FTA set under $1000

[esdwa]

Hello and thanks for allowing me to post.
I am longtime A/V enthusiast, former paid SAT user, EE for living.... looking for most versatile FTA setup to explore as much satellites as possible above western hemisphere. The dish size does not matter much as I have all backyard at my disposal, prefer single dish, location is SE Florida. I greatly appreciate suggestions of all elements of such system, all to keep under $1000. Thank you again.

 

[harshness]

It would be beneficial to all if you delved a bit more into what kind of content you're looking for (i.e. might it include 4K such as the NASA clips).

Finding a dish that can survive SE Florida weather (primarily wind, but also electrolysis) is perhaps the primary constraint on dish choices. Powder coating will take you only so far.

 

[esdwa]

Thanks for reply. Dish can be installed on the ground, less wind pressure due to fenced backyard. I do not expect dish to last forever.
As for content, my focus is more exploration of as many satellites and channels as possible, programs in any language, HD content preferred, 4K might be a cherry on top but not necessary.


Sent from my G8142 using Tapatalk

 

[Titanium]

Welcome to SatelliteGuys!

A moderator might move this into the main FTA forum where it may generate more resonses.

To keep your initial cost below $1000 you might try craigslist or driving around inland older neighborhoods or commercial areas to find an unused 10' c-band dish. I remember many were used in the Western areas of Pompano and Broward counties before cable and small dish satellite was available.

May need some sweat investment to relocate and clean-up. Might require a new actuator motor like the Venture 36" maxi ball ($300). Restore / Upgrade with new LNBs or swap out the feedhorn. Consider the simplicity of a PLL LNBF like the C1-PLL ($40).

Also consider a 90cm motorized dish, dedicated for KU reception. I would suggest buying the GEOSATpro 90cm with KU LNBF for approx $100 including shipping. Mount that on a STAB HH90 HH motor (approx $125).

Check out the Edision OS mio 4K receiver. It is the most capable and fastest processor available but still reasonable cost of $185.

Hope this starts a suggestion equipment list for your project. Many hobbyists on this forum have done projects like this, so there will be plenty of help when you have questions.

 

[harshness]

I remember many were used in the Western areas of Pompano and Broward counties before cable and small dish satellite was available.

I expect that pretty much nothing from back in the day of C-band will have survived the environment. My sister has a picture of an air conditioning heat exchanger that looks like it was dipped in acid and it was only a few years old. She worked for Trane somewhere around Deerfield Beach.

 

[raydio]

I have the Ku setup that Brian has suggested...90cm dish, HH-90 motor and the OS Mio 4K receiver. All good stuff especially the box, you will not find another better and the support is stellar.

 

[Brct203]

other important question: are you considering doing the installation yourself? Or are you looking for a professionally installed system?

 

[Titanium]

I expect that pretty much nothing from back in the day of C-band will have survived the environment. My sister has a picture of an air conditioning heat exchanger that looks like it was dipped in acid and it was only a few years old. She worked for Trane somewhere around Deerfield Beach.

Deerfield beach is near the ocean. Go inland 5-10 miles and metal survives. Lived in South Florida for many years. Check out areas like Unicorporated areas of Coral Springs, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, etc.

 

[PBSer]

Deerfield beach is near the ocean. Go inland 5-10 miles and metal survives. Lived in South Florida for many years. Check out areas like Unicorporated areas of Coral Springs, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, etc.

esdwa didn't state how far the installation would be from the ocean. If within 5 miles how long would a metal dish last? May want to install a non-metal dish.

 

[harshness]

Deerfield beach is near the ocean. Go inland 5-10 miles and metal survives. Lived in South Florida for many years.

The TS has updated their locale to Pompano Beach and that's mostly within five miles of the ocean.

 

[primestar31]

Perhaps he can find one of the better fiberglass or composite dishes in somebodies back yard. Short of being blown over by a hurricane, the dish itself won't rust. If he keeps up maintenance every year on the polar mount and such, it should last a long time. Perhaps he can put it up behind a house to help shelter from the wind, yet not block the satellite arc.

 

[JFOK]

Hi All,

I live 2.5 miles from the ocean and in the 17 years my dish was 20 feet up, there was no dish corrosion noted.
Some small bits of the powder coat finish had flaked off, but it was still a solid and well performing dish.
The Cape Cod weather and salt air didn't seem to do it any harm physically.

John

 

[pacificrim]

Of the 2 Cband dishes I have taken down, both were within a few hundred yards of the ocean. One was perfect, but the other one had rusted away the small steel tabs that hold the dish to the ring. It did make it easier to cut apart and I was able to use the 7.5' Unimesh mount with the 10' KTI, so it worked out. I also 2 of the 4 LNB rods on the KTI had rusted through. I fabricated a new one and only use 3 rods.

 

[esdwa]

other important question: are you considering doing the installation yourself? Or are you looking for a professionally installed system?

Yes, I have done one before... 25 yrs before. I am also EE.

esdwa didn't state how far the installation would be from the ocean. If within 5 miles how long would a metal dish last? May want to install a non-metal dish.

It's exactly 1 mile from the shore.