Here is a list of the basics that are needed to pick up legal FTA channels...
YOU WILL NEED A COMPASS!
YOU MUST HAVE LINE OF SIGHT TO THE SATELLITE/S
A satellite signal will not pass through trees or leaves, take into account future tree growth and other possible obstructions, overhanging braches and balconies cause a lot of trouble with self installs.
A minimum 30"/75cm minimum satellite dish, a 1 meter/39" is recommended for some feeds and northern locations.
Standard Ku band LNBF (11.7-12.2ghz) L.O. of 10750 (most people use one of these)
or
Universal Ku band LNBF (10.75-12.2ghz) L.O. of 09750 / Hi Lo 10600/22khz tone.
(The universal LNB gives you a wider scanning range but cant be used with most satellite meters as it also uses a 22khz tone switch).
(DirecTV + Dish Network LNBF have Circular polarization and will not work for most FTA programs, but there are a few channels you can pick up with one see below*)
A DVB MPEG2 FTA Digital receiver preferably with the blind/smart search function.
The blind/smart search finds live feeds/channels you would difficult and time consumong to find using a regular receiver.
RG6 cable from receiver to LNBF (or to motor then to LNBF if using a motor)
Ground block and f-connectors
There are also computer cards available that work as receivers.
Optional items:
If the receiver is DiSEqC 1.2 compatible then a motor can be added to the system opening up all the available FTA satellites in the Clarke belt as long as you have a clear line of sight to them.
An additional item to expand onto your system is a DiSEqC switch. These allow you to hook up to 4 dishes to a system.
*With a simple 2 way DiSEqC switch and a "dual LNB Bracket" you can easily add a DBS LNB to your system to give access to FTA DBS channels/Audio.
Its always a good idea to do your homework before purchasing any FTA/MPEG2 system, if you are going to be doing the installation yourself be prepared to not get the whole job done in one day, and don't be disappointed if it does not all click together at your first try, don't give up and blame the equipment, there are very few BAD brand new LNBF and receivers being shipped : ) but its always the first thing people new to the hobby seem to blame it on. If all else fails hire a local licensed satellite installer. Ask first if they have ever done a Ku band installation, and what type of satellite meter they use, if they say they use a small TV , do it yourself or get a professional with the right tool for the job, there are VERY few DirecTV/Dish installers who have ever done a Ku band install never mind have the right positive identification satellite meter for quick accurate installations. You CAN do the install yourself, and the members here can help!
YOU WILL NEED A COMPASS!
YOU MUST HAVE LINE OF SIGHT TO THE SATELLITE/S
A satellite signal will not pass through trees or leaves, take into account future tree growth and other possible obstructions, overhanging braches and balconies cause a lot of trouble with self installs.
A minimum 30"/75cm minimum satellite dish, a 1 meter/39" is recommended for some feeds and northern locations.
Standard Ku band LNBF (11.7-12.2ghz) L.O. of 10750 (most people use one of these)
or
Universal Ku band LNBF (10.75-12.2ghz) L.O. of 09750 / Hi Lo 10600/22khz tone.
(The universal LNB gives you a wider scanning range but cant be used with most satellite meters as it also uses a 22khz tone switch).
(DirecTV + Dish Network LNBF have Circular polarization and will not work for most FTA programs, but there are a few channels you can pick up with one see below*)
A DVB MPEG2 FTA Digital receiver preferably with the blind/smart search function.
The blind/smart search finds live feeds/channels you would difficult and time consumong to find using a regular receiver.
RG6 cable from receiver to LNBF (or to motor then to LNBF if using a motor)
Ground block and f-connectors
There are also computer cards available that work as receivers.
Optional items:
If the receiver is DiSEqC 1.2 compatible then a motor can be added to the system opening up all the available FTA satellites in the Clarke belt as long as you have a clear line of sight to them.
An additional item to expand onto your system is a DiSEqC switch. These allow you to hook up to 4 dishes to a system.
*With a simple 2 way DiSEqC switch and a "dual LNB Bracket" you can easily add a DBS LNB to your system to give access to FTA DBS channels/Audio.
Its always a good idea to do your homework before purchasing any FTA/MPEG2 system, if you are going to be doing the installation yourself be prepared to not get the whole job done in one day, and don't be disappointed if it does not all click together at your first try, don't give up and blame the equipment, there are very few BAD brand new LNBF and receivers being shipped : ) but its always the first thing people new to the hobby seem to blame it on. If all else fails hire a local licensed satellite installer. Ask first if they have ever done a Ku band installation, and what type of satellite meter they use, if they say they use a small TV , do it yourself or get a professional with the right tool for the job, there are VERY few DirecTV/Dish installers who have ever done a Ku band install never mind have the right positive identification satellite meter for quick accurate installations. You CAN do the install yourself, and the members here can help!
