is C band worth while ?

[rob12770]

Hi all,
I'm just wondering about C band, I'm interested mainly in feeds, and wondering if C band is worth considering, i would probably need to get a dual c-band ku-band lnb, and figure out DiSEqC switching ( not a clue )
any thought or tips appreciated
cheers Rob ~

 

[Captain Jack]

Depends what you want to receive. It's an addictive band for sure... C band is used for feeds just like Ku, though probably not as much. You'll need a bigger dish than 95cm though... 1.2m minimum just to get a taste of what's available.

 

[rob12770]

Thanks Captain,
I plan on getting a bigger dish anyway, but would the 95cm do just to start ? or would i need to upgrade to pick up anything ? bit of a daft question i guess as you already kind of answered it but thought id ask anyway

as to getting a bigger dish, that would mean a new motor also, so i would have to carefully consider my options,
cheers rob

 

[Captain Jack]

95cm will get you very, very, very limited reception. 40E is strong and potentially some channels on 20E but that's about it. 95cm in C is about the equivalent of a 30cm dish in Ku - smaller than a Sky mini-dish.

 

[rob12770]

right ok pal, thanks for clearing that up .
cheers rob

 

[Archive-8]

Would would really need a 1.25cm dish, but for c-band bigger is always best.

I have posted quite a few c band crazyscan's on my 1.25 gibertini, and tbs sat card.

It is do able, but not really worth the extra money if its channels your are after.

Plenty of below lock channels, and a few data channels.

The 1.5 dish can lock and give A watchable picture, on most channels it tunes in. And works quite well with my dr hd d15.

 

[nelson_b]

Hi all,
I'm just wondering about C band, I'm interested mainly in feeds, and wondering if C band is worth considering, i would probably need to get a dual c-band ku-band lnb, and figure out DiSEqC switching ( not a clue )
any thought or tips appreciated
cheers Rob ~

The dual c-band ku-band lnb,s generally have a much reduced k/u performance ... separate l.n.b,s on a medium/ large offset dish is a better way to go ...

 

[Huevos]

There are different opinions on this but in my opinion. A starter dish for C-band to receive regional beams would be 180cm. Anything smaller is going to be a disappointment and probably put you off for good. For pan continental beams, global beams, and feeds you need a 3 to 4m dish.

With a 120cm dish it is unlikely you will get reliable reception from more than about 10 transponders across the entire arc.

 

[John]

There are different opinions on this but in my opinion. A starter dish for C-band to receive regional beams would be 180cm. Anything smaller is going to be a disappointment and probably put you off for good. For pan continental beams, global beams, and feeds you need a 3 to 4m dish.

With a 120cm dish it is unlikely you will get reliable reception from more than about 10 transponders across the entire arc.

I would tend to agree with the above, I am wringing the neck of my 1.8 CM as regards set-up accuracy and components used and i don't do too badly at all. There are times when i'm just that 1/2 dB short of a lock on some weaker TP,s that i wish i had a larger relector. Can't grumble otherwise

 

[Analoguesat]

Ive played with C-band a little, using a 1m dish.

Is it worthwhile? Yes for playing with and spending a lovely summer afternoon tinkering in the sun. I've had about 3 tp's on 20E and a couple of Russian channels round about 52E. As a serious source of extra channels - no.

For feeds - forget it on anything less than about 2m.

Its fun to do but unless you can dedicate a motorised BIG dish dont bother (apart from if you want to spend time in the garden seeing what you can get for the hell of it!)

 

[rob12770]

Thanks for all the info guys, it gives me much to chew on
looks like il have to go fairly big
cheers Rob

 

[John]

Thanks for all the info guys, it gives me much to chew on
looks like il have to go fairly big
cheers Rob

This is a case Rob where SIZE really does matter, you can't get away completely with the saying "It's how you use it" on this one

 

[rob12770]

 

[Analoguesat]

Remember you will need:

planning permission
understanding neighbours or a well hidden location.

If you live in a residential area dont even think about putting a big dish up without the correct bits of paper!

 

[rob12770]

Remember you will need:

planning permission
understanding neighbours or a well hidden location.

If you live in a residential area dont even think about putting a big dish up without the correct bits of paper!

well, i already have lots of fairly big antennas and the neighbours are ok with it
2M0LDT Callsign Page

 

[archive10]

Was just about to post a sizable reply (re size) here, then though better of it a created new thread.
It does, however, resonate big time with the topic here, so have a look at:

The C-band Tin-Dish challenge

 

[Analoguesat]

Those masts are nice.

Go for it, just remembering an 8 foot dish (2.4m) is another kettle of dish completely though. Factor in you are going to need a couple of tons of concrete to hold it all firm and getting on for a cubic metre of soil to be dug out for foundations.


You want a decent dish too - not one of the flimsy 200 quid jobs you see advertised - get a decent west coast Scottish gale (Hurricane Bawbag style!)a nd you will be stuffing the petals into a couple of bin bags

 

[John]

well, i already have lots of fairly big antennas and the neighbours are ok with it
2M0LDT Callsign Page

A very interesting read Rob and a lovely station. Spot on.

 

[rob12770]

A very interesting read Rob and a lovely station. Spot on.

Thanks John much appreciated
Rob

 

[lovelyperson]

well, i already have lots of fairly big antennas and the neighbours are ok with it
2M0LDT Callsign Page

Great read............C-band for me yes, just got that 'different feel'...........tonight for example:-

Ku band......Norwich v Manchester United 39.0ºE 11135 V 30000


Ku Band..... Swansea v Manchester city 39.0ºE 11135 V 30000

C-band...... Real Madrid v Villareal 40.5ºW 3769 L 21600


In the end good result for both the Manchester teams.........bad for us at Real madrid.........¿but still better in C-band?