Satellite Dish vs. Weight

Z

zahi_k

Member
My Satellite Setup
Nilesat, Hotbird, Badr4, Amos. VU+ Solo, DM 500 HD, DM600, DM 7020, DM7025, Humax.
My Location
Doha
Hello mates,
How could i know the different weights for satellite dishes depending on their size?
i am working on a project where i have to install around 9 dishes on a roof of the a building; these dishes will varies between 2 and 4 meters;
two of them are 4 meters steerable while the others are fixed.

i would really appreciate if someone could give me a hint or a link on how to know the weight.

regards,
 
The weight is dependent on the construction of the dish and of course the size and type of mount, there is no formula, you need to make a decision on which dishes and mounts you will be using, then look at the manufacturers specifications. You will also have to take into account any weights you use if they are free standing mounts.
 
You will of course also have to factor in wind loading.
 
One other thing must also be factored in on a multi dish install on a roof, and that is snow and ice loading if you are in a cold climate.

Wet snow weighs about 12 pounds per cubic foot, dry snow is about 5 pounds per cubic foot, (averages) so the larger the dish and the steeper the azimuth (angle its looking up at the satellite) the more snow its going to accumulate.

This is not too important if there are only a few dishes and they are say under 1 to 2 meter in diameter, but 9 dishes at 2 to 4 meters in diameter could put a serious load on the roof.

It also depends on the type of roof they are going on as it also has a snow load to be worried about.
 
Terryl said:
One other thing must also be factored in on a multi dish install on a roof, and that is snow and ice loading if you are in a cold climate.
Click to expand...

LOL, really good advice, but according to the OP's location he lives in Doha, average yearly max 91°F/min 71°F. Little chance of snow, even with the current crazy global weather!!
 
Thanks load, but if i want to shout a roughly number on a 4mtr and 3mtr dish, it does not have to be exact, just to have a general idea....

once the system is designed, we will then choose the manufacturer and ask about the exact weight.

i can say that i will not be using a mesh dish.

thanks,
 
As a general rule of thumb from installing some large dishes in the past. The average 3m solid dish weighs starts at around 250kgs, and the average 4m dish starts at around 500kgs. King post mounting will add another 100% of weight, a non penetrating mount can treble the overall tonnage.
 
Thank you :)
 
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