spares 'n backups
what parts should you have on hand?
A couple of years ago when I found a good price on some little LNBs, I was annoyed the shipping was so high.
So, I calculated how many I'd have to buy to amortize the shipping and get the total down to something reasonable.
It turned out to be six LNBs. -

I figured I'd use a few, and seed a few friends with one each.
It worked out quite well for three buddies, and the $6.95 Universal LNBs were a real steal!
Oh, you'll love this one. -

Over the last two years, I've bought two C-band LNBF's in anticipation of the day I went low band!
I have both the
bandstacked B1 from Sadoun, and the
CK-1 dual-band from SatelliteAV!
Now, I might have a BUD on the way real soon, but I've been prepared for about a year!
Last Thanksgiving (2007), SatelliteAV had Svideo and Composite video/audio cables for about a quarter each.
A buddy and I split $8 or $10 worth.
Not only can I find one when I need it, but I can find one to help a friend, too! - :up
HDMI and Component cables aren't quite so cheap, but when I find a deal, I make sure I have a couple of spares.
'Cause, if you wake up one day and need one, ya don't want to be spending $25+ to buy it! -
SatAV also had diseqc switches on sale, and I think I bought a dozen spares.
Plus, I use DP34 switches for some equipment, and have one or two backups.
My main FTA receiver has a 500gb external USB hard drive.
But, I started out using some low power 2½" drive based 60gb units.
I still have 'em around, and if need be, could press one into service.!
Found a deal on optical cables, and got some spares for less than a buck a foot.
Not expecting mine to fail, but if I get some new equipment that needs more, I'll be ready.
Have numerous hardware stores nearby.
So, LNB mounting brackets, bolts, washers, nuts are not a big problem.
But, I recall reading a post by someone who lives an hour's drive from such places, and you can never have too many spares in that department!
I actually have a spare FTA receiver, should it be needed.
That wasn't on purpose - I just didn't get it going in the bedroom, yet.
And, since its IR remote conflicts with the main receiver, I can't have both in the living room. -
As for computers, I have four that are operational.
And they're all networked, so they share files 'n printers.
Other than not having a DVD burner in my laptop, I can get by with any of them.
The other three, each have two DVD burners, and I smoke up two discs at once when I make 'em.
Needless to say, I stockpile blank printable DVDs, paper sleeves, DVD cases, printer ink, spare USB cables, et al.
They're all available at local computer swap meets, monthly.
. . . oops, I think I've said too much! - :tux: