Bud and Prime star Help Needed

Status
Please reply by conversation.

CountryBoyGa

Well-Known SatelliteGuys Member
Original poster
Mar 18, 2009
31
0
Middle Georgia
Hello everyone,
I need a little help please.
This is a long post and I apologize for that.
I have a lot of questions.
I am brand new to legal FTA and am trying to get everything
I need to build my system.
I need a little help so feel free to jump in at anytime ok?
I am really new and do not know anything.
Any advise, tips, or new links to info would be greatly
appreciated.
I want to learn all I can about legal FTA.
I am not asking for info on any type of hacking,and I am not interested in that.
I have two old buds.
I want to repair these old buds and start using them.
I ran across a site about FTA and I am trying to learn all
I can about it. Legal FTA not hack crap.
It sounds like a wonderful hobby and a whole lot of fun.
After reading about 20 or so other sites,this site is by
far the best one I have seen.
Lots of good info on this site.
So your site is the only one I have joined.
Most of the other sites I found were about hack crap.
I have read just about everything I could find on here.
Some of it is over my head, but I am learning.
Here is what I have so far.

Two Old Buds- Home Cable [tm]
Both are about 7ft 5ins.
I measured them twice and that is what I came up with both
times, not sure how exact that is.
Mesh type dishes.

Bud 1
has a California Amplifier,Camarilo,Ca.
C-Band LNBF
Voltage Controlled Switch
Part No.140129
Input:3.7-4.2 GHz
Output:950-1450MHz
Noise:25k
Gain:65DB Typical
Pole = 11.5 feet by 3.5 inches

Receiver is
Home Cable [tm]
DBS Communication Computer HCC9300
Video Cipher RS
Descrambler Equipped
By Uniden Model No. UST-4400
Renewable Security A040-VC2+,or plus series.

Bud 2
LNB= Chaparral
California Amplifier
Mag7
HEMT Low Noise Block Convertor
PartNo.C31244
Input:3.7-4.2 GHz
Output:950-140MHz
Gain:65DB Typical
Pole = 8ft by 3.5 inches

Receiver is
Home Cable [tm]
Video Cipher RS
Videopal
Order Recorder
Video Cipher Scrambling Format
General Instruments Corporation
By Uniden Model No.HCC 9400
Renewable Security A090-VC2+,or plus series.

If I understand what info I have been reading these are the
type LNBF and receivers used with old C/Ku-band signal correct?
I will need to upgrade these for a new type FTA receiver like coolsat or pansat?
Most signals are now digital right?
When I plug up the Uniden UST-4400 model I got nothing?
I understand these units have a built in memory and a backup battery?
And I think I read that they are not worth trying to repair once dead,they are now junk?
So their is no way to reload the memory,etc from the manufacturers site like the old pc mother boards did?
This means I can not use this one at all anymore correct?
Like to control bud movement?
Will Uniden still repair these? If not worth repairing,
I will have to find another control unit or buy a gbox to control motor right?
The other unit Uniden HCC 9400 powers on ok.
So I can use this one to control bud movement for now?
But I need to replace permanent backup battery as describe in another post on this site,before it goes dead?
Can one unit control bud movement on both bud motors?
Just wondering? Maybe with a switch?
I am working part time and on a very limited income.
Anyone have any ideas about getting a gbox cheap,or old receiver to use to control the bud that needs one?
I have been looking online for the best deal,and I have not found too many units to compare prices with?
I have not seen any around here locally where I live?
Sadoun has a gbox under a hundred dollars I think, and if needed I will get one from them over the next few months?
Just hopeing someone has an idea on how to buy one cheaper maybe,or rig something up for now?
Anyone got a link I can check out?
If I go with a gbox it just lets me control dish motor with new type receiver with out the old receiver,correct?
This is what I have ordered so far.

Coolsat 6000 Premium, I tried to win several auctions on fleabay for newer models,they always started under 10 dollars, but soon jumped to 80-150 dollars plus.
I just can not afford that at this time.
I got the coolsat for under 60 with shipping and it was new in the box not refurbished.
Suppose to be a reputable dealer but who knows.
I understand there are a lot of knockoffs being passed around- everywhere these days.
The box and the unit look legit.
It was the best deal I could find at the time.
Maybe it will get me started till I can afford something newer.
I also bought two BSC621-2 C band and KU band LNBFs.
One for each bud- to play around with?
I hope this was a good enough choice-they were really cheap, compared to all the newer ones I looked at.
I also ordered a DIGITAL SIGNAL METER LNB, and some switches- 4x1 DiSEqC and 2x1 Diseqc.
I have to get the motor cables next, any ideas on what to get and where to pick it up cheap?
Not sure if any of the cable on them is any good after all this time,some were cut?
I read something about sprinkler wire cable on here?
Is that any good? For the motor controls?
Suppose to be cheap?
Have any of you tried it?
How far can I run these cables,I read several different answers on a couple of post?
Anywhere from 100-150 feet?
I have not worked out my bud locations yet,I have a big yard but lots of really big trees, so I may have to get the chainsaw out to get a good site.

I also found an old primestar dish 39in by 36in fiberglass?
Someone just tossed it by the side of the road.
Picked it up many years ago.
It still has the bracket mounted in back of the dish.
It is solid type dish with -offset focus?
LBN:5082
Model No.NJR2112F
Dish is:Channel Master
Part No.3040681-01
Mold No:90M-1
Made in USA.
What can I do with this one?
I want to motor it up also and use it for C/Ku possibly?
Do I need to change the LNB type for legal FTA?
I do not know yet if this LNB is any good or not?

A friend gave me a dn500 new in the box, said he never used it and did not want it.
Appears to be about 22in. by about 20.5inches?
Box says Dish Interactive
Phillips Magnavox
DSK 32610
Dual[3922]
LNBF dish digital LNBF
Made in Japan
BSNA5-506A

Another friend gave me his dn system.
Dish is about 19.5 inches?
It was new still in the box.
It has one LNBF
BS1H1UP101M
Made in Japan.
I put it together one weekend just to see how to do it,
and the wife threw the box away.
I do not remember what was on that box,but I never did anything else with the dish.That was many years ago.
It is just setting under the shed out back.
What good are these type dn dishes for FTA, or should I just sell them?
These dn receivers are not any good for FTA I understand,so I need to sell them I guess even if I can use the dishes?
You also have to change the LNBs to use them for legal FTA right?
Anyone have any ideas about how I could hook all this mess up into one big legal FTA network or something useful?
I am only interested in legal FTA and that's all.
I really do not know a c from a Ku signal at the moment.
Just what I have read on this site.
Sounds like it would be fun to see what I could pick up using legal FTA?
I am in middle Georgia 31032 area.
Latitude: 33° 0.20730' N , Longitude: 83° 33.04692' W
I think this is correct for my area?
I like news,sports, religion,old westerns,old movies,etc,like they used to show on regular t.v. years ago.
Is any of that on the legal FTA sats?
What would be my southern most sat from this area?
I did not really get that,but I know you start with that one first right?
What would be good legal FTA sats to try for from my area?
I have no idea where to start or what programing is on any of the legal FTA sats?
So any general help,or pointers for my area would be great?
What about my bud locations in my yard?
How close or how far apart do I need to put them?
Does that even matter?
Will they cross interfere with each others signals?
I have plenty of room in the yard except for trees of course.
The two bud sites I am thinking about are about 50 feet apart inline from each other, but still close to my home?
They will each be about 100-110 feet from my home.
Behind them about 30 feet back will be the power company lines.Will being this close to the power lines cause any problems with signal streangth etc?
Any ideas? What do you guys think?
I can use all the help I can get.
If I figure out how to use a digital camera and how to post pictures on here,I will put some up for you guys to check it all out,ok.
I really enjoy the pics you guys post.
Thanks for any help or ideas.:D
 

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Welcome!

You have the makings of a fine dish farm!

Do a site survey, and place your posts where you have a clear view of the southern sky, place the dishes as close to each other as you can without them obstructing each others view as each one moves. It will make it easier to run cable and add more dishes later. 100' is no big deal, use good RG6 and connectors.

The Coolsat will be ok as a 1st reciever, many prefer the Fortec of Traxis for their excellent blind scanning (a must).

Glad you are reading everything you can, as that will really get you off to a god start.
 
Thanks I have heard great things about the Fortec units.
I am hoping to find a great deal on a used older model.
I have been trying to get my hands on one for several weeks now. Just a matter of time and money of course.
I knew about the RG6 and good quality connectors.
The motor control cables I will have to replace as some have been damaged over time. They were damaged when someone dug them up and some sun has deteriorated the material over time.They are all original probably the early 90's.
I have heard that the old bud cables are expensive.
So I am looking for a good cheap alternative.
Man that is something else all those dish units.
I guess dish farm is the right description.
I count ten in the picture.
Can one receiver control signal from all those,are do you have to have multiple units?
As for my site, they will be around 30 feet+ inline apart from each other.
That should be ok,I think? If not I can stagger them.
Will them being within about 30+ feet from a set of above ground power lines cause any interference with the signal?
The power lines are behind the dishes and well above them about 30+ feet in the back?
I did not know if electrical lines will cause signal problems or not?
Thanks I enjoy learning new stuff and I read a lot.
This is all brand new to me and some of it is a little hard to wrap my mind around.
Almost like learning a foreign language or something.
But I will hang in there and figure it all out sooner or later,besides it is a lot of fun to learn new stuff.
Thanks again for your reply.
 
Here are some more pictures of the dishes I have.
I want to say thank you to anyone that takes the time to help a new guy figure this stuff out.:confused:
I know it must get old at times and most all this stuff has already been covered here somewhere on this forum.
But some of it is hard to understand and sometimes hard to locate.
I hope in the future I can help other guys like me understand how to do all this.
I do not know anything about satellites, or receivers, or dishes, and it is frustrating trying to wrap your mind around some of the technology and terms used.
So special thanks to everyone who helps like Cadsulfide above.:)
Much appreciated
 

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The shorter pole has some severe rust issues I am thinking I can weld a support to the pole to take care of this. The longer pole seems to be two parts and a little curved after the weld?
The part that goes in the ground.
I think I will weld a support to this one also. I have some thick channel iron about 2x3inches.
I think that will do a fine job.
 
Here are some pictures of the old prime star type dish I found by the side of the road.
 

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Not sure what to do with it yet. I will try and hook it up to the coolsat 6000 as soon as I can and try and find out if the LNB is still working or not. I would like to replace it either way with a newer better one.
It is pouring rain right now and looks like it will last all weekend. Rats.
 
phlatwound
Thanks I may have missed a few of those.
Much appreciated and I will check them all out for sure.
I will copy your list and save it for later.
I really have tried to read all I can, it is just that some of it is a little over my head at the moment.
But I will get there sooner or later.
Hey I learned how to post reply's and pics.
That is a start.
 
Here is the receiver I purchased to use with this system.:confused:
I am still trying to get a better unit like the Fortec units, and will get one as soon as I can afford one. This was a good buy for me for the features and the price I guess.
It will get me started at least. It seems to be legit and not a clone, but I have no idea really.
It has the hologram stamps I read about if that means anything.
For the price if it does fail on me and die,I will have to attempt to repair it myself.
It would not be worth the cost to return unit and pay shipping both ways.
It was cheap and I tried to buy one several times over a couple of weeks before I got it.
When it arrived the wrapping was torn in several places and the box was a little crushed also. You can see a dent in the top right side.:eek:
Really worried me at first, but it powered up and seemed ok,best I can tell.:up
I notified the seller and was told I could send it back of course for replacement if I paid the shipping and handling fees etc, but I felt like that was too expensive.
I am still looking for a cheap unit to use for a backup if this one dies and I can not repair it myself. I have never worked on receivers but I am pretty good with pc's.
Of course they are not alike in a lot of ways. PC's are probably easier to repair.
Parts for them are easier to find and usually pretty simple to replace.
Thanks again to everyone who is helping me.
It really is very much appreciated by me, and I hope I can return the favor one day to someone else as new and dumb as I am.
 

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I assume you are in or near Gray? I'm on the other side of Lizella, and would be glad to help you locate the arc, and put it all together. Let me know when you are ready? You can PM me anytime.
 
voomvoom

I assume you are in or near Gray?
-----------

You are correct - I live in the county not the city.

Wow - I just want to say thanks for the offer.
I really,appreciate that- and I will probably take you up on that offer sooner than later.
Right now I still have a ways to go to repair the buds and figure out what all I still need to get.
I do not have cables yet, but did order some stuff.
Still have to repair poles and paint them.
The dishes are going to need a little work too.
There are a couple of small tears I need to fix in the mesh. And one is a little dented from a storm before I got it.I think I can straighten it out though.
I really appreciate your offer to help,that is great.
I have a feeling I am going to need some help before I get through with this.
If you have any suggestions,ideas,or can answer any of the questions I asked above just pm me.
And again thank you for the offer I made need to take you up on that.
Thanks
 
One thing I can think of, is the Primestar lnb is going to need a multi-switch to work with the Coolsat. Another is, in case you are not aware of it, the Coolsat won't drive an actuator. You will need the analog receivers to do that. Or you can get a Gbox/Vbox, which are devices that will convert diseqc 1.2 commands into signals to run an actuator. But, since you are money strapped, you should use the analog receivers for now.
You could use a different lnb on the Primestar, but the lnb on it is a good one, so why not use it, and it will need a multi-switch. I have some extra multi-switches, and will let you have one, or maybe more, it depends on the direction you head in? There are so many ways you can go in, I hate to give advice on what to get, but I will comment on what I don't like, or what I don't think you would like.
 
I think a good suggestion for now, would be to set-up the Primestar dish, so you can get used to the Coolsat, and you can take you time on the C-Band dishes, while still enjoying the FTA programming.
 
For a quick start I would go to the building supply and get a corner post for chain link fencing> and about 3 bags of quickrete. Put the pole in the ground and let the concrete dry overnight, be sure the pole is as perfectly plumb (check with level all around the pipe) as you can get it. Stick the primestar on there once you get your multiswitch (3x4 multiswitch works). Primestar mount will fit right on that type pipe and you'll have a good fixed-dish beginning! Motorizing a primestar can be done sev diff ways, once you get to that point.
Be sure you put the pole where you can see the southern sky-southeast to southwest. The more sky you can see to the south, the more satellites you'll be able to view..
Welcome to the best fta forum around, too !!!
 
voomvoom

One thing I can think of, is the Primestar lnb is going to need a multi-switch to work with the Coolsat.
----------------
Coolsat came with a multi switch.
See Third pic.
I also ordered couple of different ones off flea bay.
-

Coolsat won't drive an actuator
--------------------
Correct I have one working analog receiver.:up
Seems to be ok powers up and everything.
The other one I am asking about above - if it is repairable or not?
Can One analog unit drive more than one dish?
Maybe with a switch or something between them?
Can I modify the Bad analog receiver in some way to just use it to drive one of the dishes?
I want to get by as cheap as I can for now.
But once I get into it I will replace everything as soon as I can with Gbox/Vbox and better receivers,etc.
-
You could use a different lnb on the Primestar, but the lnb on it is a good one.
-------------------

Right I read that somewhere before and I asked about it in the post above.
I do not know if the LNB is good or bad yet.
I have not checked it out.
But if bad I will replace it.
-

I have some extra multi-switches, and will let you have one, or maybe more, it depends on the direction you head in?
----------------------
Thanks I appreciate that.
Direction? Not sure what you mean?:confused:
I am going to set up the star dish as stationary for the moment because I do not have a motor for it.
I will have a motor on it as soon as I can.:up
Been checking them out on flea bay and dealer store sites.
Will buy one as funds become available for sure.
The two buds have motors [and each have a analog receiver.]

I want to know how many dishes I can hook up to the coolsat? Will it use all available dishes with the right switches, or is there a limit to how many dishes you can connect to one of these new type receivers like coolsat?

What is a good sat to point at with a fixed star dish to start with until I can add a motor to the dish?:confused:
-

I hate to give advice on what to get, but I will comment on what I don't like, or what I don't think you would like.
-------------------------
Hey I need all the advise I can get.
Comment away please.
You are working with a total dummy at the moment.
Never had a dish or any of this stuff.!sadroll
Need all the ideas and suggestions I can get.
Keep them coming.
-

I think a good suggestion for now, would be to set-up the Primestar dish, so you can get used to the Coolsat, and you can take you time on the C-Band dishes, while still enjoying the FTA programming.
-------------------
Yes I was kind of thinking along the same lines.
I want to set up the star dish as stationary for the moment until I can get a motor.
And work on repairing and setting up the buds as I go.
They will cost more and take more time and effort.
But all that of course depends on the star LNB.
If it is bad I do not have a replacement yet.
I will have to order one- after the bills are paid for the month I will see where I am at and know more on that.
-

turbosat

corner post for chain link fencing- and about 3 bags of quickrete --- Primestar mount will fit right on that type pipe and you'll have a good fixed-dish beginning! Motorizing a primestar can be done sev diff ways, once you get to that point.
--------------------------
Yes- I was thinking of a fixed star dish for now and adding a motor as soon as I can get my hands on one.
I think I have some old corner chain link post somewhere in my junk pile.:eureka
-

Welcome to the best fta forum around, too !!!
--------------------------
Thank You - I agree with you.:hatsoff:
I have looked at over 20 different forums and I think this one is the best - no doubt.
Lots of good people and lots of good info on this site.:D
Thanks .
-


Now here is a really dumb question.:what
My position
I am in middle Georgia 31032 area.
Latitude: 33° 0.20730' ? , Longitude: 83° 33.04692' ?:confused:
--
Now that is the latitude = north and the longitude = south?
Is that the correct way to read it ?
Because the sites I checked do not say which is which?
North or south? [East? or West?]
So am I reading these charts right?
If that is correct, why then does it list the available satellites as all East and west of 31032?
Example

Sat Name Sat Lng Az(t) Az(m) El Skew
------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Satellite TV (2007)
------------------------------------------------------------
EchoStar 3 61.5W 143.4 148.2 44.9 -30.0
Echostar 4 77.0W 168.1 172.9 51.0 -10.0

or

example

-----------------------------------------------------------
All Geostationary (2007)
------------------------------------------------------------
MSG-2 0.0E 93.5 98.3 -3.3 -56.8
Telecom 2C (incl 2.7 deg.) 2.5E 92.2 97.0 -5.4 -56.9
Eutelsat Telecom 2A (incl 3.9 deg.) 3.0E 91.9 96.7 -5.8 -56.9
Sirius 2 4.8E 90.9 95.7 -7.2 -57.0
Sirius 3 5.0E 90.8 95.6 -7.4 -57.0

Now the really dumb question.:confused:
I keep reading you need to find your most southern sat?
Is that my most southern east sat, or west sat?
Can anyone tell me the name of the most southern sat for my location?
I have a list from online sites of the sat settings- I just do not know what sat I am even looking for?
Again Thanks for all your help.
All advise and ideas appreciated.
Thanks to everyone.:D
 
eurosport84

These are great dishes....warning: You won't stop at one...!
-------------------------------

I see from your picture you know what you are talking about.:eek:
I have to agree,I have been looking everywhere I go for satellite stuff like you would not believe.
But it is a lot of fun and I will have lots of room for dishes if I break out the chainsaw and get rid of a few trees.
I been hankering to build me a log barn - now might be a good time to start cutting those logs and freeing up some room for a dish farm.:eureka
Thanks
 
Your true south sat is the one that is closest to your longitude, in your case it would be AMC9 @ 83W.

AMC 9 at 83.0°W - LyngSat

The satellite that is closest to due south from a given location (in the northern hemisphere) will be the highest in the sky, at the top of the arc formed by the Clarke belt.

There may be a limit to how many dishes you can hookup to your Coolsat, but it's a LOT, don't worry about that yet. With proper switching and cabling you can do about anything.

I'll bet that your old P* LNB will work, those things are tough, don't think I have heard of many gong bad....I use mine to drive tent stakes. ;)
 
Coolsat came with a multi switch.
See Third pic.
I also ordered couple of different ones off flea bay.
what came with your receiver and what you ordered were diseqc switches, a multi-switch is not a diseqc switch, it works entirely different
you need a multi-switch for the Primestar lnb
The other one I am asking about above - if it is repairable or not?
I wouldn't know if it is repairable or not? you can be on the look-out for a cheap one somewhere, people are always selling them, might find one in the classified section on this forum
but you aren't in any hurry, work on one dish at a time, take your time and get them right
Can One analog unit drive more than one dish?
Maybe with a switch or something between them?
this I don't know, but I wouldn't do it, nor would I recommend it
besides, I really don't see the point of doing it
Can I modify the Bad analog receiver in some way to just use it to drive one of the dishes?
I don't know the answer to this either
I do not know if the LNB is good or bad yet.
I have not checked it out.
But if bad I will replace it.
I seriously doubt that it is bad, these lnb's were well built, and last
I have some extra multi-switches, and will let you have one, or maybe more, it depends on the direction you head in?
----------------------
Thanks I appreciate that.
Direction? Not sure what you mean?:confused:
well, by direction I mean the way you set up your system, there are many different ways you can go about it, such as with the multi-switch, I suggest it for you only because the Primestar lnb will need it, but for a one receiver operation you won't need a lot of multi-switches, only when you have or need a dual/twin output lnb, and using dual/twin lnb's is one direction you could go, especially if you later intend to have multiple DVB receivers. Also when you use a C-Band dish and you use an analog receiver, it will set-up different than if you used a Gbox/Vbox set-up, these are just a few directions you might go, there are many other ways to get things done.
I am going to set up the star dish as stationary for the moment because I do not have a motor for it.
I will have a motor on it as soon as I can.:up
Been checking them out on flea bay and dealer store sites.
putting a motor on the Primestar is no easy task, but it is do-able. the problem is the weight of the Primestar, and most motors don't handle that much weight, or are not recommended for that much weight. so, you have to modify the Primestar by cutting away parts that you think might be needed (or not needed?) to get a decent weight. It's easier said than done, but it is do-able.
I want to know how many dishes I can hook up to the coolsat? Will it use all available dishes with the right switches, or is there a limit to how many dishes you can connect to one of these new type receivers like coolsat?
you can hook up more dishes than I'm sure you'll ever get a hold of. the Coolsat can use the diseqc 1.1 command protocals, which are very helpful when adding more dishes, or really it's more lnb's being added. you can put extra lnb's offset from center and get nearby satellites using the same dish, something to think about for your Primestar dish
What is a good sat to point at with a fixed star dish to start with until I can add a motor to the dish?:confused:
this is hard to answer, because different folks like to watch different things. but, two most favorite sats are G18 ku @ 123.0w and G19 ku @ 97.0w, but like I said, it depends on your taste. take a look at the list by clicking on it from the top of the page
I hate to give advice on what to get, but I will comment on what I don't like, or what I don't think you would like.
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Hey I need all the advise I can get.
Comment away please.
I don't won't to put myself in a position of telling you to get this or that, and then it doesn't work out for you. makes us both unhappy, and I don't want to be unhappy. I'm sure you don't either. but I will comment when I comment
Now here is a really dumb question.:what
My position
I am in middle Georgia 31032 area.
Latitude: 33° 0.20730' ? , Longitude: 83° 33.04692' ?:confused:
--
Now that is the latitude = north and the longitude = south?
Is that the correct way to read it ?
Because the sites I checked do not say which is which?
North or south? [East? or West?]
So am I reading these charts right?
If that is correct, why then does it list the available satellites as all East and west of 31032?
Example

Sat Name Sat Lng Az(t) Az(m) El Skew
------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Satellite TV (2007)
------------------------------------------------------------
EchoStar 3 61.5W 143.4 148.2 44.9 -30.0
Echostar 4 77.0W 168.1 172.9 51.0 -10.0

or

example

-----------------------------------------------------------
All Geostationary (2007)
------------------------------------------------------------
MSG-2 0.0E 93.5 98.3 -3.3 -56.8
Telecom 2C (incl 2.7 deg.) 2.5E 92.2 97.0 -5.4 -56.9
Eutelsat Telecom 2A (incl 3.9 deg.) 3.0E 91.9 96.7 -5.8 -56.9
Sirius 2 4.8E 90.9 95.7 -7.2 -57.0
Sirius 3 5.0E 90.8 95.6 -7.4 -57.0
the latitude is north and the longitude is west (if you were in the southern hemisphere the latitude would be south, if you were on the other side of either pond/ocean, the longitude would be east)
you are not going to get any satellite in the east
and they are not listed as east or west of you (31032), they are listed as east or west of Greenwich Mean Time (I think?)
Now the really dumb question.:confused:
I keep reading you need to find your most southern sat?
Is that my most southern east sat, or west sat?
Can anyone tell me the name of the most southern sat for my location?
I have a list from online sites of the sat settings- I just do not know what sat I am even looking for?
your true south satellite is 83.0w and is AMC9
your longitude and straight south (true south and not magnetic south) is your most southern point to pivot on, for any motorized dish
 
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