Want to get MBC

[theorange]

Hello

I would like to get MBC (with all the american programming)

What size dish would I need, Im in Birmingham, UK and also what satellite would my dish need to be pointing to?

thanks

 

[Analoguesat]

Its not as easy as that.

MBC 1-4 are carried on 2 satellites:

Arabsat 2D 26E (out of reach in Brum without a very silly sized dish)

Nilesat 102 7W Which also needs a bloody big dish - although not quite so silly sized - probably around 1.5m minimum

 

[Jeff_19341]

There was a member last year, cannot remember his name. From Solihull, was getting good results with a 1.5m dish. But lost it during rain.

 

[Analoguesat]

There you go theorange. A 1.5m dish - and hope it doesnt rain too much!

So you are looking at 1.8 - 2m for reasonable reception...... Hope you have a big garden and friendly neighbours.

 

[theorange]

oooh thanks for your reply.

Is this satellite any good > _http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/Full/47165i0.jpg

 

[Topper]

oooh thanks for your reply.

Is this satellite any good > _http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/Full/47165i0.jpg

No that is not a satellite that is a dish...... the satellite is in geostationary orbit around the earth

 

[Analoguesat]

You are going to need to get planning permission for something that big.

AND please note theres not guarantee that 1.8m will be big enough for you. Extreme fringe reception is a black art, and reception can vary wildly over a few miles..

 

[eminem120176]

I'm getting them off nilesat with a 1.2m dish and a 0.2 lnb - only after dark however

 

[Lancelot]

Those Fortec antennas have not enjoyed the best of reports.



L.

 

[pocster2]

Those Fortec antennas have not enjoyed the best of reports.



L.

I have been trying to use a fortec 2.4 m petalised dish for Nilesat and the MBC channels. I have been dissapointed with the results. The reception is borderline at best. The signal drops out in the afternoon and only returns early evening.

I have read reports that the fortec star only works as well as a decent 1.6m to 1.8m dish and I tend to agree. I have resurected my old 1.6m Connexions dish and the fortec only shows a marginal improvement, not what you would expect from such a diference in dish size.

I was planning to upgrade the lnb/feed to an invacom but am now thinking that the dish is really not up to the job in hand.

I have run tests with string lines etc and no matter how much i adjust the petals of the dish, I just can't seem to get it into shape. Also it seems nearly impossible to locate the feed at the focus of the dish if in fact there is in fact a proper focal point!

I am now considering trying Arabsat at 26E C-Band in order to receive the MBC 1-4 channels. These are my main interest as I have family that visit from Dubai.

I am really guessing that if the dish is really bad at Ku band it may be more forgiving on C band.

Would a 2.4m be large enough for the C Band arabsat channels and can anyone point me in the direction of some GOOD information regarding downlink budgets, Eirp's and G/T etc. I would like to be able to calculate wether something may be possible before it costs me money!

I am located near to Manchester, NW Engaland.

Thanks, Paul.