Spent today doing my own Mini BUD experiments. I have a 1.2 M Channel Master offset Dish (Type 123). I tried the BSC621-2 LNBF, using the C Band portion only so I would not be bogged down with switches and those possible issues.
I made the following observations and attached a few photos:
1. The BSC621-2 LNBF was easy to attach with a pipe clamp and tie wraps. This is not a permanent arrangement but quick, cheap and easy for testing. I didn't have to do any cutting.
2. BSC621-2 LNBF was pretty easy to line up. The focal point of the LNBF appeared to be about an 1" back from the front of the face plate--however, C Band was very foregiving--it made no real, discernible difference when I slid the LNBF back and forth (towards and away from the dish). The focus point for the C Band signal may be slightly in front of what it is for Ku Band --this is what I have read-I am unable to confirm or deny.
3. BSC621-2 LNBF was just as sensitive as Ku Band for me when it came to movement of the LNBF from side to side, except there appeared to be lobes of increased signal as one moves the LNBF a few degrees "laterally" in either direction. I don't know this to be true from a signal field perspective, but that's how mine behaved.
4. On many channels, there was tremendous instability--the SQ went from 10 -65, back and forth, repeatedly, over a few seconds, never calming down.
5. The prime focus scalar ring made a significant difference and it is my opinion that it should be used. I read on a UK satellite forum that it was recommended that it was better to use no scalar ring than to use a prime focus scalar ring on an offset dish. I strongly disagree.
6. I was only able to get a handful of C Band channels after trying several satellites. I was amazed to get anything at all. The best picture was on 123W, on a Channel called HITN, but there was no sound. I did get a beautiful test pattern, with sound, on a channel calling itself HITN Ch2. I got Univision on 91W and a lot of signals on 91W and on 95W--I think I was just below threshold to bring these in.
7. I bought a pure C Band LNBF on Ebay. I will see if it performs any better and will report back to you all.
8. I have read a lot about the design of offset scalar rings. WIll try buiding my own soon. All results will be shared. Wish me luck!!
I made the following observations and attached a few photos:
1. The BSC621-2 LNBF was easy to attach with a pipe clamp and tie wraps. This is not a permanent arrangement but quick, cheap and easy for testing. I didn't have to do any cutting.
2. BSC621-2 LNBF was pretty easy to line up. The focal point of the LNBF appeared to be about an 1" back from the front of the face plate--however, C Band was very foregiving--it made no real, discernible difference when I slid the LNBF back and forth (towards and away from the dish). The focus point for the C Band signal may be slightly in front of what it is for Ku Band --this is what I have read-I am unable to confirm or deny.
3. BSC621-2 LNBF was just as sensitive as Ku Band for me when it came to movement of the LNBF from side to side, except there appeared to be lobes of increased signal as one moves the LNBF a few degrees "laterally" in either direction. I don't know this to be true from a signal field perspective, but that's how mine behaved.
4. On many channels, there was tremendous instability--the SQ went from 10 -65, back and forth, repeatedly, over a few seconds, never calming down.
5. The prime focus scalar ring made a significant difference and it is my opinion that it should be used. I read on a UK satellite forum that it was recommended that it was better to use no scalar ring than to use a prime focus scalar ring on an offset dish. I strongly disagree.
6. I was only able to get a handful of C Band channels after trying several satellites. I was amazed to get anything at all. The best picture was on 123W, on a Channel called HITN, but there was no sound. I did get a beautiful test pattern, with sound, on a channel calling itself HITN Ch2. I got Univision on 91W and a lot of signals on 91W and on 95W--I think I was just below threshold to bring these in.
7. I bought a pure C Band LNBF on Ebay. I will see if it performs any better and will report back to you all.
8. I have read a lot about the design of offset scalar rings. WIll try buiding my own soon. All results will be shared. Wish me luck!!
