Where to buy

[Tricon1966]

I live in phx Az. I’m interested in getting an FTA system for my cabin I can’t see paying for satellite when I’m only up there a hand full of times I know I can go on the internet and buy a complete KU setup but would rather spend my money locally. Does anyone know of a place in Phoenix or vicinity that sells FTA’s won’t need it installed thx

 

[Titanium]

Tricon1966

Don't know of any local shops selling FTA equipment in Phoenix. We can refer you to some trustworthy sellers that are available to provide support, warranties and not sell you tired old junk or hack gear. What gear will you need? C/KU? Complete system?

 

[Tricon1966]

From what I’ve been reading I think a KU band to start off I already have the direct tv equipment as in mast and coax so I figured it would be easier to swap out the dish and receiver to give it a try

 

[Titanium]

The best dish/LNBF combo for the money is the GSP90cm wth KU PLL LNB: www.ebay.com/itm/36-Inch-90-cm-Free-To-Air-FTA-Satellite-Dish-HD-LNBF/122007810338

One of the best receivers for the FTA newbie and for reliable / simple to operate for the casual hobbyist is the Amiko mini HD265: www.ebay.com/itm/Amiko-Mini-HD265-FTA-Receiver-DVB-S2-H-265-HEVC-With-NTP-/172652269201

Go with a fixed dish install first, then add a motor once you feel comfortable tracking the arc and tuning the dish.Your first install attempt should have the dish low and preferably near the ground so the dish is easy to aim while you watch the signal meter readings on a TV placed beside the dish.

The best motor solution for the GSP 36" dish is the STAB HH90: www.ebay.com/itm/STAB-HH-90-SATELLITE-DISH-ROTOR-USALS-DiSEqC-MOTORIZED-H-H-MOTOR-FOR-90CM-DISH/352358044102

All are very good resellers and are available for telephone and email support.

Don't forget to remove any splitters, switches, power inserters from the DirecTV coax line. Depending on the type of DirecTV dish that was installed, the mount may need to be adapted to fit the FTA dishes. Should be fine for mounting a motor if enough clearance from the roof or wall.

Good Luck!

 

[FTA4PA]

Welcome to Satellite Guys Tricon1966! Titanium's advice is spot on. Good luck with your setup!

 

[Mister B]

The output details on the Amiko HD 265 in the above link states, "S/PDIF optical". However, the close up of the back panel certainly looks like a coaxial digital output to me. Can anyone confirm which is correct?

 

[Magic Static]

The output details on the Amiko HD 265 in the above link states, "S/PDIF optical". However, the close up of the back panel certainly looks like a coaxial digital output to me. Can anyone confirm which is correct?

Yes it is not a TOSLINK connection. Should be speced as S/PDIF Coaxial

 

[KE4EST]

Yes, it is coaxial. That error has been corrected.

 

[Cosmo Blatz]

I finally broke down and ordered an Amiko Mini HD265 and a Maverick Ku LNB from KE4EST. My original Amiko Mini HD has been working flawlessly since 2014.

 

[primestar31]

I finally broke down and ordered an Amiko Mini HD265 and a Maverick Ku LNB from KE4EST. My original Amiko Mini HD has been working flawlessly since 2014.

You'll be happy with them, I'm sure.