Thinking about motorising my satellite dish

[Lazarus]

Yep. That's a good idea.

 

[Tony1A]

Dammit! Why didn't I think of that? You are right, Alex!

 

[Lazarus]

Dammit! Why didn't I think of that? You are right, Alex!

Do make doubly sure that you set it to 54 and a bit against the correct datum mark: Sometimes the arrow (or whatever) that stands slightly proud can be hard to identify.

 

[Tony1A]

Thanks Tivu!

 

[Lazarus]

Looks like you have a nice clear view of the arc from your location at F****hill.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

You can set that part of the motor up at ground level.

I did that in my lounge!

 

[Tony1A]

I should get at least 75/80% of the arc so I'll be happy with that. My neighbour's roof will cause a slight problem as I will not get all of the western satellites but still a good number of them and eastwards I will get loads. So looking forward to this now!

 

[Tony1A]

I should have mentioned this. I have a Satlink WS 6906 meter and I'm sure that will be a useful tool for getting the job done. Now I am getting excited about this. To think that very soon loads of TV channels will be coming my way. I would have loved a system like this 20 years ago.

 

[Lazarus]

That Meter should be a great help - I've only ever used either a cheap needle meter or (More in the mould of the true hobbyist) used an Audio Tone from an SL65 fed through a 75W Amp so I could hear it outside!

 

[Tony1A]

Well, feeding the audio through an amp is probably overkill, but whatever helps you get the job done. I have a couple of those SL-65's and you're right about the tone - very useful tool - and good little FTA box, too!

 

[Lazarus]

Anyway, why are you spending time posting here when you could be working on the dish?!

 

[hairybadger]

I should have mentioned this. I have a Satlink WS 6906 meter and I'm sure that will be a useful tool for getting the job done. Now I am getting excited about this. To think that very soon loads of TV channels will be coming my way. I would have loved a system like this 20 years ago.

20 years ago there were fewer channels

 

[Tony1A]

Very true! Digital has certainly expanded the amount of channels. Tivu! The reason why I'm not working on the dish is I am waiting for the T/K's and long bolts to arrive...then the fun begins!

 

[Tony1A]

I have just been putting the motor bracket together and I can see what you mean Tivu. Those marks and arrows are a bit tricky to read, but my reading glasses took care of that. It's annoying that I have not got the other bits and pieces here to start the job. They say that patience is a virtue, but I just want to get the job done.

 

[Archived-1]

I have just been putting the motor bracket together and I can see what you mean Tivu. Those marks and arrows are a bit tricky to read, but my reading glasses took care of that. It's annoying that I have not got the other bits and pieces here to start the job. They say that patience is a virtue, but I just want to get the job done.

I do hope to see some pictures of this setup if you would please :-), the job is never done in this hobby :-) lol

 

[Piltdownpaul]

My hobby cant expand any more as i cant have a bigger dish on that garage and it would be pointless placing one in the back garden as it slopes down from the house blocking off all East sats and most of the West. I'm very happy with my td88, it does a sterling job although the elevation setting is summat else......(ad nauseam)

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I should have mentioned this. I have a Satlink WS 6906 meter and I'm sure that will be a useful tool for getting the job done. Now I am getting excited about this. To think that very soon loads of TV channels will be coming my way. I would have loved a system like this 20 years ago.

Very useful meter, i use one too.

 

[Tony1A]

When the job is done I will take a few pics and put them on here. I'm just eager to get going on this job. I reckon my TD78 should do quite well but I can't go bigger than that. It's going to give the neighbours something to talk about I'm sure. Hee Hee! Have not seen anyone else with moving dish in my town.

 

[Tony1A]

Still waiting for the brackets, they will probably turn up on Monday. In the meantime, a question about height clearance. The scaffolding pole I have is not too long, the shed roof slopes down and there is about 20-21 inches up from the side of the shed roof to the top of the pole (pole will be 8-10 inches from shed side). The dish is Triax TD78. This is going to sound crazy but how much clearance does the dish need to turn to the East? Just concerned that the pole height may not be enough and I might have to add an extra piece of pole clamped on or alternatively, raise the pole from the ground a few inches using bricks etc. Guidence needed on this one lads, please!

 

[Lazarus]

Well as you've got the pole, the motor and the dish, just lash it up as a dry run and hold the pole yourself, swinging the dish from limit to limit and seeing at what height it needs to be to stay clear.

Far easier than us getting into geometry and trigonometry sight unseen!