Seeking Installer

[Mr. Sheep]

In Southeast Michigan area. It's been a while, and the five people I asked on FTAInstall didn't answer. Is there anyone who can help who's in the area?

Sent from my SM-G955U using the SatelliteGuys app!

 

[primestar31]

You are very unlikely to find an installer that will be willing to install a system for you, especially if you are looking for a c-band system. This is very much a "do it yourself" hobby, and if you want one bad enough, you'll have to do what we ALL have done. That is, read, read, read, and install one yourself. There's MORE than enough posts here to figure out how to do it.

Sure, you'll most likely make some mistakes. But, you will then ask questions, and fix it with our help. There's a huge feeling of accomplishment once you get your first system installed and working by yourself, even if it's not 100%

 

[Titanium]

Like Primestar31 suggests, C-band hobbyists systems are usually installed and maintained by hobbyists. If KU, check with local ethnic communities or Craigslist for technicians. Usually charge one to two hundred dollars to aim a fixed 90cm dish. Higher for a motorized (if they will even do it).

Many C-band commercial installers are available through booking agencies. The cost is high and often billing for travel time, contracted blue collar crew, concrete delivery, rebar, poles, distribution wiring, grounding, etc. Not unusual for a commercial installer to invoice several thousand dollars to install your prepurchased or used dish. Often a higher invoice if the system is partially assembled (right or wrong) or clean-up / disassembly is required before starting their nstall.

They will likely not be interested in assisting with the hobbyists receivers, controllers, etc. Typically, will provide assembly, installation, tracking the dish on the arc using their test equipment; then hand the keys to you to integrate with your gear.

 

[danristheman]

Where are you at? I am in NE Indiana near the state line of Michigan and Ohio.

 

[Arion]

I agree with the others. Unless your disabled or flush with cash you don’t know what to do with then do it yourself. You will not only get so much more out of the hobby but you need to know how to install and aim as well as troubleshoot your system as there likely won’t be anyone to do it for you when something doesn’t work. You learn through trial and error and in the end it’s a lot more enjoyable and you learn a lot more by actually doing it. FTA certainly isn’t like calling Dish or DirecTv and scheduling service.

 

[Cham]

I would think you might be better off with one of the DVB providers, cable, or IPTV than paying someone to install and maintain a C-band FTA system.

If you still want to go the FTA route you might want to contact the staff at a local radio/TV broadcaster. They either have their own technicians that set up and maintain their equipment, or hire a company to do it for them. Either way I am sure they would put you in contact with someone who can help you out.

 

[raydio]

I would think you might be better off with one of the DVB providers, cable, or IPTV than paying someone to install and maintain a C-band FTA system.

If you still want to go the FTA route you might want to contact the staff at a local radio/TV broadcaster. They either have their own technicians that set up and maintain their equipment, or hire a company to do it for them. Either way I am sure they would put you in contact with someone who can help you out.

Yes, as an Ex Chief Engineer for commercial radio stations I was always looking for odd jobs for extra money. Yes Mr. Sheep, contact the Chief Engineer at your local radio and possibly TV stations and ask if they are interested in helping. If I was still in the business I would jump at it -

 

[Mr. Sheep]

The problem is I tried installing it with my dad and it's so hard to install it with him because every direction I give him he doesn't listen to. I try telling him he has to do it in an explicit way or it won't work and he won't listen.

Sent from my SM-G955U using the SatelliteGuys app!

 

[Mr. Sheep]

Regardless, thank you all for your advice.

Sent from my SM-G955U using the SatelliteGuys app!

 

[primestar31]

The problem is I tried installing it with my dad and it's so hard to install it with him because every direction I give him he doesn't listen to. I try telling him he has to do it in an explicit way or it won't work and he won't listen.

Sent from my SM-G955U using the SatelliteGuys app!

I've always done all my installs alone, that way there's no arguments. The ONLY time I needed help, is on 2 different large mesh c-band dishes, and a large 6ft composite KU dish just to lift the reflectors onto the mount which was already on the pole. Once it's on the mount and a couple bolts are in, you can send them on their way and finish alone. I even did a 300lb 11ft fiberglass dish with NO HELP at all! That was lifted complete, using a chain-drive come-along up a very tall pole.

Otherwise there's no need for anybody else to be there while you install. Certainly not for any sort of KU dish system.

Realize that NOBODY knows how to do these, until you actually do one! It's a learning experience, just like any other. You CAN do this, IF you want to badly enough!

Just do it. Who cares if you make some mistakes. It's not a contest, and mistakes can be remedied later, and you'll learn more that way.