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meinename

Last reply Mar 30, 2009 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Which to motorize for reliability?

Well I'm stuck. I'm frustrated with my 75e and trying to replicate a 3-LNB set-up for 83-89-97 on it, spending minimal time. And now the rainy season has come so it's becoming inadequate for reliable reception.

My Geosatpro is fixed on 123W
The single-polarity 75e known LOS is 87W to 116.8W

The 8.5-footer has an (18-inch?) actuator in a EAST-Coast mount but the rotation counter only has 4 notches at 90 degrees from each other.

So now for the question.
What would you do in this situation with a 100 bucks to "fix" it?

I'm stuck between DG-380 or Gbox V3000.

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meinename

Mar 29, 2009

But using the 4-click and a GBox for Ku?

Somehow I don't think that will work too well.

Perhaps I need to ask in the C-band forum about the actuator paired with the GBox.

I would still like everybody's opinion on the subject:

Geosatpro 90cm on a DG380 vs. 1985 Uniden 8.5' solid aluminum with an 18" 4-click actuator and a BSC-621 (22kHz)

Must be easy-to-fix with regard for troubleshooting.

pendragon

Mar 29, 2009

What satellites do you want to get?

The 90 cm should pull in most, if not all, of the Ku band visible to you. If that's all you want get the DG-380. It's a bit touchier adjusting a small motor like that, but if you can track the arc accurately, USALS is nice.

I have a DG-380 on a GEOSatPro 1.2m and use two GBOxes on my 1.8 and 3 m dishes. I'm expecting to pick up another GBOX for my 2.4m with an 18" actuator much like yours. I haven't installed the 2.4m yet, but I have been refurbishing the polar mount and testing the actuator. I threw away my notes when I measured the number of clicks to several representative motor angles, but I didn't find any problems with not having enough resolution for Ku positioning. With the GBOX you of course also get C-band and it really does double the number of clicks generated by an actuator.

meinename

Mar 29, 2009

pendragon said:
What satellites do you want to get?

The 90 cm should pull in most, if not all, of the Ku band visible to you. If that's all you want get the DG-380. It's a bit touchier adjusting a small motor like that, but if you can track the arc accurately, USALS is nice.

I have a DG-380 on a GEOSatPro 1.2m and use two GBOxes on my 1.8 and 3 m dishes. I'm expecting to pick up another GBOX for my 2.4m with an 18" actuator much like yours. I haven't installed the 2.4m yet, but I have been refurbishing the polar mount and testing the actuator. I threw away my notes when I measured the number of clicks to several representative motor angles, but I didn't find any problems with not having enough resolution for Ku positioning. With the GBOX you of course also get C-band and it really does double the number of clicks generated by an actuator.

I opened up a thread in the C-band forum to get some feedback from those who don't leave there and see if anyone knows about my actuator. I was much more detailed about what I want there.
Thread here: http://www.satelliteguys.us/c-band-satellite-discussion/169539-reviving-1985-uniden-8-5-footer.html

guapoharry

Mar 29, 2009

How would you rate the BSC-621 on Ku?

A number of BSC-621 threads seem troublesome about the focus problem. From what I read, some people opted to replace their 621s with the Satellite AV CK1 product.

If there is an issue, why not address it first since the LNBF is in hand already?

FWIW...

meinename

Mar 30, 2009

guapoharry said:
How would you rate the BSC-621 on Ku?

A number of BSC-621 threads seem troublesome about the focus problem. From what I read, some people opted to replace their 621s with the Satellite AV CK1 product.

It's fair on a poor-fair-good-best scale. But I've only used Geosatpro's (best), a Techsat Tracker II+ (best DX), and a Gilat VSAT Rx LNB (good, very stable).
The BSC-621 Ku-side is the worst out of all of them.
But I don't think that says too much about the BSC-621 since what I have to compare it to is the some of the best Ku LNBF's IMHO

Knee-jerk reaction: I would have to struggle ghetto-aiming that beast get a 70% on a good day, so that on a bad day we'd never see a 63% dropout on a bad day. So reception fluctuates on the Ku-side(wait that's with the cap). Without the cap, C-band is great(80%-97% Q's), and Ku (70%-90%) is okay.

Clarifying, I have a 1/4 inch focal-length separation between having perfect C-band reception and perfect Ku-reception. C-band being more forgiving, I give as much as I can to Ku since C-band takes about a 6% loss on the Coolsat. As far as hitting the Ku sweet spot with a BSC-621? Not something to be left to a newbie as his first project. It was like giving a newbie an intermediate-advanced project as his starter. I had to go and get a Geosatpro dish to make sure that it really was that hard to hit Ku for reliable reception. That and learn how important skew was for Ku.

The biggest problem I had was figuring out the orientation. Mine was way off what everyone else's was. Arrow at 12 o'clock, LNB/Switch box at 45° Top-East quadrant.

guapoharry said:
If there is an issue, why not address it first since the LNBF is in hand already?

FWIW...

Ku reception as far as aimed at a sat was not my uncertainty, It's a 4-click having enough resolution to find Ku sweet spots. Once I find the sweet-spot, the gain on this dish makes up for almost any shortcomings.

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 7 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

$6.3 billion in crypto stolen by hackers

This should hit a lot of folks with a dose of reality. I can only imagine how much more common this will get as AI progresses.

I read several stories on this and most are clear as mud. They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole. I guess time will tell if either of these statements are actually true.

Hackers steal $6.3 billion from Binance in biggest-ever cryptocurrency theft

The company later added it began recovering assets impacted by the breach after pledging to cover losses using its Secure Asset Fund for Users.

www.cnbc.com

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harshness

Today at 10:29 AM

dishstaller said:
They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole.

The "Secure Asset Fund" had about $1 billion in reserves... in Bitcoin.

The fund started in 2018, so it may take a while to make investors whole, much less replenish the fund.

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dishstaller

7 minutes ago

harshness said:
The "Secure Asset Fund" had about $1 billion in reserves... in Bitcoin.

The fund started in 2018, so it may take a while to make investors whole, much less replenish the fund.

That's kinda what I was seeing but all the news reports are suggesting that all investors will be made whole immediately.
The other thing they weren't clear about was the BTC that was "locked out" of the system. I guess that means that the stolen BTC is basically worthless now because I don't see how it could be replaced....but there is a LOT about the crypto world that leaves me scratching my head.

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 15 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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ClarkGable

Today at 6:50 AM

Long Train Runnin' - The Doobie Brothers

Reactions: gms49ers and RaiderPower

dishstaller

Today at 9:46 AM

Midnight Train to Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips

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harshness

Today at 10:09 AM

After Midnight - Eric Clapton

Bobby

35 minutes ago

Gotta Give A Little Love (Ten Years After) - Timmy Thomas

gms49ers

15 minutes ago

Hear Me Calling - Ten Years After

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TheRatPatrol

Last reply 38 minutes ago · posted in TV Shows

NCIS

Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.

I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?

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Jimbo

Oct 12, 2026

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

Reactions: Howard Simmons

Jimbo

Oct 13, 2026

Jimbo said:
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

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Howard Simmons

Oct 15, 2026

Jimbo said:
Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

Tony as the director.

Jimbo

Oct 15, 2026

Howard Simmons said:
Tony as the director.

Would you rather have LaRoche ???

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and Howard Simmons

Howard Simmons

Oct 16, 2026

Jimbo said:
Would you rather have LaRoche ???

No. Bring in someone new.

Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

Jimbo

Oct 16, 2026

Howard Simmons said:
No. Bring in someone new. Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...

Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)

Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.

Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.

It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.

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KAB

Oct 17, 2026

I wonder it they will show the teased meeting (in Origins) with Tony and Gibbs.

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Jimbo

Oct 17, 2026

KAB said:
I wonder it they will show the teased meeting (in Origins) with Tony and Gibbs.

I'm curious how they are going to implement Tony into Origins (If they do) ...
Tony was introduced to Gibbs and the team, on NCIS, which makes it the Mothership side of things, he worked in Baltimore prior to NCIS, NO mention when they met that anyone had known one another ...

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Jimbo

Oct 17, 2026

KAB said:
I wonder it they will show the teased meeting (in Origins) with Tony and Gibbs.

Teased Meeting ?

dfergie

38 minutes ago

I didn't recognize him till I saw this... (William Katt)

View: https://youtu.be/n9S3F87A588?si=tU_YQX6h3vDmrGEf

Good episode.

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 10:05 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

New report states 29% of vehicles being traded in are under water

It states the average amount they are under water is OVER $7,000. :eek

Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.

Nearly 3 In 10 New-Car Trade-Ins Are Underwater, Edmunds Finds | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

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Juan

Yesterday at 9:43 PM

I guess America can't afford 10 year autoloans

harshness

Today at 10:05 AM

Juan said:
I guess America can't afford 10 year autoloans

I'm pretty sure the most you can get is seven.

What America can't afford is the payments on $80,000+ pickups and SUVs and $40,000+ crossovers.

Neutron

Supporting Founder

Last reply Today at 10:02 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

RIP Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart died yesterday, October 28th at the age of 86. We lost yet another great actor.

Patrick Stewart, ‘Star Trek’ Captain and ‘X-Men’ Superhero, Dies at 86

He’s forever known for playing Jean-Luc Picard and Charles Xavier, whom he “admired for their morality, for their kindness, for their sensitivity, for their compassion.”

www.hollywoodreporter.com

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meStevo

Yesterday at 5:48 PM

Yeah, this one is tough. RIP.

View: https://www.threads.com/@tismarkart/post/DfF4ONpkYPG

Reactions: sdfntx, Foxbat, Keith Brannen and 4 others

Mr Tony

Yesterday at 8:50 PM

R.I.P.

mc6809e

Yesterday at 9:28 PM

Rest In Peace

sdfntx

Yesterday at 10:56 PM

R.I.P., Jean-Luc.

osu1991

Today at 10:02 AM

View: https://youtu.be/wFyUUrrYsrQ?si=Sk-lBWgOJEnBiHlL

Reactions: dfergie

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Ham Radio 2.0

Today at 9:22 AM · posted in Ham Radio 2.0

I Took Ham Radio, Meshtastic and Meshcore to Las Vegas

Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJuVBittpm0

Direct YouTube Link - I Took Ham Radio, Meshtastic and Meshcore to Las Vegas
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook

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TFLEV

Today at 7:12 AM · posted in TFLEV

This New Zeekr 7GT Is Bargain-Priced Taycan Alternative You've Never Heard Of!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVPpv2ZvbFU

Direct YouTube Link - This New Zeekr 7GT Is Bargain-Priced Taycan Alternative You've Never Heard Of!

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 6:39 AM · posted in TV Shows

The Diplomat (Netflix)

Starting a thread klang !

After an amazing first 2 seasons and an 8 episode 3rd season still coming this year, season 4 has now been greenlit.

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klang

Oct 21, 2025

Finished season 3 last night. Still one of my favorite shows.

Anyone else wonder if there might be something else going on with Callum? Seems to me he has too much access to Russian intelligence.

meStevo

Oct 15, 2026

One episode into season 4 that dropped today...

Reactions: NYDutch

meStevo

Yesterday at 5:57 PM

Renewed for season 5.

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klang

Yesterday at 6:02 PM

Finished 4 last night. Great stuff.

They do like to end each season with a Bang!

KAB

Today at 6:39 AM

klang said:
Finished 4 last night. Great stuff.

They do like to end each season with a Bang!

Great ending, but it ran in circles most of the season.

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mheisen

Last reply Today at 3:43 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

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Almighty1

Yesterday at 2:50 PM

mheisen said:
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?

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mheisen

Yesterday at 6:11 PM

Almighty1 said:
I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?

I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.

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Almighty1

Yesterday at 6:33 PM

mheisen said:
I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.

Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.

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slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:38 AM

Almighty1 said:
Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.

Might be worth just to ditch the hopper plus. No issues here on h713

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:43 AM

mheisen said:
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

Buy a roku and dump the hopper plus you'll be better off. If you have a smart tv you don't need either one. No hopper plus here and no issues!!!

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:22 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nKMpQ3UNenY

Direct YouTube Link - Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts
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Which to motorize for reliability?

$6.3 billion in crypto stolen by hackers

Hackers steal $6.3 billion from Binance in biggest-ever cryptocurrency theft

Song Name Game Part 3!

NCIS

New report states 29% of vehicles being traded in are under water

Nearly 3 In 10 New-Car Trade-Ins Are Underwater, Edmunds Finds | ZeroHedge

RIP Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart, ‘Star Trek’ Captain and ‘X-Men’ Superhero, Dies at 86

I Took Ham Radio, Meshtastic and Meshcore to Las Vegas

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The Diplomat (Netflix)

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts