Social Feed

Main Feed My Feed
S
Snipr4x4
Last reply · posted in Cable Television and Fiber Providers

Satellite installer tools of the trade.

So what tools will I need I'm about to start working for a friend and wanted to start getting the required tools for typical DirecTV installs. I was a car stereo/Alarm installer before as well as a Service tech at a Honda dealership so I have a ton of various tools in my rollaways but I'll need to buy some for this new job.

which signal strength meters do you guys use & recommend ? I was told about the Birdog but its a bit pricey I may have to wait on that item.
Read more
13 Replies · 19753 views
Load Replies (13) Reply Legacy View
S
sateliteinstaller
I would def go for the BIRDOG, I have tried other meters but keep going back to my trusty BIRDOG. Also you want a go inclinomter. SUUNTO is one of the best, but also kinda pricey
Read more
Reply
kjlued
kjlued
The first thing anyone needs before getting in this field is a psych evaluation.
If you fail, you are probably insane enough to do it.

lol

Other then basic hand tools that most people have. (1/2" and 7/16" wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, etc)

I used the Acu22 when I did Wildblue because it was the only digital meter at the time that did WB and worked fine for Direct.
However, I would still recommend biting the bullet and buying the Birdog

Your ladders are more then sufficiently covered.
In fact, all I use is a 20 ft (little giant style Werner).
Goes from 5' to 9' a frame and up to 20' extension.
It also has a nice wide bottom so is very stable.
I get a little crap sometimes about how I need to get a 28 ft but the fact is, I have never walked a job because my ladder was too short unless it would have taken a 30-40' ladder.

Inclinometer is a must. Suunto as mentioned is the preferred one in the industry.
However, there are cheaper ones. But the few bucks saved may just not be worth it.

Cable toner or mapper (pretty cheap). You can get away without one if you want to plug receivers in and lick lines.
(don't do this with a power inserter unless you like pain lol)

Cordless drill (have spare battery)
Cordless impact (not a must but I wouldn't do the job without one and all those that I have convinced to get one has no idea how they got along for so long without it)

various dill bits wood/metal and concrete. Both long and short ones.
Flex bit

Post hole diggers and shovel

Fiber rods or fish tape (I prefer the fiver rods)

half a dozen hollow shaft aluminum arrows (yes I am serious).
Get them big enough to slide the cable in.
Cut the end off on a diagonal.
You can use them to run cables through hollow walls and find holes in floors without cutting away insulation

Various nut drivers both hand held and for the impact/drill
(Get hollow shaft for hand held ones)

There are tons of little tools and trick tools that different people use.
You will probably find yourself hitting the hardware store quit often in the beginning so set an extra couple hundred dollars aside for other tools and supplies.
Read more
Reply
N
noelmem1
accutrac pro 22 MKII

Snipr4x4 said:
So what tools will I need I'm about to start working for a friend and wanted to start getting the required tools for typical DirecTV installs. I was a car stereo/Alarm installer before as well as a Service tech at a Honda dealership so I have a ton of various tools in my rollaways but I'll need to buy some for this new job.

which signal strength meters do you guys use & recommend ? I was told about the Birdog but its a bit pricey I may have to wait on that item.
Click to expand...


I have a meter like this but the signal reading dips as a satellite is hit. Aftersales service said there is no problem with this meter . Well they should have made the meter min hold so at least it will be useful. I do not recommend the model . Meter is no good - at least the one I bought , aftersales assessment is no good .

noelmem1 - in Baguio City - Philippines.
Read more
Reply
N
noelmem1
finally got the meter working...the 22khz setting defaulting to OFF , with 22khz ON , now there is 3% increase in signal when the satellite NSS11 is hit, the analog peak meter is even better for shooting satellites than this. Get other meters .
Read more
Reply
kjlued
kjlued
I have had no issues with my Birdog other then that fact the ports kept coming lose.
I have had to pull it apart several times.
Others though do not seem to have this issue.
Read more
Reply
View all replies (13)
dfergie
dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk

Godzilla Minus Zero


View: https://youtu.be/n-NDYWPXpKg?si=hcI4ueMkFCreZ8Qq
Read more
3 Replies · 140 views
Load Replies (3) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: Foxbat
primestar31
primestar31
dfergie said:

View: https://youtu.be/n-NDYWPXpKg?si=hcI4ueMkFCreZ8Qq
Click to expand...

Wait, didn't this one come out a few years ago? It was all in Japanese. It was also VERY good!

OK, looked it up, that was Godzilla Minus One
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: dfergie and Foxbat
Bruce
Bruce
primestar31 said:
Wait, didn't this one come out a few years ago? It was all in Japanese. It was also VERY good!

OK, looked it up, that was Godzilla Minus One
Click to expand...
At theaters, only in Japanese, on Disc and Netflix, available in English.
Read more
Reply
Foxbat
Foxbat
New trailer has dropped:
​
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: primestar31
meStevo
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Volcanic Eruptions

Continuing the Kilauea thread in the Pub here. Perhaps the Iceland one too next time there's remarkable activity.

Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.

You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.

www.usgs.gov

Monitoring Data for Kīlauea

For more information on how electronic tiltmeters and GPS receivers help monitor the deformation of Kīlauea volcano, see the HVO Deformation page.
www.usgs.gov www.usgs.gov


View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4


Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.


View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
Read more
124 Replies · 3702 views
Load Replies (124) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: osu1991
Foxbat
Foxbat
Looks like Episode 55 is over at 09:00 HST, just under six hours. The USGS said the fountains reached 720' or 220 meters.
​
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: RaiderPower
Foxbat
Foxbat
The USGS Kīlaeua Webcam #1 has been showing overflows and doming from the North vent overnight. Maybe the volcanic plumbing has settled back into its two-three week cycle of fountaining?

But I do miss the little cinder cone that broke up in the last episode.
Read more
Reply
Foxbat
Foxbat
Sorry, I should have posted these earlier:

​

We're still waiting on the start of Episode 56.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: RaiderPower
Foxbat
Foxbat
At 08:01 HST 11/05/2026, the North Vent produced what I would call a "wet burp" after the precursory "pistoning" events, small amounts of lava pouring out of the vent for a few seconds to minutes and then everything recedes. There must have been a gas bubble holding thing back because two minutes later the lava started flowing out of the vent in all directions. Then, at 08:25, it stopped. What a tease! I thought this was how Episode 56 started.

About 12 minutes later at 08:38, the North vent once again started overflowing and picked up steam at 08:42. By 09:00, slight doming could be seen in the pool of lava in the vent. Surely this is it!

But, 09:50 and things wind down again. By 09:57 HST there's just fumes coming out of the vent. Phooey.

But then 10:00 comes and the heavy lava flows kick in again. This time seems like the real deal. At 10:30 HST there's little spurts of lava flying up in the air over the vent, but more from gas than a steady fountain of lava. This looks promising!

11:30 HST and the color of the lava is definitely hotter, and the intensity has picked up to a definite dome and precursor to fountaining. The USGS calls Episode 56 as officially starting at 12:10 HST:
Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-11-05 22:29:12 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Issued: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 12:29 PM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H514
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii

Summary: Episode 56 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 12:10 PM HST on November 5, 2026.

Volcanic Activity:
Episode 56 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 12:10 PM HST on November 5, 2026.

Lava fountain heights are relatively low at about 100 ft (30 meters), but will likely increase. Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate that winds are blowing from the northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: meStevo
Foxbat
Foxbat
​
Read more
Reply
View all replies (124)
BlackHitachi
BlackHitachi
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk

Last & Next Movie Watched

Since the Reds have there thread we should too!

Last watched Nine inch Nails
Next 3:10 to Yuma
Read more
5397 Replies · 511773 views
Load Replies (5397) Reply Legacy View
osu1991
dfergie
dfergie
osu1991 said:

View: https://youtu.be/0-p9SIKs1K8?is=CXuDXVPi5oT6t_b0


Barbara Hershey :heartbeat
Click to expand...

Last of the Dogmen is my favorite of hers.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: osu1991
"MysteryMan"
"MysteryMan"
Gone.webp
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: dishstaller, teachsac and Howard Simmons
osu1991
osu1991
Star Wars Despecialized Edition

IMG_0803.webp
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: long_time_Dish and dfergie
osu1991
osu1991

View: https://youtu.be/l3EMhIo1fVo?is=0sWWW9fevsF5tfSW


Small Soldiers (1998)
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: dfergie
dishstaller
dishstaller
Just watched Napoleon. Good night.....all of those young men dying for the egos of their leaders. Now we can kill at a distance, back then you saw the man you were killing eye to eye.
Read more
Reply
View all replies (5397)
comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum

Philo now offers discounted annual plan

Not sure saving $24/year is worth it unless you're a hardcore Philo user. I'll stick with monthly.

IMG_0351.webp
Read more
7 Replies · 235 views
Load Replies (7) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: Howard Simmons, Mr Tony and KAB
Jimbo
Jimbo
comfortably_numb said:
Not sure saving $24/year is worth it unless you're a hardcore Philo user. I'll stick with monthly.

View attachment 195247
Click to expand...
$24 for the Year, would be more useful.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Foxbat, FTA4PA and primestar31
Howard Simmons
Howard Simmons
Jimbo said:
$24 for the Year, would be more useful.
Click to expand...
But when you cancel you still have to watch until the plan runs out. With monthly you're done at the end of the month.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony, comfortably_numb and dishstaller
Jimbo
Jimbo
Howard Simmons said:
But when you cancel you still have to watch until the plan runs out. With monthly you're done at the end of the month.
Click to expand...
Sorry, my point was the expense.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: MikeD-C05, Howard Simmons and Foxbat
comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
Jimbo said:
$24 for the Year, would be more useful.
Click to expand...

Philo's monthly price is reasonable, IMO, because it's still the cheapest way I'm aware of to get all the linear Discovery networks AND access to the Discovery Go apps.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Howard Simmons
Jimbo
Jimbo
comfortably_numb said:
Philo's monthly price is reasonable, IMO, because it's still the cheapest way I'm aware of to get all the linear Discovery networks AND access to the Discovery Go apps.
Click to expand...
I guess if it was something I used on a regular basis, I suppose.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Howard Simmons
comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
In other Philo news..

IMG_0364.webp
Read more
Reply
Bobby
Bobby
comfortably_numb said:
In other Philo news..

View attachment 195293
Click to expand...
Oh boy, I can't wait! 😂
Read more
Reply
  • Haha
Reactions: Foxbat and comfortably_numb
K
klang
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

Rockford Files Reboot - NBC, Peacock

'Rockford Files' Reboot Gets NBC Pilot Order

I grow tired of all the reboots. Most I don't bother with but will depend on the actor chosen.
Read more
19 Replies · 756 views
Load Replies (19) Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: long_time_Dish, dfergie, Keith Brannen and 1 other person
long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
Yeah, I'll check it out as well, but shan't be holding my breath...It'll be tough to equal James Garner in that role...
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Foxbat
harshness
harshness
long_time_DNC said:
...It'll be tough to equal James Garner in that role...
Click to expand...
I can think of a few actors (including some females) who might fit the bill.

This will all depend on the storyline. I'm not sure how well it will translate. Modern TV hasn't been all that kind to PIs and even less kind to CIs (confidential informants).
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: long_time_Dish and Foxbat
K
klang
Premier is Saturday, Jan 2nd. Moving to Thursday on the 7th.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: long_time_Dish and osu1991
dfergie
long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
dfergie said:
Teaser

View: https://youtu.be/g7R669yokr4?is=wv_qN0B-YOBxRt24
Click to expand...

I wonder how they're/if they're going to do something like the answering machine message opening? It was always funny...
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: dfergie
View all replies (19)
osu1991
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
· posted in Movie Talk

The Man With The Bag (2026) Prime


View: https://youtu.be/PEVkJHLq4rQ?si=Cs2pQAy8FFngT9d1


December 2, 2026
Read more
0 Replies · 23 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: Foxbat and dfergie
osu1991
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
· posted in Movie Talk

Bad Day - Netflix


View: https://youtu.be/zHSYXDLH4io?si=ii_fgehv2a3rOBkA


Dec 11, 2026 Netflix
Read more
0 Replies · 29 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
  • Like
Reactions: Foxbat
M
MorCowbell
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Saved OTA list on Dish can't be appended

I have Dish with Hopper3. I choose to get local channels OTA and had a "guide list" established at my previous home. Having moved a few miles away, I wanted to update the list by appending a couple new stations via a rescan. As many would know, some stations come in with the UHF/VHF antenna aimed in one direction, while others come in better with a different direction.

Unfortunately, when a scan is done (bringing in 25-30 stations for that particular antenna aim), the dialog screen does not present the established guide list; it presents an empty field to the right that the scanned stations may be selected one by one and added to the empty guide. But because of antenna aim, some stations originally saved are missing, and would have to be retrieved with a different antenna aim. But as I explain, if a 2nd​ scan is done with a different antenna aim, the stations saved from the first scan are lost.

It troubles me that Dish didn't develop software that would allow a user to simply append only 1 or 2 channels to the established list. :mad:

Any thought on this? Has anyone experienced this or heard of this from others?
Read more
15 Replies · 521 views
Load Replies (15) Reply Legacy View
dishstaller
dishstaller
I could very well be wrong....it has been a LOT of years but back when I had a 722K it seemed like when you went back to the scan screen that you could just scan again and it would ADD those channels to the previous list or you could delete the previous results and only add the channels from the new scan.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
N
n0qcu
dishstaller said:
I could very well be wrong....it has been a LOT of years but back when I had a 722K it seemed like when you went back to the scan screen that you could just scan again and it would ADD those channels to the previous list or you could delete the previous results and only add the channels from the new scan.
Click to expand...
I am not sure about that but I do know that you could manually add additional channels just by entering the actual RF channel number and the older receivers would add the virtual channels to your list
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell
dishstaller
dishstaller
n0qcu said:
I am not sure about that but I do know that you could manually add additional channels just by entering the actual RF channel number and the older receivers would add the virtual channels to your list
Click to expand...
Like I said.....that has been many years ago. Swapped my 722K for a Hopper in 2012.

It does seem like I remember having to delete the existing channels when we did a rescan. Back then our local stations KEPT monkeying around with things and it was non-stop complaints from customers about their channels not coming in. Got so bad that I stopped selling OR installing OTAs....something I had been doing since 1984 so you know it HAD to be pretty bad.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Redbullsnation and charlesrshell
M
MorCowbell
You made one of my points for me with this comment, Dishstaller:

"... local stations KEPT monkeying around with things and it was non-stop complaints from customers about their channels not coming in ..."
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Redbullsnation, Almighty1, charlesrshell and 1 other person
dennispap
dennispap
dishstaller said:
I could very well be wrong....it has been a LOT of years but back when I had a 722K it seemed like when you went back to the scan screen that you could just scan again and it would ADD those channels to the previous list or you could delete the previous results and only add the channels from the new scan.
Click to expand...
I remember that also on my 722.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: dishstaller and charlesrshell
dishstaller
dishstaller
dennispap said:
I remember that also on my 722.
Click to expand...
Thanks.....has been too many years to remember clearly.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
Bobby
Bobby
Keep in mind that the 722 had a built in OTA tuner and the 722K had a plug in module for OTA. The Hoppers and Wallys use an add on USB OTA dongle. I believe they are entirely different.
Read more
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Foxbat, Almighty1, dishstaller and 1 other person
View all replies (15)
Linus Tech Tips
· posted in Linus Tech Tips

My F-You To Sam Altman

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/spXuvLHTIs4


Direct YouTube Link - My F-You To Sam Altman
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store
Read more
0 Replies · 23 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

watchOS 27.3 Beta - Siri Recap and Live Rewind Coming!

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MLSSmfls3w4


Direct YouTube Link - watchOS 27.3 Beta - Siri Recap and Live Rewind Coming!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
Read more
0 Replies · 14 views
Replies Reply Legacy View
Load More
Top
Back