Newbie Here Will I be able to receive signal from my balcony?

danik05

New Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2017
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Age
30
My Satellite Setup
none yet
My Location
Berlin
Hi guys,

I am totally new to this whole satellite business, no previous experience. Live in Berlin, Germany. I am considering having satellite set up on my balcony for the sole reason of being able to watch football in 4K via Sky Germany, as unfortunately there is no other way :(

However, i don't know if I'll even be able to receive the Astra 19.2E signal required from my balcony as it's not exactly facing the right way - see my location and required angle in the first photo. Fortunately i live on the highest floor in the building, but to get the angle needed (green arrow in second photo, approximate), there edge of the building is in the way. Does this mean i won't be able to get the signal due to the concrete wall in the way?

3bKrqIb.png


1MgJpOe.jpg


Sorry for being a total newb - this is all in the name of footy :)
 

william-1

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 2, 2005
Messages
12,180
Reaction score
12,266
Points
113
Location
Epping Forest
My Satellite Setup
OP Gibertini 100 XP+ Inverto Black Ultra Lnb
Superior Dark Motor (160° max)
(50 east to 45 west)
Octagon SX88+Optima (A/B switch) Edision primo IP S2

Raven 88cm Mesh Dish + IBU Twin output
Stab100 H to H (120° max)
(53 east to 45 west)
Octagon SX88+ Ultra HD (A/B switch) Golden Interstar Alpha_X
My Location
Epping Forest Essex
Welcome to Satellites.co uk.

As you are on the top floor then maybe you can gain access to the roof an ideal position for a satellite dish.
 
A

archive10

Guest
...there edge of the building is in the way. Does this mean i won't be able to get the signal due to the concrete wall in the way?

Sorry for being a total newb - this is all in the name of footy :)
Welcome to the forum - we all started as newbies at one point, so there's no reason to be sorry. :)

It's quite simple: If there are parts of the dish (reflector) from where you cannot see (in direct line) the satellite, you get less reception.
If the entire dish is "illuminated", you get signal.
If no part can see the sat - nothing comes in.
Now 19.2E is quite a strong satellite - it can be picked up on a 30-40 cm dish without probs.
So you may get away with only having part of the dish "seeing" the sat.

Dish on the roof is definately a good option.
Alternative is to put a pole on the balcony (conrete base) that is higher than the roof, and then mount a dish on that?
But since you only need a small dish, perhaps you can get away with a flat dish (looks less like a dish), and mount it on the railing of the balcony? Possibly even sticking out a bit? Are there any restrictions on dishes etc in your housing rules?
If you have windows pointing the right way, you can put a "clamp-in" mounting bracket in the frame, and then the dish on the bracket. Or, even put the dish inside, and open the window when you want to watch footy? (I've done this on a 40cm dish).
 

Analoguesat

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Messages
50,739
Reaction score
11,221
Points
113
Location
Scottish Borders
My Satellite Setup
TM 5402HD
Sky+ UK.
My Location
Scottish Borders
Hiya welcome to the forum

Unfortunately you need clear line of sight to the satellite you wish to receive signals from. You might just get enough clearance if you bolt the dish to the outer part of the balcony, especially if you use a cranked pole overhanging the balcony. (Obviously the attachment must be very secure so it cant come loose in a storm & fall off the balcony onto the road).
 
A

Archive7

Guest
You will need a subscription to Sky Germany no doubt.
I would suggest to call them up, get details about the subscription and which receivers would be best for you and they would install the dish as part of the service.
 

rolfw

Believe it when I see it Admin.
Staff member
Joined
May 1, 1999
Messages
38,292
Reaction score
1,615
Points
113
My Satellite Setup
Technomate 5402 HD M2 Ci, DM7000s, Transparent 80cm Dish, Moteck SG2100 DiseqC motor, lots of legacy gear. Meters: Satlook Digital NIT, Promax HD Ranger+ spectrum analyser.
My Location
Berkshire
I'd go with Analoguesat, looks like a dish in the outside corner of the balcony may do it, perhaps with a cranked mast, you shouldn't need a massive dish.
 

Terryl

Specialist Contributor
Joined
Apr 14, 2011
Messages
3,246
Reaction score
1,932
Points
113
Age
82
My Satellite Setup
OpenBox X5 on a 1 meter motorized dish.
And now a 10 foot "C" band dish.

Custom built PC
My Location
Deep in the Boonies in the central Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
Hey welcome to the stite....Now for that problem.

You could also get what is called a "J" pole mount, this would mount to the top of the roof eave on the under side seen in you photo, it would allow you to clear the roof with the dish.

One something like this one. Search: EMV4 - Solid Signal
 

a33

Specialised Contributor
Joined
Sep 24, 2009
Messages
1,237
Reaction score
710
Points
113
Age
63
My Satellite Setup
XSAT410
Rebox RE-9000
My Location
NL
And another hint:
In Germany the rules about earthing and lightning protection when the dish is positioned near the roof are VERY strict and precise.

Not my expertise, though, as I live in the Netherlands... :)

greetz,
A33
 
Top