Astra+Hotbird dish size

CB65

I am confused about the ‘fixed dish’ size required to receive Astra+Hotbird.

My location, if it makes any difference, is central South coast.

A local installer, from whom I requested an installation quote, said they always use a fixed 60cm dish for this twin sat set up. This is contrary to what I’ve read which suggests 70cm is the minimum.

I then requested a ‘whole system’ quote from a supplier advertising in What Satellite Mag, he said dish sizes only come in 60cm or 80cm and I’d have to have an 80cm to get Astr+Hotbird. TM5500CI+dish(80cm)+lnb+Xcam+loader = £306.

Other adverts in the same magazine state a Sky Zone 2 dish 60cm elliptical is suitable for Astr+Hotbird.

As the dish, in my situation, will have to go on the front of the house I would prefer to keep the size to the minimum without loss of quality.

Mind you I’m now thinking that if has to be 80cm then the same set up as above but motorised is £380

I would be grateful to receive experienced advice on the best dish size for Astr+Hotbird fixed, and comment on the motorised package.

rolfw

A 70cm Raven Gemini with two LNBs would do the job, but better with a diseqC motor.

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CB65

Thank you. I am new to this hobby, although I have read a lot about it here and elsewhere.

I am on the point of purchasing a system and would welcome comment.

Would a 70cm, TM5500CI, XCAM, Astra+Hotbird give me plenty of channel choice, particularly some with english language audio (I've checked PID listings). I had originally presumed I would get an MR, but was encouraged by the salesman to go XCAM. Any thoughts, my oncern was it might be a bit too new for me, more support about for MR?

I know a motor would give me a lot more choice, but really to do it justice wouldn't I need a 90cm dish? That's definately too big for over the front door!

rolfw

A 70cm with motor would still bring in 1W, 30W, 5E (Sport Ro), 16E, 28.2E, etc, plust the two you mention.

Why settle for less?

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rolfw

PS, would probably opt for the X-CAM.

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Razor

TM + MR sounds better.

TM + MR + Motor sounds even better, 13E and 19E are ok, but you will want more.

I had a fixed dish for a while, and it did my head in, I knew there was more out there and had to have a motor.
Now my motorised system is parked at 1W, now that CONAX is open.

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Razor

Sorry Rolf you got in as I was typing.

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CB65

Thanks

It's interesting that you recon 70cm motorised would increase the choice by that much.

You can see from the figures I mentioned earlier that for about only £80 more its motorised including the XCAM - tempting.

Surely I can find a legible/audible A*imal Pla*et to sell it to the wife!

rolfw

The justification method can end up as a rod for your back, don't go that route.

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CB65

That is good advice Rolfw, thanks.

Although I've been researching it for so long she does now say when are we going to get it. So in truth that is not the justification.

Still curious as to the cam preference Razor goes MR your preference X-CAM.

May be I'm worrying unecessarily?

Must say though in the light of whats been said I am swaying towards motorised, even if I restrict myself to 70cm.

Norm

If you're even thinking about motorised then do it, if the slight extra cost isn't a problem, because almost certainly you will regret it if you don't - it's your first oportunity to optimise your system. And especially so if you're planning on playing with CAMs. As far as the X / MR choice, the X can do everything (and potentially more) that the MR can and although there's not much to choose between them today; tomorrow, who knows.....

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telly2

im using the 70cm raven with 3 lnbs at the moment its very good and cheep to

CB65

Many thanks for your contributions.

The system is on order and it's motorised, I realise know it makes sense. It will be installed next week.

I'll be back.