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This review is going to be a little different as I will be reviewing 2 products at once.
I recently received a WS1247 1.2 meter dish from our friends at WSI Digital. I have never worked with an offset dish this big and previously the biggest dish I had worked with was a 90cm dish. I received the dish and was amazed at the size of the box it came in. This dish is well packed. I opened it up and my jaw dropped at the shear size of the dish. I've worked with larger dishes but they were in pieces so you don't know how big the dish is until its built. This is right there and its huge. Not many parts so its pretty easy to put together. I did have to laugh at the instructions. I know we don't like manuals with the Chinese or Korean to English translation. Well no need to worry about that as there is none! There's instructions but its in Chinese or Japanese (whatever it is). Well as a true guy, the picture worked fine. In all honesty it isn't that hard to put together as most of the bolts only work with one spot. The bracket to hold the dish to the mast is very well built. The drawback is there is no way to use a motor that is downward shafted to hold this unless you fabricate it. If you have an upward shaft like a HH120 it will fit in there. The mast is 3 inches so if you decide to pole mount it you can get a fence post at any home hardware store. There are 2 "U" brackets to hold the dish to the mast so even if you don't have a 3" mast a mast around 2 5/8" would work too. The dish has 2 support arms which keep the LNB in place and won't move even in wind. Believe me, I originally tried to work with this dish while there was 30 mph winds and the LNB didn't sway like it has on other dishes. This will hold a QPH-031 just dandy without worrying of the weight of the LNB to hold down the arm.
Decided to try KU Band first on it. Now common sense would be that with a dish this size the receiver quality meters should be jumping compared to my 76cm dish. Well that was right. I scanned the arc from 74 over to 105 and all the signals were almost at max quality on the Pansat 1500. Some of the weaker signals were jumped up to 60+ on the quality meter. Even on 103W with its oddball skew some transponders were at 99 even with the LNB skewed wrong (it was skewed as if it was motorized). Once I skewed it properly (which compared to other sats is improper) the meter just jumped. The strong transponders were at 99 quality even if I slightly moved it off the "sweet" spot. The receiver jumped with feeds that I had never seen before. Also received some DVB-S2 feeds at very good quality. For those who want 97W KU and are afraid of weak signals, let me tell you, this dish will cure those fears. All transponders were at 90+ with some stuck on 99 quality even if the dish moved off 97W a little bit.
All and all this dish is great for those weaker signals. I was very happy with it. The one drawback was there is no elevation scale so its almost trial and error. On the positive side the elevation adjustment is a heavy duty screw with 2 nuts to keep it in place. So if you need to drop the elevation a little bit you don't have to try and hold the dish while adjusting the elevation. Just turn the screw a little bit and voila the elevation is adjusted.
Once I had KU down pat I then decided to try the "mini-bud" idea. As some of you know a "mini-bud" is what folks have called getting C-Band signals on a smaller than normal dish. Smaller than normal being 6 feet. Well I had some ideas on how to attach my scaler ring and C-Band LNB to it when someone pointed the group to a "new" product. A conical scaler ring. These are scaler rings that unlike normal ones that all are the same level, these go up in layers. Another way to describe it is that it looks like a "Devo" hat (you young folks who never saw the video "whip it" wont understand).
So that takes me to part 2 of my review.
I recently ordered a WS-KU2C conical scaler ring from WSI Digital to try C-Band on my 1.2 meter dish. Previously the only way to get conical rings were to order from Europe. There has been a want for these in North America and now they are available here from our friends at WSI Digital and Galaxy Marketing. (Conical Scalar Ring | Model WS-KU2C Kit Manufactured By WS International) I opened up the box to find the scaler ring which is powder blue in color, a 65mm LNB holder for the C-Band LNB, and the necessary hardware. The LNB holder will fit on most 1.2 meter dishes.
After getting the LNB holder put on the dish I decided to use the GeoSatPro C/K1 LNB as a test. I had worked with that LNB on my 6 footer so I knew what results I was getting on that dish. Attached the conical ring to the LNB and attached the setup to the dish. The equipment I was using was a analog receiver, a Pansat 1500, and a Motorola DSR-905. Since the dish doesn't have a elevation meter I decided to use my analog receiver to lock onto Shepherd's Chapel, which is on Galaxy 16. That way I can go from there for digital signals instead of spending a lot of time trying to lock a signal. Within a minute I had Shepherd's Chapel locked with no sparklies. Now the big testing begins…digital.
My line of site on the north side of the house is from 72-111 so I knew I had a few satellite to lock. Since I was on 99W I wanted to see how much I could lock and at what quality. Hooked up the Pansat and right away World Harvest TV locked at 30 quality. But the Networks were only at 15. I moved the dish every which way and couldn't get them any stronger. Then I decided to push the LNB in and then the magic started happening. I had it flush with the back of the conical ring but if I pushed it in about ¾"-1" the signal jumped. What I saw made me very happy.
Networks-55 to 60
My Network TV-75
World Harvest-45
ABC HD-30 with jumps to 35
WAPA Puerto Rico-90
Other feeds registered between 45-60. The meter on the Pansat reads true so the threshold is around 25-28. I was not able to get KCWY (NBC Casper) and can get that (barely) on the 6 footer. So all and all I was very happy right here.
Decided to move over to 97W and locked KCSG at 55-60. Went over to 91W and was able to lock almost everything there that I was able to get on the 6 foot dish.
CW-60
EWTN-60
The Word-90
Most other transponders registered around 45-50 but these are scrambled. There are some weaker feeds that I was not able to get that I can get on the 6 footer.
87W gave me some difficulties but I kinda knew it would. I can lock "This TV" at 30-35 but because it has a higher FEC (5/6) it wasn't 100% stable. Needs around a 45 to stay stable. The radio mux with Religious stations I did peak at 99.
72W I was able to lock NASA at a decent signal of 30. Compared to my 6 footer I was happy that NASA came in. On my 6 footer it usually comes in around 45 quality. Worked my way over to 101 and locked Golden Eagles Broadcasting at 60 quality and was able to get a couple other religious stations. Couldn't lock anything on 103 which has given me fits even on the 6 footer. Moved over to 107 and locked a few transponders there at 45 quality. With the C/K1 I also hooked up the KU side to my Motorola DSR-905 and locked Starchoice channels with a +7.5 to +8.5 ebno which is really good. I tried to see if I could lock 105. As most know there is a subscription offering on 105W and I thought if I could get that satellite with decent results maybe folks could subscribe. Well my curiosity turned to sadness. The best I could lock on a music channel was +3.0 which is just barely above threshold. If it was a video channel it would pixelate a lot. Audio channels play fine. So much for that idea.
I did move the dish back to 91W and did lock on some DCII channels with good results of +8.0 ebno. I was not able to move the dish any farther west from 107.3 due to the house being in the way. Hopefully I try that soon.
All and all I am very happy with both products. The fact that I was able to lock most satellites with good results makes this a great idea if you are limited when it comes to C-band. Now I know it isn't a miracle worker and can't get all the signals up there that a full size C-Band dish can get but I know some people can't put up even a 6 foot dish. But using a 120cm dish that is motorized with the WS-KU2C Conical Scaler Ring you will get some good results. A great setup if you can't get the networks where you live is a fixed dish at 99W with the conical ring for the Networks. The fact that I can get most of the channels on 99W with the 4 footer that I could get with my 6 footer makes it a great addition to any setup.
I want to thank Robbie at WSI Digital for supplying the 1.2m dish to try out. I was in shock when he offered to send me one to test out. I was really happy when the conical scaler ring arrived as it opened a whole new opportunity for the dish to pick up C-Band signals are very good results.
If you have been wanting a conical ring for your smaller dish to try and pick up C-Band, I highly suggest getting one. A lot of people have wanted one for a while and now finally a company has started selling them. So you better get one before they sell out
You can get them at Galaxy Marketing and WSI Digital
Pics of the dish with the conical scaler ring
I recently received a WS1247 1.2 meter dish from our friends at WSI Digital. I have never worked with an offset dish this big and previously the biggest dish I had worked with was a 90cm dish. I received the dish and was amazed at the size of the box it came in. This dish is well packed. I opened it up and my jaw dropped at the shear size of the dish. I've worked with larger dishes but they were in pieces so you don't know how big the dish is until its built. This is right there and its huge. Not many parts so its pretty easy to put together. I did have to laugh at the instructions. I know we don't like manuals with the Chinese or Korean to English translation. Well no need to worry about that as there is none! There's instructions but its in Chinese or Japanese (whatever it is). Well as a true guy, the picture worked fine. In all honesty it isn't that hard to put together as most of the bolts only work with one spot. The bracket to hold the dish to the mast is very well built. The drawback is there is no way to use a motor that is downward shafted to hold this unless you fabricate it. If you have an upward shaft like a HH120 it will fit in there. The mast is 3 inches so if you decide to pole mount it you can get a fence post at any home hardware store. There are 2 "U" brackets to hold the dish to the mast so even if you don't have a 3" mast a mast around 2 5/8" would work too. The dish has 2 support arms which keep the LNB in place and won't move even in wind. Believe me, I originally tried to work with this dish while there was 30 mph winds and the LNB didn't sway like it has on other dishes. This will hold a QPH-031 just dandy without worrying of the weight of the LNB to hold down the arm.
Decided to try KU Band first on it. Now common sense would be that with a dish this size the receiver quality meters should be jumping compared to my 76cm dish. Well that was right. I scanned the arc from 74 over to 105 and all the signals were almost at max quality on the Pansat 1500. Some of the weaker signals were jumped up to 60+ on the quality meter. Even on 103W with its oddball skew some transponders were at 99 even with the LNB skewed wrong (it was skewed as if it was motorized). Once I skewed it properly (which compared to other sats is improper) the meter just jumped. The strong transponders were at 99 quality even if I slightly moved it off the "sweet" spot. The receiver jumped with feeds that I had never seen before. Also received some DVB-S2 feeds at very good quality. For those who want 97W KU and are afraid of weak signals, let me tell you, this dish will cure those fears. All transponders were at 90+ with some stuck on 99 quality even if the dish moved off 97W a little bit.
All and all this dish is great for those weaker signals. I was very happy with it. The one drawback was there is no elevation scale so its almost trial and error. On the positive side the elevation adjustment is a heavy duty screw with 2 nuts to keep it in place. So if you need to drop the elevation a little bit you don't have to try and hold the dish while adjusting the elevation. Just turn the screw a little bit and voila the elevation is adjusted.
Once I had KU down pat I then decided to try the "mini-bud" idea. As some of you know a "mini-bud" is what folks have called getting C-Band signals on a smaller than normal dish. Smaller than normal being 6 feet. Well I had some ideas on how to attach my scaler ring and C-Band LNB to it when someone pointed the group to a "new" product. A conical scaler ring. These are scaler rings that unlike normal ones that all are the same level, these go up in layers. Another way to describe it is that it looks like a "Devo" hat (you young folks who never saw the video "whip it" wont understand).
So that takes me to part 2 of my review.
I recently ordered a WS-KU2C conical scaler ring from WSI Digital to try C-Band on my 1.2 meter dish. Previously the only way to get conical rings were to order from Europe. There has been a want for these in North America and now they are available here from our friends at WSI Digital and Galaxy Marketing. (Conical Scalar Ring | Model WS-KU2C Kit Manufactured By WS International) I opened up the box to find the scaler ring which is powder blue in color, a 65mm LNB holder for the C-Band LNB, and the necessary hardware. The LNB holder will fit on most 1.2 meter dishes.
After getting the LNB holder put on the dish I decided to use the GeoSatPro C/K1 LNB as a test. I had worked with that LNB on my 6 footer so I knew what results I was getting on that dish. Attached the conical ring to the LNB and attached the setup to the dish. The equipment I was using was a analog receiver, a Pansat 1500, and a Motorola DSR-905. Since the dish doesn't have a elevation meter I decided to use my analog receiver to lock onto Shepherd's Chapel, which is on Galaxy 16. That way I can go from there for digital signals instead of spending a lot of time trying to lock a signal. Within a minute I had Shepherd's Chapel locked with no sparklies. Now the big testing begins…digital.
My line of site on the north side of the house is from 72-111 so I knew I had a few satellite to lock. Since I was on 99W I wanted to see how much I could lock and at what quality. Hooked up the Pansat and right away World Harvest TV locked at 30 quality. But the Networks were only at 15. I moved the dish every which way and couldn't get them any stronger. Then I decided to push the LNB in and then the magic started happening. I had it flush with the back of the conical ring but if I pushed it in about ¾"-1" the signal jumped. What I saw made me very happy.
Networks-55 to 60
My Network TV-75
World Harvest-45
ABC HD-30 with jumps to 35
WAPA Puerto Rico-90
Other feeds registered between 45-60. The meter on the Pansat reads true so the threshold is around 25-28. I was not able to get KCWY (NBC Casper) and can get that (barely) on the 6 footer. So all and all I was very happy right here.
Decided to move over to 97W and locked KCSG at 55-60. Went over to 91W and was able to lock almost everything there that I was able to get on the 6 foot dish.
CW-60
EWTN-60
The Word-90
Most other transponders registered around 45-50 but these are scrambled. There are some weaker feeds that I was not able to get that I can get on the 6 footer.
87W gave me some difficulties but I kinda knew it would. I can lock "This TV" at 30-35 but because it has a higher FEC (5/6) it wasn't 100% stable. Needs around a 45 to stay stable. The radio mux with Religious stations I did peak at 99.
72W I was able to lock NASA at a decent signal of 30. Compared to my 6 footer I was happy that NASA came in. On my 6 footer it usually comes in around 45 quality. Worked my way over to 101 and locked Golden Eagles Broadcasting at 60 quality and was able to get a couple other religious stations. Couldn't lock anything on 103 which has given me fits even on the 6 footer. Moved over to 107 and locked a few transponders there at 45 quality. With the C/K1 I also hooked up the KU side to my Motorola DSR-905 and locked Starchoice channels with a +7.5 to +8.5 ebno which is really good. I tried to see if I could lock 105. As most know there is a subscription offering on 105W and I thought if I could get that satellite with decent results maybe folks could subscribe. Well my curiosity turned to sadness. The best I could lock on a music channel was +3.0 which is just barely above threshold. If it was a video channel it would pixelate a lot. Audio channels play fine. So much for that idea.
I did move the dish back to 91W and did lock on some DCII channels with good results of +8.0 ebno. I was not able to move the dish any farther west from 107.3 due to the house being in the way. Hopefully I try that soon.
All and all I am very happy with both products. The fact that I was able to lock most satellites with good results makes this a great idea if you are limited when it comes to C-band. Now I know it isn't a miracle worker and can't get all the signals up there that a full size C-Band dish can get but I know some people can't put up even a 6 foot dish. But using a 120cm dish that is motorized with the WS-KU2C Conical Scaler Ring you will get some good results. A great setup if you can't get the networks where you live is a fixed dish at 99W with the conical ring for the Networks. The fact that I can get most of the channels on 99W with the 4 footer that I could get with my 6 footer makes it a great addition to any setup.
I want to thank Robbie at WSI Digital for supplying the 1.2m dish to try out. I was in shock when he offered to send me one to test out. I was really happy when the conical scaler ring arrived as it opened a whole new opportunity for the dish to pick up C-Band signals are very good results.
If you have been wanting a conical ring for your smaller dish to try and pick up C-Band, I highly suggest getting one. A lot of people have wanted one for a while and now finally a company has started selling them. So you better get one before they sell out
You can get them at Galaxy Marketing and WSI Digital
Pics of the dish with the conical scaler ring
43 Replies
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26727 views
Some more interesting equipment choices to test with WSI 120 mm offset dish. Still working on it...
where the heck can I get "Yamal 2C_2Ku Offset"?
Dual Cband and can toss on a DN bandstacked KU
Dual Cband and can toss on a DN bandstacked KU
Actually, there're at least a couple of places I'm aware of selling them: around [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamal_Peninsula"]Yamal Peninsula - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia@@AMEPARAM@@/wiki/File:Kara_seaYP.PNG" class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Kara_seaYP.PNG/250px-Kara_seaYP.PNG"@@AMEPARAM@@commons/thumb/f/fd/Kara_seaYP.PNG/250px-Kara_seaYP.PNG[/ame] and by RSC Energia. 
Btw, they're 2C (Linear V/H or Cir. L/R) and 2Ku (Linear V/H). As to tossing DN staff, well, they didn't learn yet to use "signal theft threat" as a sales push. I guess, another way to look at it is that CN shouldn't be worshiped as a sole source of supply for just about everything - to avoid disappointment. Especially keeping in mind that 90 % of goods imported from CN were designed and developed elsewhere.
Btw, they're 2C (Linear V/H or Cir. L/R) and 2Ku (Linear V/H). As to tossing DN staff, well, they didn't learn yet to use "signal theft threat" as a sales push. I guess, another way to look at it is that CN shouldn't be worshiped as a sole source of supply for just about everything - to avoid disappointment. Especially keeping in mind that 90 % of goods imported from CN were designed and developed elsewhere. 
Help, I'm a little confjused on the activation process.
I purchased the Joey 4 from Solid Signal and shipping box has Call 866 726-4282 to Avtivate new Receiver. That number is Solid Signals number.
I googled and that search said call Dish to activate. I assume that is correct unless this requires a 2 step process.
Please let me know.
Thanks
I purchased the Joey 4 from Solid Signal and shipping box has Call 866 726-4282 to Avtivate new Receiver. That number is Solid Signals number.
I googled and that search said call Dish to activate. I assume that is correct unless this requires a 2 step process.
Please let me know.
Thanks
6 Replies
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182 views
All good called Dish and new Joey 4 is activated and working.
Old Joey 2 deactivated and no need to return.
Old Joey 2 deactivated and no need to return.
S
i bought mine straight from dish as it was only $ 100.00 bucks!!! had the protection plan they came out removed and deactivated the 4k joey and activated and installed the joey 4.All good called Dish and new Joey 4 is activated and working.
Old Joey 2 deactivated and no need to return.
For some reason, the satelliteguys.us site is loading a lot slower than usual on both Chrome on my Asus laptop and Safari on my iPhone.
I'm also seeing longer appearances of the blue bar at the top and the "3 blue bars" loading symbol.
Is anyone else also having the same problem? Thanks in advance.
I'm also seeing longer appearances of the blue bar at the top and the "3 blue bars" loading symbol.
Is anyone else also having the same problem? Thanks in advance.
526 Replies
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17900 views
Remember folks... just like DNS... its always Foxbat.
WTF… …What the Foxbat!Remember folks... just like DNS... its always Foxbat.
S
wow what a kick in the balls!!! the wife blames you when things don't work now scott's blaming youWTF… …What the Foxbat!
Supporting Founder
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
Apple has finally released their Apple TV 4K with built-in Siri and a microphone so it can respond to your queries even if you don't have the remote. It also increases in price, to $299. I had been planning on updating my current Apple TV 4K streamers, but that's $600 for the two of them, and that's a pass at this point.
At $299, it had better come with 256 GB of Storage, Gigabit (or better) Ethernet, the latest HDMI tech and standards, and one year of free Apple One. But it probably won't…
At $299, it had better come with 256 GB of Storage, Gigabit (or better) Ethernet, the latest HDMI tech and standards, and one year of free Apple One. But it probably won't…
Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K. New Siri AI and hands-free control. Stunning picture and immersive HomePod surround sound. Works with your Apple and smart home devices.
www.apple.com
14 Replies
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170 views
S
. apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while
they all do that anyways.. ever notice your cell phone slows down when you come up for an upgrade..
. apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while
The new curated multiview is now live.
While on many of the sports channels and non sports channels there is a multi view option button. It will pull up a side bar with many different multi view options.
While on many of the sports channels and non sports channels there is a multi view option button. It will pull up a side bar with many different multi view options.
3 Replies
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152 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.
141 Replies
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1342 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
This thread is a place to discuss the 4K events that appear on channel 540. We are getting, at this point, one college football game a week. Let's hope there is more coming.
1931 Replies
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298844 views
Hmmm, I'm not seeing anything like those events in our Hopper 3 guide for tonight or Saturday.
I went into the Tools menu and requested a Guide Update. I'll try looking at it after the update completes.
edit — I now have the 148-01 4KFox events for Saturday, but not anything for 148-02 or 148-03 which don't even show as available channels. I do have 148-04 4KUSA.
As I recall you have the Flex package. Do you sub to multisport? -02 is FS1 and -03 is ESPN. -01 is Fox so you would get that if you sub to locals.Hmmm, I'm not seeing anything like those events in our Hopper 3 guide for tonight or Saturday.
I went into the Tools menu and requested a Guide Update. I'll try looking at it after the update completes.
edit — I now have the 148-01 4KFox events for Saturday, but not anything for 148-02 or 148-03 which don't even show as available channels. I do have 148-04 4KUSA.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87N42NxLPC0
Direct YouTube Link - 8 U.S. States Sue OpenAI Over Safety Concerns With Younger Users
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87N42NxLPC0
Direct YouTube Link - 8 U.S. States Sue OpenAI Over Safety Concerns With Younger Users
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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8 views
Pub Member / Supporter
On Tuesday, I recorded the first episodes of the new season's NCIS shows on CBS (Dish provided, not OTA). The new New York series and Origins will both do Auto Skip, but the original, now season 24 does not. What's stranger, when I do a search for NCIS, Origins and New York show the current recording and the next episode it will record, but the original show only shows the current recording and some other channel showing the very first episode of season one. It makes no sense. When I set up the timers, I was able to use search for Origins and New York, but for the original, I had to scroll ahead in the guide until last Tuesday when the show was airing. Then set the timer from there. You can see its timer type is DVR where the other two are Seek. What am I missing?
Thanks!
Thanks!
20 Replies
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386 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
I created this thread on the original Edgecutter Cutting Edge Forums site. It's simply a place for those to review the latest software available for those using Windows 10 and Windows 11. To date it has received 112,559 views. I have been asked by staff to continue this thread here.
520 Replies
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47171 views
To each there own but I've found that Windows can't do much more than Linux can. Can't have everything.
For niche use cases, yes I agree. Kali for ethical hacking and security testing, and running a Cacti server for network monitoring are the two things I have experience in. Plus thousands and thousands of other things, but for every day use I just can't see it. The owner of the GMRS repeater that I pay to access is changing the Tx DPL tones tomorrow, while Chirp is available on Linux, the software to program my MXT500 is not.To each there own but I've found that Windows can't do much more than Linux can. Can't have everything.
I run Fedora and Ubuntu in VMWare, honestly I don't care much for the UI of either of them and I don't feel like spending days/weeks to customize the UI to make it look Windows-like when I could just use Windows. The cartoonish dock at the bottom of the screen reminds me of Apple products.
As I said above, and, FWIW, I run Win11 Pro and Arch on separate 250 GB NVME drives, using F8 to select which I boot to, with a 1TB SSD for storage, accessible to both OSs and a third formatted Nvme I want to use to learn Kali. It was much faster to setup Arch than it was to strip down Windows. Windows still takes much longer to boot.
