Noob needs help getting Astra 28.2 in Belgium

[Johnnie_Walker]

Hey guys, I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on setting up a system in Belgium to receive the UK channels on Astra 28.2. My mother's been living here for a while and recently bought a system, hoping that I could set it up for her. The system includes :

80cm Metronic dish
Twin mono bloc lnb (DiSEq 1.0)
TGS200 receiver

I've set the dish up according to the info I got from dishpointer.com (n.b. at present I am only interested in receiving Astra 28.2, maybe I'll try something else later).

Anyway, after much toil, I haven't managed to get a single signal lock, so I was wondering if someone could help me out and tell me if I'm doing something wrong. Here are some pics:



Btw, this is my first install, hahaha, hope it won't be my last

[rolfw]

Can't really tell very much from the pictures, as they are too small.

You need to make sure that your connections are good, then the easiest way is to take a portable TV outside and watch the signal meter on the screen whilst you slowly pan the dish.

How is the pole mounted?

Also a monobloc is not ideal for single satellite setup, identify which one is which by putting your hand over the end and seeing if the signal changes, then mount that side in the central clamp.

[GreenmanBelg]

Where are you in Belgium?

[Johnnie_Walker]

hey, thanks for the replies. Sorry I took so long getting back to you, been busy tearing my hair out :P. I am near Mons (Bergen) in Wallonia.

I have been using the info I got from dishpointer but I can't get a lock on a satellite signal (is dishpointer accurate?).

I keep moving the dish around and then doing an automatic transponder scan but it's always the same (nothing, lol)

Should I be thinking about getting a different lnb to receive astra 2?

Anyway here are those pics again, hope they are a bit clearer :P

thanks for your help

[satelliteman]

I'd see dishpointer.com for rough settings and use a single LNb for setting up the dish.

[Robbo]

I agree, a 6 deg' monoblock is pretty pointless for 28E.

Also, focus on a single transponder 11954H 27500 2/3 for example. Monitor the sig quality on that while adjusting the dish.

The dish also looks like it is the middle of a field

I assume that you not trying to use a cable that is far too long when trying to adjust.

[JTA]

stop with tearing your hairs out and start buying a satfinder. This only costs 15 euros but it will help you to accurately align your dish. As you've found out, it's no good just pointing it somewhat in the direction where it might find something :-)
receiving Astra2 near Mons should be no problem, as it's one of the stronger satellites, you should even get the 2D without any problems.
IF your dish is aligned correctly. Use a satfinder !

[GreenmanBelg]

. Monitor the sig quality on that while adjusting the dish.

The dish also looks like it is the middle of a field

I assume that you not trying to use a cable that is far too long when trying to adjust.

I'm over near Hasselt if you were closer I'd drop in and help.

Thats a good point from Robbo do you have TV and sat receiver out with you in the garden? thats really the only way.

Let us know how you get on maybe tomorrow as its a free day in Belgium.

[Robbo]

I gave up on the cheapo satfinders long ago, but some people still manage with them.

I use my TM receiver with a 7 inch (17.5 cm to you Europeans) LCD panel, or a Lacuna meter, both give me accurate and easy dish adjustment.

[Johnnie_Walker]

Thx for the advice guys. I'll try and have a fiddle about with it at the weekend.

BTW, if I buy a cheapo single lnb from the local DIY store will that work okay with my dish?

Oh and I can see why this is such a popular hobby. The frustration turning to joy when you succeed must be equivalent to taking cocaine or something