New dish recommendation, for Multi Sat. [Technisat HDFS (using DiSeqC?)]

[Ben Kings]

Hello all, :-wave

I've just registered up here after having used the site for info a few times before. It's nice to finally be part of the community! I am new to this custom satellite set-up field, so please be patient if I ask a daft question. I have tried to do a fair bit of research but I think just asking will be easier now.

Anywho, I currently have a Sky Minidish with a Technisat HDFS receiver, if needed the link below is to the manual:

http://www.technisat-daun.de/download/man/man_manual_hdfs_6869.pdf

I get the standard 28.2E Astra signals and pick up the Freesat channel etc. perfectly fine. What I want to do, however, is also receive Hotbird so that I can get Polish channels as well.

The HDFS box only has one input but supports motorised DiSeqC, so I am thinking that this is the way to go. I think I will need to upgrade the dish too (Even if I didn't, the better reception would be nice) so I was thinking a 60cm would be adequate. I live on a terraced house and the dish mounts on the front of the house, so I'd like to keep it as small as possible.
- What size dish would you recommend in this case?

Following on from that question;
- What makes/models of dish would you recommend?
- Is it best to buy a motorised dish, or dish and motor seperate?
I am happy to pay a little more for good quality rather than purely aiming for the cheapest.

I'd also need to consider a mount, if it isn't included with the dish. I guess that's probably all that's needed for now. If I missed anything, please ask!

Thanks!!

 

[Ben Kings]

Interesting... The fourm won't let me edit the original post now. Is that a forum setting or because of the moderator adjustments?

Sorry about the live link, I didn't realise they are not allowed (I assumed they were, as there is a button for doing them! ;) )

 

[Ben Kings]

...and for repost no. 2, I have just re-read the forum rules and I see the ':-Nooo live links' bit. Fair enough, apologies for my previous lack of awareness!

 

[Mickha]

Sorry but due to spammers, new members can't edit their posts, spammers were getting around the forum censor, by posting rubbish, then returning and editing the post to spam their products.

Have you read the sticky threads in the dish setup guides?
Dish Setup Guides, Information threads and FAQs

Also have a look at other members pictures, of their dishes, it might give you a few ideas:
Picture of Members' Setups and general satellite installations

If all you want is 28E and 13E you could get away with a fixed dish, 2 LNB's and a Diseqc switch, but there are a lot of other satellites out there, with a lot of channels to view, so you might want to consider a motorized dish setup allowing you a lot more viewing options.
Equally you are allowed 2 dishes so you could leave the mini dish for 28E and fix another small dish for 13E, again using a Diseqc switch to link the two together for your receiver.
The Fracarro Penta 85cm seems popular, performs quite well and looks good.
You can also get the dish to blend in, making it less noticeable, either by painting it or getting one in brick colour.
There are a lot of otpions for you to consider.

 

[Ben Kings]

Hi Mickha, thanks for your reply!

...due to spammers, new members can't edit their posts...

Yeah, I read this elsewhere on the forum. It's sad that it happens really, but it's a fair response on the forum's part.

Have you read the sticky threads in the dish setup guides?

Yes, I have had a look and continue to look. I just wanted to introduce myself and my situation, while getting some advice at the same time!

If all you want is 28E and 13E you could get away with a fixed dish, 2 LNB's and a Diseqc switch, but there are a lot of other satellites out there, with a lot of channels to view, so you might want to consider a motorized dish setup allowing you a lot more viewing options.

That is what I thought. I don't watch a lot of TV but it would be nice to have access to it just in case I find something that appeals.

...There are a lot of options for you to consider.

I would rather not have two dishes for conspicuity reasons. The twin LNB was my first though, but motorised increases my flexibility. Unless something else is recommended more, I think that will be my choice for the basic set-up.
I'll check out the Penta dish that you mention. I have no idea what is good/bad etc. when it comes to these products so any suggestions are welcome!

It's funny you mention the brick colour as I was discussing just that with a colleague as I left work an hour ago! It's nice to know you can blend them in (As I always thought it was odd that they are mostly white and whether it was for technical reasons).

 

[Ben Kings]

Oh, and two more questions relating to the forum admin rather than my query;
You removed my live link but the word 'Sky' seems to have hot linked itself automatically?! Any idea why that is?
Secondly, what is the reason for no live-links? Is it spammer related again? (I try to use them to keep forum posts looking tidier, that's all )

 

[Lazarus]

That is what I thought. I don't watch a lot of TV but it would be nice to have access to it just in case I find something that appeals.

Same here. Don't watch much, but the choice is extensive. I have five dishes, including two motorised!

 

[Ben Kings]

Same here. Don't watch much, but the choice is extensive. I have five dishes, including two motorised!

Wow! Goodness....

 

[satelliteman]

Oh, and two more questions relating to the forum admin rather than my query;
You removed my live link but the word 'Sky' seems to have hot linked itself automatically?! Any idea why that is?
Secondly, what is the reason for no live-links? Is it spammer related again? (I try to use them to keep forum posts looking tidier, that's all )

The hotlinks feature is to help generate revenue for the forum.

http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/...es-please-read-before-posting.html#post181885

 

[Ben Kings]

Ok, that FR Penta looks cool. I think I'd rather opt for the 68 rather than 85. Do you guys think that would work out ok, or would it be seriously degraded? I am in West Sussex. Considering I have a Minidish at present, any improvement will satisfy me and as long as I can get 28.2E and 16E any other will be a bonus that I can upgrade for later.

 

[rolfw]

16E will require a bigger dish.

 

[Ben Kings]

16E will require a bigger dish.

Darn. Fair enough, what must be... must be! I guess the 85 will be adequate then?

 

[Ben Kings]

Ok, I am liking the Penta 85 idea (provided I can find one in brick red, I'll be safe with the girlfriend!). They seem to be fairly elusive in terms of sourcing them...

So, what's the best option for LNBs and motors? I have read many threads on here but I still can't narrow much down. The 'Inverto Black premium' seems to be popular. Will that be a good choice?

How about motor brands or models? I have seen Moteck referred to but also seen some reviews say that they aren't the greatest. Is there really much dofference in motors? Or if there aren't specifically good ones, are they any I should avoid?

 

[satelliteman]

How about motor brands or models? I have seen Moteck referred to but also seen some reviews say that they aren't the greatest. Is there really much dofference in motors? Or if there aren't specifically good ones, are they any I should avoid?

The Moteck's are good to go as are the TM 2300/2600 models. As long as you mount a sensible sized dish on them, they should last for many years.

 

[PaulR]

You can still use live links to other posts within this forum. They're OK.

 

[Ben Kings]

Update is; I've ordered an Inverto Black Premium LNB from eBay (£8 with free postage - sounds like a bargain! I can provide a link if anyone is interested).

I can source a red 85cm from High Definition, provided I collect it from north London, which is a bit of a trek for me.... hmmm...

 

[Lazarus]

Best to collect if possible - you can inspect the condition of the dish and negate the possibility of damage in transit from them to you.

 

[Ben Kings]

That's true. As a site sponsor, I'd be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. It's a fair point I hadn't fully considered though! Thanks!

 

[Lazarus]

Yes, but as soon as it's left their care, it's in the hands of Parcel Farce or whoever - and despite the good reputation of the Supplier, it's best to avoid the hassle of possibly having to send it back etc.

And surely a shopping day "in town" is appealing for some?!

 

[Ben Kings]

Yes, I thought about that. Thanks for drawing to my attention.

As for shopping in the city...
I may be able to find one nearer to me but no-one locally has replied yet (Nice customer service).

I am having doubts about the full 85cm dish again though. If I did revert to the 68cm, do you think it will be a matter of degraded signal on 16E, or will I struggle to get anything watch-able? The face of the house isn't terribly big and I think it will stand out quite a bit, even with a brick red one.