can I use a DirecPC / DirecDuo 3lnb satellite for FTA?

[lxzndr]

Hi...

I have a DirecPC dish, actually it is a duo dish (very oblong) with 3 lnbs on it. Can I use this for Mpeg2/FTA? if so, what do I need to use it, and what are my satellite options with it? I know I would need a receiver, but do I need to replace the LNBs?

I never had DirecTV so don't have a dTV receiver, I had DirecPC for about a year before moving and getting DSL. (I still have the DirecPC usb modem and install CD if anyone is interested)

Also, are ToonDisney, HBO 2, HBO signature really FTA?
http://www.lyngsat.com/echo3.html

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Mr Tony]

I know PSB uses a DirectPC dish and they work.

The stuff on Echo 3 are test channels. I dont know if they are still active or not (havent been over there in a while)

 

[PSB]

YES! I use two of them for FTA, I also have the double LNB, one is a dual DirecTV LNB and the other is a single KU band LNBF, so it can be used for both KU and DBS satellites, great signals from these DirecPC dish.
I use mine mainly for the extream ends of the Clarke Belt hence they are upside down, plus they look better that way : )

 

[flinchum]

I currently use the one-way DirecWay service but am thinking of dropping it. My dish is currently pointed at 99W. Will the DirecWay Ku lnb pick up anything FTA? If I replace the DirecWay LNB with a standard Ku LNB, how is it attached to the arm?

 

[PSB]

Yes its just a standard Ku LNBF that DirecPC use, but there is nothing FTA on G4R 99w. right now, so you would have to move your dish just a fraction left or right to pick up some FTA, I would move your dish 2 deg. to the left (from behind dish) to pick up the IA5 satellite, it has hundreds of free international channels, a great place to start!.
If you want to pick up legal FTA channels from the DBS satellites then you will need a DBS LNB, you can simply zip tie this to the KU LNBF or there is a dual LNB bracket available that could be "rigged" to work, I would make my own.

 

[flinchum]

I tried hooking the feed up to my new Pansat 2500A but it didn't register anything. Should I have seen anything? Maybe I just don't know how to work the new pansat yet. After a few minutes I just assumed the LNB was not compatible and hooked it back up to the direcway modem. If I will be able to use this LNB, how hard is it to motorize this dish? My wife is Chinese and would love to get some free Chinese programming.

 

[Mr Tony]

If you aim it at G3 (95) there is
CCTV4 & CCTV9

Otherise, IA5 (97) has tons of international programming

 

[Mr Tony]

I currently use the one-way DirecWay service but am thinking of dropping it. My dish is currently pointed at 99W. Will the DirecWay Ku lnb pick up anything FTA? If I replace the DirecWay LNB with a standard Ku LNB, how is it attached to the arm?

The Directway will pick up FTA. However, there is nothing at 99W that you can get with a DVB receiver. Need to move the dish

 

[PSB]

I would further invest in a motor, a Ku LNBF and a 30" dish, your wife will be very happy with all the FTA Chinese channels up there, as Tony said its worth it alone for the two Chinese channels on the G3C satellite ( 4 deg. to left from behind dish), one is in English and its like the Chinese's version of CNN international, some great stuff there especially over the recent Chinese new year!

 

[lxzndr]

So then the only thing I would need is a FTA receiver, such as the pansat 2500a that is all over e-bay? plus wiring and getting it properly aimed.

 

[Mr Tony]

Depending on the receievr, you can spend $60 up to $500 for a receiver

The Pansats and Satworks are the 2 big names out there

 

[Mr Tony]

Also forgot about the Chinese channels on Galaxy 13 (127). The ones that just moved from either IA5 or AMC4.

 

[MrMylesG]

directv 3lnb dish

Hi Folks!

I also have one of those DirecTV oval dishes with the 3 lnbs on it and skew adjustments. It has a builtin switcher for DirecTv. I hooked it up tonight straight through to my Nexus DVB card but I cannot get a signal from it. I tried Progfinder program and at one point I got a 49 on the strength and 0 quality.

My satellite signal meter goes off the scale the signal is so strong. But I only have one lnb connected at the moment. I'll try again tomorrow when I can see what I am doing.

I just wanted to see if I can successfully use the dish so I can get the free stuff off both 110 and 119.

Thanks.

MrM

 

[PSB]

The above member has a DirecPC dish, you are talking a DirecTV Phase III dish, this dish has an internal switch as you mentioned and so it acts as a single dish, it defaults to the 101 LNB that the far right LNB from behind the dish. But should work for one DBS satellite at a time!

 

[Mr Tony]

Also, are ToonDisney, HBO 2, HBO signature really FTA?
http://www.lyngsat.com/echo3.html

According to www.Dishchannelchart.com
they have been removed

"Test Channels 9947, 9948, 9951-9962 which were airing content FTA to non Dish MPEG receivers have had their content removed. "