Can only find Astra1, Astra2 and Hotbird

[spambocks]

Hi All,

I hope no-one minds if I resurrect this thread that I started last year, as I am still looking for answers. For one reason and another, the installation of my system got put on hold for over a year and only now am I able to come back to it.

Basically, I'm still having the problem that I originally mentioned in this post: I can only see Astra 1, Astra 2 and Hotbird with my Penta 68 on my "temporary stand" in the back garden. I've since tried the dishpointer iphone app which suggests that I should be able to see the rest of the arc fine with no tall buildings or trees in the way.

I am looking for an installer to come properly mount the penta and motor, but I'd like to rule out any major problems with the dish, lnb etc before I do that.

Any further help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Lazarus]

I am looking for an installer to come properly mount the penta and motor, but I'd like to rule out any major problems with the dish, lnb etc before I do that.

For completeness

http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/...ers-east-hampshire.html?highlight=#post996746

 

[spambocks]

Thanks for that Tivu (and also for moving my other post to the correct location) http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/members/262641/tiv%F9/

 

[Mickha]

I would also consider getting a bigger dish, 68cm is alright for the more powerful satellites but will struggle on others.

 

[spambocks]

Yes, I may opt for a Penta 85 if I can get hold of one. That said, I'm sure I should be able to pull in more than these 3 sats on the Penta 68....

 

[Mickha]

Depends on the transponders, and the beam, you're using to search for the satellites. 30 West should be easy, as should a few others, but you are probably not aligned to the arc correctly. I would go for the Penta 85cm, or even a 1.1M Triax.

 

[spambocks]

Tried again today to see if I could get anything off 0.8w or 5w but no
avail. Found hotbird no problems at all..... Grr....

 

[spambocks]

Just had a thought - Could the problem be the £6 sat finder that I got from ebay? Maplin do a digtal one for £20, would that do any better perhaps?

 

[Lazarus]

Yes and no. A common issue with cheap meters is that the cable stub is flimsy and either the centre core can break, or fail to make proper contact with the F socket or is easily displaced so a short occurs.

Rather than buy another meter, make up a cable stub using proper cable and two F connectors of your own.

The thing is, you get an unvarying or misleading response as a result.

I do use mine occasionally, but trial and error is almost as good for the hobbyist.