site survey

[Mallen]

As a complete newbee i am sorry if this is a silly question.

I do not have a system at the momment nor do any of my neighbours. The rear of my house (south facing) has some quite tall trees in a coppice.
Is there any way to test how much of an interference problem they would cause without the expence of buying a complete system first?

thanks in advance

[cactusman]

For starters ,just obtain yourself a compass ,and see what clear line you have in the direction of say Astra Satellite 28.2 East of south.A clear view over the next doors fence etc as well,or visit the Astra website for some good indications as to what is required where you are.
OK

[Jimdefruit]

Have a look at the details in the following post and the guide given:

http://www.satellitehelp.co.uk/forum...pic,401.0.html

How high are the trees relative to a possible dish position? The angle that the dish needs to point above the horizon depends upon where you are relative to the equator. Also, trees do not always block out the signal completely. If you use your location in the charts on the above website, you may find your direct line of sight to the satellites is above the tree line.

[wod]

its possible as my neighbours have trees and i have a motorised dish and its fine as the trees are over 10metres away and the offset angle of the dish looks over the trees

its on some t&k brackets nearly above the roof line

have you looked on google earth etc. to find the south east position to your house ?

wod

[BlackHawk]

Hi Mallen
Are you in the UK? If so the sun has recently passed behind the arc of the satellites. If you can see clear sky one sun diameter below it's existing arc from 9am to 3pm at the position you want your dish to be at. You should be capable of picking up satellites from approx 45 degrees east to 45 degrees west.
Please note that this rough check is only viable for a day or two as the sun gets higher in the sky as the days go by, in addition times will change when summer time starts.
Do not forget that trees tend to grow higher. They also become covered in foliage during certain parts of the year.
BH

[Mship]

I found the following program useful when working out where to mount my dish:

_http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Satellite-Antenna-Alignment-Download-20853.html#

Download, install and select the 'obstacles' tab.

As long as you know the approximate distance/height of the obstacle it will give you a good idea of what you could expect to receive from your chosen location

Kev

[Mallen]

Thanks for all the help guys. Great forum.

Its difficult to know where to start as a complete novice, and you guys have been really helpful....it is much appriciated.

[BGonaSTICK]

There was definitely room in 'the market' for a forum that went out of it's way to help the newcomer

Hopefully many of the people who get into the hobby via this site will come back periodically and share a little of their new-found skill with the next 'intake'.

:clap: