Getting the LNB centered

[Martyn]

Has anyone come up with simple ways to make sure the LNB is pointing at the center of their dish?

I've seen laser arrangements before but am wondering if there is something simpler? I find it awfully difficult to center, and have the suspicion that some of my alignment and reception problems might be due to the LNB being slightly off center, which means the dish is being misaligned when I peak on the signal.

I was thining perhaps a jacket around the LNB to make it a bit fatter so it doesn't have so much change to move, or splints that can go in the gap to effectively align it?

 

[Titanium]

To center the scalar on a prime focus dish, take 3 or 4 measurements from the center of the scalar opening to opposing edges of the reflector edges. All measurements must be identical.

To make sure the scalar sets parallel to the reflector I use a torpedo level with laser and lay across the face of the scalar. Project the laser at the reflector surface and slowly rotate the level 360 degrees, noting the position of the laser beam. The beam should stay in the center of the reflector. Adjust as needed then tighten the hardware.

Install the feedhorn and repeat the laser pointing with the torpedo across the face of the throat. Adjust as needed then tighten the hardware. Shimming alone will not guarantee the feedhorn is correctly aligned into the center of the reflector.

 

[Martyn]

Brian,

A cunning plan indeed. So the level you have produces a laser perpendicular to itself? I'll have to order one of those. Thanks

Martyn

 

[Titanium]

My laser torpedo level puts out 2 beams. One inline beam and the other at 90 degree angle. I use the 90 degree angle beam for the above centering suggestions.