Went To Get Pole, Decided I Need More Help

[Gray1]

Not sure what size pole to get. I want a 10 foot section (3 feet below ground and seven above ground). I was wanting to use galvanized water line because
of its durabiltiy and strength. I havent decided which FTA dish to use, but wanted to set the pole before winter. Here are my choices

2" galvanized 2 3/8 OD
1 1/2" galvanized 1 7/8 OD
1 1/4" galvanized 1 5/8 OD

It would seem prudent to put it the biggest and strongest since I want a 90cm or maybe a 1 meter dish. But I dont want to get so big it will be hard to find a dish to fit it either. I do plan on having a motor.

Does anyone have any suggestions? What is the "normal" size you use? It seems
nobody in my area knows anything about FTA. Cant find a dish locally. I am depending on you all to help me out.

Thanks for any and all advise

Allen

 

[1inabillion]

Did a fourm search and came up with this thread it might give you some ideas

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=78300&highlight=size+pole

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=71406&page=2&highlight=size+pole

 

[gabshere]

well i used the 2 3/8 gal fencepost and its not strong enough , maybe if adding concreat will give it strength. i did buy thicker wall stuff and look to pay more for that . didn't try the junk/scrap yard can probably get a good strong pole there.

if you can look around locally and find an old primestar dish , thats what i have one mounted with a motor and an oval mounted in a bucket for testing and playing. these are usually inexpensive if you can find and pick up locally.

good luck

 

[iafirebuff]

I have 2 3/8 fence post that I use for my Primestars. Nice and solid, strong. I ahve it sunk about 2 feet (a little less actually), with about 4' above ground. I used 2 50 pounds bags of ready post.

 

[Tron]

I'd definitely go with the 2 3/8", since a motor will bolt up nicely to that diameter, and many larger dishes (Primestars and Channel Masters in particular, as well as the Toroidal T-90) use 2 3/8" mounts.

 

[Sadie]

I to used a 2 3/8" fence post filled with concrete, its not strong enough, flexes in a strong wind so I had to add guy wires to it. A thick wall water pipe of the same diameter should be OK.
My 1M dish and motor weigh about 40lbs.

 

[rainmaker]

I would go with the 2 3/8 pole also I use gas pipe for my pole it is a good solid pipe at schedule 40.

 

[Gray1]

Thanks for all the help. I went back today and got the galvanized 2 3/8 schedule
40. Now comes the digging part.

thanks
allen

 

[1inabillion]

Thanks for all the help. I went back today and got the galvanized 2 3/8 schedule
40. Now comes the digging part.

thanks
allen

Good luck hope all go well

 

[Gray1]

I am going to try and attach pics. Hope It works.

The hole turned out to be 43" deep and 14" wide.(I got carried away) took 6 bags of 80lb premix to fill it. I filled it to the top because I dont like to use a weedeater. Call me lazy.

I copied Cbandlover's conduit in the front to run the cable in. I think it looks better.

Thanks to all of you for your advise and suggestions.

Allen

 

[Stats8]

Nice job!!

 

[voomvoom]

Nice pictures. Looks like you're coming along pretty good on your project. Won't be long now!

Al

 

[iafirebuff]

Looks GREAT! I wish I could have gone that deep