Moving to Bocas Del Toro, Panama

[Oyving]

I know that this was addressed "kinda" in 2011, but in satellite terms, that was forever ago.

1.) Would you know what satellites I should be able to receive?
2.) Should I get a C/KU-Band or would a KU be good enough?
3.) How large should it the dish be (C or Ku) in Panama?
4.) Do polar mounts and actuators work the same near or on the equator as in North America?
5.) Best STB/IRD with HD/DVR. Must be able to handle the heat.

So many questions! Thanks for your help on this!

 

[FaT Air]

I'll only answer the one I know for sure, #4. Yes, they work the same throughout the world.
Bocas Del Toro province: 9°20?26?N 82°14?26?W So the polar mount must be capable of almost horizontal adjustment/operation. Declination will be about 1.4°

#1, #2, & #3 only get comments. www.satbeams.com shows the primary footprints of the satellites. but out of footprint may be possible if the dish is big enough. There's a member with a 24 footer somewhere to the south. Operating C and Ku IIRR. Just can't remember the name or location. Maybe they'll comment.
#5. I think the only, currently available, receiver that fits the category today is the Manhattan . Think the dealers, I'd buy from, are all out of the Amiko HDSE and Geosatpro MiniHD.
(A amall PC fan plugged into the USB may help with heat)

 

[phlatwound]

...There's a member with a 24 footer somewhere to the south. Operating C and Ku IIRR. Just can't remember the name or location. Maybe they'll comment...

Yep: http://www.satelliteguys.us/xen/members/tonydix.72783/

Looks like he may not have been logged in for a while.

 

[Cosmo Blatz]

Your dish will be pointing like this....

 

[N5XZS]

Yep, Used to stationed in Panama Canal Zone when I was a young kid in 69 to 73 in the old 20th century ahh, the good old day's I'll tell you that!