Noobie's attempt at installing H-H motor and dish

[DJB55]

Can I start by saying I have read just about read every topic on this subject, I was even dreaming about fitting this motorized system

So after drilling the wall and sticking up the mount, lining the dish with the motor and dropping it on the mount (that hoseclip idea is the dogs nuts) I got the elevation from the motor manual and left the dish angle smack in the middle of the gauge.

Once I got my head around the fact that that magnetic south is not really south doh!!! I tightened up the mounts switched on and found I was pointing directly at Thor 1W, to say i was amazed would be an understatement.

So I manually moved the motor from 0 degrees to approx 1 deg W backed off all the clamps and slightly twisted the whole setup till Thor came back into view then I just used the TM 1500 signal strength readings to get the best signal and then moved the dish angle up and down once again till I got the best reception.

Found Hotbird, Astra and Hellasat and tuned them all in no probs.

On the signal strength readings on the TM 1500 I am getting 90 - 97 % signal strength and 85 % quality, is this good enough? does it ever or is it possible to get 100%?

The picture is fine I have to say and I am pleased that such a daunting sounding task that only took me about 30 mins setting up, have I been lucky? or am I missing something?

One small thing I have noticed is that there is a little bit of lateral movement in the motor which means the dish moves a fraction side to side, is that about right it, doesn't seem to impair the signal though.

I have noticed the head of a small alan screw protruding from the top of the motor and I am wondering if turning this will take up a bit of the slack.

The one thing I can pass on to anyone else thinking about doing this is PREPERATION IS THE KEY.

Make sure you have everything you need and above all make sure that the wall mount is absolutely perfectly straight.

Check it and check it again then when you sure its straight, check it once more.

[Jimdefruit]

Well DJB55 a very big welcome to the forum. You have just proved what we always say. Take it step by step and dont rush and all will work ok.

Its a great feeling isn't it.

There is nothing worse than sticking the dish up without preparation, finding a satellite and getting a picture, only to find that none of the other satellites appear because the arc is wrong. At that point you have to start all over again.

[BGonaSTICK]

I think it just goes to prove that our dish installation guide is well worth reading in detail, because it's not easy if you just go charging in.

Well done mate. You are a model visitor!

The allen bolt should be left alone. It won't affect the lateral movement, which is completely normal.

After a few years use the play can increase, and it's then possible to dismantle the whole motor and adjust it back to where it is now - just a little play.

Those figures sound great, and you've clearly got it aligned very nicely.

Once again - good job.

Fancy posting some pics in our photo gallery?

STICK

[DJB55]

Thanks guys,

yes very satisfying when you see it all running.

Your instructions I followed to the letter BGonaSTICK

Many many thanks for taking the time to put all that into a document.

Pictures?? well if the sun ever comes out again where I live , I can grab a few digi's and post them no problem.

[Mship]

Result

I bet you were delighted when it all came together .

And, not only have you saved some cash by doing it yourself, you now know what to do if/when the wind gets up to it's old tricks

Kev