Channel Master/Laminas 1.8m project

[Archived-1]

Looks like you have it all in order Alex, I would replace the worn ball joints with a car part ball joint, I would like to bet that's what they are, take a look through this link pal, I am sure you will find some the same/take one off and take it to a car spares .

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=bolt on ball joints&biw=1093&bih=512&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=oXZXVYzJPMmP7AaGlYIQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&dpr=1.25#tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CRwvBBBI0ygaIjjZCOU40bY38Vfjd1HVuzrUqj_1yDC2BaRYJJ7biUTMYYFSWewsANpwJH-kwt4SxPz17VZXKLqWSLioSCdkI5TjRtjfxEQkS56UbmpY9KhIJV-N3UdW7OtQRsbZ0OEFMgbQqEgmqP_1IMLYFpFhGJUCIDeqRguCoSCQkntuJRMxhgEWB4XrYgFaOFKhIJVJZ7CwA2nAkRmoN3AkBFyYoqEgkf6TC3hLE_1PRFGTF49s-8hBioSCXtVlcoupZIuEXlKDfgieG69&q=bolt on ball joints

 

[Captain Jack]

It's more like this one.


An M12 bolt then goes through it - it's all quite sturdy.

In other news, went to see 7 houses today and only liked one of them. The problem is that the garden is west facing with eastern view blocked We shall not be making an offer, though SWMBO rather likes it ......

 

[Archived-1]

Either/or Alex, as long as the spigot is the same diameter it will be ok, its the type of thing I will be installing on mine.

 

[Captain Jack]

Quite right. Will take it apart fully over the next few weeks to see what exactly needs replacing (some bolts are rusty, which means...........).

Driving home from a night out with four people in the car, I noticed that my clutch was slipping ever so slightly. So that's another expense to prepare for in the not so distant future :s

 

[archive10]

I am not sure how I will do it yet. The simplest way is put the C band LNB on top of the Ku one but it does mean that I would be restricted to either circular or linear polarisation at any one time. I could put two LNBs over each other but not sure how well that will work.

I'm sure it's in one of the gazillion threads on this excellent site, but would you care to elaborate, however briefly, on how that trick with the C-band on top of the Ku-band works?
Without means of tilting the dish a la Scopus' setup with an additional actuator for inclination control, wouldn't it be vastly out of focus most of the time? Or is C band much less sensitive when it comes to pointing in the right direction??

 

[archive10]

Er, nope.

Exactly.
Only have two probs:
1) Finding a suitable place to mount it when living in the suburbs... (Mine's STILL in storage - can you believe it?? :-))
2) Finding a polar mount for the damn thing. Seems only custom-made designs are the option these days - and Martin-Fs are few and far between. |-)

 

[Captain Jack]

I'm sure it's in one of the gazillion threads on this excellent site, but would you care to elaborate, however briefly, on how that trick with the C-band on top of the Ku-band works?
Without means of tilting the dish a la Scopus' setup with an additional actuator for inclination control, wouldn't it be vastly out of focus most of the time? Or is C band much less sensitive when it comes to pointing in the right direction??

I was sure I explained it already but looks like haven't! Yes, it will have declination control to bring the C band LNB into focus (not inclination like Scopus's method). Basically the same mechanism I use on my Gibby.

 

[archive10]

I was sure I explained it already but looks like haven't! Yes, it will have declination control to bring the C band LNB into focus (not inclination like Scopus's method). Basically the same mechanism I use on my Gibby.

Much obliged.

 

[Journey]

CJ - you are going to have to change your avatar now

 

[Captain Jack]

I will - once it's up and running!

 

[samoloko]

Captain Jack
don't forget to do a comparision between gibi 1.5 and channel master 1.8

 

[Captain Jack]

Of course. I have no doubt the 1.8m CM will wipe the floor with the Gibby!

 

[Captain Jack]

Small progress today. Took apart the PM and removed the bearings. One of them pretty much fell apart as I took it out, so will be ordering replacements. The housing is perfectly good, so no need to spend money on those. I am still surprised how heavy-duty the whole thing is. It will handle the dish with ease.

Will also be ordering stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers now that I know what sizes they are.

 

[Archived-1]

I guess you've already located the bearings Alex, but if not
http://www.asahibearing.com/Default.aspx?pageid=30

 

[Captain Jack]

Yep, thanks Martin. Bearing Boys have some in stock, so I think I'll go for those there. They are only £5 each, so a bargain really.

 

[Captain Jack]

Question: should spend more on a branded bearing? More safe but almost 3 times the price....

 

[Archived-1]

If things are still safe if the bearing collapses go cheap and see how long they last, also you have to bear in mind how easy they are to change when fitted and the dish is working.

 

[Captain Jack]

Yeah, it will definitely be safe (the existing bearing collapsed - but only after 20 years of use!)... I guess I'll go for the el-cheapo option.

 

[Captain Jack]

The arms are here

 

[Captain Jack]

Welp, ordered all the nuts, washers and bolts (yes, INOX) and the replacement bearing insert. I decided to go for the branded version to make everything as good as it can be. I've been bitten in the past by using "budget" brands of car parts and those things don't last long. Granted, this is a fairly light use of a bearing but considering it's only £15 extra in total, it's a small price to pay.