Arabsat 5C @ 20E with a PL100

[MrRafiq]

As per title - I have a PL100 with a C1W and the scalar kit and would like to get Arabsat 5C.

I've pointed the dish in the right direction using the settings on dishpoint and a compass - but am not able to get anything when running a blind scan on my 5420 receiver.

There is a tall three that is close to line of sight, but I don't think it is causing any interference. I'll try and post a pic soon.

Am I wasting my time with the current setup and would I need a bigger (and maybe prime) dish?

I live in Bedford if it is of any help.

 

[aceb]

The only results Google throws up for PL100 are a camera, a blood pressure monitor and some speakers, none of which will get 20E very well. Is it a 1m dish?

 

[MrRafiq]

haha...no, those wouldn't be of much use!

I purchased the following off eBay: Satellite Dish Original Gibertini Aluminium Mirror PL100 100cm - New

 

[Lazarus]

Even a cursory look at the footprint suggests you'd need at least a 1.5m dish, possibly much larger.

I can't recall coming across any reception reports for this Bird from UK punters.

 

[MrRafiq]

that's a shame!

in that case - are any of the other Arabsat birds achievable?

 

[aceb]

3974L is the strongest here registering 12.4dB SNR on my 1.8M, not sure how that would translate to a 1M Gibby on C band! Have you tried the dielectric plate in both ways and checked both polarisations on the rx, I found on my C1W that one polarity performed better than the other. How are you aligning the dish as there's no Ku signals to peak it on, presume you're hitting 19E then giving it a nudge east before swapping LNBs?

 

[s-band]

Here's a scan from April 16 on a 1.5m prime dish with a Titanium C1w-PLL LNBF slightly offset from optimum. A few bouquets, check against Arabsat 5C at 20.0°E - LyngSat for channels. It's marginal on the 1.5m but it depends which channels you want.
You need something like this For Sale - 2.4m Prime Focus Fortec Dish with Stand & Pallet base ;)

 

[MrRafiq]

3974L is the strongest here registering 12.4dB SNR on my 1.8M, not sure how that would translate to a 1M Gibby on C band! Have you tried the dielectric plate in both ways and checked both polarisations on the rx, I found on my C1W that one polarity performed better than the other. How are you aligning the dish as there's no Ku signals to peak it on, presume you're hitting 19E then giving it a nudge east before swapping LNBs?

nothing as sensible or methodical as you have suggested! I'm just pointing the dish using a compass...but will try the 19e and plate trick.

 

[MrRafiq]

As much as id like the 2.4....the missus and the kid's won't be overly happy.

there isn't a particular channel in mind - but the 2M Monde from Maroc is a must.

I know its available on Hotbird...but would really like to get it and others on Arabsat.

 

[aceb]

nothing as sensible or methodical as you have suggested! I'm just pointing the dish using a compass...but will try the 19e and plate trick.

The chances of hitting something as marginal as this using a compass are very small indeed. Do you have an LNB for Ku Band, you'll need it for 19E as that's Ku only, once you have got signals from that one then you swap to C Band and have a go for Arabsat.

 

[Analoguesat]

Ive had a couple of tp's off 20E on a 1m dish in the past - and that was on a woefully badly set up lnb.

For a decent selection though you need a much bigger dish

Which channels are you most interested in? We may be able to suggest an alternative source

 

[scopus]

I get 5 transponders here with a total of 44 channels on my 1.8M dish. 2M Monde is quite strong, so you might be OK with a 1.2M dish.

 

[Analoguesat]

As much as id like the 2.4....the missus and the kid's won't be overly happy.

there isn't a particular channel in mind - but the 2M Monde from Maroc is a must.

I know its available on Hotbird...but would really like to get it and others on Arabsat.

Not to mention the neighbours & the planning dept of the local council!

Unless there is something specific on 20E C-band you want you are much better off with a 60cm dish aimed at Hotbird!

The only Arabsat bird you have a chance at with any sensible sized dish in the UKis Badr 4 at 26E, which you should have a chance with on an 90-100cm dish, but it does tend to get badly splattered over by the far more powerful UK focussed birds next door at 28E

 

[MrRafiq]

Thanks all - I won't be able to do anything until next weekend, but the plan is to follow aceb's advice and then decide on whether its worth pursuing it further or sticking with Hotbird.

I'll update you when I can.

 

[dreamsat]

3796 L 1850 8/9