Multiple LNB's on a 65cm dish?

[madgrk]

Hi All,

I have recently subscribed to Select TV and want to setup my own dish at home so I can learn a bit more about satellites, and how they work etc.

I'd like to setup a dish to point to Intelsat 8 (166.0°E) and also Optus D2 (152.0°E). Could this be done easily, or is it more hassle than what it's worth?

I have a 65cm dish on hand which I could use if need be, is this size dish OK for my application?

I am trying to get away from using a DiSEQ switch so I can have a steady signal without the worry that the motor will not hold its position 100%. Switching between channels on different sats will also be quicker this way.

Could someone please let me know of where I can buy a dual LNB bracket, and whether I'll encounter any major hiccups with this sort of setup.

I haven't figured out how I'll get both RG6 cables from each LNB and cable them into 1 point on my STB, I am hoping some form of switch can do that for me (please correct me if I'm wrong).

TIA,
Theo

[LeroyPatrol]

Theo,
You will need to use at least a 2 way diseqc switch as you will have 2 LNB's pointing at 2 different birds. You then only need to run one cable from the diseqc switch to the STB. You then have the STB configured to select the appropriate bird when selecting a channel.
Now a 65cm won't do for a multi LNB setup. You need at lease an 85cm and I just set one LNB on my 85cm for D2 but I have to do a modification to the arm that comes from the side of the dish to support the LNB's as it goes right pass the the D2 LNB. I will post how this goes on the weekend.

Leroy

[pit5bul]

D2 to Intelsat 8 ... 14 degrees in between ... i think u need bigger than 85cm mate... not 100% but i reckon u need over 95 cm
Ive seen a 85cm running D2 and D1 and the LNB's were pretty stretched in between so adding another 6 degrees to that i reckon would stretch it

[LeroyPatrol]

D2 to Intelsat 8 ... 14 degrees in between ... i think u need bigger than 85cm mate... not 100% but i reckon u need over 95 cm
Ive seen a 85cm running D2 and D1 and the LNB's were pretty stretched in between so adding another 6 degrees to that i reckon would stretch it

I've done it but as I mentioned when looking into the dish the arm on the right is in the path of the D2 LNB. I will make a little tag to drop the arm down a few cm.

Leroy

[Farmsky]

D2 and IS8's a doddle on an 85cm.

For best reception the trick is to actually align the dish on Optus D1, (or C1), then add Optus D2 and IS8 as multi lnb's.

It may work on a 65, but if your a beginner, do as advised and get an 85, or simply set up the 65 on IS8 and get an 85 to play with.

My 85 (with Optus C1 aligned) gives IS8 at around the same strength as C1 .... as IS8 is pretty hot in my neck of the woods.

[madgrk]

Ahh! Never thought it would be this tricky, but I'll press on and give it a shot anyway

So a 90cm dish or thereabouts should do the trick? Before I go and get ripped off by Sat dealers around, could someone tell me of a place to buy gear cheaply in Melbourne? Happy to travel, as long as I can look at what I am buying beforehand!

Would it be cheaper for me to buy a diseq switch rather than the mount for the multiple LNB's? That way the STB would control the motor, and everything would be done for me once adjustment is done.

Thanks for all the help so far.

Theo

[pieces]

I run C1 D1 pas8 pas2 on a 90 strong dish it has a box section arm easy to mount a bracket on its very tight but very good results on all sats.
I put D1 on the main LNB bracket (used it to align the dish ). Took a lot of time to set up.

[LeroyPatrol]

Ahh! Never thought it would be this tricky, but I'll press on and give it a shot anyway

So a 90cm dish or thereabouts should do the trick? Before I go and get ripped off by Sat dealers around, could someone tell me of a place to buy gear cheaply in Melbourne? Happy to travel, as long as I can look at what I am buying beforehand!

Would it be cheaper for me to buy a diseq switch rather than the mount for the multiple LNB's? That way the STB would control the motor, and everything would be done for me once adjustment is done.

Thanks for all the help so far.

Theo

I think you are confusing a diseqc switch for a H-H motor.

Leroy

[madgrk]

Sorry, I meant to say a H-H motor rather than a diseqc switch

[Farmsky]

Shit.

Just have a play with the 65 to start with and then decide whether you want to go H-H or multi-lnb. They both have quite significant advantages and disadvantages

[madgrk]

Any advice on where to buy some motors etc to have a play with? Happy to wait for delivery if need be, got some other DIY I need to do anyway

[LeroyPatrol]

Any advice on where to buy some motors etc to have a play with? Happy to wait for delivery if need be, got some other DIY I need to do anyway

Check out aussiesattelite.com, they are north of the city.

Leroy

[marty 17]

Any advice on where to buy some motors etc to have a play with? Happy to wait for delivery if need be, got some other DIY I need to do anyway

Hantrex are in Melbourne but I would follow Farmskys post and have a play trying C1 and D1 firstly then C1 and D2 as they are only 4 degrees apart.
Try steering clear of TP 12407 V as it appears on C1 and D2 and may confuse you.
Have a look at Lyngsat's website and download Gorbtrak program if you have not already done so.
Good Luck

[JK200SX]

Why do you need a motor when you plan on putting upt 2 lnb's? You either need to go one way or the other.

[Godzilla]

Which side of town are you on?

City $125

Northern suburbs $86

Eastern suburbs $104

Many others, just open your yellow pages.

[Smacca]

Shit.

Just have a play with the 65 to start with and then decide whether you want to go H-H or multi-lnb. They both have quite significant advantages and disadvantages

Yep. I've successfully picked up D2 and Intel8 on a 65cm using one of (although an 85cm is recommended). But if you tried aligning to 2 birds that are less than 4 degrees apart you will have problems on a 65cm. Luckily in your case there's plenty of gap between D2 and Intel8.