satellite installation from scratch for a beginner!

[l_bunni]

Hi,
My name is Lara and I am hoping someone may help me with regard a new satellite system to watch italian freeview tv. I have very little knowledge but i would like to set this up myself so any advice would be really appreciated!

I have done a little research and this is what i think may do the job for me but i have some questions:

Technomate TM5200D Super+ 60cm Fixed Satellite System
SKU: TM5200FK60


The first questions is whether this is possible to set up myself?

When they talk about "PVR ready (via USB 2.0 port on rear) digital satellite receiver." what exactly do they mean? is it plug in and go and on my tv should there also be a usb port? or is the usb port there t allow access to an external drive for you to save to?

What is the difference between the LNB's ?

Whats the difference between a mesh and solid dish?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Lara

[Robbo]

Hi,

Here is a list of Italian free to air channels available on the various satellites:-

FlySat Italy TV Channels


Hotbird at 13E offers the most channels,so that would most probably be your best bet.

As long as you can drill some holes with a masonary drill, and put some bolts in, climb a ladder, align the dish OK, it is possible for a DIY job.

The dish will need precisely aligned, with access to a signal quality/stength meter. The TM receiver has one built in, so if you could arrange to see the TV screen from the install location, it woould be possible.

The TM5200 has a USB port on it, to be able to record, you have to plug a USB hard disk drive into into.

For picking up Hotbird the specification of the dish or the LNB is not critical.

Have a word with Ian at southernsatellite and he would supply you with what you need. A mesh dish has small holes in it, a solid one doesn't, there will be no difference in performance for that satellite.

[southernsatellite]

Hi Lara and welcome to Techwatch

Set up is simple just need a compass to work out where due south is.

PVR ready means that you can attach a external USB harddrive and record the channel you are watching. The USB port is on the back of the receiver.

If you want to receive just one satellite you need a single LNB, a twin if you want to use two receivers in different rooms.

You won't see any difference on the main satellites like Astra 2, Hotbird etc between a mesh or solid dish.

[Rick]

Hi Lara, welcome to the forum.

Instaling a dish yourself is possible. With some basic DIY skills and some perseverance it should be no problem.

The Kit you listed will work fine. Most of the Italian programming is on Hotbird at 13e which is easially recievable in the UK. I'd suggest you talk to Ian at Southern Satellite before you buy anything though.

PVR = Personal Video Recorder, and is allows you to record stuff. On that reciever it's done by plugging a USB hard drive into the reciever. You would connect the reciever to your tv via Scart.

For hotbird pretty much and Universal LNB will do. There are better ones for improving reception on poorer signals.

If you plan to install the dish in a windy location, I would suggest you go for a mesh dish, as it is less effected by wind. Any differance in signal levels is negligable at worst.

If you take a look through the satellite for beginners section and the photo gallery you should get a good Idea at how to go about your installing your equipment.

[l_bunni]

Thanks a million, I will chat with Ian a bit more about the equipment but your post was really useful thank you,

Lara

[l_bunni]

Thats great thank you. I will start looking through the satellite for beginners and the photo gallery which is a great idea for people like me !!!

Lara

[kerrywez]

You have received very good advice so far, I would just add to it, by saying tht if you can site and install the dish low down, you will be able to use a portable TV and the receiver to set up your dish, it is the best way to have the dish, as when, and it will, moves in high winds, you will be able to adjust it very quickly as you will noty need to climb in high winds. There is nothing to be gained by having your dish up high, unless you need to have it there to allow it to see over some obstacle.

Regards Wez