Concrete Pad

[PopcornNMore]

As most of you know during the summer I poured a concrete pad to support my 8' WSI dish. I know that with a motorized dish it is critical that the pole be level to receive the various satellites, but how critical is it for the concrete pad to be perfectly level for a stationary dish?

When I poured the concrete pad I leveled it using a 2x4 as well as a trowel. Due to variations in the concrete (small bumps, etc) the pad is near level, but not perfect. When aimed at Galaxy 17 I never had a problem receiving the channels with a high signal strength. The elevation bar is simply adjusted for any variation in levelness. However, now when trying to receive the AMC 3 satellite (DVB-S2 channels) I believe I might need to shim the base to make it 100% level in order to receive the highest signal strength. Is this true?

 

[brentb636]

I don't think so . For a single satellite, a plumb pole is not as necessary. You should have all the adjustment you need ( within reason) with elevation, azimuth and skew to bring in any sat that you can see !

 

[FaT Air]

I wouldn't think that the base that you're rotating the dish upon (azimuth) would make any difference as you also adjust elevation and skew separately. These are all automatic on a (properly installed) polar mount, making a plumb pole imperative.

 

[PopcornNMore]

Thank you guys. Saves me work trying to level the base perfectly.

 

[AcWxRadar]

If you motorize the dish on your pad, then you must ensure that it is level. But, for a single fixed point dish, you should be close enough and any errors in plumb you should be able to fudge around easily. I don't imagine that your pad is grossly unlevel.

RADAR

 

[Keystone7]

Some pictures would be nice to look at the progression from start to finish. Someday, I will move up to the big boys with an BUD for C-Band.

 

[toucan-man]

...Someday, I will move up to the big boys with an BUD for C-Band.

That was my feeling a couple years back. Now I have a basement full of BUDs. Get yours while they're hot ! (They are beginning to disappear from the landscape and can be still had for very little cash, or for free).

 

[Pixl]

Is your post bolted on studs set in the pad, or is the post set down directly in the stuff?

 

[PopcornNMore]

I removed the shims tonight that I had placed under the base last week to level and AMC3 now comes in better than ever.

 

[Dishman Dan]

...Now I have a basement full of BUDs. ...

My wife will never allow that dream!!!...

Do you store them on shelves, in containers or...??? Perhaps in one piece???

 

[toucan-man]

My wife will never allow that dream!!!...

Do you store them on shelves, in containers or...??? Perhaps in one piece???

Got 2x4s on the floor, all are in quarters, the reflector segments are lined up in a row, sort of looks like a library of BUDs.

One piece? I have 10' ceilings, could put one together in the dining room one day, then invite the neighbors over...

 

[Corrado]

That's the first I've seen the pad. Looks beautiful PopcornNMore. Nice profession touch with the conduit for the cables.