Freeing the Bird (view) from 4D for FTA with Pansat. LNBF question...

[radio]

The two cables were already there, but it sounds as if the 22khz might be the way to go!
Could I trouble you to tell me if I'm correct here, then:

I'd turn on "22khz" for every bird, and re-scan (after installing the jumper outside on the LNBF), use the same cable coming in as now (obviously) and just "re-scan" the satellites, and the Ku, if strong should show up automatically allowing me to tweak the 621's position?

This sounds less "messy" than the two cables and diseq inside right now, and...given that we modified a classic 1985 Avion to bring in only (3) total feeds, this one, plus the stationary dish for W-5, would leave me with another if I ever want another signal feed of ANY kind!

As always, the words I hope I never forget here on this site,

"Thank you!"

 

[Mr Tony]

I'd turn on "22khz" for every bird, and re-scan (after installing the jumper outside on the LNBF), use the same cable coming in as now (obviously) and just "re-scan" the satellites, and the Ku, if strong should show up automatically allowing me to tweak the 621's position?

Just the KU sats would have the 22K turned to ON. C-Band still stays OFF

Yeah just move the dish to a sat that has both (say next door at 101W W4) and scan in C-Band. Then go to the antenna setup and find the AMC4/SES1 KU side. Make sure to have the LNB LO to 10750, 22k ON and then blind scan. You should get a bunch of channels on KU and then you can check what the signals look like quality wise

 

[radio]

So, if a bird has both, C and Ku but is not entered into my screen's list, I'd manually input a name, parameters, etc....and such, scan, and do the usual routine.

And, it sounds like even in combined C and Ku birds, they are treated as separate satellites in menu, scanning, etc?

I see some say, "C/Ku" and some are separate in the Pansat memory as it was when I bought it used.

 

[radio]

Hooked up the LNBF jumper scanned appropriate satellite. I'll need to do some work, it's all "tile" but...at least its there! (see pic.) However, I'm more worried that I have an LNBF that is going to be unstable. As I tightened the KU feed down, the whole nut that's against the housing rotated, meaning the feed INSIDE the LNBF is loose, and could be intermittent.

So, I guess I'll have to order another 621...or...what's the other one everyone likes? the 741? And, if I do, based on the build, shouldn't alignment in general be the same or similar in terms of physical install? Now I have the chance to make a good choice! (and I'll still try to tweak this one, too.....maybe I can make it run until I get the new one!)

 

[Mr Tony]

So, if a bird has both, C and Ku but is not entered into my screen's list, I'd manually input a name, parameters, etc....and such, scan, and do the usual routine.

yes. Create a new sat with the KU parameters (10750 LNB LO and 22k ON) and smart scan. Since you're already on the sat you wouldnt need to enter a transponder to lock the signal

And, it sounds like even in combined C and Ku birds, they are treated as separate satellites in menu, scanning, etc?

yes

I see some say, "C/Ku" and some are separate in the Pansat memory as it was when I bought it used.

yep the sat info is probably really outdated. You should almost update the whole sat list....but I guess it depends on how far along you've been setting up the gbox

 

[Mr Tony]

Hooked up the LNBF jumper scanned appropriate satellite. I'll need to do some work, it's all "tile" but...at least its there! (see pic.)

tiling means low signal quality...so you're close but may be off by a smidge. I noticed the 1st pic didnt have as many H transponder items as I have picked up. I think there are 6 H transponders on W4

So, I guess I'll have to order another 621...or...what's the other one everyone likes? the 741? And, if I do, based on the build, shouldn't alignment in general be the same or similar in terms of physical install? Now I have the chance to make a good choice! (and I'll still try to tweak this one, too.....maybe I can make it run until I get the new one!)

I have worked with a 741 actually today and really liked it. Used it on my "ghetto rigged" unit (the one I wheel out of the garage) but went back to the C-Band only setup

 

[Mr Tony]

on a side note I wish I could get PBS on W1 like that....on the 6 footer it barely crack 30-35 on the Pansat

I have to update this...When PBS announced the DVB feeds publicly they must have turned up the power as I now get it locked at a 65-67 quality signal

 

[radio]

Birdview and Ku band DO get along!

Thanks to the help and advice of Iceberg, and the "famous" 741 LNBF, My Birdview project now has Ku operating!

My 621 LNBF had a loose "f" on its chassis connector, and I suspected an intermittent connection, possibly contributing to the "tiling." (as shown in previous Pics)

I was set for a battle, when a 741 unit was supplied by a forum member here, having read a few threads about the issue of "focal length" for Ku on Birdview's pre-set C-band focal length as determined by the hexopod mount.

Installed the quality jumper from C to Ku with compression fittings for weather seal on the 741. Went to my C-band channels on W-1, and just by physically coming close to how the 621 was mounted, we had C-band back with similar quality as the old unit.

Onto Ku....a longshot at best. But, following instructions and going to AMC-4/W4 on the Ku side, I did a scan as shown. 41 transponders showed up! Then, going to the actual channels, for a "blind" alignment and on a rainy, cloudy night which, even on a birdview could reduce signal, I'm IMPRESSED.

After our radio station's weekend food drive is complete, will tweak a bit more and post results.

Anyone with a Birdview, and one of these modern LNBF's can retro fit with only honing out the middle of the original Scalar plate, and should get similar results. I'm sure we can pull a bit better signal with some time and work, but I'm very hapy with this "blind" alignment. Pun intended.

Can't wait to do some (more) scanning of Ku!

Then, its on to better understanding the
Pansat 3500 SD and, installing the G-box and making it talk to the whole system. I know, patience, patience...patience.

 

[Mr Tony]

very cool. Glad the different LNB works and you got KU. A little more tweaking and you'll have a heckuva system up and running