Loss/gain of weak channels, North Beam, Astra II

[imported_englishbullterrier]

Hi all, the loss of weak signals from channels such as BBC2 and C4 is well known down here in Spain. This is normally (according to the many forum entries) late in the evening.

However, :wink_smile: my system (which has not yet been fine tuned as far as skew/feedhorn focal point positioning, elevation and direction is concerned) does not not give me enough strength for these channels in the day, but they come on in the evening, quite strongly :confused_smile:

I'm using a Famaval 1.8PFm Uniccom C120 Duo with a Humax Foxsat HD Receiver.

Any ideas ?

Lastly, any suggestions/recommendation on a decent bit of electronics kit that I might buy to help the many many people here who need accurate alignment ? I've been in computer electronics for more years than I care to remember, back to the 70's mainframe systems, and am more than capable of using 'scopes etc.

I've helped out a few older folk now that the local retransmission of UK programs has been wiped out by the Guardia Civil. Poor people have been going out and buying kit with no idea how to install it. I use an inclinometer, compass and a simple sat finder, which is OK for 'gross' setting but not fine tuning. Any help will be appreciated.

I am NOT doing this as a business, but helping out the local community.

Thanks.....:lightbulb:

[Siege]

I don't know if it's available in your part of the world but, i've used a simple sat. finder from Maplins here in the UK and also believe it or not an even cheaper one from Lidl,..both have the tone generator and an led level meter for when the dish is on satellite,..not state of the art equipment but cheap and adequate,.. the sats. these days are far stronger anyway so you do have a margin of error also the signal meter in the receivers nowadays are also more sensitive,...best regards

[imported_driver]

hi

it is true that all the signals derive from one point in the sly.

but the satellites there are many

so the true direction has always to be a compromise ,unless you are well into the main beam.

too set up your dish find first the location,where most signals apear to be present.
adjust the skew,this will be once only.

now find a weak signal.reset the focus,remember that a back forward movement of the LNB ,also moves the elevation of the dish,so, the two have to be juggled together.

if a great improvment has been found.then again search for the weakest signal.

a thin damp cloth hung over the LNB will deminish the signal and allow you too find the very best direction.

remove cloth and the best results will be available

it is always best to use a sat reciever that has built in signal strength meter to set up.set for signal quality not strength.

a monitor in visual range of the dish location is the prefered way to see the
improvments being made.

strength meters that are any use at all are expensive.normal cheap one will find only the location ,never the best setting

cheers:thumbs_up:

[imported_englishbullterrier]

Thanks, I have a satfinder from Maplins and find it invaluable for 'gross' setting up. However, not much good for the fine measurements. I have ordered a Lacuna Mk 4, 2008NS Satellite Meter. (28E North and South beam included) to help out with super accurate positioning. Thanks for your reply.....

[Siege]

Good glad your getting sorted,..yes the Maplins meter is only useful as a rough guide,..anything better you have to spend some serious money,..regards