New Sat system setup.

[Spudzz]

Hi all,
Location :Cork City/South coast/Rep Ireland.

Can you please give me some advice on some good quality equipment for my first FTA/Freesat, Sat System,such as the right size dish to receive all the available channels, ,and a good quality HD receiver.
I want a system that will do me well into the future.
I can spend around €700.00 or a bit more if required, on such a system all in.
Also could you give me some advice on how if I want to, add another receiver in another room.
Thanks in advance.

May I just add that my back yard is facing South.if that is of any use to you all.

[Robbo]

A 1m dish would be a good start.

Normally I would say go for something easy to work with to start with, but since you want to use a receiver in another room, a Linux machine of some sort would not be a bad idea.

This is because you can log onto the box anywhere from the house using its web interface, and move the dish remotely.

The AZbox seems fairly popular, HD, and can have twin tuners, and not too pricey. For FTA use, setting up is pretty straightforward.

[Rick]

The only thing is that the AzBox firmware is still not perfected. If you are interested in getting into linux boxes the Technomates are very good beginner boxes. They arent HD but you could use one as a stepping stone so to speak to get you used to how these boxes work. They do have a very steep learning curve that goes along with them.

[radtv]

Why not look at the new Icecrypt S4000 HD, this is Linux OS and comes with a 320GB HDD installed and twin tuners. Personally I would look at this or other boxes than a Technomate.

[Robbo]

I'd agree with the steep learning curve, I still have lots to learn with my TM Linux, but to set one up for basic motorised FTA use, requires no more knowledge than the standard sat receivers (assuming that its software works as it should of course).

[Spudzz]

Thanks lads for all your feedback,much appreciated.
What I am am really looking for is a setup that will be easy to install,and after reading a bit now about this subject I want a motorized dish in the installation.
I really want to purchase the best HD receiver and dish I can afford from the start,and get it finished with,"if you understand what I mean".
Also would ye recommend a wall mount or ground based dish for my setup.

Thanks again

[Robbo]

Ground mount or wall mount, it makes no real difference. Wall mount is easier though, otherwise you have to dig a hole (can be hard work, depending on the soil type).

Also the main factor is choosing a location for the best view of the sats, since you have a south faing wall, that would most likely be your best bet.

A pair of Glavanised T&K brackets and a 2 or 3ft length of scaffold pole would do the job fine.