Social Feed
I wasn't sure where to post this but this forum seemed like a reasonable place.
I've got a buddy who gets TV from a dish and he recently moved leaving him with two satellite dishes that he was going to throw away. It seemed kind of weird to me to throw out a perfectly good satellite dish so I offered to take them off of his hands. So now I have 2 Dish 500 dishes that I have no real idea how to use or what to do with.
I had one friend suggest that I turn them into some kind of solar cooker, which would undoubtedly be pretty cool, but after doing some googling it looks like I might be able to receive some unscrambled satellite signals with one of these dishes. The only problem is that I know hardly anything about satellite communication/receiving. So far, all I've figured out is that I need some kind of receiver to decode the signals from the dish.
My questions:
-Is there is any FAQ or Sticky Thread for noobs that I have overlooked?
-I don't really have a fancy media center, I just use this computer I built awhile back. Would it be cheaper to buy some kind of stand-alone receiver or one of those TV tuner cards for a PC?
-I can't imagine I'd need two of the exact same satellite dish, do most people really throw these away or could I sell one of these?
-Will I end up sinking more money than it's worth into this silly idea?
I've got a buddy who gets TV from a dish and he recently moved leaving him with two satellite dishes that he was going to throw away. It seemed kind of weird to me to throw out a perfectly good satellite dish so I offered to take them off of his hands. So now I have 2 Dish 500 dishes that I have no real idea how to use or what to do with.
I had one friend suggest that I turn them into some kind of solar cooker, which would undoubtedly be pretty cool, but after doing some googling it looks like I might be able to receive some unscrambled satellite signals with one of these dishes. The only problem is that I know hardly anything about satellite communication/receiving. So far, all I've figured out is that I need some kind of receiver to decode the signals from the dish.
My questions:
-Is there is any FAQ or Sticky Thread for noobs that I have overlooked?
-I don't really have a fancy media center, I just use this computer I built awhile back. Would it be cheaper to buy some kind of stand-alone receiver or one of those TV tuner cards for a PC?
-I can't imagine I'd need two of the exact same satellite dish, do most people really throw these away or could I sell one of these?
-Will I end up sinking more money than it's worth into this silly idea?
10 Replies
·
1925 views
If you just want to see NASA and Angel One, then you'd need some RG6 cable with connectors, and any FTA receiver.
Of course if you ever want to grow in the hobby and get more interesting things, then you'd like to get a decent receiver...
Reason I phrase it that way, is because there is some junk on the market.
(more later)
Now, as to what you might grow into, here is a very simplified list of FTA satellites and you can get an idea of what is on them.
When you get to where you want better info, we also have TheList hosted here on SatGuys.
To get those stations, you'll need to be able to see their satellites, and for that, TheList has a calculator.
You put in your zip code and it will tell you where in the sky to aim for a given bird (how high and which direction).
You'll need a 30 - 36 inch dish (and it's better to err on the large side), along with a linear LNB.
There are good deals to be found on 36" dishes (example), and many LNBs go for $15..25.
The LNBs come in two types: Standard or Universal.
For getting started, either would be fine.
The LNBs on the Dish 500, are circular, and are specific to their purpose.
When our sponsors have excellent deals, we like to let folks know.
Two particularly desirable receivers are the Fortec Mercury II and the Visionsat IV-200.
And I don't just say that because I have both; I have both because it's true!
Look over the things I've linked above, and hopefully you'll be getting a feel for the hobby.
Oh, and welcome aboard ! - :up
Of course if you ever want to grow in the hobby and get more interesting things, then you'd like to get a decent receiver...
Reason I phrase it that way, is because there is some junk on the market.
(more later)
Now, as to what you might grow into, here is a very simplified list of FTA satellites and you can get an idea of what is on them.
When you get to where you want better info, we also have TheList hosted here on SatGuys.
To get those stations, you'll need to be able to see their satellites, and for that, TheList has a calculator.
You put in your zip code and it will tell you where in the sky to aim for a given bird (how high and which direction).
You'll need a 30 - 36 inch dish (and it's better to err on the large side), along with a linear LNB.
There are good deals to be found on 36" dishes (example), and many LNBs go for $15..25.
The LNBs come in two types: Standard or Universal.
For getting started, either would be fine.
The LNBs on the Dish 500, are circular, and are specific to their purpose.
When our sponsors have excellent deals, we like to let folks know.
Two particularly desirable receivers are the Fortec Mercury II and the Visionsat IV-200.
And I don't just say that because I have both; I have both because it's true!
Look over the things I've linked above, and hopefully you'll be getting a feel for the hobby.
Oh, and welcome aboard ! - :up
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSGt6dUXdnI
Direct YouTube Link - RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSGt6dUXdnI
Direct YouTube Link - RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
3 views
Why are ViP922s So rare? like its crazy how ebay has none, i checked everywhere, also, i got a ViP222k now, which is actually activated!
7 Replies
·
185 views
Staff member
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....
68534 Replies
·
2673227 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A_V4A_ne8wE
Direct YouTube Link - "You Can See Everything" Is 1 of the Century's Best #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A_V4A_ne8wE
Direct YouTube Link - "You Can See Everything" Is 1 of the Century's Best #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
8 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so...
Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...
Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...
5446 Replies
·
335524 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed
Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.
Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.
Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
2032 Replies
·
184015 views
Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV
Stargate SG-1 picks up where the blockbuster film left off as the SG-1 team sets out to explore the mysteries of the Stargate and the worlds beyond it in the pulse-pounding series which became a worldwide phenomenon and a science fiction classic. Stream Stargate SG-1 for free on Pluto TV.
pluto.tv
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beerzKBCSUo
Direct YouTube Link - Elon Musk's Wildest Demo Yet! Is It Real?
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beerzKBCSUo
Direct YouTube Link - Elon Musk's Wildest Demo Yet! Is It Real?
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
13 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
This is a thread that will keep you apprised of 4K events that will be showing on Dish channel 540. Keep looking here for information.
As of today, 9-27-17, there are no scheduled events posted for the next 2 weeks. That is subject to change on a daily basis.
As of today, 9-27-17, there are no scheduled events posted for the next 2 weeks. That is subject to change on a daily basis.
762 Replies
·
167240 views
Supporting Founder
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
151 Replies
·
1875 views
M
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
Yup, I agree, I'd rather be 2 or 3 till the last few weeks.They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.