Cyprus: I need a GOOD installer in Peyia/Paphos

Mark Falsebeard · 07-06-2009

I'm looking for a really good installer in Cyprus (Peyia/Pafos area) to reconfigure a system.

We've had a dish installed but really am not happy with the reception & coverage.

I'm in the UK but my Dad lives in Cyprus.

He was on a single LNB on a shared system but we wanted to get him multiple LNBs for Sky+ later.

We found an installer and ordered a 3M Dish and instructed that the cable be run in a conduit under the drive to make the shortest route and allow for additional cables to be fitted later.

In my absence the system was installed and the installer took an extremely long detour (to the end of his drive across then back again) to avoid having to disc-cut a trench for the cable conduit. I'm also wondering whether the dish is actually the 3M one we ordered? It could well be, but doesn't look 3M wide to me.

Once initially installed my Dad could get a couple more channels than he did on the dish shared with neighbours but subsequently has lost some and has patchy reception on others. In particular ITV is gone.

So I need a GOOD installer with the right installation equipment to get the very best out of what he has now and possibly to re-route the cables should that be part of the solution.

The Equipement is:-

Current equipment:-
3M Dish (I think)
Invacom C120 Uni Quad QDF-031 LO 9.75/10.6GHz (Picture2)
Pace 2600C1 Sky DigiBox

I haven't ruled out that the Digibox may be faulty so I'm sending another over to him, and I'm taking my FoxSat-HDR Freesat 320GB PVR over in August to try.

Can anyone recommend a really good installer in the Peyia/Paphos area?

Thanks,

Mark.

ModerationPlease upload images as attachments, moved post to correct section - SM

Mark Falsebeard · 13-06-2009

Still looking for recommendations for a good installer in Peyia/Paphos area.

Thanks,

Mark.

**Channel Hopper** · 14-06-2009

Can't help (unless you are willing to pay for the flights), but the dish does look like a 3m.

Only your trusty tape measure will confirm, or the suppliers receipt/delivery docket .

The installer could have used better tape to strap the cables to the feed arms.

Mark Falsebeard · 14-06-2009

Originally Posted by Channel Hopper

Can't help (unless you are willing to pay for the flights),

I'm hoping there's someone a little more local who could do the work

but the dish does look like a 3m.

That's good to know, thanks

Only your trusty tape measure will confirm, or the suppliers receipt/delivery docket .

My tape measure is 2000 miles away in the UK, but I'm happy that it is the correct one. I'll be out there in August visiting

The installer could have used better tape to strap the cables to the feed arms.

I can get some better tape on it when I'm there, I'm just wanting a professional installer to run the shortest route with high quality cable. I'll get my dad to read what it says on the cable so we can ascertain whether the cable used is of sufficient quality.

The route the installer took was not what we agreed, but my Dad was on-site at the time and agreed to the revised route which was probably around 20-30M longer than it needed to be.

Some precise re-positioning of the dish may also be needed.

Thanks again for the input,

Mark.

**satelliteman** · 14-06-2009

Originally Posted by Mark Falsebeard

The route the installer took was not what we agreed, but my Dad was on-site at the time and agreed to the revised route which was probably around 20-30M longer than it needed to be.

There will be approximately 9dB loss on a 30m cable run, so an improvement at least if you can reduce it by this length.

**Channel Hopper** · 14-06-2009

Originally Posted by satelliteman

There will be approximately 9dB loss on a 30m cable run, so an improvement at least if you can reduce it by this length.

The 9dB loss will only be an issue if this allows the LNB output to fall below the minimum sensitivity of the receiver.
I doubt this is the main reason for the signal issues (and could easily be verified by temporarily running a second cable directly from dish to receiver).

I think the o/p may be disappointed by changing the cable run, to find no difference in performance.

**satelliteman** · 14-06-2009

Yes agree, the 9dB quoted is the physical loss on a 30mtr run but due to other varying factors as said ie. receiver and other issues, the o/p may not gain much by changing the cable run unless the signal is 'just' below the receiver threshold allowing for a better CNR.

Mark Falsebeard · 14-06-2009

I think the o/p may be disappointed by changing the cable run, to find no difference in performance.

I'm not suggesting that the cable run is definitely the problem here, though I should also mention there are also a lot more bends in the cable than would have been necessary taking the shorter route too. I want a decent installer to come and get us the best signal they can.

The people opposite have less problems on the same model Pace2600C1 receiver with a smaller dish. It could be dish positioning fine tuning, cable length, cable quality, or kinks from turns or cable termination.

I want to make sure that the next person who looks at it really does know what he's doing and has the equipment to get the best possible signal.

I'm also sending another Pace2600C1 over in case the receiver is iffy too and will also be taking my Foxsat-HDR 320GB Freesat+PVR over to try in August. I'm having trouble finding infomration on the sensitivity of the tuners in this though.

Thanks,

Mark.

**satelliteman** · 14-06-2009

Use quality grade cable and good connectors; prevent sharp bends/kinks it just causes standing waves resulting in signal loss. Make sure your installer peaks the dish using a spectrum. There are a couple of installers on the forum in Cyprus

**Channel Hopper** · 14-06-2009

Originally Posted by Mark Falsebeard

I'm not suggesting that the cable run is definitely the problem here, though I should also mention there are also a lot more bends in the cable than would have been necessary taking the shorter route too. I want a decent installer to come and get us the best signal they can.

The people opposite have less problems on the same model Pace2600C1 receiver with a smaller dish. It could be dish positioning fine tuning, cable length, cable quality, or kinks from turns or cable termination.

I want to make sure that the next person who looks at it really does know what he's doing and has the equipment to get the best possible signal.

I'm also sending another Pace2600C1 over in case the receiver is iffy too and will also be taking my Foxsat-HDR 320GB Freesat+PVR over to try in August. I'm having trouble finding infomration on the sensitivity of the tuners in this though.

Thanks,

Mark.

Why not ask your neighbour to try their receiver for an hour or so , saving you the cost of buying/shipping another one.

What has the existing installer said about the possible causes of loss of signal ?

Mark Falsebeard · 15-06-2009

Originally Posted by Channel Hopper

Why not ask your neighbour to try their receiver for an hour or so , saving you the cost of buying/shipping another one.

It's my Dad's neighbour, not mine and he's (and his neighbours) aren't really tech savvy enough to get this done & testing within a few hours.

There's no problem on sending the replacement as we has a spare in the UK anyway and we have family members visiting over there pretty regularly and they would be the ones testing.

I'll add a quick disclaimer to the next bit as for the most part it the decisions on positioning etc. is my Dad's recollection of events. This is the reason I wouldn't name the installer.

What has the existing installer said about the possible causes of loss of signal ?

My Dad doesn't want any more to do with the current installers due to the experiences with the installation & pricing.

I sent the installer pictures of where I wanted the dish installed, but it was installed somewhere else easier to install on agreement with my Dad. The person installing (not the person we contracted) asked for a different price than I had agreed and there was some confusion with my Dad between Cyprus Pounds & UK Sterling. As the install was different I had no way of querying after the event as my Dad had already paid and I wasn't sure what he had agreed.

Once it became apparent that it was now going to be installed at this different position I instructed the installer that a conduit would need to be fitted across the drive & made good on top as we wanted to add additional cables later. He told my Dad that he had to go the entire length of the drive across the bottom and back up the other side, follow the multiple turns around the house to come in at an appropriate point, which as I said earlier is a good 20-30m further (and with more bends) than crossing the drive.

We now can't add a 2nd Sky+ or Freeview PVR without and additional 2 cable lengths running the same unnecessary route or paying someone else to do what should have been done the first time.

Now I'm aware that my Dad has been a BIG liability in this experience as he did agree to everything, but the long & short of it is we're worse off than when it all started and we can't add the extra box which was the biggest part of going from a 4 way shared dish 2.7M to his own 3M one.

I'd be up for discussing it with the installer, but it's my Dad's choice and he's not willing to do this. I will fly over and oversee the next fix, at least I'll book it to coincide with me visiting him in August.

I have no idea why signal should have deteriorated, it could just be that when it was installed was a better time of year atmospherically, but the people opposite have less problems with a 2.7M dish. From what my Dad described the installer didn't have a spectrum analyser.

So a new, professional installer with the right equipment and experince is required.

Mark.

***Zorba*** · 15-06-2009

Hmm ,looks like a job from astro twat. Am I right ?
(the names have been changed to protect the guilty)

***Zorba*** · 15-06-2009

Does BBC/CH4 work all night ? Even if it was a 2.7m it should get bbc/itv all night. Which ITV are you not getting,because some ITV regions do not work here(granada,london central e etc) Have you tried tuning other ITV regions ?

***Tivù*** · 15-06-2009

Originally Posted by Zorba

Hmm ,looks like a job from astro twat. Am I right ?
(the names have been changed to protect the guilty)

I don't think we need "local knowledge" to get the gist of that!

We've all met Installers who conduct themselves to their own satisfaction - but not to their customers', sadly.

Mark Falsebeard · 15-06-2009

Originally Posted by Zorba

Hmm ,looks like a job from astro twat. Am I right ?
(the names have been changed to protect the guilty)

I don't recall his name being Mr. Twat, no

. Is there a notorious installer called Twatman then?

Like I said previously, I'm keeping out of making judgements on his abilities as my Dad did agree to what was done. Suffice to say my Dad doesn't want him back.

Originally Posted by Zorba

Does BBC/CH4 work all night ? Even if it was a 2.7m it should get bbc/itv all night.

He can get BBC1SOUTH on CH984 if I recall correctly, the channel 101 in his card doesn't work for him. ITV1 is really bad for him now (ITV Meridian E) whereas it was fine before.

Which ITV are you not getting,because some ITV regions do not work here(granada,london central e etc) Have you tried tuning other ITV regions ?

My Dad isn't very tech savvy and I set up a Tivo for him with only the channels he can receive being visible. I'm not sure if you're familiar with a Tivo but you don't typically use a Sky Remote, the Tivo operated the Sky Digibox via IR wand.

A local friend talked him through how to try other ITV regions using the Sky remote with no luck. His friend told him he thought the Tivo was causing the problem but I am 100% sure is not the case. A Tivo merely records what the digibox is seeing via Scart output, it can't influence the signal at all.

We have removed the Tivo from the setup to demonstrate to my Dad that the problem lied elsewhere.

We need someone with the right kit who REALLY knows their stuff,

Thanks,

Mark.

***Zorba*** · 15-06-2009

Obviously i am not allowed to name the cowboys,but disgruntled customers can.Well,theres only one company who supplies those dish set up. The original DH dish comes with different struts for the LNB and the rear mount on your dish is not the original,they don't even fit on the supplied pole properly, so they have a bit of freeplay in strong winds which is not good as a movement of even 1 inch will lose bbc.
Your dad can not get bbc1 south. He probably means bbc1 london on 974.(we can only get bbc1 london,scotland ireland and wales)
ITV meridian E is the weakest out of all the itvs although it should work in Peyia,especially if you have a pace 2600.There are stronger transmitters that you can tune manually. His "friend" seemed to know how to but he must have got the instructions mixed up.
I am based in Limassol and it would use up half a day to come and sort it out so i am trying to help you here. Do you know if ch 180,(ITV4+1) works all night because if it does then you can have an ITV that does work.

**Channel Hopper** · 16-06-2009

Originally Posted by Zorba

I am based in Limassol and it would use up half a day to come and sort it out so i am trying to help you here.

Aren't we all ?

wanann · 24-07-2009

If you are still experiencing problems with your fathers set-up I am an installed and often re-align dishes with a professional meter.

If you would like me to help please let me know, I live in the Paphos area.

Adrian Clarke REMOVED

**satelliteman** · 24-07-2009

Wanann, you can always post a listing in the 'Members who install satellite systems' section so that members can find you.

http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellit...llite-systems/

***rossy*** · 24-07-2009

Adrian can you give me a call please in paphos please . I have 1.2m dish at home motorised and have got 85cm dish here in chlorakas which needs to be moved from a balcony to the flat roof above me. At teh same time i would like to add a motor which i already have here. Would you be able to relocate add the motor and align the dish. Manually i have been able to track easily from 42e to 22w with quite good resulys considering its just on old tripod with strong signals on 42e,39e,36e,33e,16e,13e,10e,9e,7e,5e,1w some tps, 4w,5w,7w,15w,18w. the kit is technomate patched receiver 1500 super with diablo cam and currently with nova card hotbird

send me private message for phone number

Cheers

Mark Falsebeard · 03-08-2009

Thanks for the replies,

I've not checked in for weeks as I thought I had notification set for replies to the topic, but apparently I didn't.

@wanann: Thanks for the offer Adrian, but I think this may require a little more than a re-alignment. Once we've got the system stable you'll be a useful person to know.

@Zorba: You clearly know you're stuff and you have the same Freesat box my Dad has over there, although currently he's using a Pace2600C1.

...The original DH dish comes with different struts for the LNB and the rear mount on your dish is not the original,they don't even fit on the supplied pole properly, so they have a bit of freeplay in strong winds which is not good as a movement of even 1 inch will lose bbc.

Is this something that can be fixed/repaired/made good?

Your dad can not get bbc1 south. He probably means bbc1 london on 974.(we can only get bbc1 london,scotland ireland and wales). ITV meridian E is the weakest out of all the itvs although it should work in Peyia,especially if you have a pace 2600.There are stronger transmitters that you can tune manually. His "friend" seemed to know how to but he must have got the instructions mixed up.

I am based in Limassol and it would use up half a day to come and sort it out so i am trying to help you here. Do you know if ch 180,(ITV4+1) works all night because if it does then you can have an ITV that does work.

I'm really not sure what he can get, he seems to be watching what he can get and just ignoring what no-longer works.

I'll be over there from this Thursday (late) for 2 weeks and will check out what channels he can/can't get on Friday. Are there any channels he should be able to get I can look out for that would help deduce whether it's certain transponders (is that the right word?) he can no longer get channels from?

I appreciate it would take you half a day, but do you thing you'd be able to put it right if we could agree a suitable price? I'll be able to give a LOT more detail from next Friday, things like available channels, type of cable and anything else you'd like me to check.

Thanks,

Mark.

***Zorba*** · 03-08-2009

Ther Pace 2600 has got a very good tuner.
A 4 inch diameter pole should fit better for your mount.Have you got 4 struts on the back of the dish, from the ring to the edge ?
On 2D strongest channels - ch4 104, next strongest bbc1 london 101/974,next-itv channels on 10.832H and itv4+1 on 180,next itv2+1 on 131.
So, if itv2 +1 is working then everything else is working.
I go off on my holidays on wednesday for 2 weeks.

Mark Falsebeard · 03-08-2009

Originally Posted by Zorba

Ther Pace 2600 has got a very good tuner.
A 4 inch diameter pole should fit better for your mount.Have you got 4 struts on the back of the dish, from the ring to the edge ?

I believe the pole is concreted in so I'm not sure how easy it'll be to replace it with a 4" one. I don't recall there being any struts on the back of the dish, that doesn't mean they aren't there.

On 2D strongest channels - ch4 104, next strongest bbc1 london 101/974,next-itv channels on 10.832H and itv4+1 on 180,next itv2+1 on 131. So, if itv2 +1 is working then everything else is working.

I'll check that when I get there, is 2D the potential problem satellite for reception issues then?

I go off on my holidays on wednesday for 2 weeks.

That's a shame (for us, not for you

), we'll be flying home the Thursday after you get back from you holiday. There's 2 options here.

1/ I get as much information together and we see if we can get you to sort things for my Dad after I get home. The fact you are so far away is obviously still a consideration. I'm thinking new cable runs may be necessary to get the best signal, and I'd like to get his Humax connected AND his Pace 2600 if we can work out a sensible routing option.

2/ We find someone else with the Zorba level abilities, perhaps a little closer to Peyia?. Would you know anyone to recommend?

Have a great holiday,

Mark.

***Zorba*** · 03-08-2009

Going to Paphos is no problem, I go 2 or 3 times a month on average. First we have to see what is the actual problem. You can ask your dad to try 101/974(bbc london depends where your card came from),104,180 178 and 131(and while your at it, 321 true movies, at around 9pm Cyprus time and see which ones are working or breaking up.(a 5 minute phone call) I wouldn't mind having a go,also confirm dish diameter.

Mark Falsebeard · 03-08-2009

Originally Posted by Zorba

Going to Paphos is no problem, I go 2 or 3 times a month on average.

OK, you look like the man for the job then, we need to discuss likely costs etc?

First we have to see what is the actual problem. You can ask your dad to try 101/974(bbc london depends where your card came from),104,180 178 and 131(and while your at it, 321 true movies, at around 9pm Cyprus time and see which ones are working or breaking up.(a 5 minute phone call) I wouldn't mind having a go,

I'll get him to test those channel tomorrow & report back tomorrow

also confirm dish diameter.

That'll have to wait until Friday I'm afraid, there's no way he'll be able to sort that out. I know you're away, but if I check the info and post it it'll be there on your return.

Perhaps we should take this to email now? I'll PM my details

Thanks again,

Mark.

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