Noobie set up questions

[armadamork]

I am trying to set up a FTA system and need some help. I was given a 30" Dish Pro with three LNB's - 1) 151019 w/ 2 feeds, 2) HD LNB B01303-510600411, and 3) AKH1-DPS. All are for "Dish Network" The first questions is simple: Will one of these LNB work for FTA or do I need to get a dish set up for FTA specifically. My goal is to get Galaxy 18 at my cottage when the lights go out on analog in FEB. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brentb636]

"Googling" leads me to believe that you have all circular lnbf's, and they won't work for your purpose. You need a standard linear lnbf for Galaxy 18 . That Dish would be questionable , too, though I'm sure some people have successfully locked on G-18 using it.
To further complicate things, Galaxy 18 is undergoing some changes, as Equity broadcasting is in big financial trouble. There might not be a lot up there by February, and it grieves us all.

 

[Anole]

OTA & FTA

My goal is to get Galaxy 18 at my cottage when the lights go out on analog in FEB.

OTA:
We have an HD OTA department where this matter is better debated...but...

If you are getting analog signals there now, it's quite likely you'll continue to get digital signals there later.
If your area is served by an analog repeater, those don't have to go dark in Feb 2009.

The DTV converter boxes and a decent outdoor antenna (*&%$ people and their rabbit ears!) get amazingly clear pictures!
I have a Channel Master 7000 ($60) and Dish/Echostar TR-40/DTVpal ($40) converter boxes, and would highly recommend those as your first choices, depending on your preferences.

FTA:
Of course, this is the FTA section of the forum, so I'm all for getting the 123° bird, too! :up
With the new satellite at 125° causing some interference, you might want to pick up a 36" dish and give that a try.
(SatelliteAV has a special dish+LNB offer in his signature, right now.)

Later, if you should be interested and ambitions, you might put a motor on the dish, for more choices in programming.
But, starting out with a fixed dish is a very wise decision.
And if you can locate the dish low enough to not need a ladder for access, so much the better.
I favor a sturdy yard-mounted pole sticking 4-6 feet out of the ground.

 

[armadamork]

Thanks for the reply. I agree about the Dish network TR-40. I have them at home at they work beautifully. I highly recoomend them also. The problem with my cottage is the reception. I have a fair amout of snow in the picture on all but one channel (CBS). We are far from a signal so I was under the impression we would lose the signal in Feb. I have a 90 mile antenna on the roof which is 2 years old with rotor. I am going to continue to learn more about FTA and make a decision on what to up at end of Feb whan I know for sure what my reception is.

Thanks again.

 

[Lak7]

You could pick-up a cheap Digital to Analog Converter Box and check OTA reception at the cottage.