<![CDATA[Satellite TV support forum & Digital TV support forum. - Blogs - chris]]> http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/ en Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:37:34 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Satellite TV support forum & Digital TV support forum. - Blogs - chris]]> http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/ Kitchen Strainer WIFI Range Extender http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/41-kitchen-strainer-wifi-range-extender.html Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:49:17 GMT *intro *Uni-Directional WIFI Range Extender Easily receive WIFI signals from far away using a standard USB WIFI adaptor and a bit of ingenuity. This Simple idea requires no modifications to a USB WIFI adaptor or your computer. A simple way to increase the signal strength and range of your WIFI.... intro Uni-Directional WIFI Range Extender
Easily receive WIFI signals from far away using a standard USB WIFI adaptor and a bit of ingenuity. This Simple idea requires no modifications to a USB WIFI adaptor or your computer. A simple way to increase the signal strength and range of your WIFI. Plus it works with all USB WIFI adaptors. So you can use your neighbours wifi connection for free :).

step 1 Tools and Parts Needed
You need only a few parts for this project and they all are pretty cheap except for the USB WIFI adaptor. But even they only cost around £10 now.

1 - Metal Strainer/Steamer
1 - USB WIFI Adaptor
1 - USB Extension Cable (about 10ft long)
½” Drill Bit , Glue
2 - Tie wraps

step 2 Drilling the Strainer
Remove the Center Post (If your's had one) and drill a 1/2" hole as that is perfect size to fit the usb extention.

step 3 Glue and Tie Wrap

Insert the Female end of the USB extention (the part that doesnt connect to your computer) into the hole you just drilled.
Then just apply the glue and let it sit for 24 hours. This Creates a strong bond between the plastic and metal. I used some tape to help hold the connecter in place while the glue cured. Be sure to apply glue to both sides of the connecter. Once thats dry the next day, tie wrap 2 of the metal "ears" so they wont fold in on themselves when you use it.

step 4 Finish
Just plug the USB WIFI adaptor into the socket on the dish and plug the other end into your computer. Enjoy boosted signal strength and improved distance. Fire up Netstumber or Kismet to really see the gain in power. This works even better than I thought it would. Be sure to leave your comments on how well it worked.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: step1.jpg Views: 438 Size: 33.8 KB ID: 5   Click image for larger version Name: step2.jpg Views: 455 Size: 39.1 KB ID: 6   Click image for larger version Name: step3.jpg Views: 455 Size: 47.9 KB ID: 7   Click image for larger version Name: step4.jpg Views: 412 Size: 41.8 KB ID: 8   Click image for larger version Name: step5.jpg Views: 478 Size: 39.0 KB ID: 9  

Click image for larger version Name: step6.jpg Views: 395 Size: 38.1 KB ID: 10   Click image for larger version Name: step7.jpg Views: 500 Size: 33.8 KB ID: 11  
]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/41-kitchen-strainer-wifi-range-extender.html Willy Spotted On Satellite http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/40-willy-spotted-satellite.html Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:19:47 GMT Two pupils who used weed killer to draw a giant penis on their school lawn can now see the naughty image from satellite photos posted on the internet. The unnamed pair of Year 11 pupils from Bellemoor School for Boys in Southampton, Hampshire, burnt the 20ft phallus into the grass as an end of... Two pupils who used weed killer to draw a giant penis on their school lawn can now see the naughty image from satellite photos posted on the internet.

The unnamed pair of Year 11 pupils from Bellemoor School for Boys in Southampton, Hampshire, burnt the 20ft phallus into the grass as an end of term joke two years ago.

Staff at the school re-seeded the area but the penis has turned up on satellite image search engines because the photo was taken before the new grass could conceal the appendage.

Staff, parents and pupils who log on can now see the image in all its glory.

The satellite image can be seen on Microsoft Virtual Earth.

A spokeswoman for the school said: "It was just one of those high school jinks."

"This was an act of vandalism that took place during the summer of 2005. Southampton City Council re-seeded the area and the grass was re-grown by the beginning of the new school term."
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: 1495346.gif Views: 461 Size: 30.1 KB ID: 4  
]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/40-willy-spotted-satellite.html Satellite dish fun http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/38-satellite-dish-fun.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:06:08 GMT
Bored of your standard satellite dishes? Tired of dull views like these?

How about some changes for your dish?
DishShades provides a service for satellite dish personalization, which you can choose what decoration would you like, ever your very own. For extreme personalization, you can even paint it by yourself.

Have a look at some of the example customized satellite dishes below.

I know DishShades is not UK based but it demonstrates what your satellite dish could look like.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: 801327678_9a5f822be5.jpg Views: 299 Size: 92.1 KB ID: 1   Click image for larger version Name: 800446847_6f4f20d6a8.jpg Views: 287 Size: 51.7 KB ID: 2   Click image for larger version Name: 801324426_d7fd8e5328.jpg Views: 268 Size: 84.9 KB ID: 3  
]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/38-satellite-dish-fun.html How to Paint a Satellite TV Dish http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/37-how-paint-satellite-tv-dish.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:51:28 GMT All satellite dish TV antennae are available in similar colors. Subscribers may want to paint the satellite dish to match it with the color of their house, RV or motor home. If installed in the yard, the dish antenna can be colored to blend in with the surrounding plants. The objective here is to... All satellite dish TV antennae are available in similar colors. Subscribers may want to paint the satellite dish to match it with the color of their house, RV or motor home. If installed in the yard, the dish antenna can be colored to blend in with the surrounding plants. The objective here is to camouflage the dish so it does not stand out, which may affect the general look of a community or mobile home. Take the following steps to paint your satellite dish TV antenna without hampering signal reception.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need
  • Brush for painting
  • Good quality paint
  • Covering for the LNB
Step One

Identify the color in which the satellite dish needs to be painted. Look for a high quality outdoor paint that does not peel. Request that the DIY store salesperson recommend a quality paint.

Step Two

Buy non-glossy paint with a dull finish. Always go for non-glossy paints. Glossy, semi-glossy and metallic paints make the dish antenna extremely shiny, thereby increasing reflection of the signal to the LNB. This causes signal loss and will disrupt satellite TV reception.

Step Three

Paint the dish, taking precautions to protect the LNB from getting any paint on it.

Overall Tips & Warnings
  • Painting the dish can result in signal loss. If possible, avoid painting the dish.
  • If painting the satellite TV dish is necessary, save the LNB from being painted.
]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/37-how-paint-satellite-tv-dish.html Virgin makes EPG leap on BSkyB http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/36-virgin-makes-epg-leap-bskyb.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:29:19 GMT Virgin makes EPG leap on BSkyB

UK cable operator Virgin Media has craftily used its multichannel might to place a channel high on BSkyB’s satellite EPG.

Virgin Media owns or controls a slew of popular thematic channels, and it has cleverly moved its flagship Virgin 1 channels up the EPG list from a lowly and near-invisible 153 position to 121 – and perhaps more importantly onto the second page of Sky’s EPG listings. Virgin is especially happy given that it has invested in high-value shows like the Sarah Connor Chronicles, launching in a few weeks.

Virgin has seven core channels of its own (Virgin 1, Living and Living 2, Bravo and Bravo 2, Challenge and Trouble). These seven channels grow to 10 services when “plus 1 hour’ time-shift channels are included into the mix. Virgin Media is also a j-v partner with BBC Worldwide in another nine channels.

The change kicks in on Feb 20, and will be supported by on-air promos and other publicity.

As posted by satdude @ satellites.co.uk ]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/36-virgin-makes-epg-leap-bskyb.html unlimited http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/3-unlimited.html Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:54:49 GMT how the hell can it be right to advertise an "unlimited" offer then stick a tiny asterix after it making you find and read the terms and conditions only to find that the offer has a shit load of limits and is about as far from unlimited as we are from the edge of the Universe.

Perfect example, 3 mobile. They offer "unlimited" internet use on their phone packages. Follow the little asterix and you're told that it's actually only 1gigabyte of internet traffic. T-mobile do the same thing except "unlimited" there means 1 gigabyte of traffic and then a whole host of things you're not allowed to do with your 1gb, such as instant messaging.

Orange advertise on one of their packages that you get unlimited text messages, like hell do you, you get a maximum of 3000. I know that's a ridiculous amount of texts and if you're sending that many you need to seek help, but it's still not unlimited is it.

oh and lets not forget the classic term "fair use policy". fair for who, certainly not the customer. How many telecomms companies now advertise "unlimited" calls and "unlimited" broadband and then add "fair use policy" on the end. It's only fair for the customer when these big companies are making shit loads of money, as soon as it swings in favour of the consumer they soon put a stop to it. ]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/3-unlimited.html