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Hello All,
I want you to know that I am impressed by the professionalism of the people on this site. Before I ask any questions, I just want to say that I have tried to find the answer to this question by looking through all of the prior pages and even the archived posts in relevant subjects on the site.
That being said, I realize I probably have too much time on my hands.
Anyway, here is the setup I'm wanting to have and my questions about it.
I'm in the midwest and going to have an FTA system installed. I've done some engineering projects in my day so I'm trying to ask intelligent questions.
Here is what I've spec'd, nothing set in stone yet:
1) FTA with a 76cm Winegard with a motor. (Clear Path to southern skies)
2) Universal LNBF, probably a .4 dB model. (Should I get a DBS LNBF?)
3) A tuner with strong blind search capability so I can get the most bang for the buck. (Suggestions welcome).
The problem: The receiver is going to be as far as 500 ft from the dish, down in my basement.
The question I pose to you goodly folks is the following. What do I need to make this work, as far as amplifiers, etc., go. I plan on putting 1 or 2 inline amplifiers in the system, and have heard that I should use RG-11 cable.
Because there are two cable coming from the LNBF, I'm going to have to run 2 cables the full 4-500 ft., and put the amplifiers in each.
I've planned on spending at least $500 to set this up but realize it will probably cost over $1k. That's fine with me, I won't have to pay any monthly fees ever.
Also: Would a larger 1m dish increase my capability of piping the signal down to the basement? Should I use bi-directional amps to get the signal back up to the motor? Or would this not matter...
Thank you beforehand for any help / suggestions you might have.
<<freetoerror>>
I want you to know that I am impressed by the professionalism of the people on this site. Before I ask any questions, I just want to say that I have tried to find the answer to this question by looking through all of the prior pages and even the archived posts in relevant subjects on the site.
That being said, I realize I probably have too much time on my hands.
Anyway, here is the setup I'm wanting to have and my questions about it.
I'm in the midwest and going to have an FTA system installed. I've done some engineering projects in my day so I'm trying to ask intelligent questions.
Here is what I've spec'd, nothing set in stone yet:
1) FTA with a 76cm Winegard with a motor. (Clear Path to southern skies)
2) Universal LNBF, probably a .4 dB model. (Should I get a DBS LNBF?)
3) A tuner with strong blind search capability so I can get the most bang for the buck. (Suggestions welcome).
The problem: The receiver is going to be as far as 500 ft from the dish, down in my basement.
The question I pose to you goodly folks is the following. What do I need to make this work, as far as amplifiers, etc., go. I plan on putting 1 or 2 inline amplifiers in the system, and have heard that I should use RG-11 cable.
Because there are two cable coming from the LNBF, I'm going to have to run 2 cables the full 4-500 ft., and put the amplifiers in each.
I've planned on spending at least $500 to set this up but realize it will probably cost over $1k. That's fine with me, I won't have to pay any monthly fees ever.
Also: Would a larger 1m dish increase my capability of piping the signal down to the basement? Should I use bi-directional amps to get the signal back up to the motor? Or would this not matter...
Thank you beforehand for any help / suggestions you might have.
<<freetoerror>>
5 Replies
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1842 views
Hello and WELCOME to the SatelliteGuys.US FTA forum 
RG-11 would be best over such a long distance but will add to the cost and require specialized tools and ends.
Quad Shield RG-6 cable may be sufficient and I would say would be worth a try.
I would NOT add any amps to the line in any direction, there should be no need with RG-11 or indeed if you use Quad shield, adding in line amps will just amplify any noise in the line. I have removed more than I have ever installed over the years. When I worked in Cable TV/Modem (spit) installation I ran MANY lines around 400-500' with both of the above cable types, with no problems. (heck I even remember running around a 500' run of regular RG-6 with a DirecTV install some years ago, the signal was lower than usual but worked perfectly and I never did get a call back)
I would recommend getting the 1m dish if at all possible. And as low noise dB QUALITY LNBF as you can find. Sure a DBS LNB can be added or one of the new Invacom CP/LP may fit the bill better and look a whole lot better too. But really there is not too much on DBS satellites FTA to justify the added expense.
All the best and enjoy the set up, its all down hill after that : )
RG-11 would be best over such a long distance but will add to the cost and require specialized tools and ends.
Quad Shield RG-6 cable may be sufficient and I would say would be worth a try.
I would NOT add any amps to the line in any direction, there should be no need with RG-11 or indeed if you use Quad shield, adding in line amps will just amplify any noise in the line. I have removed more than I have ever installed over the years. When I worked in Cable TV/Modem (spit) installation I ran MANY lines around 400-500' with both of the above cable types, with no problems. (heck I even remember running around a 500' run of regular RG-6 with a DirecTV install some years ago, the signal was lower than usual but worked perfectly and I never did get a call back)
I would recommend getting the 1m dish if at all possible. And as low noise dB QUALITY LNBF as you can find. Sure a DBS LNB can be added or one of the new Invacom CP/LP may fit the bill better and look a whole lot better too. But really there is not too much on DBS satellites FTA to justify the added expense.
All the best and enjoy the set up, its all down hill after that : )
F
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
PBS: What are a few decent, modern LNBFs?
Mike, I'll respond to your question:
"If you have access to AC power and a sheltered indoor location?"
Yes, I have the capability to plug in hardware inside the building about 75 ft from the satellite up on the roof. At that point and after that it's all indoors and AC power isn't a problem. I just need to get the signal on a TV down in the basement, which as I said is about 400 ft. from the final point that goes to the dish. So I can install whatever apart from where I need to view the final signal down in the basement. I don't understand how I separate the Ch 3/4 RF signal down a coax.
So what you're telling me is that this should be the setup?
[Dish and LNBF]--<75ft>--[Distro Amplifier]--<400ft>--[Infrared Extender] --<5ft>--[Television]
If it is, then I'll be using RG-6 Quad-shielded coax and I have specd out some ac-powered amps,could you tell me which type you are talking about when you say "Distro Amp":
(ok so the URL posting isn't working for me yet. bummer)
FYI: I've spec'd out a HH100 STAB DiSEqC 1.2 HH Mount Motor. I'll be using a 1m dish for more reception vs. the 76cm.
I'm planning on getting a Fortec Star Platinum Blind Search FTA:
(again, can't post URLS, it's what you see if you click on "Receivers" on Sadoun's website.)
Once I can post URLS I'll edit this post.
Your help is greatly appreciated!
:
PBS: What are a few decent, modern LNBFs?
Mike, I'll respond to your question:
"If you have access to AC power and a sheltered indoor location?"
Yes, I have the capability to plug in hardware inside the building about 75 ft from the satellite up on the roof. At that point and after that it's all indoors and AC power isn't a problem. I just need to get the signal on a TV down in the basement, which as I said is about 400 ft. from the final point that goes to the dish. So I can install whatever apart from where I need to view the final signal down in the basement. I don't understand how I separate the Ch 3/4 RF signal down a coax.
So what you're telling me is that this should be the setup?
[Dish and LNBF]--<75ft>--[Distro Amplifier]--<400ft>--[Infrared Extender] --<5ft>--[Television]
If it is, then I'll be using RG-6 Quad-shielded coax and I have specd out some ac-powered amps,could you tell me which type you are talking about when you say "Distro Amp":
(ok so the URL posting isn't working for me yet. bummer)
FYI: I've spec'd out a HH100 STAB DiSEqC 1.2 HH Mount Motor. I'll be using a 1m dish for more reception vs. the 76cm.
I'm planning on getting a Fortec Star Platinum Blind Search FTA:
(again, can't post URLS, it's what you see if you click on "Receivers" on Sadoun's website.)
Once I can post URLS I'll edit this post.
Your help is greatly appreciated!
:
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....
68557 Replies
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2675017 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
I'm surprised Walmart hasn't banned this guy from all of their stores. He has been on their CASE the past few months.
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f3zr37ekgKM?feature=share
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f3zr37ekgKM?feature=share
1 Replies
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13 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
No idea what improvements might be involved.
28 Replies
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1299 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
I was reading this article
thehill.com
That said this-
Last summer, for the first time, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime claimed the largest share of the television viewing audience, surpassing both cable and broadcast TV. Streaming captured 34.8 percent of July viewers, according to Nielsen data, compared to 34.4 percent for cable and 21.6 percent for broadcast.
And then, sometime in the second half of 2022, cord-cutters became the majority. The share of cable and satellite television subscribers dipped to 48 percent, according to a report from Samba TV, a television technology company.
Now I do not consider those with YTTV and the likes, Cord Cutters, but they still do not have Traditional Cable/Satellite delivered Live TV, so I decided to do the math.
There are, now, 129 Million Households in the United States.
In 2015, there were 100 Million Cable/Sat Subscribers , no streaming Live TV Service.
Today, there are 66 Million Live TV subscribers, including Cable, Satellite and Streaming.
Roughly, Streaming Live TV has 14 Million subs including all of them.
So that means, Cable/Satellite now has, roughly, 51 Million Households
So in just 8 years, lost 49% of their subscribers and by the end of this year, expected sub count to be, roughly, 45 million households.
That means a total loss of 55% since 2015 at the end of 2023.
But out of 129 Million households, 45 million will mean only 35% will get Cable/Satellite Delivered Live TV by the end of 2023.
Imagine what 2024 will be like.
Cable TV ‘cord-cutters’ became the majority in 2022
The steady decline of cable and broadcast television, and the rise of streaming services, reached a sort of inflection point over the past year. Last summer, for the first time, streaming ser…
thehill.com
That said this-
Last summer, for the first time, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime claimed the largest share of the television viewing audience, surpassing both cable and broadcast TV. Streaming captured 34.8 percent of July viewers, according to Nielsen data, compared to 34.4 percent for cable and 21.6 percent for broadcast.
And then, sometime in the second half of 2022, cord-cutters became the majority. The share of cable and satellite television subscribers dipped to 48 percent, according to a report from Samba TV, a television technology company.
Now I do not consider those with YTTV and the likes, Cord Cutters, but they still do not have Traditional Cable/Satellite delivered Live TV, so I decided to do the math.
There are, now, 129 Million Households in the United States.
In 2015, there were 100 Million Cable/Sat Subscribers , no streaming Live TV Service.
Today, there are 66 Million Live TV subscribers, including Cable, Satellite and Streaming.
Roughly, Streaming Live TV has 14 Million subs including all of them.
So that means, Cable/Satellite now has, roughly, 51 Million Households
So in just 8 years, lost 49% of their subscribers and by the end of this year, expected sub count to be, roughly, 45 million households.
That means a total loss of 55% since 2015 at the end of 2023.
But out of 129 Million households, 45 million will mean only 35% will get Cable/Satellite Delivered Live TV by the end of 2023.
Imagine what 2024 will be like.
873 Replies
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71125 views
Some interesting information was in this article-
This first-
The total pay-TV sector (traditional service providers and virtual MVPDs) shed 885,000 subscribers in Q2 2026
So with the loss of 2.03 Million in the first quarter, already at 2.915 Million gone this year, two quarters left to report.
#2-
The segment ended Q2 with 61.51 million subs comprising 27.5 million cable video subs, 21.42 million vMVPD customers, 9.56 million satellite TV customers, and 3.01 million telco TV subs.
There are approximately 133.97 million households in the United States, according to recent YCharts US Households Data from mid-2026.
That means more than 72 Million households do not have a paid live TV service, about 54% of the total.
What is worse, 7 years ago, paid live TV had over 80% of the population subscribing ( about 100 Million), almost all were Cable/Satellite customers.
Today, only about 37 Million subscribe to Cable/Satellite, less than 28% of our population.
#3-
At one time, Satellite TV (Dish and DirecTV), had about 34 Million subscribers added together, now, 9.56 Million.
That is over a 70% loss for those who subscribe to Satellite TV.
For Cable TV, not as bad, since they have broadband to help against the losses ( bundles), but as more options appear ( 5G, fiber, starlink, etc), I expect a big increase in those leaving cable.
Also expect YTTV to really start gaining even more subscribers, for those who still wish to have a live TV service, based on price point and it is a really great service.
50M subs might be the 'floor' for US pay-TV
Fifty million-plus subs could serve as the 'floor' for US pay-TV by 2030, reckons MoffettNathanson.
www.lightreading.com
This first-
The total pay-TV sector (traditional service providers and virtual MVPDs) shed 885,000 subscribers in Q2 2026
So with the loss of 2.03 Million in the first quarter, already at 2.915 Million gone this year, two quarters left to report.
#2-
The segment ended Q2 with 61.51 million subs comprising 27.5 million cable video subs, 21.42 million vMVPD customers, 9.56 million satellite TV customers, and 3.01 million telco TV subs.
There are approximately 133.97 million households in the United States, according to recent YCharts US Households Data from mid-2026.
That means more than 72 Million households do not have a paid live TV service, about 54% of the total.
What is worse, 7 years ago, paid live TV had over 80% of the population subscribing ( about 100 Million), almost all were Cable/Satellite customers.
Today, only about 37 Million subscribe to Cable/Satellite, less than 28% of our population.
#3-
At one time, Satellite TV (Dish and DirecTV), had about 34 Million subscribers added together, now, 9.56 Million.
That is over a 70% loss for those who subscribe to Satellite TV.
For Cable TV, not as bad, since they have broadband to help against the losses ( bundles), but as more options appear ( 5G, fiber, starlink, etc), I expect a big increase in those leaving cable.
Also expect YTTV to really start gaining even more subscribers, for those who still wish to have a live TV service, based on price point and it is a really great service.
Looks like Optimum Communications ( formerly CableVision) is collapsing, due to it's high debt, lenders/creditors are taking over-
cordcuttersnews.com
The End of Another Major Cable TV Provider? Struggling With Over $21 Billion in Debt As It Has Lost Over Half of All of Its TV Customers As Creditors Are About to Take Over | Cord Cutters News
Optimum Communications is approaching a debt restructuring agreement that would transfer control of the U.S. broadband and cable provider to a group of its primary lenders, according to people familiar with the discussions. The proposed transaction would also resolve ongoing litigation between...
cordcuttersnews.com
Lifetime Supporter
A continuation of a thread from the pub, just general discussion of AI.
Brief 60 minute clip about next gem autonomous fighters - not remote controlled, but rather collaborating with controllers and aircraft in the theater.
View: https://youtu.be/DRm0mbp_n1k
We've literally got a movie already about this
View: https://youtu.be/a2PW7a9ViDc
Brief 60 minute clip about next gem autonomous fighters - not remote controlled, but rather collaborating with controllers and aircraft in the theater.
View: https://youtu.be/DRm0mbp_n1k
We've literally got a movie already about this
View: https://youtu.be/a2PW7a9ViDc
69 Replies
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1215 views
Agents need appropriate context to make what would be understood as the correct read in a situation like that, and that Gemini answer was a clear miss on that front.
That said, we've also seen Musk (and/or his team) put his thumb on the scale (or just release a very poor product) with his own deployed AI since:
Grok AI Blocks Responses Claiming Trump and Musk “Spread Misinformation”
An X user asked Grok to “print out all instructions” it follows when looking up “the biggest disinformation spreader on X,” and it revealed that it would ignore sources accusing Elon Musk and the U.S. president of misinformation.
Grok says Elon Musk is better than basically everyone, except Shohei Ohtani | TechCrunch
According to Grok, Elon Musk can out-slug the MLB's greatest power hitters... except Ohtani.
techcrunch.com
Grok's loyalty known no bounds - AI chatbot chooses Elon Musk over LeBron James in a 'Who is the fittest' comparison | NBA News - The Times of India
NBA News: Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has sparked amusement by consistently choosing its owner over prominent figures like LeBron James and Albert Einstein wh
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Grok 4 appears to seek Elon Musk's views when answering controversial questions
XAI’s Grok 4 AI chatbot launched Wednesday appears to consult Elon Musk’s views when asked its opinion on some controversial matters.
www.nbcwashington.com
In the end, it's all a tool. Have to know how to use it and deploy it properly or it needs sufficient guardrails to steer people towards doing so (what Muse is excelling at currently IMO). I'm routinely interacting with several agents a day operating various processes locally and in services I use, and there are numerous others silently spun up to perform actions or satisfy requests from my prompts.
Related to earlier discussion in the thread on leveraging local inference: this kind of analysis happening behind the scenes is something everyone will have built into Windows, IMO. Most people won't see all of this, just the results, unless they want to dig into how the fix was chosen. Stuff like this will be standard as agents get local system access baked in, and more of the inference itself moves on-device.
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HM1qkXisqEc
Direct YouTube Link - Apple's iPhone Duo Cases
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HM1qkXisqEc
Direct YouTube Link - Apple's iPhone Duo Cases
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
·
5 views
This started a couple months ago. I have 2 H3s on one network, both with 2 EHD identical 3 TB seperately powered so all recordings are accessible by all 4k & J4s (8 of them).
On one H3 (not the main one that controls the MOCA network), after it reboots, it doesn't recognize it has two EHDs plugged into it. Rebooting the EHD by their power source doesn't fix it. Resetting the network doesn't. Software h3 reset doesn't fix it. Rebooting MOCA h3 doesn't fix it but so far, after 3+ cold boots (unplug pwr to H3 with unrecognized EHDs), it finally it figures out they are plugged into it. BUT.... Then when you open a program it only partially shows series and episodes, but instead of showing recordings, it only shows upcoming airings. HELP!!!!
On one H3 (not the main one that controls the MOCA network), after it reboots, it doesn't recognize it has two EHDs plugged into it. Rebooting the EHD by their power source doesn't fix it. Resetting the network doesn't. Software h3 reset doesn't fix it. Rebooting MOCA h3 doesn't fix it but so far, after 3+ cold boots (unplug pwr to H3 with unrecognized EHDs), it finally it figures out they are plugged into it. BUT.... Then when you open a program it only partially shows series and episodes, but instead of showing recordings, it only shows upcoming airings. HELP!!!!
26 Replies
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630 views
JohnGalt1234 - So you basically have 2 Hopper 3's. The CasinoH3 is the one that is Hopper 3 only while Master Bedroom is a Hopper 3 with Hopper Plus setup.
Master Bedroom uses Android TV (ATV) software so the DISH part is actually a app and will behave differently as you can probably tell the Guide's are different on the Master Bedroom which will resemble the same guide used on other ATV devices such as the Joey 4 and Wireless Joey 4. If I am correct, the CasinoH3 is the one with the problem since you did say the one dated 09/05/2026 is the naughty one while 08/15/2026 named Master Bedroom is the nice one. Usually I would expect the CasinoH3 to be the one without the problem because it's Hopper 3 only and Master Bedroom would be the one with problems because it has the Hopper Plus involved. That is why they behave differently because CasinoH3 is running the native Hopper 3 software while Master Bedroom is running the Android TV software and also it runs a app called DISH known as package com.dish.atv.launcher, the version for mines is P15403 2026100917 so it's probably the same version as the Hopper Plus software version with the date of October 9, 2026, not sure what the 17 means except maybe revision 17?
This explains it better than I can. Sorry, had to take all the ads out.
Master Bedroom uses Android TV (ATV) software so the DISH part is actually a app and will behave differently as you can probably tell the Guide's are different on the Master Bedroom which will resemble the same guide used on other ATV devices such as the Joey 4 and Wireless Joey 4. If I am correct, the CasinoH3 is the one with the problem since you did say the one dated 09/05/2026 is the naughty one while 08/15/2026 named Master Bedroom is the nice one. Usually I would expect the CasinoH3 to be the one without the problem because it's Hopper 3 only and Master Bedroom would be the one with problems because it has the Hopper Plus involved. That is why they behave differently because CasinoH3 is running the native Hopper 3 software while Master Bedroom is running the Android TV software and also it runs a app called DISH known as package com.dish.atv.launcher, the version for mines is P15403 2026100917 so it's probably the same version as the Hopper Plus software version with the date of October 9, 2026, not sure what the 17 means except maybe revision 17?
This explains it better than I can. Sorry, had to take all the ads out.
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Lifetime Supporter
0 Replies
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11 views
Marques Brownlee
Time for another AWESOME video from Marques Brownlee!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESABTN4VtrA
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Review: First Generation Fun!
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESABTN4VtrA
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Review: First Generation Fun!
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store
0 Replies
·
8 views
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Fy1G8zjCEPc
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Unboxing!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Fy1G8zjCEPc
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Unboxing!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
·
2 views