Channel Master 1.83 with AZ/EL mount conversion.

[cuda7670]

I found this mount conversion on Youtube. I cant find any drawings or instructions with the design but its seems pretty self explanatory. I may give it a go since I have a AZ/EL 1.83 SMC Channel Master. Would like to get an actuator on it for Ku and some c-band exploration.

 

[RimaNTSS]

Some time ago I've made similar design of the mount but only for 1.2m Channel Master. Used Diseqc noname motor to turn it

 

[FTA4PA]

I found this mount conversion on Youtube. I cant find any drawings or instructions with the design but its seems pretty self explanatory. I may give it a go since I have a AZ/EL 1.83 SMC Channel Master. Would like to get an actuator on it for Ku and some c-band exploration.

If you go ahead with it be sure to post up some pics/video.

 

[RimaNTSS]

And for 1.8m CM antenna I've started similar project where AJAK Patriot engine is used. That was > 3 years ago.... then I lost interest, so project is not finished yet.

 

[cuda7670]

Some time ago I've made similar design of the mount but only for 1.2m Channel Master. Used Diseqc noname motor to turn it

I did see several of your videos on Youtube. Interesting idea on the design.

 

[cuda7670]

If you go ahead with it be sure to post up some pics/video.

Will do.

 

[cuda7670]

Would anyone know the weight of the reflector of the 1.8 offset Channel Master SMC dish?

 

[RimaNTSS]

It is about 35 kg.

 

[cuda7670]

It is about 35 kg.

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[cuda7670]

It is about 35 kg.

RimaNTSS you seem very familiar with SMC dishes. If I wanted to transport my Channel Master 1.8 SMC dish would it be ok to lay the reflector in the bed of a full size pick up truck (Tundra). I may have to leave about a foot hanging out the side of the bed on one end, tied down of course.

 

[primestar31]

RimaNTSS you seem very familiar with SMC dishes. If I wanted to transport my Channel Master 1.8 SMC dish would it be ok to lay the reflector in the bed of a full size pick up truck (Tundra). I may have to leave about a foot hanging out the side of the bed on one end, tied down of course.

I hauled one 120 miles in a trailer, behind my car. Just tie it down really well. I suspect you could drop that dish from 15' or more, and all you'd do is dent the ground...

 

[RimaNTSS]

cuda7670 I do not have pick-up, just a trailer. But, I think, if you lay couple of wooden boards, antenna on top, and strap everything firmly, then should be no problems. I've also seen that some users strapped 1.8m glass dish on the rails on top of the car and succeeded as well.

 

[cuda7670]

cuda7670 I do not have pick-up, just a trailer. But, I think, if you lay couple of wooden boards, antenna on top, and strap everything firmly, then should be no problems. I've also seen that some users strapped 1.8m glass dish on the rails on top of the car and succeeded as well.

Ok, fantastic. Thank you and primstar31 very much.

 

[st1]

CM180 goes very well on a trailer, and even on a roof rack.
The CMs are extremely sturdy and will withstand a lot of duress.
Those plastic dishes can be easily transported.
Metal-dishes are more sensistive - they don't have a "form memory" as the plastic dishes do.

Here's a little inspiration for transporting 180cm dishes.
This is a 180cm Aluminum PF dish, perched on top of a normal sized car.
While you may not have the Ford S-max in the US, the roof-bars are pretty much universal. It wil work for a CM as well!
The key thing is to strap the thing right down - no wobble allowed. And when you've gone a mile or two - stop and check - the straps need tightening...

 

[cuda7670]

CM180 goes very well on a trailer, and even on a roof rack.
The CMs are extremely sturdy and will withstand a lot of duress.
Those plastic dishes can be easily transported.
Metal-dishes are more sensistive - they don't have a "form memory" as the plastic dishes do.

Here's a little inspiration for transporting 180cm dishes.
This is a 180cm Aluminum PF dish, perched on top of a normal sized car.
While you may not have the Ford S-max in the US, the roof-bars are pretty much universal. It wil work for a CM as well!
The key thing is to strap the thing right down - no wobble allowed. And when you've gone a mile or two - stop and check - the straps need tightening...

View attachment 145966

Thanks st1. Some really good ideas.

 

[cuda7670]

CM180 goes very well on a trailer, and even on a roof rack.
The CMs are extremely sturdy and will withstand a lot of duress.
Those plastic dishes can be easily transported.
Metal-dishes are more sensistive - they don't have a "form memory" as the plastic dishes do.

Here's a little inspiration for transporting 180cm dishes.
This is a 180cm Aluminum PF dish, perched on top of a normal sized car.
While you may not have the Ford S-max in the US, the roof-bars are pretty much universal. It wil work for a CM as well!
The key thing is to strap the thing right down - no wobble allowed. And when you've gone a mile or two - stop and check - the straps need tightening...

View attachment 145966

Well, I got it home ok. It was 'old new stock' still in the box Channel Master 1.8, it fit perfectly in the bed of a full size Tundra and made it home safely. I tied it down with some ratchet straps and made it home 150 miles on the highway, without a scratch. These are durable dishes.

 

[Cham]

Hauled an 8-foot offset dish home from FaT AIr’s place few years back. Just set it on top of the 1/2 ton box with some rubber belting to protect the box sides. Lots of tie down straps. Yes you need to check the straps after first 20mi or so.
This is my 127w dish now. Still need to paint a NASA logo on it!

 

[cuda7670]

And for 1.8m CM antenna I've started similar project where AJAK Patriot engine is used. That was > 3 years ago.... then I lost interest, so project is not finished yet.

RimaNTSS, I'm curious as to the angle of the 4x2 rectangle tube ( red circle) you used to connect the pivot point to the dish. Is there a particular angle in degree's you used or was it just eyeballed to lower the center of gravity?

 

[primestar31]

RimaNTSS, I'm curious as to the angle of the 4x2 rectangle tube ( red circle) you used to connect the pivot point to the dish. Is there a particular angle in degree's you used or was it just eyeballed to lower the center of gravity?

It's probably 22.6 degrees, as that's their standard offset angle.

 

[RimaNTSS]

Is there a particular angle in degree's you used or was it just eyeballed to lower the center of gravity?

More practical is to make this angle more or less same as elevation angle of the due-south satellite. Then, when antenna is pointed south, the tube will be vertical. There is a drawing I've made before cutting the metal.