Can only find Astra1, Astra2 and Hotbird

spambocks

spambocks

Member
My Satellite Setup
Zone 1 Minidish pointing at 19.2e +TNTSat FR Receiver (FujiOnkyo)
My Location
East Hants
Apologies for starting what is quite possibly a "How long is a piece of string" thread, but I could do with a few more pointers.

I've mounted my newly purchased Penta 68 (with Inverto Black Ultra LNB) on a temporary stand in the back garden. I've got a cheap satellite finder and I'm able to find Astra1, Astra2 & Hotbird but nothing else. I know that I should be able to pull in a lot more, so I guess there must be something wrong with my approach. :confused:

I'd like to try and pull in the Sats that are mentioned in this thead:

http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/...ations/130949-penta-68-moteck-motor-test.html

Any help would be much appreciated
 
Futher to my first post, I should probably point out that I've been using dishpointer.com to get the Elevation & Azimuth, and using a compass (and the sat-beeper) to try and locate the sats.

Thanks in advance.
 
You say that you've been using Dishpointer to get the elevation and azimuth but, when you are swinging from left to right, are you also adjusting the up-and-down of the dish? Because the satellites are in an arc in the sky this needs to be taken into account. You might be "looking" over the top or bottom of these other satellites.
 
spambocks said:
Futher to my first post, I should probably point out that I've been using dishpointer.com to get the Elevation & Azimuth, and using a compass (and the sat-beeper) to try and locate the sats.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Since its sunny at the mo' why not take your receiver outside and a small TV. You will have more success with that, than a beeper, as it will be tunable to individual transponders.

Since you have found those three, just work your way round the arc.

Eg, you have 13E, get that spot on, then to get 9E, you only have to swivel it west a bit to get 9E, just make sure you have a valid TP selected for the next sat along, and that you have an unobstructed view of course, and check dish sizes for the tps wanted.
 
Yes as mentioned the satellites are on an arc and appear from the ground as per picture one.
The common mistakes listed for setting up a dish on the arc picture 2
the general side view of a correct dish showing the angle the signal actually arrives at an offset dish
 

Attachments

  • satarc.webp
    satarc.webp
    45.3 KB · Views: 46
  • arcadjustjp.webp
    arcadjustjp.webp
    28 KB · Views: 53
  • dish.webp
    dish.webp
    8 KB · Views: 46
I've been tinkering some more, but I still can't find anything other that 282.e, 19.2e & 13e. I was wondering if I could have cocked-up mounting the LNB on the arm? The LNB is an Inverto Black Ultra and the Dish is a Penta Digit 68. - The inverto seems a bit too fat for the LNB holder, even with the smaller collar that came supplied with the dish - Could this matter?
 
Those are the three loudest satellites in the firmament so it's not surprising that they are the only ones you can find if you have something slightly wrong. If the LNB isn't pointing at the centre of the dish then it will not be at the focus of the dish and you will lose signal strength. Look at the dish sideways (difficult if it's at a height!) to see if this is the case.
 
Thanks PaulR. If this is the case, and the LNB is not pointed at the centre of the dish, then this must be because the Inverto seems a bit "too fat" for the LNB holder on the Penta. Is there anyway to correct this?
 
I honestly don't know. I've had to pack LNBs out, in the past, to get the clamp to hold properly but not the other way round!

Is it possible that the LNB can moved in or out as well? This might have a double effect of finding a bit of the LNB neck that can be clamped but also bring it in to focus better.
 
Moving the Ultra away from or in towards the centre of the dish will peak it's performance.I've found that the position in the attached photo works best on my dish, but I don't think it will be the same on a Penta. It's a case of experimentation.

I've never heard of a standard LNB (like the Inverto) being "too fat" for the holder by the way.
 

Attachments

  • LNB with weather shield in place.webp
    LNB with weather shield in place.webp
    82.7 KB · Views: 40
The diameter should be 40mm so measurement will show which one is faulty. Possibly they're both a bit out and the tolerances have stacked up as the clamp is supposed to be a little tight in order to, ermm, clamp properly.
 
sonnetpete said:
Moving the Ultra away from or in towards the centre of the dish will peak it's performance.I've found that the position in the attached photo works best on my dish, but I don't think it will be the same on a Penta. It's a case of experimentation.

I've never heard of a standard LNB (like the Inverto) being "too fat" for the holder by the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reponse Pete, I'll play around with the LNB a little more soon. I'll post 2 photos of what I mean by "Too Fat"

The gap around the collar doesn't seem right but I don't want to tighten it any further as I'm worried this may damage the LNB.

All help with this is much appreciated, as I'm desperate to make some progress with my new hobby! :)
 

Attachments

  • 27042010140.webp
    27042010140.webp
    170.3 KB · Views: 52
  • 27042010141.webp
    27042010141.webp
    154.7 KB · Views: 47
PaulR said:
...the clamp is supposed to be a little tight in order to, ermm, clamp properly.
Click to expand...

So screwing it tight won't damage the LNB?
 
That gap in the photograph is excessive. Can you measure the LNB neck and the inside diameter of the clamp (without LNB) to see what's what. I'm talking about tightness sufficient to stop the LNB from moving accidentally - just nipping up in other words.
 
mmm, I have noticed that 'feature' of the Fracarro Pentas too. Still performed really well though, despite the LNB holder being too damned skinny.




edited out.
being too 'fat'.
 
The LNB looks fine as it is. Obviously we're not mounting an engine :D so I would say 'reasonably tight'. Keep in mind you may need to move the LNB in and out to peak your signal.

Looking back to your original post, I'd make sure that the 'temporary stand' is as plumb as you can get it. Also, if you are receiving 28.2°E and 19.2°E why not have a go at 23.5°E? It's a really strong signal. Have you got the dish mounted on a motor or are you just experimenting by moving the dish manually?

(damn, beaten to it by Mods again!!)
 
Amazing, so they're designed like that?

And surely it's not the LNB being fat but the holder being mean? :D
 
sonnetpete said:
Looking back to your original post, I'd make sure that the 'temporary stand' is as plumb as you can get it. Have you got the dish mounted on a motor or are you just experimenting by moving the dish manually?
Click to expand...

The temporary stand is as plumb as I can get it, given that its not exactly fit for purpose (ok I admit its part of a (metal) patio set, but it was only meant to be very temporary - please don't laugh too much)! There's no motor involved at this stage, I just wanted to see what Sats I could get by adjusting the dish by hand.
 
The LNb collar clamp on the FR Penta dishes never screw right up but still hold tight enough :)
 
spambocks said:
The temporary stand is as plumb as I can get it, given that its not exactly fit for purpose (ok I admit its part of a (metal) patio set, but it was only meant to be very temporary - please don't laugh too much)! There's no motor involved at this stage, I just wanted to see what Sats I could get by adjusting the dish by hand.
Click to expand...

We wont laugh - we have seen all sorts of weird & wonderful contraptions over the years used to temporarily hold a dish in place - Im well known for using an old car tyre on one of my dishes - its lived on there quite happily for years now :D
 
Back
Top