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Backwoods Montana

Last reply Mar 27, 2009 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Some real basic questions before I buy...

OK , I'm new at this and I've tried to make sense out of all of the jargon and abbreviations, types and bands, azimuths and etc.

I'm disgusted with Dish Network, don't much care for most of the commercial network stuff anyway, so I want to get rid of it and get FTA. Since I watch Montana PBS most of the time, and it's available FTA, I guess this is a good way to go. Just in case my wife wants to watch something different, it's probably a good idea to get something to switch to a different satellite. We like the ability to record, skip back on live TV, and watch HDTV. For the record, I'm in rural western Montana, and have a pretty good view of the southern sky within 50 ft and a better view within 400 ft.

From what I can tell, everything we would want is on AMC 21, Galaxy 18 and maybe AMC 9.

Here's the package that I'm looking at. I don't know if its overkill or not enough, good or crummy, so I would appreciate ANY input anyone has.

(since the rules say that I can't post url's, I hope you can find it like this)
Its from GOSatellite, and its called "Viewsat Max HD STATIONARY FTA System #3"

All from GO Satellite.com, because their site seems to be the easiest to understand.

I still don't understand about dish sizes and LNB's. Are multiple LNB's used so you don't have to have something that physically moves the dish to another satellite?

Also, will any hard drive work, like the Western Digital that I use for my computer back-up?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

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agrolingua

Mar 24, 2009

What about a motor?

I am new into this as well. You all make some pretty good recommendations for the pieces to the system. Nobody recommended a motor. What would be a good motor to buy in a basic or starter system?

Tron

Mar 25, 2009

agrolingua said:
I am new into this as well. You all make some pretty good recommendations for the pieces to the system. Nobody recommended a motor. What would be a good motor to buy in a basic or starter system?

I would recommend an SG-2100 IF you can find the real deal. Sponsor Sadoun had a few left on clearance for $50, and they were the original Moteck single button product. Not sure if he has any left though...

Sadoun

Mar 25, 2009

Tron said:
Sponsor Sadoun had a few left on clearance for $50, and they were the original Moteck single button product. Not sure if he has any left though...

Sorry all sold out. No more left. We have a few left for parts only.

agrolingua

Mar 25, 2009

Fake Moteck SG2100

Fakes seem to be a big problem. So, many SG 2100 are fake. How do you know a real one? I noticed one vendor on eBay bemoaning this. He said "Make sure to look for MOTECK logo on the package; and "MADE IN TAIWAN" script"

Is it that easy? Or, is there more to it than that?

Sadoun

Mar 25, 2009

To avoid the confusion, just get a Sadoun PowerTech DG-280, DG-280B, or DG-380 instead. Much better motors.

AcWxRadar

Mar 26, 2009

Sadoun said:
To avoid the confusion, just get a Sadoun PowerTech DG-280, DG-280B, or DG-380 instead. Much better motors.

I must agree with Sadoun, with great conviction. Not intending to be an advertising agent for Sadoun and the PowerTech motors, I have to admit that I am extremely pleased with the PowerTech series!

If I am not mistaken, there was a DG-240 model as well.

Anyway, between the 280 and the 380, I do prefer the 280(B) as it matches my Winegard DS-2076 dish very well.

The PowerTech motors are very quiet and they slew (pan) very fast! 1.3 degrees per second to pan to a vertical TP and 1.93 degrees per second to pan to a horizontal TP. This includes the time for the signal to lock.

The mounting bracket for the PowerTech motors is almost twice the gauge (0.070" for the SG-2100 vs 0.120" for the PowerTech series).

I cannot attest to the maximum (extreme) dish weight that these motors will handle, but they will definitely handle the maximum that is specified without a problem. I assume they have allowed some fudge (or budget) factor in this rating, so if it is stated that a 1.0 M dish is max, it probably will handle a 1.2 M dish just as well.

In my opinion, you can push this motor far beyond the rated limits without any problems. I wouldn't guarantee this, but judging from the quality and the results I have witnessed over the past few years that I have been using the DG-280/DG-380 motors, I am confident that they will meet AND exceed all the mfg's limits.

If I were to construct anything to sell to the public consumer, I would build the "device" to exceed what I guaranteed to them on paper and I think that is what they have done here and much more.

I wish I had the finances to try a newer model STAB motor to compare here, but we all know that this is not a good time to be spending too much money just for hobbies. I try to experiment when I can, so that I can provide answers to other hobbyists, but I also have to pay my bills same as everyone else here and this is not a great time.

I had to cut out subscription TV and watch FTA only. No problem for me, I don't watch TV that much, to be honest. But, there are a LOT of great things on FTA that I can watch, if I use my makeshift PVR/DVR system to record them in advance. That requires more work and planning on my behalf, but it it is also still FREE. Sometimes I just turn my recorder on before I go to work and let it record all the shows and throughout the day. Then I watch them when I get home and edit them on my days off.

Radar

Sadoun

Mar 27, 2009

Radar, thanks for your feedback. I am really glad you like your motor.

We have sold several kind of HH motors since we 1st introduced the STAB back in 2002. I have found that both the STAB and the Sadoun Powertech motors have proven to be the best as far as performance, long term reliability and quality. Some of the long term members here or at Satforms may agree with me.

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 15 minutes ago · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

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Foxbat

Yesterday at 6:19 PM

I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

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rvvaquero

Yesterday at 9:00 PM

Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.

Reactions: dfergie, Mike0616 and osu1991

Mike0616

Yesterday at 9:35 PM

Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"

Reactions: Foxbat

Foxbat

Yesterday at 11:25 PM

Jeeez, Week 6, no lead is safe…

b4pjoe

15 minutes ago

rvvaquero said:
Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.

Yes the Cowboys owner needs to fire the general manager (himself), co-owner, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Executive Vice President, Director of Player Personnel, and President of AT&T Stadium (his son) and then he should jump off of a cliff. Only then can they recover.

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 39 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

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....

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:11 PM

Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix

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long_time_Dish

Today at 12:54 AM

With A Little Luck - Wings

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hwkn

Today at 2:44 AM

LITTLE Willy-Sweet

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ClarkGable

Today at 5:59 AM

Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys

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gms49ers

39 minutes ago

The Boys of Summer - Don Henley

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Therm

Last reply 52 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Am I the only one that hates what Dish did to their mobile app?

I thought I would come here and find lots of complaints about the update to the dish anywhere mobile app, but am not seeing any. It used to look just like the desktop webpage. Now you can no longer filter by sports channels or movie channels. Plus that they made it look like a big button telephone and you see fewer channels in the screen which requires more scrolling. Yes I realize you can look at sports then select which sport you want to look at, I just liked being able to see all sporting events in the guide with all other channels being filtered out. Am I alone in the wilderness on this?

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dishdude

Friday at 2:51 PM

I like the new look, it's a lot cleaner. I'm using it on one of those Onn streaming devices when I travel.

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Therm

Friday at 3:39 PM

dishdude said:
I like the new look, it's a lot cleaner. I'm using it on one of those Onn streaming devices when I travel.

Yes a lot cleaner, glossier, and less functional. Someone trying to justify why they are making a big salary. "See look shiny"

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navychop

Friday at 3:53 PM

"Big salary." Charlie. "?Big?"

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Tampa8

Friday at 4:01 PM

Seems in some ways better. Nicer layout, as others said maybe cleaner. Moving ahead in the guide is better.

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scoob83

52 minutes ago

Therm said:
I thought I would come here and find lots of complaints about the update to the dish anywhere mobile app, but am not seeing any. It used to look just like the desktop webpage. Now you can no longer filter by sports channels or movie channels. Plus that they made it look like a big button telephone and you see fewer channels in the screen which requires more scrolling. Yes I realize you can look at sports then select which sport you want to look at, I just liked being able to see all sporting events in the guide with all other channels being filtered out. Am I alone in the wilderness on this?

I think most are using it on a firestick or other device as an extra receiver, rather than their phone. Just a guess based on how I use it. 99% thru my firestick, 1% phone.

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 7:35 AM · posted in TV Shows

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

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

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reubenray

Yesterday at 1:30 PM

I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?

osu1991

Yesterday at 2:00 PM

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

long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 3:47 PM

reubenray said:
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?

Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.

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reubenray

Yesterday at 3:54 PM

long_time_Dish said:
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.

Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.

long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 8:36 PM

reubenray said:
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.

If I understand your question, O'Neill had the Ancient's knowledge in the "Lost City" two-part episode. That was when Anubis attacked Earth and there was a big battle over Antarctica.

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reubenray

Today at 7:35 AM

long_time_Dish said:
If I understand your question, O'Neill had the Ancient's knowledge in the "Lost City" two-part episode. That was when Anubis attacked Earth and there was a big battle over Antarctica.

Those are the episodes I am looking for. They are referred to a lot in the episodes I just recently watched.

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TFLEV

Today at 7:22 AM · posted in TFLEV

2027 BMW iX5 Walkaround & Review // They Have To Get This One Right!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ca9w7HnuXg

Direct YouTube Link - 2027 BMW iX5 Walkaround & Review // They Have To Get This One Right!

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TVHabit

Last reply Today at 6:42 AM · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Hybrid Dish setup

Picked up a sweet directv dish, mount, twin lnbs and a short cable.
Has anyone converted one to FTA? A Frankenstein of sorts...

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Brct203

Oct 13, 2026

would probably also work well for NHK on 101W and possibly for PBS on 99W. I used one for a while on 30W. Just keep in mind that because it's undersized for those satellites, it might work fine in clear weather but won't have much margin to account for signal degradation during rain/snow

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one_db_compression

Oct 13, 2026

If you can find one, the Shaw / Star Choice 75e ellipticals are great for use on 97, 99, and 101W. They are really just rebranded ChannelMaster 75 cm reflectors and use linear LNBFs by default out of the box.

Everyone else's mileage may vary.

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TVHabit

Sunday at 10:12 AM

I have read that some have converted this type dish but after giving it a good look, it's the lnb conversion that is the bottleneck. Does anyone have a picture of their attempt to configure the lnb? I watched a video on youtube from the save it for parts guy and he used duct tape! Guess it worked but I'm thinking something a bit more permanent!
Thanks to all for your interest and replies...

Titanium

Sunday at 3:38 PM

Many of us have used a universal LNBF mount (or get creative with L brackets and plumbers tape - perforated metal strapping). Use a few inches of aluminum tube (or a piece of 1x2" lumber) to extend the support arm (replacing the plastic mount used by DirecTV and Dish) to place the LNBF throat opening at the correct distance from the reflector, the correct height and at the correct angle. Nothing magical... simply place the new linear LNBF in the center at the same distance, height and angle as the current combo.
www.amazon.com/Universal-Single-Bracket-Holder-FTA-US/dp/B074L85WK2

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k4otl

Today at 6:42 AM

To add: 101W Ku seems to be (one of if not the) strongest for me, and if I only had Ku I definitely want 101W for the music mux, it's robust FEC and strong signal help a lot. I've thought about using a used Dish/DirectTV dish at my Dads to supplement his OTA (mainly for my benefit when I visit

)

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Peter Parker

Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Yesterday at 10:34 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

No idea what improvements might be involved.

24 Replies · 1121 views

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naptime

Sunday at 1:05 AM

I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.

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jsmit86

Yesterday at 9:57 AM

naptime said:
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.

It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 3:57 PM

jsmit86 said:
They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.

Oh, you mean "soon"? :biggrin

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Almighty1

Yesterday at 4:07 PM

jsmit86 said:
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.

I guess they will be busy when lots of people start asking for rollbacks to H708 now that you mention that downgrades of software does exist because it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner and the IR Remote problems in H710-H713.