Accuracy of an old 7' steel dish

[FirstClass]

I have to chance to acquire an old 7'prime focus steel dish - probably made 30 yrs ago. It still has the handcrank attached. Just wondering if anyone has experience with a similar dish and how well it works for ku for example. Would it outperform a 1.2m which seem to be popular?

I'm also wondering if yrs ago, the design, manufacturing and performance of a steel dish were comparable to antennas nowadays. I realize alot of factors affect microwave reception, setup, antenna condition etc.

 

[Kraven]

Bigger is always better...just as long as you know how to use it

 

[FTA4PA]

Bigger is always better...just as long as you know how to use it

We are talking about dishes right? Seriously though, agree bigger=better and older is probably made well.

 

[GI_Joe]

Post some pictures of the steel dish if you can. I have a 10 foot Kaul-Tronics steel dish (see avatar) - it has a sticker (which is faded) but you can still read manufactured Sept 1984. That puts it right at 30 years old..

 

[FirstClass]

Owner says it's a steel dish, but it's got alotta peeling paint. Maybe it's aluminum.
And by theory alone it would outperform a 1.2m due to a larger size.

 

[FTA4PA]

Are LNB arms bent or is it that just the angle of the picture. Even so, if free or low cost and dish isn't bent get it! Definitely gonna get more channels with that than a 1.2m

 

[FirstClass]

I'm guessing by the photo the supports are bent - not sure. Trying to contact the owner now.

And with the peeling paint, wouldn't it be rusted all to hell if it were steel?

 

[FTA4PA]

And with the peeling paint, wouldn't it be rusted all to hell if it were steel?

Good point - one would think so. You should be able to tell if it's steel or aluminum just by lifting it.

 

[waylew]

Looks to be galvanized to me.
Oh,don't have to lift it,just stick a magnet on it,if it sticks......