Another New Guy

[Rendered]

Hi Folks,

I am completely new to all this. I am planning on buying my first FTA system this coming year. Right now I am doing the research. I never would have known about FTA if it was not for one day my older brother mentioned that he remembered seeing books in the early 90s about building your own setup and getting hundreds of channels. (like Gameguy, it was my brother that got me started.) I said I thought there was nothing out there broadcasting anymore except the big two providers and some service being used by other countries. I just assumed that everything got bought up by companies and was then encrypted for pay service. But, with a few online searches I found the un-encrypted world of Free To Air. We were both surprised to see so many channels at ftalist.com, I guess FTA is just something you don't find out about unless you do the research.

Anyway, back to my point. Up until now I have always just received the basic terrestrial broadcast with an antenna PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC & FOX. I noticed that the FORTEC STAR Mercury II has an input for an antenna. I was just wondering if that is for receiving an analog or a digital terrestrial signal? Or am I missing something here? I ask because I have been considering the idea of getting a converter box so I can still get local TV when the analog signal goes dark in 2009. If it only works with the old analog signal then I need to get a box and if I do that then how will I interface the converter box with the Mercury II?

Thanks for the help.

FTA Satellite is perfect for people who can't really afford Dish, Direct or cable, but is willing to save up for a FTA system.

I got my eye on the M-2 Motorized Package from Sadoun.:clap

 

[Mr Tony]

The antenna input on the Merc II is just a passthrough. It doesn't decode anything for that

 

[taelon721]

FTA Satellite is perfect for people who can't really afford Dish, Direct or cable, but is willing to save up for a FTA system.

I got my eye on the M-2 Motorized Package from Sadoun.:clap

First off, FTA is the undiscovered country. Some stations leave FTA, and then there is a new station that pops up taking its place. And most of those stations, my friends with DirecTV and Dish don't get.

Second, I have dealt with Sadoun, and they have excellent customer service. You are not a number to them.... you are an individual, and they treat you as they would a friend. That is one of the few places that my friends and I continue to go back to.

You will also find that the people in this forum are some of the most helpful FTAers on the net. You come in here as a newbie, ask alot of questions and learn. Then a year or so from now, someone else decides to try FTA, and then you are there to help with their basic questions. It is cool.

FTA is just about watching TV, it is about having fun!

 

[Rendered]

The antenna input on the Merc II is just a passthrough. It doesn't decode anything for that

Thanks for the quick answer! I guess I'll just setup the two boxes and see what connection works best. One interesting thing I found was that the remote has got a STB mode which I believe stands for Set-Top Box. The new digital converter boxes are being made by the same companies that make the Set-Top Boxes, so I am hoping the controlling codes might be the same. But, I also might be an idiot.

First off, FTA is the undiscovered country. Some stations leave FTA, and then there is a new station that pops up taking its place.

Yep, that actually makes it kind of exciting. I am prepared to see stuff come and go. One thing I noticed was that there are several science and arts channels out there. And if just one stays up or if at least something else comes up that's similar to replace it then I'll be a completely happy individual. But, just getting unfiltered news or information from other places makes the setup worth it to me.

Hey, I wonder if there is a listing of how long each channel has been up or was at least when first spotted?

have dealt with Sadoun, and they have excellent customer service. You are not a number to them.... you are an individual, and they treat you as they would a friend. That is one of the few places that my friends and I continue to go back to.

Thanks, that is a very helpful thing to know! I kind of got that vibe from looking at how they got their website setup, but what you said confirms it.:up

You will also find that the people in this forum are some of the most helpful FTAers on the net. You come in here as a newbie, ask alot of questions and learn. Then a year or so from now, someone else decides to try FTA, and then you are there to help with their basic questions.

Cool, I am fully prepared to ask some stupid questions and it's good to know that others are willing to take the time to answer. I am very do it your self and I do lots of research, but with some things I just need to ask an expert to understand.


Okay here is something I could use some help to figure out. I am looking at Sadoun's M-2 and M-3 motorized package. I noticed that the difference in the two packages is the LNB. The M-3 package has a 0.3 noise figure instead of 0.4, so that's good. And it can get a linear and circular polarized signal which is even better. But then I noticed that the frequency range of the M-2 package is 10.7 to 12.75GHz and the M-3 range is only 11.7 to 12.7GHz? So my questions to you guys are:

Which in your opinion is the best setup to go with?

Is there really anything worth receiving between 10.7 and 11.7GHz or is that dead mans land for signals?

I only saw a few interesting FTA channels that is circular instead of linear. So is there really any advantage in receiving circular?

Considering that at the moment I live in the top part of Texas, is there any real advantage in having a 0.3 over a 0.4 low noise figure? Would that be the difference between getting a channel and not getting one?

Understanding this would be a big help for me.

Here is the link so you can take a quick look at the packages: *Motorized Free To Air Satellite system* A powerful solution if your favorite channels are available over several satellites. The receiver's remote control will actually co

 

[qwert1515]

Is there really anything worth receiving between 10.7 and 11.7GHz or is that dead mans land for signals?

I only saw a few interesting FTA channels that is circular instead of linear. So is there really any advantage in receiving circular?

Considering that at the moment I live in the top part of Texas, is there any real advantage in having a 0.3 over a 0.4 low noise figure? Would that be the difference between getting a channel and not getting one?

The only channel that I can think of that is currently between 10.7 GHz to 11.7 GHz is Cubavision on 58 Degrees West.

There are a few FTA channels that are circular, if you want any of them you will need one, I have a circular LNB tie-wrapped next to my linear LNB.

Most of the time you will not see a difference in a 0.3 vs. 0.4 noise figure, it depends on how they measure it, if they determine the noise figure at low frequencies or high ones, there are too many variables.

You will see a much larger change in signal quality by upgrading to a larger dish. I would recommend at least a 36", a 39" would be better and 1.2 Meters is the best (for a dish smaller than a BUD) for Ku and a little bit of C Band.

I had a 31" (or 33"?), I was not happy with the weak signals so I got a 36", I was still not happy so I finally got a 1.2 meter dish that I am very happy with. (Until I want more C-Band )

 

[Rendered]

Budtiful

Hi all,

I got some news & more questions for you.

First off thanks for the info qwert1515 every bit helps. I am beginning to lean toward the M2 package now. Although a 36" or bigger dish is tempting.

Ok, the most exciting thing that has happened so far in my FTA adventure is that I have now got myself an old BUD!:clap I am doing all the research I can on it. The original owner past away several years ago and his relatives did not have any use for the BUD so they let me have it for 30$. It is in need of some major repair and unfortunately the receiver and the actuator for controlling the motor is missing at the moment. They did a brief search through the house, but all that was found was the remotes and the manuals. So it looks like I will not be able to test the LNB unless the receiver turns up, or I try to get an old analog receiver from eBay. I think maybe the best choice is to wait till I have enough to get the M-2 Motorized setup and get a C/KU band LNBF with it for my BUD.

This is the one that interested me: BSC621-2 C KU Band Prime Focus LNBF
Do you guys think this is a good idea?

Of course before it can be of any use I need to replace the mesh. I am still looking at various sources to get some. I don't have much money, but I'm very do it your self on projects like this. So my questions are:

Should it be aluminum or are there any metal properties that will affect the signal strength?

Would a weather proof coating affect the signal?

Would paint affect the signal?

Would any kind of coating reflect more of the signal?

This is the first time I have ever had to think about signals and frequencies when it comes to getting a material. The only info I have heard so far is that the mesh needs to be dense enough that you can't stick a pencil through it.

Here are some shots of the BUD and everything. I will be moving it to my place when the weather warms up. Disassembly seems pretty simple. After taking the shots I took notes and then removed the LNB. The only thing my brother and I are not looking forward to is digging the pole out of the ground. I dread to think how deep it goes or if there is concrete involved.

 

[jayelem]

Although a 36" or bigger dish is tempting.

Go for it , you won't regret it.
36" is what I have , 3 of them actually.

Anything bigger and the shipping goes up too much.

 

[turbosat]

Rendered, sorry to say but that is a sad looking 30bucks, they should've given YOU the money to get rid of that one. Looks like a lot of work, I think I would keep looking for a dish, most of them you find are in much better shape than that. The time, and money spent for replacement panels, or mesh, newer lnb (instead of the older LNA) feedhorn, other parts will add up.
Of course it's a good learning experience if you want it for that.

 

[Rendered]

Sequel to Piece of Junk

Ha-ha… So to quote Luke Skywalker "What a piece of junk!" The one thing that was really disappointing was that there was no receiver. Well I'm still new at this.

The new and surprising thing for me is that I have found another one. It looks newer and it has all its mesh panels with no holes. The LNB still has its shield cover and the motor looks good. Plus the guy says the receiver and everything is in good condition (although he has never tried to use it himself). I think he bought the house a few years back and the previous owner just left it there. It looks like an 8ft but it could be a 10ft. All in all it looks like a 90s analog setup, but in good condition.

So what do you guys think it should be worth? The guy said he would take a 100$ for it but of course I can't pay that. The highest I'd even think about going is 60$ but for me that is still a lot of money that I could put toward a new setup in the future.
If you guys could tell me what in your opinion the minimum and the maximum it should be worth is, then that would be a big help. I am going to meet the owner again this Thursday to settle on a price.

 

[turbosat]

Depends on what kind of receiver he is giving you, for instance, if its a 4DTV I'd say its prob worth the money if its working. Most any other analog receiver/ird you can find on ebay or here for 20bucks and shipping , or less. If the dish is good and you don't want to keep searching for a totally free one, offer him 50bucks and see if he bites.

 

[Tron]

Getting back to your Ku LNBF question, the Invacom Quad (the .3 dB LNBF that receives both circular and linear) is a good LNBF, and most here who have them like them. Only downside it is a large and heavy LNBF, and the weight can sometimes make the LNBF holder sag (depending on the dish it is installed on). An advantage of the .3 standard (which is what the Invacom is) over the .4 universal is that, with the standard, you can use 22k switching if your system ever expands to multiple LNBFs

 

[Rendered]

Thanks Tron that's good to know. What kind of switch would be best for having the KU Motorized System and a C-Band dish going to the same receiver? If I get the BUD, then I plan on getting a digital C-band LNB and connecting it to the Mercury II in the future somewhere down the line.

Depends on what kind of receiver he is giving you, for instance, if its a 4DTV I'd say its prob worth the money if its working.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I'm lucky enough to see one.:shocked

If the dish is good and you don't want to keep searching for a totally free one, offer him 50bucks and see if he bites.

I hope I can get it for that, otherwise I think I'll have to wait on getting one.


Well, the owner never came by Thursday, although that's not all that unusual around here. I'm sure he'll be around sometime to check on the place.


The good news for me is that thanks to some freelance work that came up, I'm getting to where I can get the KU Motorized Satellite System much sooner then I thought. If all goes well I'll have enough in about two weeks or so! :clap


I have pretty well decided on getting:

The M2 FTA Mercury II Motorized Satellite System, but with an upgrade to a 90cm dish instead of the 80cm one
Motorized Free To Air Satellite systems in

An Install Kit with cables, a compass and everything
Self Install Kit for Satellite Systems RG6/U Coaxial Cable

And an in-line surge protector
Surge Protector Satellite Inline Coaxial


After that I'll literally only have a few dollars left in my set aside FTA money pile. But I think all that will keep me busy until I have enough to get my C-band setup a running.

 

[turbosat]

Looks like a good choice. Mercury 2 is a nice receiver, reliable from all accounts, good for motor control & blind scanning.

 

[Rendered]

I'm getting the KU!!!!

Well I just ordered the setup!!! :lick:clap@party:shocked


And I started a new thread: http://www.satelliteguys.us/free-ai...-getting-my-first-fta-motorized-ku-setup.html


Thanks for all the help, you guys are great!:up