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Ok here goes.
I need suggestions for a budget minded free to air setup. This has to be done on a budget, retirment gives you lots of time but not always alot of cash to work with, hence the term "budget" lol.
The area that this set-up will be done, in general geographic terms will be located in the extreme southern ontario. I have an open sky in which to work with, at least from near horizon as the dish will be located on a TV tower, but will be located approx. 25 feet up the tower, tower heighth is 50 feet(free stander), but due to physical limitations, It needs to be accessable from a ladder. I can get around, just not too well, and only for a limited duration. There are no trees that will block the view, or buildings either from either side, I have an open sky to work with
I haven't totally decided on the size of dish to use yet, so I would appriciate some suggestions on the dish also.
But the basis of any good set-up, I have read, is the motor. I need a motor that will be as durable as possible, as the winds in this area can strip out gears in a large TV antenna rotor, let alone what the wind will be like for a dish. Because this won't just be used for entertainment reasons but testing as well. So at times it could be driven quite a bit back and forth.
I have read in these forums that a 2100 motor will need to have the relays replaced, as if you use it too much for driving back and forth, they can fail, and need to be replaced, with a more heavy duty set of relays.
If I can get a good heavy duty motor that is very durable, and built strong as well, Due to the enviromental factors, but don't cost an arm and leg to buy. I know I am looking for alot, but at the same time, I don't want to have to buy a motor every couple of months either.
So in review;
1) I need suggestions on a good, durable, long life motor, that don't cost an arm and a leg.
2) Suggestions on a good dish, as I would like to be able to use the dish for testing, so it will need to pull the weak transponders in.
3) Suggestions on an LNB, will have to allow both linear, as well as circular reception.
I thought that this would be a better place to ask these questions, as there is an abundance of people who will give an honest opinion, rather than to talk to a salesman in a store that will only try to sell you the most expensive, and would only be one persons opinion, instead of many. Also keeping in mind this has to be done on a budget also. If it takes me 2 or 3 months to be able to get all the nessasary equipment then so be it, I would rather do that then comprimize what I hope to be a very solid build that will last, and perform.
At the present time I have the choice of the only two recievers I presently own which are the Coolsat 5000, and a Sonicview 360 Elite.
And to make this absolutly clear, this setup will be used only for FTA, not anything illegal as my betterhalf would be holding my family jewels if I even suggested doing something illegal.
Even a suggestion, if there is a better reciever is not out of the question, but I thought I would let you's know what I had for recievers as far as recievers goes, if it helps to decide what motors and dishes and lnb's are going to be used. For the most part I will be using the set-up for testing and for use in the "Doghouse", formerly known as the garage, the tower it will be placed on is at the back of the garage and presently has 2 stationary dishes(which the "new" moterized dish will be replacing), a large OTA antenna and a Antron99(omni directional antenna), that is used for Ham radio/ scanner(when not used for the ham radio).
In advance, I will thank-you for the suggestions, as I am more than willing to provide pictures of the setup once it is completed. As well as what can be recieved. Being more or less in the middle of the country, with an open sky should yeild some rather good results hopfully.
With the present dishes, some recycled(given to me) 18 inch BEV dishes, and 2 old Starchoice dishes(oval 33inch by 28 or 26 inches high) one old Star Choice "beercan" lnb, and a newer square SC linear lnb(came with the dishes when I had them given to me). I have had very limited performance, and results. So it is time I installed somthing that is going to do what I am hoping to be able to do, basically enjoy this FTA hobbie, instead of getting frustrated with what I presently have for equipment. As it has been said, and I have learned, if your going to do somthing, do it right, or not at all.
Thanks again for your suggestions, they will be put to good use. As well this might be able to be used by more people than just me as there are many that probly know what they want to do, just don't know what they should get for equipment and good bang for there buck so to speak.:up
I need suggestions for a budget minded free to air setup. This has to be done on a budget, retirment gives you lots of time but not always alot of cash to work with, hence the term "budget" lol.
The area that this set-up will be done, in general geographic terms will be located in the extreme southern ontario. I have an open sky in which to work with, at least from near horizon as the dish will be located on a TV tower, but will be located approx. 25 feet up the tower, tower heighth is 50 feet(free stander), but due to physical limitations, It needs to be accessable from a ladder. I can get around, just not too well, and only for a limited duration. There are no trees that will block the view, or buildings either from either side, I have an open sky to work with
I haven't totally decided on the size of dish to use yet, so I would appriciate some suggestions on the dish also.
But the basis of any good set-up, I have read, is the motor. I need a motor that will be as durable as possible, as the winds in this area can strip out gears in a large TV antenna rotor, let alone what the wind will be like for a dish. Because this won't just be used for entertainment reasons but testing as well. So at times it could be driven quite a bit back and forth.
I have read in these forums that a 2100 motor will need to have the relays replaced, as if you use it too much for driving back and forth, they can fail, and need to be replaced, with a more heavy duty set of relays.
If I can get a good heavy duty motor that is very durable, and built strong as well, Due to the enviromental factors, but don't cost an arm and leg to buy. I know I am looking for alot, but at the same time, I don't want to have to buy a motor every couple of months either.
So in review;
1) I need suggestions on a good, durable, long life motor, that don't cost an arm and a leg.
2) Suggestions on a good dish, as I would like to be able to use the dish for testing, so it will need to pull the weak transponders in.
3) Suggestions on an LNB, will have to allow both linear, as well as circular reception.
I thought that this would be a better place to ask these questions, as there is an abundance of people who will give an honest opinion, rather than to talk to a salesman in a store that will only try to sell you the most expensive, and would only be one persons opinion, instead of many. Also keeping in mind this has to be done on a budget also. If it takes me 2 or 3 months to be able to get all the nessasary equipment then so be it, I would rather do that then comprimize what I hope to be a very solid build that will last, and perform.
At the present time I have the choice of the only two recievers I presently own which are the Coolsat 5000, and a Sonicview 360 Elite.
And to make this absolutly clear, this setup will be used only for FTA, not anything illegal as my betterhalf would be holding my family jewels if I even suggested doing something illegal.
Even a suggestion, if there is a better reciever is not out of the question, but I thought I would let you's know what I had for recievers as far as recievers goes, if it helps to decide what motors and dishes and lnb's are going to be used. For the most part I will be using the set-up for testing and for use in the "Doghouse", formerly known as the garage, the tower it will be placed on is at the back of the garage and presently has 2 stationary dishes(which the "new" moterized dish will be replacing), a large OTA antenna and a Antron99(omni directional antenna), that is used for Ham radio/ scanner(when not used for the ham radio).
In advance, I will thank-you for the suggestions, as I am more than willing to provide pictures of the setup once it is completed. As well as what can be recieved. Being more or less in the middle of the country, with an open sky should yeild some rather good results hopfully.
With the present dishes, some recycled(given to me) 18 inch BEV dishes, and 2 old Starchoice dishes(oval 33inch by 28 or 26 inches high) one old Star Choice "beercan" lnb, and a newer square SC linear lnb(came with the dishes when I had them given to me). I have had very limited performance, and results. So it is time I installed somthing that is going to do what I am hoping to be able to do, basically enjoy this FTA hobbie, instead of getting frustrated with what I presently have for equipment. As it has been said, and I have learned, if your going to do somthing, do it right, or not at all.
Thanks again for your suggestions, they will be put to good use. As well this might be able to be used by more people than just me as there are many that probly know what they want to do, just don't know what they should get for equipment and good bang for there buck so to speak.:up
16 Replies
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2721 views
B
Any suggestions on a budget minded, FTA setup
Thank-you for the updated file Iceberg, it's very muchly appreciated, I wasn't aware of these updated ones.
Thank-you for the updated file Iceberg, it's very muchly appreciated, I wasn't aware of these updated ones.
M
no problem
This is one of those 3rd party softwares that we have no issues with since it fixed a couple issues with the factory firmware. And it gets only what its suppose to
This is one of those 3rd party softwares that we have no issues with since it fixed a couple issues with the factory firmware. And it gets only what its suppose to
K
Yikes! I'm cringing at the thought of being on a ladder lugging a 1.2M dish up a 25 foot tower. From what I've seen people generally go up when they can't get a clear view of the sky.. but sounds like you already have that so if there is any way you can work out a ground mount system (even a tripod that has "feet" you fasten with stakes could work) I think you will thank yourself later!
If you absolutely, positively must mount your dish on the tower then here are my suggestions:
- Find a dish that has a fine elevation adjustment built into its mount - that is a long bolt that you turn to tilt the dish up or down. It gives the precision you need to adjust the dish with one hand while steadying yourself on the ladder with the other hand.
- The higher up you go the more wind loads become an issue - a molded dish with a ribbed back will maintain your signal quality when its windy.
- I'm not sure what kind of tower it is but make sure that tower is super solid such that it wont bend or wobble with the weight of the dish plus any added forces from high winds.
- Since you want to motorize the dish make sure the surface on the tower where you mount the dish is perfectly plumb - if not then it will not properly track the satellite arc in the sky.
- Consider the shape of the tower and where you have to mount the dish on it. If you have a square, 4-post tower for example and you mount it on one of the sides instead of one of the corner posts then you may have clearance problems with the back of the dish hitting the tower and limiting your ability to see the whole satellite arc.
Lots of luck to you - please post some pictures of your project if you can. Its always fun to see how it all comes together.
- Rob
If you absolutely, positively must mount your dish on the tower then here are my suggestions:
- Find a dish that has a fine elevation adjustment built into its mount - that is a long bolt that you turn to tilt the dish up or down. It gives the precision you need to adjust the dish with one hand while steadying yourself on the ladder with the other hand.
- The higher up you go the more wind loads become an issue - a molded dish with a ribbed back will maintain your signal quality when its windy.
- I'm not sure what kind of tower it is but make sure that tower is super solid such that it wont bend or wobble with the weight of the dish plus any added forces from high winds.
- Since you want to motorize the dish make sure the surface on the tower where you mount the dish is perfectly plumb - if not then it will not properly track the satellite arc in the sky.
- Consider the shape of the tower and where you have to mount the dish on it. If you have a square, 4-post tower for example and you mount it on one of the sides instead of one of the corner posts then you may have clearance problems with the back of the dish hitting the tower and limiting your ability to see the whole satellite arc.
Lots of luck to you - please post some pictures of your project if you can. Its always fun to see how it all comes together.
- Rob
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
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....
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....
68672 Replies
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2680882 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so...
Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...
Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...
5450 Replies
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336181 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
160 Replies
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3625 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs
My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.
Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.
After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.
I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.
6 Replies
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51 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4JfcPctpQmk
Direct YouTube Link - Cyberattacks Are Coming—Is Your Company Ready? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4JfcPctpQmk
Direct YouTube Link - Cyberattacks Are Coming—Is Your Company Ready? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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2 views
Staff member
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
If you are a former Cuttinge Edge member who has converted to Stream, please contact me.
0 Replies
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10 views
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?
7 Replies
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284 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
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.
www.cnbc.com
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
5 Replies
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59 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0bCOMsIK3EU
Direct YouTube Link - The Future of XBOX?
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0bCOMsIK3EU
Direct YouTube Link - The Future of XBOX?
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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7 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.
175 Replies
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2798 views
