shenzen, China, placed a backdoor into 1.3 million of their devices and used this to deploy a botnet:
www.theverge.com
One of Google’s Android partners turned 1.3 million set-top boxes into a botnet
A manufacturer intentionally hijacked its Android TV devices.
www.theverge.com
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Someone's, need to neuter the red China's junk they keeps spewing out... 
How about they just neuter China ...Someone's, need to neuter the red China's junk they keeps spewing out...
Only, If they can make a coup on the Chinese government! 
Looks like this was just the latest in Android TV-based botnets. From last year on The Register:
www.theregister.com
Google sues 25 alleged BadBox 2.0 botnet operators
: Ads giant complains of damage to its reputation and finances ... and crime, too
Looks like this was just the latest in Android TV-based botnets. From last year on The Register:
Google sues 25 alleged BadBox 2.0 botnet operators
: Ads giant complains of damage to its reputation and finances ... and crime, too
"It's unlikely the suit will see any of the accused held to account, as they're in China and the Middle Kingdom seldom allows extraditions to the USA."
Just like all the other scams happening, they're overseas and beyond our juris-my-diction.
Staff member
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
Additional tabs provide:
OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
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954225 views
D
All 3 Circle City broadcasting local channels 6-ABC, 8-CW & 23-MNTV in Indianapolis, IN are being added to both sat & stream, if not already there:
thedesk.net
Circle City Broadcasting stations return to DIRECTV | TheDesk.net
The deal restores WRTV, the Indianapolis ABC affiliate, and two other stations that have been unavailable on DIRECTV's platform since 2019.
thedesk.net
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Didn't see a thread like this so I figured why not start one. This is about natural supplements. If you aren't into supplements, fine, but please let those of us who do want to discuss this discuss it.
The first one I wanted to mention has been a real life changer. I'm 62 and still do all of my own install work at my business....also do all the yard work at the house. A few years ago I started noticing that I was losing my range of movement, it was even getting hard to bend over and lace up my boots. Almost got stuck in an attic because I couldn't get turned around once the work was done. Didn't think much of it and figured with age comes stiffness that was only going to get worse as time went on.
It was then that I stumbled across a video which was discussing rotator cuff tears and why they were to prevalent these days. Turns out, the culprit is a simple deficiency in MANGANESE which is key in keeping your tendons flexible. Most anti-biotics strip your body of any manganese it might have had which is why certain anti-biotics, especially those in the Cipro family. I actually knew a man who had two tendons tear while on that stuff.
Went to Amazon and ordered some manganese. Now it took a while, it wasn't instant, but gradually I have regained all of my flexibility. I can bend over and touch my toes while standing with no pain and putting on my boots is no longer a chore.
Pretty cheap too. The bottle I ordered was a 200 ct for under $13. They said to take double the normal dose for the first month because most people are severely lacking, then go to one a day.
The first one I wanted to mention has been a real life changer. I'm 62 and still do all of my own install work at my business....also do all the yard work at the house. A few years ago I started noticing that I was losing my range of movement, it was even getting hard to bend over and lace up my boots. Almost got stuck in an attic because I couldn't get turned around once the work was done. Didn't think much of it and figured with age comes stiffness that was only going to get worse as time went on.
It was then that I stumbled across a video which was discussing rotator cuff tears and why they were to prevalent these days. Turns out, the culprit is a simple deficiency in MANGANESE which is key in keeping your tendons flexible. Most anti-biotics strip your body of any manganese it might have had which is why certain anti-biotics, especially those in the Cipro family. I actually knew a man who had two tendons tear while on that stuff.
Went to Amazon and ordered some manganese. Now it took a while, it wasn't instant, but gradually I have regained all of my flexibility. I can bend over and touch my toes while standing with no pain and putting on my boots is no longer a chore.
Pretty cheap too. The bottle I ordered was a 200 ct for under $13. They said to take double the normal dose for the first month because most people are severely lacking, then go to one a day.
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I bought the fixed color version of these bulbs for my store several years ago...work great and no more replacing ballast. Finally had one go out and when I went back to Amazon I saw that now they come in selectable versions so no more guess work as to what color light would do best in a certain area. They are now double OR single ended...used to be strictly one way or the other. If any of you are looking at replacing the old style 4 or 8 ft bulbs, you might want to give these a try. The 8 footers are BRIGHT. I put 5 in my shooting/target shed and you can get a decent tan if you are in there long enough.
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Marques Brownlee
Time for another AWESOME video from Marques Brownlee!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x58r9TBois
Direct YouTube Link - Meta VR Glasses: What Vision Pro 2 COULD Have Been!
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x58r9TBois
Direct YouTube Link - Meta VR Glasses: What Vision Pro 2 COULD Have Been!
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store
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Supporting Founder
Pub Member / Supporter
Apple Fall Hardware Event takes place today, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET. It marks the debut of new CEO John Ternus and the expected reveal of Apple's first foldable phone.
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S
when was the last time they innovated something
I'd probably say when they came up with their M-series of processors with integrated memory. That allowed Apple to get away from the inefficient Intel CPUs that were limiting their notebook computers.when was the last time they innovated something
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6UJXAJfomcE
Direct YouTube Link - Apple's Q4 2026 Earnings Report
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6UJXAJfomcE
Direct YouTube Link - Apple's Q4 2026 Earnings Report
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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