what length actuator arm do i need?

[satsid]

morning all, i'm in the middle of upgrading from a no name bent out of shape 1.2m offset with diseqc motor to a gibertini 1.5m offset with polar mount and actuator. with my old diseqc motor I can get reception from 42east around to 45west. my location allows line of sight quite a bit further than 45west but haven't managed any reception yet, not sure if I was tracking accurately enough or if I didn't have the right gear? will an 18 inch actuator allow my new dish to see that much arc or do I need longer? thanks for the help, sid

 

[Vipersan]

It very much depends on the Dish /mount and relative positioning of the actuator ..
but from what you have described a 2 foot actuator should get you the arc required 45 to 45 deg..
but not using an actuator on my 1.5 (using an H180 motor)...others on the group may be able to give you more accurate info.
rgds
VS

 

[satsid]

thanks vipersan, the h180 motor looks interesting, they say it comes with channel master bracket, I wonder if it would fit on my 1.5m offset gibertini?

 

[Vipersan]

thanks vipersan, the h180 motor looks interesting, they say it comes with channel master bracket, I wonder if it would fit on my 1.5m offset gibertini?

Yes indeed ..
It can be done ...and the H180 is capable of handling the weight and wind loading ..
But it does require some modification of the CM bracket to fit ..so it helps if you can get creative ...
If not ..Id stick with the conventional mount and actuator.

Other members have successfully fitted a gibby 1.5 ..so they might give you more info ..
In the past I've had a Gibby 1.2 on mine..
rgds