Large dishes

[Channel Hopper]

If you need a Prodelin dish thats relatively large (2.4m upwards) I can probably help with costs from the US.

The prices that have been given earler in the thread do appear to be on the high side. Tenerife may or may not have a strange customs system, but for port to port costs, I can usually compete very well

Buy in container loads, and sell the surplus to your neighbours, it makes economic sense,

 

[Indasol]

Ciberland did have a girl who spoke good english last time I was in there (December), I guess she's still there. We purchased a 1.85m offset from them, however we live locally and didn't incur any shipping costs. We actually picked the dish up from the factory (Tecatel) ourselves. Interesting to note though that Ciberland can sell Tecatel products (who are 2 miles down the road) cheaper then Tecatel will sell them directly to the end user.

 

[Carlos]

Ciberland did have a girl who spoke good english last time I was in there (December), I guess she's still there. We purchased a 1.85m offset from them, however we live locally and didn't incur any shipping costs. We actually picked the dish up from the factory (Tecatel) ourselves. Interesting to note though that Ciberland can sell Tecatel products (who are 2 miles down the road) cheaper then Tecatel will sell them directly to the end user.

Hi Indasol, thanks for your reply. How did you find Ciberland to deal with (technically & otherwise) and most importantly, as the prices look attractive, what is the build quality of the dish, ? How did you go on with the installation? Regards Carlos

 

[Baxter Boy]

Hi Baxter

How are you going on with your big dish purchase? I have been hoping to see a posting to help me with my decision.

BFN, Carlos

Hi Carlos

I have not been very active recently on pursing large dishes due to other priorities (the usual Canary Island third world hassles!).

However a couple of bits of interesting info have cropped up in the last few days:

I have heard of someone in Fuerteventura who has recently bought a 2.4 metre dish. I think it’s a Channel Master. Apparently they lose BBC & ITV after 8:00pm. It seems for all year round, 24 hours a day reception we need to look at a minimum of a 3.1 metre dish. We have been quoted by a local dealer 2,200 euros for a 2.4 metre dish with bolt on wings which take it up to 3.1 metres. This includes delivery but not installation.

If you are considering purchasing from the EU mainland, the Canaries are exempt from VAT and it should not be charged. That’s some saving on the overall cost although there might be duty to pay at this end. In the past we have used Cargo Lanzarote to import goods into Fuerteventura. Their telephone number in Lanzarote is 928 80 05 24. Our contact 2 years ago was Soraya who speaks English.

Someone else has put up a 3.7 metre dish in Caleta de Fuste and is successfully re-broadcasting BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV, Channel 4, Sky Sports 1 & Sky Movies by microwave to the local area (at a cost). From February they propose to do the same thing in Corralejo. From what I understand, you need line of sight to receive the microwave signal. If you can see Corralejo from Lanzarote, perhaps you can pick it up. I don’t know the range of the signal. You also need a microwave receiver and antenna.

Please call me on 696 69 15 11 between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm if you want any further info.

How did you get on with your heat pump for the pool? Yet another Canary Islands rip off!

Hope this helps

Richard (Baxter Boy)

 

[Carlos]

Hi Carlos

I have not been very active recently on pursing large dishes due to other priorities (the usual Canary Island third world hassles!).

However a couple of bits of interesting info have cropped up in the last few days:

I have heard of someone in Fuerteventura who has recently bought a 2.4 metre dish. I think it’s a Channel Master. Apparently they lose BBC & ITV after 8:00pm. It seems for all year round, 24 hours a day reception we need to look at a minimum of a 3.1 metre dish. We have been quoted by a local dealer 2,200 euros for a 2.4 metre dish with bolt on wings which take it up to 3.1 metres. This includes delivery but not installation.

If you are considering purchasing from the EU mainland, the Canaries are exempt from VAT and it should not be charged. That’s some saving on the overall cost although there might be duty to pay at this end. In the past we have used Cargo Lanzarote to import goods into Fuerteventura. Their telephone number in Lanzarote is 928 80 05 24. Our contact 2 years ago was Soraya who speaks English.

Someone else has put up a 3.7 metre dish in Caleta de Fuste and is successfully re-broadcasting BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV, Channel 4, Sky Sports 1 & Sky Movies by microwave to the local area (at a cost). From February they propose to do the same thing in Corralejo. From what I understand, you need line of sight to receive the microwave signal. If you can see Corralejo from Lanzarote, perhaps you can pick it up. I don’t know the range of the signal. You also need a microwave receiver and antenna.

Please call me on 696 69 15 11 between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm if you want any further info.

How did you get on with your heat pump for the pool? Yet another Canary Islands rip off!

Hope this helps

Richard (Baxter Boy)

Hi Bax

Thanks for your prompt reply. It sounds like you dealer is using the 2.4m + wings dish from Ciberland, a choice I did think about and may yet consider depending on their respose to my enquiry (just placed) for both 2.4m & 3,4m options.

The microwave option sounds good but is it legal? I heard of a similar arrangement (in Teneriefe I think) but the local police shut it down very quickly.

On the heat pump front I have decided to do a direct import from the States as this offers (at least on paper) a saving of about 40%, too much to ignore. I will keep you posted (if you wish). I had to pay up-front and delivery (by air) is expected in about four weeks!

BFN, Carlos

 

[Indasol]

Hi Indasol, thanks for your reply. How did you find Ciberland to deal with (technically & otherwise) and most importantly, as the prices look attractive, what is the build quality of the dish, ? How did you go on with the installation? Regards Carlos

Carlos,
The dish we bought was a 1.85m offset. The 2.4m that it sounds like you're considering is a prime focus, however I suspect it is also made by Tecatel, (Tecatel and Ciberland are about 5km apart). Tecatel have the 2.4m with extensions to 3.1m on their website (http://www.tecatel.com) with some quite good data sheets available for download. The build quality of the 1.85m isn't the best, however it seems to perform well and certainly represents good value for money. We didn't have that much to do with Ciberland apart from paying them, they always seem to be very busy when I've been in their office. The girl who speaks english (Flavia I think) in particular was helpful, although she has to refer to others for technical queries. They seem a pretty proffesional outfit.

 

[rob43]

The microwave option sounds good but is it legal? I heard of a similar arrangement (in Teneriefe I think) but the local police shut it down very quickly.

hi carlos. i´m in tenerife. and the microwave thing is still going, and going strong. a friend had it installed at the weekend. she is delighted with the quality of picture, and the guy is hoping to have more channels on soon. rob43

 

[Baxter Boy]

Hi Bax

Thanks for your prompt reply. It sounds like you dealer is using the 2.4m + wings dish from Ciberland, a choice I did think about and may yet consider depending on their respose to my enquiry (just placed) for both 2.4m & 3,4m options.

The microwave option sounds good but is it legal? I heard of a similar arrangement (in Teneriefe I think) but the local police shut it down very quickly.

On the heat pump front I have decided to do a direct import from the States as this offers (at least on paper) a saving of about 40%, too much to ignore. I will keep you posted (if you wish). I had to pay up-front and delivery (by air) is expected in about four weeks!

BFN, Carlos

Hi Carlos

I suspect the 2.4m + wings dish from Ciberland is manufactured by Famaval in Portugal:

http://www.famaval.com/index_en.php

Physical characteristics:
310 FIXED
Outside Diameter 3105 mm
Reflector diameter 3100 mm
Focal lenght 930 mm
Master Clamp 100 mm
LNB holder 23/40mm
Elevation 0º / 86º
Finish Polyester
Reflector material Aluminium
Dish thickness 2,5mm
Dish weight 68,693Kg
Dish Color Gray (RAL 7035)
Backstructure Zincor steel
Backstructure Weight 26,00 Kg
Functional characteristics:
F/D 0,41
Efficienccy »65%
Gain (4Ghz) 39,7dB
Gain (11,5Ghz) 48,9dB
Gain (12,75Ghz) 49,7dB

I’m sure the microwave set up is illegal! I think there is very little policing/regulation of the broadcast bands in Fuerteventura. The island is about 20 years behind Europe! Apparently anyone can start an FM radio station without a licence. If they ever get round to it, the authorities will probably sort out the FM band first before they start worrying about obscure microwave transmissions. There could be problems if it interfered with aircraft, military or emergency services.

Any news on the heat pump would be appreciated.

Baxter Boy

 

[Carlos]

Hi Tony

Contacted Ciberland with my shopping list (2,700Euros + delivery) and got a very dissappointing reply!

They will not deliver a large dish to Lanzarote! If I want to buy from them I have to arrange the transportation (too complicated) so I am back to the drawing board right now!

BFN, Carlos

 

[Carlos]

Hi Carlos

I suspect the 2.4m + wings dish from Ciberland is manufactured by Famaval in Portugal:

I’m sure the microwave set up is illegal! I think there is very little policing/regulation of the broadcast bands in Fuerteventura. The island is about 20 years behind Europe! Apparently anyone can start an FM radio station without a licence. If they ever get round to it, the authorities will probably sort out the FM band first before they start worrying about obscure microwave transmissions. There could be problems if it interfered with aircraft, military or emergency services.

Baxter Boy

Hi Bax

In view of my failure with Ciberland (won't deliver a large dish to Lanzarote) I would be interested in learning more about the shortwave option as I think I could well be in a direct vision line with the transmitter and and I don't think its too far for a microwave so I will call you on the phone for more info.

BFN, Carlos

 

[Baxter Boy]

Hi Bax

In view of my failure with Ciberland (won't deliver a large dish to Lanzarote) I would be interested in learning more about the shortwave option as I think I could well be in a direct vision line with the transmitter and and I don't think its too far for a microwave so I will call you on the phone for more info.

BFN, Carlos

Hi Carlos

I'm a bit late switching on my phone this morning. Sorry. You should be able to get me between now and 6:00 pm.

Baxter

 

[Carlos]

If you need a Prodelin dish thats relatively large (2.4m upwards) I can probably help with costs from the US.

The prices that have been given earler in the thread do appear to be on the high side. Tenerife may or may not have a strange customs system, but for port to port costs, I can usually compete very well

Buy in container loads, and sell the surplus to your neighbours, it makes economic sense,

Hi Channel Hopper

Wanted to get back to you sooner but could not find your posting after my initial read - still finding my way round the forum!

So far my attempts to get a 2.4m + dish at a sensible price have come to naught:- Ciberland won't deliver a big dish to Lanzarote but if I can arrange transport they will supply; Two local installers both want 5,500 Euros just for the dish; Holstar want 1,260 Euros for delivery to Lanzarote (+ £999 for the dish + the stand + cost of delivery of the stand) !!!!!!!!

I am waiting for a response from Portugal and still have some other avenues to explore but I would appreciate any help you may be able to offer but I am only looking for one dish. Whether the size of this should be a 2.4m or a 3.4m I'm not yet sure as yet as it appears that a 2.4m Channel Master do not give 24 x 7 reception and as yet I have not established what size is really required. Any comments will be appreciated.

Incidentally trasportation from the UK at reasonable cost is a strong possibility but so far as I know there are no large dishes made in the UK so whatever dish I buy will have to get to the UK first and I suspect the UK demand is small so a large dish would probably be a special order (adding to costs no doubt)

BFN, Carlos

 

[Channel Hopper]

Carlos

Sorry for the late reply. I dont know what happened in September (apart from the IBC which may explain the blur)

The dishes mentioned are not manufactured here in the UK (apart from Precision ) . Most - Channel Master / Prodelin / Wineguard / Patriot / DH etc are made in the US and shipped over by the container. Others - with names like Supral / Jonsa and the remaining mesh dishes, would be made in the Far East or from one of the Russian states

Stocks of large dishes would normally be rare as these would not be uses for domestic purposes over here, but companies dealing with the commercial application of receive transmit, and supplies to broadcasters/news gathering companies and similar, would have some antenna sizes in.

Sematron of Basingstoke normally stocks the 2.4m and 3.7m receive only antennas, and could arrange direct shipment from the US to wherever, but there is a tradeoff between initial pricing , and maybe a three week manufacturing schedule.