Log in
Register
Menu
Log in
Register
Home
What's new
Latest activity
Authors
Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
Latest activity
Members
Current visitors
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
Satellite TV receivers & systems support forums
Fringe Reception General
Anyone tried to make BIG dish at home?
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="T_G" data-source="post: 548284" data-attributes="member: 175083"><p>It sounds easier than it is - in my opinion. The big problem is getting a good mould, and preferably use it for several attempts as most likely the first one will be the one where you find out all the mistakes. </p><p>Then, you would need to get the mesh onto the mould in such a way so that there are no creases or folds etc. (and that it does not destroy the mould when removing the dish.) If you managed to do that, and also found a way making sure the mesh does not move during the process (remember that many resins or plastic liquid components generate heat when they cure, and also they do sometimes start to warp. Also, you can calculate the weight of the resin over the surface of the dish, even a few mm thickness of the resin + the mesh will be quite heavy) you got another problem - you can't just simply pour resin or plastic over it - gravity will make the resing run down the sides. Even if in the end there is enopugh resin there to keep the shape, you wold end up with vastly variying thicknesses, I don't know how this will effect the signal.</p><p></p><p>With normal glass fibre the problem of the resin running down is also present, but not as much.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I did not see your pictures as I can't be arsed to download them from file sites. Why don't you simply attach them here???</p><p></p><p>Making a mould using a rotating piece of metal and a pole is definetly possible. If you get the pole to be DEAD straight and the shape plate cut to the correct shape you could get a good shape. I would investigate the possibility of mounting the pole on a thick heavy surface plate and mount the pole on a bearing so that it is easy to rotate. </p><p></p><p>Using concrete: damn I hate concrete, heavy and dirty. I am trying to think of a better material. But very hard to get the very smooth surface, if you use modelling clay, you would need quite a lot and that is not cheap either. I suppose if you know someone who knows how to finish walls in your house, he could probably do a reasonably good job on this. </p><p></p><p>Very interesting, let's kep working on this <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite14" alt=":-doh" title="DOH! :-doh" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":-doh" />2</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="T_G, post: 548284, member: 175083"] It sounds easier than it is - in my opinion. The big problem is getting a good mould, and preferably use it for several attempts as most likely the first one will be the one where you find out all the mistakes. Then, you would need to get the mesh onto the mould in such a way so that there are no creases or folds etc. (and that it does not destroy the mould when removing the dish.) If you managed to do that, and also found a way making sure the mesh does not move during the process (remember that many resins or plastic liquid components generate heat when they cure, and also they do sometimes start to warp. Also, you can calculate the weight of the resin over the surface of the dish, even a few mm thickness of the resin + the mesh will be quite heavy) you got another problem - you can't just simply pour resin or plastic over it - gravity will make the resing run down the sides. Even if in the end there is enopugh resin there to keep the shape, you wold end up with vastly variying thicknesses, I don't know how this will effect the signal. With normal glass fibre the problem of the resin running down is also present, but not as much. I did not see your pictures as I can't be arsed to download them from file sites. Why don't you simply attach them here??? Making a mould using a rotating piece of metal and a pole is definetly possible. If you get the pole to be DEAD straight and the shape plate cut to the correct shape you could get a good shape. I would investigate the possibility of mounting the pole on a thick heavy surface plate and mount the pole on a bearing so that it is easy to rotate. Using concrete: damn I hate concrete, heavy and dirty. I am trying to think of a better material. But very hard to get the very smooth surface, if you use modelling clay, you would need quite a lot and that is not cheap either. I suppose if you know someone who knows how to finish walls in your house, he could probably do a reasonably good job on this. Very interesting, let's kep working on this :-DOH2 [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Satellite TV receivers & systems support forums
Fringe Reception General
Anyone tried to make BIG dish at home?
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…
Top