Hello 1st post

[ceebs]

After some thought I've decided to set up a FTA system. I'm getting kinda bored with tweaking my OTA antenna and DTV pal so I need a new project.

I was hoping to get some opinions on the equipment I've been looking at.

I was set on the Sonicview 360 premier, But after browsing around here I'm not sure that's my best choice. Any recommendations? I'd really just like to have something cheap that has a good blindscan and can be easily updated if needed.

As far as dishes go I'm stuck between getting the MKit-6 or getting the MKit-2 from sadoun. I really would like to get the c band stuff as well but I dont know if it will be worth the extra hassle or even if the 6 fotter would do the job on c band, Or just stick with the ku stuff. Which ever way I go a motorized setup is a must.

Hopefully you guys can help me decide on something.

Thanks

 

[glen4cindy]

I started with a 31" motorized combo system from Sadoun back in 2006 when I first started in FTA.

I soon upgarded to a QPH-031 so I could get NASA on 119 W, and added a Twinhan card for my PC as you can see in my signature.

I cannot do a BUD because of my HOA so, Ku was the only way I could go. I am considering upgrading to a 90cm or 1.2 m dish so I can get better signal levels, but, that is a future want, only to be realized once I can get back to work.

I'm very happy so far with my Ku only system, though I would get a BUD in a heartbeat if I could get by with it.

 

[equant]

After some thought I've decided to set up a FTA system. I'm getting kinda bored with tweaking my OTA antenna and DTV pal so I need a new project.

Ah, sounds like FTA will be perfect for you. Lots to fuss, tinker and tweak.

I wouldn't buy a cband system new if you're the "project" type. Unless you have a particular need, just keep your eyes open (craigslist, freecycle, driving around) and wait until you come upon a BUD for cheap to nothing. CBand is pretty sweet to have.

My first FTA receiver was a Coolsat 4000. It's ok, not bad, available inexpensively. Next I got a Visionsat 200 for under $100 including S&H, and that's what I'd recommend to a friend about go get into the hobby that wants a SD receiver that works well.

 

[ceebs]

Well I was wanting to get RFD, But I can live without that for now. I'll just stick with the 31 inch motorized setup. Now I just need to make my mind up on a receiver. Any opinions on the fortec mercury 2? Hows the blindscan on this box?

 

[rv1pop]

I truly like my MercuryII's. I have had up to 4 at one time, using all of them in various buildings. Some have gone on to other peoples houses. I hope to get more, or the Dynamic which has replaced it - just a new package. It is the easiest for me to use. Easy to adjust the dish to the satellite when you have a stong channel programed in. Very good tuning meter to peak with and a rapid blind scan - comparing to other receivers I have used. Some receivers may scan faster, but none I have used is both faster and as successful.
POP

 

[FTAsquirrel]

Well I was wanting to get RFD, But I can live without that for now. I'll just stick with the 31 inch motorized setup. Now I just need to make my mind up on a receiver. Any opinions on the fortec mercury 2? Hows the blindscan on this box?

I would recommend the Mercury2 or its replacement the dynamic. It blind scans well, not as good or fast as the Traxis 3500. Its a very solid receiver and has a great picture output. The mercury has a universal remote and a bit better menu to me then the traxis 3500. The Traxis is also still a great receiver for starting out and can be found for $75.00 new on net. If cost is an issue the Traxis can not be beat for what you get. The mercury is a step up, just my opinion of course - I have both.

 

[Cadsulfide]

Welcome!

Yep, I like my merc too, if you can get a Traxis 3500 cheaper go for it. Ask around for dishes, they will rain on you.

 

[Jullius]

Welcome ceebs,

I bought a sonicview 360 premier before I found this site. It works, but it's buggy. The PVR function is so buggy I don't use it and that is one of the reasons I wanted that model.

I would recommend checking out Sadoun.com I bought my dish from there and wish I would have gotten a complete setup from them.

 

[ceebs]

Thanks everyone. It looks like I'm either gonna get the Traxis 3500 or the Fortec Mercury 2 or it's twin the dynamic.

Is the 31" dish sufficient enough, Or should I get something bigger?

 

[SatPhreak]

A bigger dish is better for getting in weaker channels. The shipping costs go up with dish size though. I have a 90cm now, but used to have a 76cm and I think the 90 is worth a few extra dollars to me. Any dish over 90cm usually cost as much or more to ship than the price of the dish, but the 90cm dishes are still reasonable to ship.

 

[FTAsquirrel]

Check this out, This is a good dealer also. A Traxis 3500 for 75.00 shipped. I picked an extra one for a project come spring. He was great to deal with.
DBS3500