Alignment issues

DonSE2

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I had a TD110 ground mounted 2 years ago at the end of my garden. Since then it has taken the odd knock but after tweaking the declination angle of the dish i've been able to maintain a strong signal. However our neighbours have just started a loft conversion and the scaffolding is knocking out signal between 0.8W-12.5W. For reference on my TM5402 I was getting roughly 15.2db on 0.8W Sky News 12418 V 28000. When i move it over to 3W I am able to get a picture on Capri 12739 V 12173 but it's only 6db. Based on this useful list Strongest transponders - SatsUK it seems lower that what I should be getting and I can't get any signal till I shift over to 15W which based on dishpointer is clear of where the scaffolding finishes. I've decided to realign in order to maximise the signal, firstly I was just going to leave it on the current mount and get comfortable with the positioning then I was thinking of extending the mount up 50cm in the hope it would clear the scaffold (given 0.8W seems unaffected i'm assuming it's only just blocking the signal at 3W and the extra 50cm height might solve it). I could relocate it 2m further down the garden but I want to avoid this for now. I've read the guides but i'm still confused on some things:

1) For reference when tuning what should I be getting on Sky News 0.8W. London based with TD110 and Inverto Black Ultra lnb. The best I have recorded is 15.7db. Is anyone is able to tell me the signal they get on Capri 3W that would be useful as well.

2) How can you fine tune the declination angle? The bracket seems really badly designed for this. If the bolts are loose then the dish can rock left and right. Too tight and it won't move. Put a bit more pressure and the dish will slip 1 degree in one go too far and then you have to start again loosen the bolts and rock the dish back up the bracket. Even times when i've managed to optimise the signal tightening the bolts has thrown it out.

Thanks





bracket.jpg
 

sonnetpete

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Hi, and welcome to the forum.

It seems you have the frequently encountered "need for three arms when aligning a Triax" problem. Up to now there isn't an easy solution. However, your idea of extending the pole is probably the easiest way of improving reception. You can always take the extension down when the scaffolding disappears...
 

jeallen01

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Hi, and welcome to the forum.

It seems you have the frequently encountered "need for three arms when aligning a Triax" problem. Up to now there isn't an easy solution. ...
Four arms would almost certainly be better still!
 

DonSE2

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Could have as many arms as you want, once you start tightening the bolts it seems to throw everything out. What a terrible design, at the point now where I don't even know how an expert could finely tune it to it's potential. Tried the oiling it and having the bolts opposite side but signal now worse than before.

I'm just wondering if you could fix the dish elevation then tweak the motor elevation instead to maximize signal? Would it still track the arc correctly?

Anyone got a signal level reading I should get on Sky News 0.8W, just so I know what I should be aiming for when tweaking?

Thanks
 

jeallen01

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Four arms would almost certainly be better still!
On reflection, I think the optimum "number of arms/hands" would actually be (AT LEAST) FIVE! :
- 2 to grasp both edges of the dish to keep it pointed in the "right direction"
- 1 to support the feedarm to stop it sagging, and thus altering the declination angle
- 1 to hold a spanner on one end of the main bolt through the declination-adjustment bracket at the rear of the dish
- 1 with another spanner to tighten up the nut on the other end of that bolt in the previous line!
 
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rolfw

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TD dishes are renowned for the movement in the rear bracket when tightening, the TD110 being the most noticeable due to its size. Nothing much you can do about it apart from have a few attempts, you'll usually get it in the end. Also you can lift the arm slightly using a small coin or washer at the dish end, the sweet spot is not where it sits out of the box.
 

DonSE2

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I had read about the sag issue and also tweaking the lnb position to optimise signal but when I tried that the dish slipped in the bracket. The bolts were at the point where if I tightened them the signal dropped on meter.
 

jeallen01

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Since post #5, I've thought of a way that might make the process of setting the declination slightly easier :

1- replace the supplied centre clamping bolt by either a fully-threaded M5 or M6 steel bolt (assuming you can find one long enough) or a length of M5 or M6 steel threaded rod, and with one or two extra nuts and lock washers. (some possibly suitable bolts and rods on ebay)

2 - push the bolt/rod through the centre hole on one side of the bracket and thread that lock washer and extra nut on it before you push it through the hole in the other side of the bracket, and then run the nut right along it and tighten it against that first side of the bracket so that it can't then turn!

3 - then you only need one hand and spanner to tighten the 2nd nut when you think you've got the declination correct (if you ever can with a TD!).

PS: obviously, you could also replace all the supplied bolts in the same way, and that might make the process even easier.
 
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Lazarus

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....... Also you can lift the arm slightly using a small coin or washer at the dish end, the sweet spot is not where it sits out of the box.

Yep. I use matchsticks pared into a wedge shape - Thus allowing a small degree of adjustment.
 

a33

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jeallen01

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BTW.
The new Triaxes have normal bolts for the elevation, again.

See e.g. here, the new TD100 (87 x 97 cm): TRIAX - TDS 100LG RAL 7035, singlepack - 120518
Or brochure: https://www.triax.com/images/Brochures/EN-Triax-Satellite-dishes---6-pages-08-2019--screen.pdf

No new >= 100cm dish available for the european market, though. (I've read about a new Triax 120 for Middle East and Africa, but couldn't find a source for that.)

Greetz,
A33
That looks a lot easier to adjust - maybe TRIAX finally listened to all the complaints, and realised that other manufacturers had better designs.
 

Channel Hopper

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It would have been better not to have the first page showing a reflector with depressions around the locking bolts but yes, it looks like they have finally moved away from the 'grooved' design.


(I wonder if the metalwork still comes without deburring ?)
 

rolfw

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That looks a lot easier to adjust - maybe TRIAX finally listened to all the complaints, and realised that other manufacturers had better designs.
I think they've simply bought in a dish and branded it.
 
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