Helping out local folk with UK TV from Astra

[6mauledrv]

I'm afraid this in incorrect. Parabolic shape (depth) changes depending on who the manufacturer is and hence the focal point.

To calculate the exact distance to the entry of the feed horn, use the following formula -

D x D/16d where D = the diameter of the reflecting surface (do not include any rolled edge) and d = the depth of the dish at the centre of the parabola. (Use a straight edge and measure the depth).

Good one englishbullterrier! - it was I who gave you this formula and if you care to work it out for a 1.8m dish you will come to an answer of 736mm.

Remember, we're talking about prime focus dishes. Offset types may be different - I don't know.
In my experience, the measured depth for a 1.8m parabolic dish is 275mm. I haven't come across another prime focus 1.8m dish with a different depth.

For instance, if you look at the spec for the portuguese Famaval 1.9m dish, you will see that the focal point is at 736mm, as it is with my much older dish. Therefore the depth is also 275mm. Both dishes are therefore the same shape - parabolas.

The fact is, they're true parabolas with the same diameter and so the focal points are the same.

Can you come back with a list of 1.8m dishes that have different depths? Be interesting to see why they're different.

[Algorfa4Me]

A bit of advice

From looking back at the responses to the questions arising from the Telemicro problems, I am hoping that some one may be able to offer me some advice.

The president of my community to talking about installing a community dish for free to air which would cost about €450 per flat. As this is a holiday home we are really not sure if we want to spend this amount of money and have thought about buying a small dish, mounting it on a tripod and connecting it only when we are in Spain.

I have a solarium so positioning the dish should not be a real problem but really did not want to mount it on the wall so that it allows me to pack it away when I come back to the UK

Would this recieve free to air?
Is this a practical solution and is the signal strong enough that I could take the dish in when not in Spain?

Any practical advice would be really appreciated so that we can make a decision one way or the other

garry

[koali]

This is a genuine message.

As I see it, EnglishBullTerrier is doing one hell of a lot of work for people and as I read it he places his heart and soul into it and asks for basic expenses only (?)

I honestly think his efforts should be recognised. There is a local awards process I believe organised by one of the radio stations and/or free press.

Although I do not know who EBT is and he has not completed any work for me personally, it would be a really good thing if someone for whom he has worked recommended him for such an award.

What do you think ?

[englishbullterrier]

Embarassment precludes me from an indepth reply Garry, but I think I could come up with a system that you could dismount when leaving for the UK. Maybe you could give me a call and we could go through it. There are PLENTY of UK FTA channels available by a smallish dish.

ebt (Steve) 966 722 850

[gallows]

Television at Last

Hi Steve

Thanks once again for sorting out my television system (La Siesta) everything working ok. I will call you when I return from the UK to upgrade the dish so that I can recieve more channels.Once again thank for your help.

Passed your number on to a number of people. Speak to you soon.

[selwynha]

1.9M Dish Planning???

Hi

Just joined the forum having lost re-broadcast tv like most people. Spent the last two days trying to get a signal from Astra south beam using 60cm dish, universal LNB and a SKY digibox with free to air card to no avail.
Was thinking of taking plunge with a 1.9m dish and was wondering if anyone has had any come back with local planning law? I can see it coming that the authorities will wait a couple of years to let everyone have a large dish fitted, then tell us they are illegal and take them down!!!

Cheers

[englishbullterrier]

60cm FAR too small, even an 85 can be marginal. I can help you out in the interim if you'd like. As far as I know, no one had has any problems and they are sprouting up ALL OVER the place. They are also quite hard to get hold of.

Let me know if you'd care for some help. I have a new 85cm if you'd like to try it....ebt

[selwynha]

Thanks a lot for that ebt

Thats a very kind offer and much appreciated, but I am dithering whether to take the plunge or not for a large dish.
I have my own SKY digibox with free to view card and I have had a quote of euro800 for a 1.9 meter dish fitted - what do you think?

Regards

Selwynha

[englishbullterrier]

Thanks a lot for that ebt

Thats a very kind offer and much appreciated, but I am dithering whether to take the plunge or not for a large dish.
I have my own SKY digibox with free to view card and I have had a quote of euro800 for a 1.9 meter dish fitted - what do you think?

Regards

Selwynha

Seems a lot to me, as they are being sold in Creviente for 430 euros and an LNB would be 60 euro. Nice profit !

1.7 offsets are now becoming available and they are going to be 300 euro to buy + the LNB.

Hard decision I know. Take care.............ebt

[selwynha]

Hi ebt

I would be willing to have a go myself at installing one at that price - can you give me any more info?

Cheers

[englishbullterrier]

Hi, if you'd like, please email me at englishbullterrier@btinternet.com

ebt