Success! I found my first satellite :)

[northgeorgia]

I know it's been half a year since I've been here, but I finally got a stable mount for my dish. It made a world of difference. I adjusted the elevation according to the scale on the back of the dish, and pointed it in the proper compass direction. Then I used The List, and in particular, Iceberg's post of the strongest transponders on each satellite, and picked one for Galaxy 19. Switched the box on -- Nothing. But my compass is really cheap, so I remembered a landmark from the dishpointer site, sort of eyeballed the landmark, and rotated the dish over slightly. Instant success! I was surprised how easy it was, but I would have never had been able to do it without all of your helpful pieces of advice here. Now my brother wants an FTA setup too

Just wanted to share. I caught the first bird on my own -- didn't know if I'd be able to do it

 

[toucan-man]

The first time is magic. Soon you'll be able to aim a dish blindfolded.

 

[FaT Air]

Sweet! I think this is one answer to: Where is the next FTAer?
Yep, a stable plumb pole can make all the difference. Congrats on the first satellite. Go get some more.

 

[phlatwound]

Bravo! Welcome to our affliction...err addiction...ummmm...hobby!

 

[Wescopc]

I have been doing it for years - still love the feeling of hitting a satellite!
Congrats
Bob

 

[KE4EST]

Congrats on your success.

 

[Keystone7]

Great job! I can tell you hooked. Good luck in finding more.

 

[hwm]

Oh yeah, I remember that first time feeling. 97w was my first success too.


Congratulations!

 

[Babadem]

I have been doing it for years - still love the feeling of hitting a satellite!
Congrats
Bob

Those are my feelings exactly!

 

[turbosat]

But later on, I wouldn't try it blindfolded, those red wasps are very sneaky in where they can hide a nest. And they don't usually give many warning shots around here!

 

[icu1954]

hip,hip,hooray

 

[KE4EST]

But later on, I wouldn't try it blindfolded, those red wasps are very sneaky in where they can hide a nest. And they don't usually give many warning shots around here!

Boy ain't that the truth.

 

[guacharaca]

Everyone remembers those precious moments of life....
The first kiss.
The first car.
The first night with your girlfriend.
The first satellite.

 

[toucan-man]

The first BUD.
The first farm.
The pitter patter of little Ku dishes following you home.

 

[kevin0821]

Wow! Good for you...
Was it hard to get your first satellite?

 

[PopcornNMore]

Congrats! I found my first satellite back in 1982 and it was a great experience.

 

[cainewillis]

I know it's been half a year since I've been here, but I finally got a stable mount for my dish. It made a world of difference. I adjusted the elevation according to the scale on the back of the dish, and pointed it in the proper compass direction. Then I used The List, and in particular, Iceberg's post of the strongest transponders on each satellite, and picked one for Galaxy 19. Switched the box on -- Nothing. But my compass is really cheap, so I remembered a landmark from the dishpointer site, sort of eyeballed the landmark, and rotated the dish over slightly. Instant success! I was surprised how easy it was, but I would have never had been able to do it without all of your helpful pieces of advice here. Now my brother wants an FTA setup too

Just wanted to share. I caught the first bird on my own -- didn't know if I'd be able to do it

I need help making a choice on what fta dish to get a motor mount are stationary mount whats best??

 

[FaT Air]

I need help making a choice on what fta dish to get a motor mount are(or) stationary mount whats best??

There's no 'best' in your choices. Only a difference in capabilities and convenience. A stationary dish will get one satellite*. To get another requires you to re-position it. A motorized, although more difficult to initially install, will move to the satellite selected by the receiver.
*you may be able to install multiple LNBF's for more than one satellite on a 'fixed' dish. Requires a DISEQC switch to select LNBF. See Switches Simplified in the FAQ's.
For Ku band a 36 or 39 inch is usually recommended. For C band, a minimum of a 6 ft is needed. Recommend larger, 8-10 ft, if possible.

 

[cyberham]

...whats best??

If you can see from one spot the portion of the satellite arc where the satellites you want are located, get a motor. If your site doesn't provide that luxury due to obstacles, you may want to install a couple or more fixed dishes instead.

 

[cainewillis]

If you can see from one spot the portion of the satellite arc where the satellites you want are located, get a motor. If your site doesn't provide that luxury due to obstacles, you may want to install a couple or more fixed dishes instead.

Is cband still worth getting in two