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sparks
Last reply · posted in C-BAND Satellite Discussion
Hi everyone,


I had been viewing various kU band satellites. I more recently decided to add a C band dish to it and I did. I have been viewing various FTA programming from three kU band dishes plus a C band dish that is all connected together at a DiSEQC switch. Everything has been working well until about a week ago when a storm came through. We did have a couple of very close lightening strikes. As far as I know there were no direct lightening hits from the storm.

Because of the possibility of static discharge I have everything grounded even beyond the grounding that is required by the National Electrical Code. Since that storm I cannot get my Mercury II to connect to or switch to different dishes as it use to do. It will only receive from the terminal that is marked for dish #1 on the DiSEQC switch. I replaced the switch and that did not correct the problem. I tried a total of three new from the box DiSEQC switches. This still did not correct the problem. I did of course check to be certain that it was still set to work in the box. I restored to the factory default settings of the Mercury II and started over with everything set correctly. I still cannot view any dish except for #1. I also went a step further by connecting the different dishes to switch #1. They would all work fine but only when connect to #1 DiSEQC terminal..

At this point my guess would be that it is a defect of my Mercury II that is a result of the nearby lightening strike. I have one of the spike protectors on the coax input on the box. I also have everything plugged into surge protectors.

If anyone has any ideas on this I would like to hear them. The only other thing that I can imagine doing is to reload the software into the Mercury II. I hate to do this until I have a working backup box. I could be worse off after I download the software to the receiver.

I did buy an nfusion Phoenix receiver a few years ago for a backup. The problem with it is that there are no instructions of how to operate the thing or to set it up. I have the book that came with it. The book is the one for this box. The instructions do not match the box or its remote control. If someone has set up a Phoenix box and might like another one cheap. Just let me know and you might own it.

When I bought my big dish from Sadoun I also purchased an actuator motor and a gbox to control it. I have run the wires and I am ready to replace my turnbuckle that I put on the dish with the actuator to aim it. First I need to get the dish set up to follow the satellite arc.

I have been using kU band for a few years to view FTA. I have instructions for and can set up a motor to follow the Clark Belt arc with a kU band motor. Luckily I know enough about it to have set this C Band equipment up and to have it working without any instructions at all. Nothing came with any of the C Band equipment. I have contacted Sadoun with no response from them.

What I have is a Sadoun SD180PM polar mount dish, the DMX741 C/KU Band LNBF, a V3000 actuator controller and one of the QARL-3618 heavy duty Power Jack actuators.



Does anyone have or could someone tell me where I can find the instructions to aim a C Band dish to track the arc? Like I said I know where the satellites are. I have been manually aiming the dish to view them. I have contacted Sadoun and they are no help. I do not want to criticize one of this forums sponsors. That is the way that it is. I can go to their website and forum to find more that than I need to know about aiming a kU motorized dish. I do not find anything to do with aiming the C Band dish for tracking the arc. As I also mentioned, no instructions or literature came with any of this equipment other than a packing list.
6 Replies · 3567 views
Skjellyfetti
You can take a look at this site, it may do the trick for you. C-band Satellite Installation
Babadem
You can take a look at this site, it may do the trick for you. C-band Satellite Installation
Very informative site.
L
First of all your dish may have been nudged out of alignment in the wind. The next time you get the arc zeroed, you should mark the pole and the mount. If it happens again, you can get it back by going back to the marks.

Lightning storm? Something burned out maybe?
FaT Air
It doesn't take a direct hit to wipe out electronics. POOF - - SOOT!
Tying a loose loop in the coax between the receiver and grounding block can help minimize chances of lightning induced damage to the receiver or anything else in the house. This goes for any other wires between dish and house also. (servo, actuator)
sparks
Thanks again for the help. It does save a lot of time when someone will answer a question.

With the lightening problem- as I said, I can get everything that I had been getting. After the storm it is not at the same time with a DiSEQC switch. The dishes must now be connected one at a time. I do have a grounding block on it. And it probably is the box itself since I replaced everything else with new backups including the LNB's.

Thanks for the web address to set the c band dish arc. That is what I was looking for.

Now that my Mercury II is not what it should be since the storm. What is a good box with an operators manual that was put together by someone who knows what he is doing. I noticed that even more HDTV programing is available while doing power scans. If I am going to buy a box I just as well go with an HDTV box. I understand that I will still be able to get the standard definition programing with it.

Does anyone have any experience with the SatHawk PVR800 from Sadoun that is an HDTV unit. I do not care about the PVR but I might some day. I may be aggravated with Sadoun because of the lack of information about their products. They are still my preference as a company to deal with.

I want to be able to do power scans to also find programming on the transponders that I an not aware of. I understand that you can not do that with all of them. Like I said, it would be nice to have an owners manual that at least sort of tells you how to set the thing up.

I would look at Fortec since the Mercury II has done so well. It seems the no one sells them any more.
Mapleleaf69
i would suggest the azbox hd Premium Plus receiver.ive heard nothing but good things with this box.this box is capable of blind scanning in dvb-s2 feeds which is a plus.im hoping to get one myself soon.
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
RIP dude. Always liked his music. He was 83


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH5Arbm47IQ
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Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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....
68622 Replies · 2678370 views
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dishstaller
Cool Change - Little River Band
long_time_Dish
Change Of The Guard - Steely Dan
dishstaller
Owner Of a Lonely Heart - Yes
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long_time_Dish
Lonely Street - Kansas
dishstaller
Lonely is the Night - Billy Squier
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
· posted in The Chit Chat Club
This video was put up shortly after I was able to take my family out to Yosemite in 2011. No AI.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6-2fVsFV8E
0 Replies · 1 views
JSheridan
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.
170 Replies · 4720 views
MikeD-C05
I don't know why DISH doesn't just start a streaming version of DISH and then if you can't see the western arc you go with streaming versions and then they could keep customers if they had good internet speeds. I mean Sling TV could be changed to Streaming DISH TV if they wanted since both companies are under Echostar. Then you would still be able to use your ota antenna with Air TV devices like I do with Air TV Anywhere with 4 ota tuners.
Scott Greczkowski
I don't know why DISH doesn't just start a streaming version of DISH
I have the same wish.
B
I have the same wish.
Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite
Scott Greczkowski
Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite
They keep the satellite service too. But have. Full streaming version of dish. As sling tv sucks eggs.
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navychop
As sling tv sucks eggs.

PHONE CALL FOR MISTER SCOTT G! PHONE CALL FOR MISTER SCOTT G! FROM A MISTER C ERGEN!……

😱
NYDutch
Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite
DISH will happily sell them a Starlink system and service.
T
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink
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Foxbat
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink
Because he didn't have a fleet of reusable rockets. Starlink works because SpaceX is able to launch hundreds (thousands?) of their Starlink satellites for what a single geostationary Internet satellite costs to build and launch on a disposable launcher.
T
But how is it reusable if it's disposable
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Love this guy's channel. Looks like Walmart has thrown in the towel when it comes to conventional car batteries.

I bought a new AGM battery from Walmart about a year ago, it is already needing replacing. I thought about just buying a regular battery but from what I've read, that might not be a smart move. Might check my Forscan program and see if I can change the battery type from AGM.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awe7kY5nvdU
18 Replies · 190 views
harshness
When you need a battery, you need a battery.

If you can wait, new technologies are on the not-too-distant horizon.

You're probably doing something wrong if you're only getting a year out of an AGM battery. Heat and infrequent charging both significantly reduce lifetime.
dishstaller
You're probably doing something wrong if you're only getting a year out of an AGM battery. Heat and infrequent charging both significantly reduce lifetime.
Huh? How can I be doing something wrong.....I took out the original battery, that was 6 yrs old and put in a new one.....kinda hard to screw that up. I figure it was just a bad battery....it happens.


The biggest takeaway I got from this video was the Walmart batteries only had something like 85% of battery life left even though they were brand NEW. The ones from O'Reilly all tested 100% of life left.
Jimbo
Huh? How can I be doing something wrong.....I took out the original battery, that was 6 yrs old and put in a new one.....kinda hard to screw that up. I figure it was just a bad battery....it happens.


The biggest takeaway I got from this video was the Walmart batteries only had something like 85% of battery life left even though they were brand NEW. The ones from O'Reilly all tested 100% of life left.
And the Walmart ones mostly had very little warranty.

My last AGM (using now) I got from O Rielly's, its the Super Start ... I got the Platnium, they had several to choose from.
T
He sounds like he's trying to sell me a pocket hose.

I just had to replace a car battery this week and thought I'd look into LiFePo4. Amazon has plenty of them, but all have top posts and only one 'also' has side connections (Group 75).Then I read that they're really lousy in the cold. So, an AGM, but again, almost nothing with side terminals instead of top. In researching that, I read that most mfrs in recent years have dropped side terminals and gone back to the old top posts, which is surprising to me since those are more corrosion-prone, cause the battery to need more space and are generally more hazardous. Finally I just threw up my hands and bought a regular lead-acid at Sam's Club. They had a Group 75 "Duracell" with side terminals only. It was virtually the only such battery with side posts on their shelves
arlo
Had a Die Hard in my folks cellar for over 6 years. Pulled it out, slapped it on a charger for a day. Put it in my 'Cuda and drove it around for a week of my vacation. Next year, the same. But my dad kept it topped off for me.It was a mid 80's battery in early 1990.

Flooded acid batteries like a float voltage of around 13.5-13.8 voltage.
AGM needs a float of 14.2 volts. So if you slap an AGM in where a flooded was. It never gets a full charge.
"Why do they die so fast?" Question answered. There are folks who sell voltage regulators for alternators that are designed to boost float voltage for AGM batteries.
The other way around? Flooded will gas-off a little at 14.2 volts. But seems to tolerate it pretty good.

Lithium car/bike/atv batteries. After 3 batteries in my Harley. The OEM flooded and two AGM's (before the 14.2 volt float requirement to let them live was learned). I bought a lithium for it. 4 year, no gripe warranty after having it tested by an approved store.
The thing started like Thor himself sent a bolt from the sky. Except......try to start it around freezing? Nope. Needed a heating pad.
And I usually like to park it around events in the evening with the parking light on. Looks cool like that.
We could traipse around for a few hours no worries. Hop on, fire it up, and go putt around.
Lithium? A Dakota Lithium at least. The BMS shuts it right down if it discharges below <something>.
Come back. Parking lights off. Won't start. And you know the rest. But it lasted 6 years. A lot better than 'new every two'. And the fact that powersports batteries are warranted for six, maybe nine months. Ludicrous.

I called Noco. Asked all of the right questions. Great warranty. Save some bucks ordering directly, faster service that the wally world alternative.
They addressed (or claimed over the phone) that the shut down was addressed. Sure. The BMS keeps it form being damaged. But if it is shut down because it does become low. Shut down any load (key on, parking or headlights left on) for 10-15 minutes and you get a second try to start your rig. Not a bad thing if it really works. Right?!

Exide, Interstate? Be very afraid. They ain't what they used to be. In Florida my '70 Cutlass had an Interstate (early 90') that lasted 6 years until it dropped its plates at an intersection and boiled over. In Florida, mind you. The last Interstate.....done in 2. Guys down there would suck out the acid and put water in shortly before the warranty ran out. Make it to the auto parts, get them tested. And get a new one pro rated. No more pro rating.
You can't beat an Odyssey. Napa, AC Deco (the better ones). Yup.
The mom and pop Car Quest only sells Die Hard. For a reason, the old man says. So they convinced that a Die HArd Platinum was the hot ticket for me. l will see. Stand by!

You can't cut Mr. Project Farm down. He does great tests of all sorts of things. Not sponsored and pressured to slap a little sugar on his comparisons and reviews. Compared to the Brits and Aussies with their constant overzealous and same sounding (Dave from EEVblog) rant. I like P-Farm a lot. Of course I like AvE (Boltr) too.
Reminds me to beware when wearing shorts around the garage vice.


Opinions may vary.
harshness
And the Walmart ones mostly had very little warranty.
The days of the 84-month warranty appear long gone, regardless of brand or where you acquired it. Warranties tend to be shorter, with much greater dependence on quick prorating.

The big problem for lead-acid batteries (whether flooded or AGM) is that the US no longer produces lead (the last smelter closed in 2013) and must import it.

Recycling covers a good chunk of the need (~70%), but it isn't free.
EarDemon
I've always got regular OEM Ford Motorcraft batteries from the dealership and have never really had an issue. On my old Lincoln Aviator (the SUV from the early 00s, not the CUV of today), I had some phantom drain and went though a few batteries, but that was an anomaly and with the standard warranty I got free replacements. Taking the Aviator out of the picture, I've bought two batteries in my 24 years of driving. One battery replacement in my Mountaineer, one in my Navigator. But I probably would have had another one had I kept it around longer. Didn't have the Bronco long enough, and so far still on the factory battery for my Expedition.

I run more than the average bear. Dash cam, two radar detectors (yes, I'm aware that can be problematic when using simultaneously), laser jammers and a police scanner. I'm in Buffalo, 90 degree summers and 0 degree winters. Once in a while in the dead of winter I'll get an alert from the Ford app saying remote features have been disabled to conserve battery, but it starts right up.
dishstaller
I run more than the average bear. Dash cam, two radar detectors (yes, I'm aware that can be problematic when using simultaneously), laser jammers and a police scanner.
warrior.webp
Ramy
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section
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.
168 Replies · 2361 views
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Jimbo
AI Overview


College Football Playoff bracket, schedule, scores, rankings ...

The 2025–26 College Football Playoff concluded with the Indiana Hoosiers winning the national championship by defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27–21. [1, 2, 3]

Playoff Results Summary
The 12-team playoff bracket featured the following key results across each round: [1]
    • First Round: Alabama defeated Oklahoma (34–24), Miami (Fla.) beat Texas A&M (10–3), Ole Miss topped Tulane (41–10), and Oregon defeated James Madison (51–34) at higher-seeded campus sites.
    • Quarterfinals: Miami (Fla.) upset Ohio State (24–14), Oregon shut out Texas Tech (23–0), top-ranked Indiana rolled past Alabama (38–3), and Ole Miss edged Georgia (39–34) across the New Year's Six bowls.
    • Semifinals: Miami (Fla.) advanced past Ole Miss (31–27) in the Peach Bowl, while Indiana dominant-defeated Oregon (56–22) in the Fiesta Bowl.
    • National Championship: Indiana secured the title with a 27–21 victory over Miami (Fla.) at Hard Rock Stadium. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Unfortunately, there was not rankings listed in this summary
AZ.
AZ.
And no teams deserve a bye! Injuries are the largest part of the game that you cant practice for them. Any team can suffer the worst injury at any position on any play. No favorites.
Jimbo
And no teams deserve a bye! Injuries are the largest part of the game that you cant practice for them. Any team can suffer the worst injury at any position on any play. No favorites.
I think they are actually discussing the Top 8 get a Bye this time, if they go to 24.
Then again, I heard something about Play in games for the 16-24 teams ...

Nothing is official yet, so lots of moving parts ...

Can't wait, lets do 24, 3 years later they will want 32 :sick
Y
And no teams deserve a bye! Injuries are the largest part of the game that you cant practice for them. Any team can suffer the worst injury at any position on any play. No favorites.
While the bye can help the top four teams and those the Cartels would like to protect in the playoff, I think the bye is also about making the Cartel championships mean something. One problem with a playoff is it does diminish the conference title a bit.
Jimbo
While the bye can help the top four teams and those the Cartels would like to protect in the playoff, I think the bye is also about making the Cartel championships mean something. One problem with a playoff is it does diminish the conference title a bit.
Once the 24 gets here, there won't be anymore Conference Championships .... or so they say.

Oh what the hell, we really don't need Conferences anymore either ...:coco:(
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dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
· posted in The Chit Chat Club
0 Replies · 18 views
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
4 Replies · 59 views
Bobby
Rest in peace. Together again with Spock, Doc, Uhura, and Scotty...
long_time_Dish
Rest in peace, Checkov, and Bester too...
FTA4PA
Rest In Peace 😢
Foxbat
Rest in Peace…
Bobby
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
This is a thread that will keep you apprised of 4K events that will be showing on Dish channel 540. Keep looking here for information.

As of today, 9-27-17, there are no scheduled events posted for the next 2 weeks. That is subject to change on a daily basis.
768 Replies · 167916 views
Bobby
MLB, Rays at Brewers, Friday 10-23, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
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Bobby
MLB, Rays at Brewers, Saturday 10-24, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
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Bobby
MLB, Brewers at Rays, Monday 10-26, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
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Bobby
MLB, Brewers at Rays, Tuesday 10-27, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
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Bobby
CFB, Florida vs Georgia, Saturday 10-31, 12:30PM PDT, Channel 148-03.
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