Equipment Suggestions for a Newbie [long]

[RobH]

Hi all,

I'm really glad I found this forum, and it's great to see how much help everyone gets here. I'm going to do the satellite thing. I am I am I am. Okay, good, that's settled.

Here's why: my wife (German) would like to get German programming (radio and TV), and so would I (we've got a little one, and want her to hear both languages). That's pretty much it. We're not (currently) looking to forgo our cable package (I'm American and I like getting the American programs on Living TV, for example, available only on the digital packs from Sky or Cable; we'll probably keep that, then). So I need the Astra group at 19.2 east! :clap:

So, what I need is a straight forward system that I can work with (on my own) to set up. I am trying really hard to keep costs low. I figure (from what I've read here and elsewhere) that I need an 80cm dish. I get that you guys all like the Technomates when it comes to receivers (I get it, I really do, I think I saw a recommendation here for a technomate for someone who wanted advice on fixing their car . . . just kidding).

I found the same Maplin kit that someone else did (http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...3113&doy=23m11). Guess I won't buy that. I also found this one, that someone else found with a "Digital 6100" receiver, on eBay: http://tinyurl.com/yc6sz7 (that's an eBay link, I promise).

So, I looked at systemsatdirect (on recommendation in another thread from a regular here) on eBay: http://tinyurl.com/ycsong (this is a link their shop).

• Global Orbit 80 inch steel dish: £32.00 (with shipping)
• SINGLE LNB INVERTO 0.2dB Hi-Gain Universal: £11.00 (with shipping)
• Mounting kit (from maplin? http://tinyurl.com/y8jdp6): £25.00
• Receiver (leave this open for a good Technomate 1000 range on eBay, saw one just sell for £40, or echostar??): £50? They also sell that same Digital 6100 receiver (any good??). Do I need to be able to use cards or cams to watch German stations?.

Alright, enough: Does that all seem reasonable? And am I going to be able to set this up for 19.2e myself? Without crying? Without throwing things? >

More details . . .

I'm in Norwich in the UK (Lat: 52:38:20N Long: 1:12:39E -- by the way, http://www.multimap.co.uk will give you your lat and long if you put your postcode in). My house faces sort of east-ish (no, I'm not actually sure; is that bad?). Neighbors have sky minidishes on the front of their houses (where I need to put mine, I think - well, on the front of my house, not the front of theirs . . . you get the idea), and as you look at their houses, they point almost directly to the right, but at a tiny bit of an angle out from the houses). I can get that same line from my house (no obstructions). So that's what I'm planning on doing.

So, can I do this? I assume I need a satellite finding kit from eBay, too? Else, how do I find it (I do not own a compass . . . )?

Okay, I really appreciate any help that can be offered, and appreciate you all reading this far!

Best,

Rob

P.S. I'm going to bed as I post this, so no rush on responses is needed for tonight!

[BGonaSTICK]

Ah, but I don't go to bed until all the posts are answered

Welcome m8.

And I thought I had the monopoly on long posts!

Only kidding.

We like Technomates. Wanna know why? They're good solid boxes, but nothing special. We recommend them purely because they have the best after-market support for patched firmware. Period.

There are several other boxes which perform about the same, but the support for doing naughty things to them just isn't as good.

If you only want 19.2E, and only want FTA (Free To Air) then we don't need to nudge you down this route. Lots of free German stuff on 19.2E, so no CAMs or cards required. You can always go there later if you get the bug.

If you end up going for a receiver we've never heard of though, then you're on your own!

The cheap Comag receivers from Lidl are a good basic FTA box. There are probably loads on eBay, as the 'entrepreneurs' come out of the woodwork and buy them all up hoping to make a profit by re-selling them.

For Astra1 only, you would get away with a 60cm dish unless it's tipping down with rain. It'll look a lot smaller on your house than an 80cm dish too, especially if it's at the front

Didn't quite get your description of neighbours dishes etc, but 19.2E is pointing further 'to the right' (if you're standing behind the dish) than the Sky minidishes. About 9 degrees to be precise.

If you want to do this really cheaply, then you can probably buy some analogue kit down a local boot fair for £20 all-in. That will get you quite a few channels.

Otherwise, you're looking at maybe £100 if you're fitting yourself.

STICK

[nanochickin]

Hi RobH

on recommendation in another thread from a regular here

Thanks. Its so nice to be appreciated. :clap:

Systemsat do a 90cm dish and Inverto 0.2dB LNB package for £43.85 including postage. In all honesty i would spend the extra 85p and go for the bigger dish. Its pointless saving 85p to get a smaller dish. The extra 10cm will make sure you have a perfect signal in all weathers.

He will also chuck in free postage for the wall mount @ £12.95 if paid for at the same time as the dish. You can get the rawlplugs and coach bolts from B&Q for about £2.50.

I'm going to have to start charging Systemsat for all this free advertising. :roflmao:

So basically you can get your dish, lnb, and wall mount for under sixty quid, saving you £8 and your getting a better piece of kit than you first thought.

I would also source your cable from elsewhere. If its the same stuff that i got from maplins it leaves alot to be desired. Its basically RG6 cable and not the CT100 we all crave

You should be able to get your cable from any good electrical wholesaler (Newey & Eyre, City Electrical Factors etc etc....)

Hope this help my friend.



Nano

[Analoguesat]

For complete beginners you cant beat old analogue kit. Its cheap, theres a reasonable selection of German channels still available, and its dead easy to set up.

www.analoguesat.co.uk will give you all the secrets of analogue. (wonder who runs that then )

[BGonaSTICK]

Originally Posted by Analoguesat

For complete beginners you cant beat old analogue kit. Its cheap, theres a reasonable selection of German channels still available, and its dead easy to set up.

www.analoguesat.co.uk will give you all the secrets of analogue. (wonder who runs that then )

Ha!

I knew you'd find this... are you impressed I'm still plugging analogue stuff?!?!

[RobH]

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for all the replies. I'm really now thinking of going down the road with this system as a starter (from my first post): http://tinyurl.com/yc6sz7

It seems to have everything I need, and it's the same box as SystemSat (on eBay) is selling (so it's probably not rubbish on the whole). I will, of course, come back and report on the box once I get it and have everything working, just to let others know how it works given my limited needs. I do have a few more questions before I place the order, though. I hope you all won't mind.

1. Can I run both a digi-box and an analogue box off of the same setup (using a twin LNB)? I like this idea because I have found two incredibly cheap analogue boxes on eBay, and if I could put one of those in the bedroom for an extra ten quid for the LNB and an extra ten quid for the box, my wife would be totally chaffed (and those of us with wives know how important that is ). If not, then I'll probably hold off on the dual LNB for now and just get the basic setup working, and use digital, as that's where things are going (I have trouble buying and setting up stuff that is in the "planned obsolesence" phase of its existence, though honestly for the price I'm tempted to start that way, but with my luck, the "most important" German channel will be digital only :?).

2. I have concerns about my line of site I've attached a pretty picture that I think represents things accurately (best I can). Green arrow points to my backyard; white line is south; orange line runs along the southwest side of a tree I'm worried because of the tree, and because of my inability to even basically picture the vertical angle I'll need from where I am to hit the satellite. Front of the house is the only option for me. If I look in a line along where my neighbors' sky dishes are aimed, and then to go the right nine degrees or so (guessing, of course), I think I'm looking right through the tree. It's not huge, but it's a tree. Leaves, branches, that sort of thing. Do I need to get hold of a compass (or some other piece of kit) before I order to make sure I'm going to "see" the signal?



3. Is there any reason (other than it including an "unpatchable" box) that anyone can see for me not buying this kit (see link above) given that it seems to meet my needs? Looks like the cable is good (100db), and it looks complete (mounting hardware, etc.), especially good for a starter/newbie like meself. :?

4. I do need some kind of satellite finder thing-a-ma-gig, right? I mean, I can't sort of guess, point it in one direction, and keep trying with any sort of efficiency, right? Basic models are cheap on eBay, I just want to order one straight away if I'll need it.

Thanks again for all your help; you are all founts of knowledge, and my wife is more excited about this piece of kit than anything else I've ever thought of. I am, too, and really appreciate the confidence you guys have given me in choosing something and in knowing that when I botch the install but good ops:, I'll have a place to come and cry (and maybe get some more help).

Thanks again.

Rob

[BGonaSTICK]

Right then

Analogue is way past 'planned obsolescence', more like a 'dim and distant memory' for the vast majority of sat-TV watchers. It just so happens that there are a handful of German channels (quite good ones too) plus Eurosport in English ( :? - no idea why?) on Astra at 19.2E.

Virtually nothing anywhere else. Fortunately, they still have a few years to run based on contracts etc.

The kit you mention would do a good job for you, so don't let me put you off. Two things stand out though. First, everything in the pack looks quite good except the receiver, which is an unknown quantity to me.

Second, at £110 delivered, it's not bargain of the century. Not a rip-off, but you could probably get the price lower if you were prepared to spend some time rummaging.

Neither point should alarm you unduly though.

Twin LNB feeding an analogue box as well? Yep. No problem.

You need a clear line of sight to the satellite in the sky. From your rough pic, I'd say you don't. There are always options though. Have a rethink and we'll chat again. Think higher on a short pole at the back maybe.

The kit you mention includes a satellite finding meter

Plenty of shoulders and tissues here You just have to find a line of sight first.

Good luck, and think creatively. Check this for a great beginners utility :-

http://www.ses-astra.com/consumer/az...p?locale=en_GB

Also, check here for what you can expect to watch :-

White is analogue, yellow is FTA digital.

http://www.lyngsat.com/astra19.html

[RobH]

Originally Posted by BGonaSTICK

Right then

Analogue is way past 'planned obsolescence', more like a 'dim and distant memory' for the vast majority of sat-TV watchers. It just so happens that there are a handful of German channels (quite good ones too) plus Eurosport in English ( :? - no idea why?) on Astra at 19.2E.

Virtually nothing anywhere else. Fortunately, they still have a few years to run based on contracts etc.

The kit you metions would do a good job for you, so don't let me put you off. Two things stand out though. First, everything in the pack looks quite good except the receiver, which is an unknown quantity to me.

Second, at £110 delivered, it's not bargain of the century. Not a rip-off, but you could probably get the price lower if you were prepared to spend dome time rummaging.

Neither point should alarm you unduly though.

Twin LNB feeding an analogue box as well? Yep. No problem.

I'll probably stick with the digital at first, and just the one box for now. No use biting off more than I can chew for starters . I'll get the one, get it set up, and then it seems easy to add a dual LNB and an analogue box later. One thing I like about the box in the package is that it has an RF modulator, so I can feed the system into my house distribution net (the way I do my cable box right now). Then I wouldn't need another box (just a remote extender that lets me change the channels from upstairs); since my wife and I almost never watch different stuff at the same time, I'm not anticipating problems until my 18 month old gets a bit older

Does this look like a better deal?

http://tinyurl.com/ybwkfp

I still need to get the mounting hardware, and probably better cable, but the utility you sent me to (below) tells me 60cm is a big enough dish for what I want (and I'm happy to not obscure the whole front of my house with a dish if I don't need to; but it is important that we get "good" reception without big interruptions or problems). I'll also need a satellite finder , but that still keeps the cost about the same as this one in the end, I think. The 1000D does have an rf modulator, right? I found a site that said so, but wanted to make sure from the experts

Originally Posted by BGonaSTICK

You need a clear line of sight to the satellite in the sky. From your rough pic, I'd say you don't. There are always options though. Have a rethink and we'll chat again. Think higher on a short pole at the back maybe.

The kit you mention includes a satellite finding meter

Plenty of shoulders and tissues here You just have to find a line of sight first.

Good luck, and think creative. Check this for a great beginners utility :-

http://www.ses-astra.com/consumer/az...p?locale=en_GB

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!!!! No way that tree is in my way; it's too far off and far too short (and will be for a long time, methinks, even if it is in the way, which I'm still not sure about). That was a great utility; I played around with heights and distances of the tree, and it only gets in the way if I really, really overstate how big and how close it is. I was using the direction that the LNB points as my reference, thinking it pointed at the satellite. The picture on the utility told me: "NEWB!! Of course that's not where the signal comes from; the signal comes in at a higher angle, and bounces off the dish to the LNB. What a NEWB!" Alright, so it didn't say all that, but it did show me where the signal comes into the disk. I think I'm home free on line-of-site! :clap:

Originally Posted by BGonaSTICK

Also, check here for what you can expect to watch :-

White is analogue, yellow is FTA digital.

http://www.lyngsat.com/astra19.html

Okay, now I'm peeved > I've looked at this page before. I'm not colour blind (really, I'm not); I paint; I "do" photography as a hobby [delete if not appropriate] (http://photograpy.heverly.org/photography/) I can see pretty colours all around me. But I cannnot, no matter how hard I try, tell the difference between the FTA analogue channels colour and the FTA digital on this chart!!! ops: I just can't do it. I think there are some digital we want (ZDF for example), but I'm not sure (is it digital? Is it analogue? ). I'm going digital just to be sure! By the way, each time the wife sees the list, she gets a dreamy, happy smile on her face. This is going to be good stuff, that's for sure!

Thanks again for helping so much, and hopefully later tonight or first thing tomorrow I'll be ordering my kit!

Best,

Rob

[BGonaSTICK]

I hate picking between kits - there's always something about them that's not quite right, but I'd have to say that the second kit looks a bit better than the first. I've never seen a kit that I could whole-heartedly recommend.

The dish/LNB is the unknown here, but it should be OK as long as the LNB is a standard universal 40mm neck fitting and adjustable for skew (twist) i.e. not fixed in one place like some Sky dishes (this looks like a zone 2 Sky dish to me).

And yes, you'd do well to change the coax probably.

Basically, I think the TM-1000D is a great little box and a known performer. It's also rock-bottom money. It goes for around £55. A 60cm dish will do fine for Astra1 except in the most extreme conditions, so no point going larger. A good basic dish is going to cost you maybe £30. Decent coax, say £10, LNB £5, Mount £7, satellite meter (optional, & I wouldn't bother for a fixed dish single-sat as powerful and easy to find as Astra1) £10, plus clips, bolts etc.

This dish could well be the best 60cm dish on the market at any price and it's only £32.50 delivered.

Marry that to the TM-1000D and get the rest as cheap as you can and you will have an excellent system that will last a very long time with no messing about.

Yes, the Techno has RF out :- http://www.technomate.com/products2.php

Glad your tree isn't a problem after all. It's obviously a shorty

If it says 'PAL' in the 'Video encryption' column on Lyngsat, it's both white and analogue

STICK

[RobH]

Okay, thanks Stick (and everyone else who chimed in). I understand the hesitancy on the packaged deal, and I guess it's a newbie thing (there's something reassuring to having someone say, "This bit actually goes with this bit, and here are all the bits you need."). Still, I'll give it a final think and see what happens overnight and tomorrow. I'm still a bit of a scaredy cat on this, so more thinking (over-thinking, more likely) is going to happen on it.

I'm not having much luck finding a 1000D at 55 quid :?; everything (with shipping) is over £70 (on eBay and elsewhere); that does change things at least a little bit, as it drives it up just a bit overall, but I'll over-think it some more and see what comes up.

In any event, I really do appreciate the time you've all given (especially you, Stick, you've been a huge help). I now feel like I have what I need to do the deciding, and that's more than half the battle (he says hopefully as he thinks about the install).

Rob