elevation?

[danristheman]

Are all elevations markings on satellite dishes the same. What I mean is a superdish elevation markings the same as a slimline. For example if I decided to take the reflector off a slimline and replace it with a superdish would it still be the using the same elevation markings?

Dan Rose

 

[primestar31]

Nope you can NOT expect them to be the same!

Some could be, but you should not assume they are.

 

[gpflepsen]

You could measure the transfered reflector's original arm angle and correlate that to the new mounting bracket indications.

 

[AcWxRadar]

Hi Dan,

I agree with the two previous responses. The design of every individual dish and LNBF support arm (without the back-mounting assembly) could have its own specific "built-in" angle. This would require the mounting assembly / elevation bracket to be marked or calibrated to compensate for that angle. So, if you swap out the front end of any dish assembly with that of another, it's just a gamble on whether the elevation scale matches or not. I would suspect that most would be within +/- 5°, though.

If you are starting with a dish that is already in service and working well, I think you can start with the same elevation angle. Pick a known strong TP signal and then just wing it. If you keep your azimuth alignment the same (i.e. change the reflector w/o taking the assembly completely apart or taking it off the mast or at least marking the mast so you get it set back in the same position), you should realize that you only have to go up or down in elevation to seek the original signal and optimize it.

RADAR

 

[Mr Tony]

Are all elevations markings on satellite dishes the same. What I mean is a superdish elevation markings the same as a slimline. For example if I decided to take the reflector off a slimline and replace it with a superdish would it still be the using the same elevation markings?

Dan Rose

why would you want to do that? Each dish has a specific focal length and swapping pans wont help at all. So if the arm length between the LNB holder and the dish on a SD is say 18 inches and on a slimline its 22 by swapping pans the focal length would be off and your signal would be worse off

 

[FaT Air]

If the dishes have the same offset the scales would be the same. But only if the reflector mounts to the mount in the same 'plane'.
And just changing the reflector may not work as the focal lengths may be different. You can check by measuring from the lower lip of the dish to the feed (focal length). Also measure from the top lip to the feed to get the placement right. Feed has to also be aimed at the center of the dish.

 

[Mr Tony]

but as for elevation markings...they all can be different. Fortec dishes use to be off by a good 5-7 degrees

 

[Anole]

If I recall, Sadoun used to ship both 30 & 36 inch dishes with the same mount.
Maybe the factory screwed up, I don't know.
That was the reason for the 5-7 degrees error.
(long since resolved, of course)

Point being, don't do that.

 

[danristheman]

To go along with this question. When I got my muzak dish few weeks ago it didn't have a elevation setting on it so I had a bracket made up so I could bolt up the muzak dish to the slimline elevation bracket. So I can use its elevations setting I will be taking off the slimline arm and lnb. Bolting the muzak dish with its support arms and lnb. I'll post pics in the next few days.

Dan Rose

 

[Blindowl1234]

I switched out parts from a 30" dish to my current 36". I wouldn't suggest it though. Parts aren't usually interchangeable. The holes on my mount for the dish didnt line up..I got lucky and it worked. Still wouldn't suggest it. Lot of work!

 

[polgyver]

To go along with this question. When I got my muzak dish few weeks ago it didn't have a elevation setting on it so I had a bracket made up so I could bolt up the muzak dish to the slimline elevation bracket. So I can use its elevations setting I will be taking off the slimline arm and lnb. Bolting the muzak dish with its support arms and lnb. I'll post pics in the next few days.

Dan Rose

If the LNB support arm changes its position to the muzak bowl due to its mounting to elevation bracket, which is now different than original bracket, then you could change position of the focal point, and thus worsen or lose reception. If the support arm mounts to the bowl independently (not through elevation bracket), then you could be OK. But, like other members warned, you could spend more time tinkering with elevation. Cheers, polgyver