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T
Last reply · posted in C-BAND Satellite Discussion
After 25 years of faithful service it's now time to change the acme screw - already done (thanks to friend in C-band since it's inception who still has parts and the tools to do this). Sorry I couldn't witness this and share for safety/covid reasons (no pics either)

Now I have brushed all the rust and gunk from the screw, using variously electronics grade degreasers, IPA, brake fluid. Now that I have the thing apart I am tempted to dismatle further to access the gears and have a look, but my friend discourages me from going any further. Am I asking for trouble? i.e. throwing alignment off etc. The reason is I suspect some rust may have got inside somehow and from my VCR experince the gear grease probably has dried out by now.

I did acquire this antenna from the previous original owner who had for 10 plus before me, so all in all some 32 years in operation , not bad! Oh and this time I got an "accordion" , the real McCoy not this makeshift jobs. :Let's see what else, previously my actuator mount bracket had some play in it at it's pivot or mounting location, but it never gave me any trouble except on Ku with strong winds. I have PB Blasted this sucker to death and have never managed to get it to budge. I am happy to leave it alone and the "play" reduces the stress on the jack, as I have never been able to perfectly align this to the antenna - if you get my drift i.e. I have never come across instrunctios on correctly installing and aligning the actuator MOUNT in any of the classic writeups, and beleive me I have them all.

Lastly , on greases, should I go with the standard heavy duty automotive greases or as someone suggested "moly" grease (have a tube from my car repair days) - it is a "rust" color. Says adheres to metal better. Oh and one more, is it a good idea to paint the inner and outer tube, purely for cosmetic reasons of course; worried if paint chips it may cause more problems than it's worth. I also cleaned the outer tube insides of the rust and dirt but am tempted to get some grease in there as well, so the inner tube moves more smoothly and quietly - going for smooth and quiet here folks, hence lubing the plastic gears as I mentioned.

I am probably leaving out a dozen more questions, the mind boggles. Btw, this is so much fun and can't wait to mount it and set the limits on the cam.
28 Replies · 8473 views
arlo
Let me see how the nut aligns in the tube to be captured by the tabs.
Looks like you cut one to get the nut out, right? All of my actuators are Saginaw and Houston Trackers because that's what was sold here back in the day and so far just pumping grease into them and wiping out the old gook that squishes out has worked well.

Can you weld the tabs back and then squeeze them back to capture the nut after it's all cooled down?
Is it possible to lay out and drill, tap the tube tabs or perimeter for something like 4 set screws?
Perhaps drill the nut body so the screws go into it far enough to capture but not interfere with the acme screw?
Tap carefully for a real good interference fit and so they go in flush with the tube?
Finish it off with red Locktite so everything stays put?

Hah. I'm cussing you TV, I was out in my shop before my first cup this morning and got greasy as hell running my tubes out to see if they looked like yours.

I'm compelled to add it looks like you used copper anti seize for lube. I'm not sure how it's going to gook-up in time and is why I'm sure a good black molybdenum or synthetic grease wouldn't be better. Plus if you drill your outer tube for a zerk in the right place you could pump more in periodically.
T
Let me see how the nut aligns in the tube to be captured by the tabs.
Looks like you cut one to get the nut out, right? All of my actuators are Saginaw and Houston Trackers because that's what was sold here back in the day and so far just pumping grease into them and wiping out the old gook that squishes out has worked well.

Can you weld the tabs back and then squeeze them back to capture the nut after it's all cooled down?
Is it possible to lay out and drill, tap the tube tabs or perimeter for something like 4 set screws?
Perhaps drill the nut body so the screws go into it far enough to capture but not interfere with the acme screw?
Tap carefully for a real good interference fit and so they go in flush with the tube?
Finish it off with red Locktite so everything stays put?

Hah. I'm cussing you TV, I was out in my shop before my first cup this morning and got greasy as hell running my tubes out to see if they looked like yours.

I'm compelled to add it looks like you used copper anti seize for lube. I'm not sure how it's going to gook-up in time and is why I'm sure a good black molybdenum or synthetic grease wouldn't be better. Plus if you drill your outer tube for a zerk in the right place you could pump more in periodically.

I had the same idea of heating the tabs. I did not remove the old worn nut myself, the retired guy did it for me. He also put the new one in. I am not sure there was a notch for alingment inside the tube, the only notch is at the end of the tube in the photos, but even if there was he probably obliterated it expanding the tabs with his tapered mandrel ( all speculation) . If it weren't for covid I would do the work with him and properly :/

You are right about the "grease" . I could have saved you from the grease detective work and frayed nerves by posting a pic of the tube. But thanks for the trouble, appreciate it.

Yes I am not sure this was a good idea, it felt real good and quiet though but doubt it will hold up. I may have a tube of extreme truck lube somewhere, is that synthetic?

I have been reading about proper lubricants for polymer acme screws from linear actuator companies (industrial not satellite) and I gather that polymer nuts either don't need any or recommend PTFE. So am a little baffled about everybody suggesting over greasing things and things oozing out - where exactly does it ooze out from ( only place is the base of the outer tube near the flange where it is screwed in. And wouldn't this block the water draining feature? So much conflicting information. Btw emails to Von WEise yielded no results yet if ever as they are out of the satellite game. Venture is hush hush about theirs - why the big secret? Probably don't want us repairing these for another 25 years, duh and nobody buying new ones - talk about throw away society.

I forgot to mention there was small pieces of plastic lodged in the slits when the nut came off, but the nut appears to be in tact - nothing broken from what I can tell - I will borrow another new one to compare.

I am not crazy about the tap and screw method as I doubt that arrangement can handle the load esp. if I go more east than the zenith satellite with that poor nut having to hold and pull that tremendous strain - unless I add the spring strain relief idea of yours.

Well I will let him take another crack at it before I completely give up and park it on one bird. In the meantime you've convinced me to clean off that copper compound and go with a standard synthetic grease. Where do people place the zerk? Odd this thing has been going for over a quarter century on hardly any grease if at all from the looks of it ( which corroborates what I read about polymer acme nuts, thin later of PTFE ( Teflon) that is then cured.

The poster who suggested getting a new actuator is probably shaking his head and cursing us poor cheap bastards right about now, hah. Wouldn't blame him if he was.
arlo
So what actually captures the nut in the tube? You said that you installed a new one, and that one got borked?
Yeah, time might be getting close for a new one but..since that time may be coming anyway why not give it a shot?
My set screw thing. You're doubtful. The tube looks thick enough to tap. Why not try it? How about 2 in the side of the tube. And a couple at the base of the nut to handle linear load? Rotational load would be taken care of because you would have the limit switches set for a safety margin.
I wouldn't sweat the little things. Grease. Moly definitely. Lucas red synthetic low temp too.
As for the zerk thing. 2 telescoping tubes. Extended. Put a grease fitting where you vision a blob pumped inside where the screw and nut would pick it up and distribute it along the screw. You might have to extend it again and pump another blob, then retract it again so the blob is spread around inside.
It looked like the units I have would be destroyed if I took them apart.
They were stiff and needed lubed. What were my options? Buy a new one?
clucas
I contacted Von Wiese about six months ago and was informed they would not sell me the acme nut. There was a minimum order of 100 pieces FOB El Paso, TX.

I ordered a brass nut from Roton. There was something wrong with the way it was tapped since it would bind on the screw after about one turn. I was going to go to a machine shop to see what could be done but with all the closures I just ordered a tap from Fastenel and ran it through the brass nut. It took off a small amount and now it it screws on easily.

I did NOT cut the tabs. Instead I opted to hacksaw (actually used a reciprocating saw with the nut in a vice) to trim some off the sides of the nut and I drilled and tapped through the tabs and inserted a screw with Locktite and a lock washer. I haven't tested it yet because I think I will get some hard stainless steel screws instead of what I have in there now but I have no reason to believe it won't work just fine.
b8bd129430e9464f7600f015ede20a7a.jpg
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Melvinfta
I want to share what I did with my Von Weise nut, I bought from ebay ¾-6 acme hex nut steel 4 pack, for $10.04, but I only used 2 nuts since it matched (wide enough to the oem plastic nut) and a friend of mine did some magic at his workshop, after that I have been using my von waise actuator for over 16 months over the arc from 40w to 133w with no issues, maybe is not the best option but is cheaper and works LOL.
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FTA4PA
I want to share what I did with my Von Weise nut, I bought from ebay ¾-6 acme hex nut steel 4 pack, for $10.04, but I only used 2 nuts since it matched (wide enough to the oem plastic nut) and a friend of mine did some magic at his workshop, after that I have been using my von waise actuator for over 16 months over the arc from 40w to 133w with no issues, maybe is not the best option but is cheaper and works LOL.
Nice mod! :)
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T
Last reply · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info
So I have recently setup Indoor OTA due to drop to Local from Dish, and found out reason why I have such bad signal is my Monitor now none of cable for my monitor near OTA or it cable going to TV, but the TV right above my Monitor maybe not even a foot.

If i have 3 to 2 bars with monitor off said channel for most part of perfectly watchable, but as soon my monitor is ON (show image of desktop or what ever) OTA going to TV halved that 3 to 2 bars become 1 and 2 if I lucky and channels start scrambling alot, and depending on what is being shown on monitor it might out right give no signal, and I can easily restore singal to being bad if change what show on monitor or bring back 3 to 2 bars if I turn monitor off or let it to to standby mode.

I have already disconnect every cable on TV except the OTA cable leaving just that so it not those cable. the Power cable for monitor and DP to DVI cable the monitor is using no where near that OTA cable either.

Any idea on how to fix this? moving my monitor isnt exactly an option neither is moving the tv and moving the OTA to other side room even with long cable dont fix this issue.

I have one those Leaf MoHu antennas 11x3 ones, I had same issue with one gateway mohu antennas the older one too
15 Replies · 341 views
comfortably_numb
Do you have any splitters or combiners in between the antenna and TV? That can cause issues, especially indoors.

I would get that antenna into the attic or outside if at all possible.

And we need your Rabbitears reception report to really be able to provide answers specific to your location-

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T
Do you have any splitters or combiners in between the antenna and TV? That can cause issues, especially indoors.

I would get that antenna into the attic or outside if at all possible.

And we need your Rabbitears reception report to really be able to provide answers specific to your location-

no spilter is just for my tv


I get I just need to short out the monitor from kill the signal to the tv cause the monitor being on and show image basically castrates signal

I just moved wires around moved power cord away data cord and what not, and some made this issue worse just have my monitor on and show image was enough to just kill signal, I went and moved monitors data cable DP to DVI cable and it came back even if was still spotty at best, now I think it DP to DVI cable I using considering moving seem maninpulate how bad the signal that cable is still no where near OTA cable or any cables going to the tv, the tv and monitor are on the same surge protector though
Jimbo
no spilter is just for my tv


I get I just need to short out the monitor from kill the signal to the tv cause the monitor being on and show image basically castrates signal

I just moved wires around moved power cord away data cord and what not, and some made this issue worse just have my monitor on and show image was enough to just kill signal, I went and moved monitors data cable DP to DVI cable and it came back even if was still spotty at best, now I think it DP to DVI cable I using considering moving seem maninpulate how bad the signal that cable is still no where near OTA cable or any cables going to the tv, the tv and monitor are on the same surge protector though
Are these items all Grounded ?
You haven't defeated them ...
Make sure the outlet is grounded as well, if it's nothten nothing else is.
T
Are these items all Grounded ?
You haven't defeated them ...
Make sure the outlet is grounded as well, if it's nothten nothing else is.
Far as i know they are all ground as surge protector is grounded this particular mode APC PV11V3 has wiring/fualt light that should go on if it not grounded and it not on protection light is green and on too . I not very knowledge about all that electrical grounding so i just go by what it tells me, my other surge protecter has grounded light on I could probably just plug to same outlet this one is to see if actual grounded

Monitor has 3 prog power cord the TV is 2 prog


Sounds like there may be some RF coming from your monitor (presumed to be a computer monitor?) being picked up by the TV's proximity to the monitor.
Move the TV or the computer at least 5 ft away.
If it is cabling to monitor it would show up while the computer is on and whether the monitor is off or on.

Sadly moving the monitor (Asus VS248) is not really an option I would have move my entire room which I not about to do. Computer is under desk said monitor is on, but turn the computer off does stop signal from droping so long as monitor is on, as I test that by connecting my ps5 to that and it happened there too

I do know that Moving the DP to DVI cable under desk can and does effect the signal, depending on where that cable is I might have spotty signal or no signal out all with the monitor on. but soon as it is off signal is fine.

The DP to DVI cable is shielded and the coxial cable is a shielded RG6 cable

I will see about moving the monitor 5+ feet way just to see if proximity to tv is issue. but that wont really solve my issue cause moving desk and there for computer and monitor isnt really option

Maybe wrap the monitor in aluminum foil? Just as a test to see if it's radiating RFI that's overwhelming the OTA tuner. Obviously not a viable long-term fix.
worth try I see what happen when I get hand on some aluminum foil
Jimbo
Far as i know they are all ground as surge protector is grounded this particular mode APC PV11V3 has wiring/fualt light that should go on if it not grounded and it not on protection light is green and on too . I not very knowledge about all that electrical grounding so i just go by what it tells me, my other surge protecter has grounded light on I could probably just plug to same outlet this one is to see if actual grounded

Monitor has 3 prog power cord the TV is 2 prog




Sadly moving the monitor (Asus VS248) is not really an option I would have move my entire room which I not about to do. Computer is under desk said monitor is on, but turn the computer off does stop signal from droping so long as monitor is on, as I test that by connecting my ps5 to that and it happened there too

I do know that Moving the DP to DVI cable under desk can and does effect the signal, depending on where that cable is I might have spotty signal or no signal out all with the monitor on. but soon as it is off signal is fine.

The DP to DVI cable is shielded and the coxial cable is a shielded RG6 cable

I will see about moving the monitor 5+ feet way just to see if proximity to tv is issue. but that wont really solve my issue cause moving desk and there for computer and monitor isnt really option


worth try I see what happen when I get hand on some aluminum foil
So, the TV is Not Grounded ...
I'm interested to see what happens when you move the TV away from the rest ...
T
So, the TV is Not Grounded ...
I'm interested to see what happens when you move the TV away from the rest ...
TV is fix mounted to wall on metal brackets it can tilt and slide to side that is it it it 8 feet off ground and 55" tv it not getting moved . if it ground issues on TV how how can I fix that? I thought if surge protector is ground so are devices

It TCL 55S515 TV I have 2 of them in house both are 2 prog and most TCL tv I seen are 2 prog maybe there bigge sets are
Can you move the Antenna away from the monitor ?
Antenna is 8 feet away from tv I tried put 10 feet way didnt make difference

If I being honest after NHL Stanley Cup games I will probably stop caring and disconnect the OTA anyway cause I dont watch anything on anyway just my mom does and she attenna on here tv that really not much better it just dont have singal halve issue I have but it would be nice if I could fix,

probably the easy fix would be to get Tablo put antenna in attic like dad thinking of doing run coaxial to tablo and let feed tvs that way
Jimbo
TV is fix mounted to wall on metal brackets it can tilt and slide to side that is it it it 8 feet off ground and 55" tv it not getting moved . if it ground issues on TV how how can I fix that? I thought if surge protector is ground so are devices

It TCL 55S515 TV I have 2 of them in house both are 2 prog and most TCL tv I seen are 2 prog maybe there bigge sets are

Antenna is 8 feet away from tv I tried put 10 feet way didnt make difference

If I being honest after NHL Stanley Cup games I will probably stop caring and disconnect the OTA anyway cause I dont watch anything on anyway just my mom does and she attenna on here tv that really not much better it just dont have singal halve issue I have but it would be nice if I could fix,

probably the easy fix would be to get Tablo put antenna in attic like dad thinking of doing run coaxial to tablo and let feed tvs that way
Well, it's grounded up to the Surge Protector anyways ... but if not 3rd prong, it's not grounded ... I don't recall if my TV's have a ground, guess I never thought about it ...
Now ya got me curious, I got to check.

Well, thats interesting, I thought all TV's were grounded ... guess not, maybe they figure if the voltage gets that far, its not going to save the TV ... :(
navychop
Double insulated.
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T
Double insulated.
yes my tv is double insulated. could that be part of my problem?

I dont even get why my monitor and or the DP to DVI cable is causing this the cable is shield for this stuff yet moving that cable obviously effect the ota signal and simple act of that monitor be on cuts single in half, monitor on but in standby mode is fine, as far as i know computer gpu? is still out puting signal to monitor even when the monitor is standby mode it just dont wake up till the mouse or some input moves

aluminum foil over my monitor did stop the issue or even help in the lest
M
yes my tv is double insulated. could that be part of my problem?

I dont even get why my monitor and or the DP to DVI cable is causing this the cable is shield for this stuff yet moving that cable obviously effect the ota signal and simple act of that monitor be on cuts single in half, monitor on but in standby mode is fine, as far as i know computer gpu? is still out puting signal to monitor even when the monitor is standby mode it just dont wake up till the mouse or some input moves

aluminum foil over my monitor did stop the issue or even help in the lest

Something to try. Using an extension plug the TV into a completely different source of AC. Monitor may be feeding noise back into AC.
osu1991
get rid of the monitor and plug the computer into the tv and use it as the monitor :D:cool:
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N5XZS
Last reply · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info
New low power station has been granted by the FCC and the new call leter is K33OB-D on RF ch. 33.

Will run at 15 KW ERP, this one runs from the Westside same location as KWPL-LD a HC2 owned station.

It's going to be aimed at eastern part of Albuquerque, so it's tightly focused beam pattern.

This new station is owned by Digital Network and what kind of programmings is unkown at this time.😎
4 Replies · 33 views
M
This new station is owned by Digital Network and what kind of programmings is unkown at this time
probably the same programming they have been putting on their other owned stations.
The 'get after it media' stations
Like Heartland, Retro, rev'n, Action etc
N5XZS
Thanks Mr Tony, Hopefully no duplicates and put on like Revin, Karate movies.

It would be nice if they can put a least 2 HD 2 or 3 SD diginets for Albuquerque metro areas.😎🤞
M
Here are a few markets with the stations per rabbitears.
IMG_6471.webp

IMG_6472.webp
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N5XZS
Hope they got good subchannels encoder going there...😎👍🤞
KAB
KAB
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows
Can't wait!
96 Replies · 13718 views
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Foxbat
I was pretty satisfied by the Finale as well. So many multi-season shows come up short, but this one was well done. The whole season has had a pretty high body count (including some of the executive producers😉) so the tombstone seemed quite appropriate.

Hopefully the Gen V show sticks around a few more seasons.
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meStevo
I was pretty satisfied by the Finale as well. So many multi-season shows come up short, but this one was well done. The whole season has had a pretty high body count (including some of the executive producers😉) so the tombstone seemed quite appropriate.

Hopefully the Gen V show sticks around a few more seasons.

Gen V was cancelled already. The story of The Boys is over, it's on to the prequel now.

All that buildup in their series and they were called useless, retconned and sidelined in the finale.
MikeD-C05
Wow, Jensen Ackles keeps on getting the roles. And that woman is supposed to be Storm Front I take it. I will watch. I like anything he does from Supernatural to Tracker and the Boys. :smug
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meStevo
Yeah, Aya Cash returning as Stormfront who was known as Clara Vought / Liberty at that time.
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Y
I wanted Butcher and Homelander to share a prison cell upon waking up after the final battle.

Also didn't like the foreshadowing The Deep's ending. They could have done that so much better. Effectively getting tossed into the ocean by Starlight. The sea life coming towards him, he feels comfort, and starts to escape from the battle. The sealife gets a bit nippy, The Deep is confused... it gets harder and harsher and then The Deep understands what is going on. A little bit of a fearful chase would have been warranted to, because The Deep gets off a bit too easy in my opinion (as much as someone can be in such a brutal ending, I suppose). I thinking he is able to outpace things, and finds a large rock to get out of the water. Sealife bickers with him from the water. The Deep tells them he isn't going back in. From behind, a large walrus gets out of the water, shoves him back in and the feeding frenzy ensues.

Overall a decent show. Guilty of deus ex machina in the end. Homelander ending Homelander would have made more sense, and was the direction I thought they were moving in.

I have little interest in a prequel, and a lot more interest in the power vacuum left with Edgers getting back in control and how he would likely use Vought "for good" to get the tentacles back into the system. The entire policing system having been corrupted by Homelander and Vought. The end is like Return of the Jedi, where the Emperor is dead... but umm... what about the entire Empire that still exists?!
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....
67095 Replies · 2661992 views
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harshness
Give Me the Night - George Benson
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Bobby
Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got - Jimmy Ruffin
FTA4PA
Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
gms49ers
Top Jimmy - Van Halen
sdfntx
You're the Top - Allan Sherman
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zippyfrog
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
Over the past year I have been tracking the changes on Western Arc. The past 3 months have had a lot of changes that I posted in the other MPEG2 Western Arc shutdown thread. Now that 129 is (basically) out of commission, here is where Western Arc stands. This is just a national channel list, (no local channels) based off what I can see and what others have contributed. Thanks to everyone who has helped me come up with the locations of some of the channels – I would try and list all of you out, but I know I would forget someone! As has been suggested in other parts of the forum, it would be great to collect the spotbeam data for those who could contribute!

A couple of pieces of info:
  • Out of the 64 transponders between 110/119, there are currently 50 transponders that Dish is licensed to use. 22 are Spotbeams, 28 are ConUS transponders (14 transponders are licensed to DirecTV and Dish doesn't have access to them)
  • Those 28 ConUS transponders are divided as follows:
    • 10 are dedicated to National HD channels (ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, etc). Dish is maxing out at 16 HD channels per transponder (note – in an earlier post I said there was one transponder with 17 HD channels, that was an error on my part. When I double checked my listings, one channel changed transponders). Before the transition, there was a maximum of 14 HD channels per transponder.
    • 1 transponder is dedicated to adult content
    • 2 are a mixture HD PPV Movies/4k channels
    • 3 are set aside for HD Sports channels that are only on for live games (NBA League Pass, the PAC 12 alternate channels, some PPV events, etc); 3 SD PPV Sports Channels are there as well.
    • 7 are for SD and/or music channels. Dish is maxing out at 26 SD channels per transponder thus far on the SD transponders.
    • 5 transponders on 110 I have no channels listed but Dish operates. (they are labeled as ConUS on my chart below) There are other things that could be on those transponders, like RV Distant Networks, internal testing channels, etc, that I can't see. They might be able to be used for additional content, but I am not sure exactly what is on those transponders.
There are two transponders that have lower than normal SD channels – 110, TP 21 and 119, TP 19. Previously those transponders contained the programming guides that get downloaded from the satellite when the receivers download EPG. I assume that is where the programming guides are still downloaded from, thus less channels there.

When I talk about number of channels on a transponder, all my numbers are unique channels – for example, channel 101 and 199 are the same channel mapped to two different numbers, but in terms of space, only takes up 1 channel worth of bandwidth on the transponder.

Finally, I have to give Dish a ton of credit. When it was 110/119/129, Dish had 82 transponders they were using – it took a lot to get it down to 50 transponders and figure out where all the pieces were going to go. What are the things they did to get there? Here are the things I saw:
  • During this migration from 129, Dish converted 7 ConUS transponders on 119 into Spotbeams – that is how they ended up fitting on all the HD locals that used to be on 129. (for those interested, TP 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 are the ones that used to be ConUS on 119 that are now Spotbeam)
  • Removed almost all SD duplicate channels that are offered in HD
  • Converted remaining SD channels from MPEG2 to MPEG4
  • There are also 2 subtle things that changed from the HD channel perspective
    • At the beginning of the transition, Dish decreased the number of PPV Movie channels – prior to this transition the PPV channels HD PPV movies were 502-522; now they are 502-517.
    • At the beginning of April when MLB, NBA, and NHL regular seasons were all going on at the same time and this transition began, there were a ton of games "joined in progress" for the HD feeds. That wasn't common since the days before the full time HD RSN's. The reason for that was prior to the transition, Dish had 4 transponders set aside for HD Sports – 2 transponders was the bandwidth set aside from the HD RSN's before Dish dropped the RSN's, then 2 transponders were for alternate channels. Now we are down to 3 transponders for HD sports.
232 Replies · 62583 views
zippyfrog
Updated the first couple of posts with the listings of the changes.
R
Over the past year I have been tracking the changes on Western Arc. The past 3 months have had a lot of changes that I posted in the other MPEG2 Western Arc shutdown thread. Now that 129 is (basically) out of commission, here is where Western Arc stands. This is just a national channel list, (no local channels) based off what I can see and what others have contributed. Thanks to everyone who has helped me come up with the locations of some of the channels – I would try and list all of you out, but I know I would forget someone! As has been suggested in other parts of the forum, it would be great to collect the spotbeam data for those who could contribute!

A couple of pieces of info:
  • Out of the 64 transponders between 110/119, there are currently 50 transponders that Dish is licensed to use. 22 are Spotbeams, 28 are ConUS transponders (14 transponders are licensed to DirecTV and Dish doesn't have access to them)
  • Those 28 ConUS transponders are divided as follows:
    • 10 are dedicated to National HD channels (ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, etc). Dish is maxing out at 16 HD channels per transponder (note – in an earlier post I said there was one transponder with 17 HD channels, that was an error on my part. When I double checked my listings, one channel changed transponders). Before the transition, there was a maximum of 14 HD channels per transponder.
    • 1 transponder is dedicated to adult content
    • 2 are a mixture HD PPV Movies/4k channels
    • 3 are set aside for HD Sports channels that are only on for live games (NBA League Pass, the PAC 12 alternate channels, some PPV events, etc); 3 SD PPV Sports Channels are there as well.
    • 7 are for SD and/or music channels. Dish is maxing out at 26 SD channels per transponder thus far on the SD transponders.
    • 5 transponders on 110 I have no channels listed but Dish operates. (they are labeled as ConUS on my chart below) There are other things that could be on those transponders, like RV Distant Networks, internal testing channels, etc, that I can't see. They might be able to be used for additional content, but I am not sure exactly what is on those transponders.
There are two transponders that have lower than normal SD channels – 110, TP 21 and 119, TP 19. Previously those transponders contained the programming guides that get downloaded from the satellite when the receivers download EPG. I assume that is where the programming guides are still downloaded from, thus less channels there.

When I talk about number of channels on a transponder, all my numbers are unique channels – for example, channel 101 and 199 are the same channel mapped to two different numbers, but in terms of space, only takes up 1 channel worth of bandwidth on the transponder.

Finally, I have to give Dish a ton of credit. When it was 110/119/129, Dish had 82 transponders they were using – it took a lot to get it down to 50 transponders and figure out where all the pieces were going to go. What are the things they did to get there? Here are the things I saw:
  • During this migration from 129, Dish converted 7 ConUS transponders on 119 into Spotbeams – that is how they ended up fitting on all the HD locals that used to be on 129. (for those interested, TP 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 are the ones that used to be ConUS on 119 that are now Spotbeam)
  • Removed almost all SD duplicate channels that are offered in HD
  • Converted remaining SD channels from MPEG2 to MPEG4
  • There are also 2 subtle things that changed from the HD channel perspective
    • At the beginning of the transition, Dish decreased the number of PPV Movie channels – prior to this transition the PPV channels HD PPV movies were 502-522; now they are 502-517.
    • At the beginning of April when MLB, NBA, and NHL regular seasons were all going on at the same time and this transition began, there were a ton of games "joined in progress" for the HD feeds. That wasn't common since the days before the full time HD RSN's. The reason for that was prior to the transition, Dish had 4 transponders set aside for HD Sports – 2 transponders was the bandwidth set aside from the HD RSN's before Dish dropped the RSN's, then 2 transponders were for alternate channels. Now we are down to 3 transponders for HD sports.
I appreciate you doing all of this. With me having DISH Outdoors this is excellent for when I travel and have to get other locals. Also what does this mean for the 61.5 satellite?

My home locals come out of Springfield/Decatur/Champaign, IL.
I too have taken noticed they moved to the 110 satellite with the spotbeam of 27. Signal Strength is between 46-47. When they were on 119 satellite I was getting about 43-44 signal strength. Much improvement!

Also my post about MLB Extra Innings. I think it may be due to this transition of satellites between 110 & 119
MLB Extra Innings use to be on 110 Satellite. On my guide it only lists 476-01 Baltimore Orioles but I clicked on it and it says its on Satellite 119 with Transponder 13. Maybe this is the reason for my troubles! Shouldn't of fried my DISH though! DISH owes me LOL! Like I will really see it.

RJ T.
From Illinois

RJ T.
From Illinois
zippyfrog
I appreciate you doing all of this. With me having DISH Outdoors this is excellent for when I travel and have to get other locals. Also what does this mean for the 61.5 satellite?

My home locals come out of Springfield/Decatur/Champaign, IL.
I too have taken noticed they moved to the 110 satellite with the spotbeam of 27. Signal Strength is between 46-47. When they were on 119 satellite I was getting about 43-44 signal strength. Much improvement!

Also my post about MLB Extra Innings. I think it may be due to this transition of satellites between 110 & 119
MLB Extra Innings use to be on 110 Satellite. On my guide it only lists 476-01 Baltimore Orioles but I clicked on it and it says its on Satellite 119 with Transponder 13. Maybe this is the reason for my troubles! Shouldn't of fried my DISH though! DISH owes me LOL! Like I will really see it.

RJ T.
From Illinois

RJ T.
From Illinois
I just saw your response and posted on the other thread! In terms of 61.5, I don't have Eastern Arc, and my friend who I used to get Eastern Arc info from no longer has Dish.
R
I just saw your response and posted on the other thread! In terms of 61.5, I don't have Eastern Arc, and my friend who I used to get Eastern Arc info from no longer has Dish.
That is okay. Its just when I sometimes go east the locals there are on 61.5 and sometimes have to use it. It will be great to only have to use the 110 & 119 satellite. No reason to use the 61.5 unless there is a problem receiving 119 there and most of the time at least for me it doesn't seem to be an issue. Maybe more up in the very northeast part of the US.

RJ T.
From Illinois
Tampa8
Updated the first couple of posts with the listings of the changes.
Appreciate your doing this!
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in SatelliteGuys Support Center
As you may have noticed we are doing a Fund Raiser for SatelliteGuys!

As many of you know I have been paying for a majority of the operation of the site out of my own pocket for awhile now. Now looking at things we have a number of renewals coming up that I could use some help with. These renewals include the license renewal for our Forum Software, Renewal of a number of our add on's the site uses, renewal of domain names etc.

I have set a goal of $400.00 - any extra that comes in will just go to fund the operations of the site. None of the money will go to me (I tried BuyMeACoffee a few months ago, and they denied me saying they do not do business with Satellite Piracy sites... which we are not... hell we host the beta programs for both DISH and DIRECTV here...)

Anyways... if you would like to help out please click the link below.


Thank you in advance. :)
17 Replies · 498 views
Scott Greczkowski
I planned on removing it today, but then my fathers car broke down and I had to drive him all around to get his stuff done. Then I had a doctors appointment after that which was annoying...

Dr asks me if I have had any changes, so I tell him something wrong with me that started a month or so ago and his reply back is, that it sucks to get old... I hate that. Why ask me. if your going to come back with a smart ass answer.

Anyays I hope to get rid of Tapatalk tomorrow. :)

And we had more people donate today, thank you! The extra money is going to future expenses since things like add ons don't expire at the same time.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU AGAIN!
Foxbat
Anyays I hope to get rid of Tapatalk tomorrow. :)
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T
Yeah, dr's...joint pain? Your joints are wearing out. It hurts when I do this...don't do that
comfortably_numb
Dr asks me if I have had any changes, so I tell him something wrong with me that started a month or so ago and his reply back is, that it sucks to get old

No excuse for a flippant response like that from a doctor! I'd be looking for a different one.
Scott Greczkowski
Tapatalk has been removed.

I have added a new feature which is a work in progress called "Social Feed" which displays the forums Facebook style. Its nice for people who like that, but needs work. But i have been watching this one for awhile and the author is being really responsive to suggestions and adding them. So if you have any please let me know and I can pass them along. :)
navychop
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Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in SatelliteGuys Support Center
Due to security concerns and the fact that the Tapatalk Plugin for Xenforo is no longer being updated we have removed Tapatalk support from SatelliteGuys.

For those who were using it we recommend using our PWA App instead which is faster and does not have all the spam Tapatalk had. Below is a graphic showing how to add SatelliteGuys to your devices home screen. (While iOS is shown the process is mostly the same for Android.)

add_to_home.gif

Thanks for your understanding. :)
1 Replies · 65 views
Foxbat
Thank you, Scott, for adding years to my Life and dropping my BP a few millimeters! Money well spent…