2 - laser rotary aiming device for checking direction of Ku LNBF

[polgyver]

Inspiration for this jig came from our forum member, Kodaz, who suggested to Titanium that he utilize this idea. As it was for C- band, where big dishes are symmetrical, probably this would be redundant.
However, things are different with offset dishes, and it was always puzzling for me, what part of the dish is best illuminated by LNBF?
So, I built this prototype, cutting some corners, and finally got it working.
Regulation for angle laser is really poor, and the jig is not weight balanced, so it needs to be held for particular positions.
So far, I tested 2 dishes,(only one photographed) and it seems that the LNBF's are aimed too high. Could it be on purpose, to avoid thermal noise from Earth?
Waiting for warmer weather to check other, outside dishes... Cheers, polgyver

 

[jorgek]

Very impressive.

 

[Foxbat]

What ever you do, don't try this aiming rig near an airport. You'll have a visit from the Feds and may face fines and/or jail time: http://www.laserpointersafety.com/n...nts_files/category-did-not-realize-hazard.php

Re-reading your post, you aren't using this to check for obstructions, you're checking to see where the LNB is aimed, right? In that case the beam wouldn't be sent into the sky and you should have nothing to worry about. Another person had mentioned using a laser pointer and reflector to "light" trees and other obstructions which would involve the laser beam being aimed at the sky.

 

[polgyver]

Foxbat,
Very interesting reading from your link. Mostly about powerful green lasers. The toy lasers used in this jig take 0.025 A, at voltage 4.5 V, therefore power is in the range of 0.1 W.
Tried them with reduced voltage, 3.0 V. Current dropped to 0.009 , so, power was 0.03 W. And the beam still visible, although a little weaker.
They have internal resistor, 680 ohm.

 

[Foxbat]

I'll have to search again for the installer using lasers to find obstacles and post that link. I like your rig, looks like it it would speed up installing the LNB on an offset dish. Kudos!

 

[danristheman]

polgyver I have tried this idea out take a flashlight that mounts on your head go out at night switch to the red light. I have used that plenty of times to help line up the lnb for a modded dish. put the light on the lnb and aim it towards the dish.

Dan Rose