Difference between revisions of "Talk:C-Band Satellite Information"

Latest revision as of 11:01, 16 June 2010

The Scroungers Guide to Satellite TV

By Gary Bourgois
Copyright 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, The Birdwatcher's Report

One of the most common misconceptions is that satellite TV is a rich person's hobby. Nothing is further from the truth. While it IS possible to spend upwards of $4,000 for an installed system with all the carillons and calliopes, it is also possible to set up and install a very nice near state of the art system for UNDER $500 that will provide perfect reception of all domestic satellites. Such a low cost setup will give countless hours of enjoyment, exploration and entertainment.

Just how cheaply can it be done? Well, my first system cost a total of $40. Some of my friends say I was just lucky, but LUCK is what you MAKE it. I know several other people who have put together their systems for under $100. Granted for this low cost, you don't get a fully automated system, but we scroungers don't mind turning a few extra knobs and tweaking an extra button or two to peak up the reception on our favorite audio or video service.

This scroungers guide will give you some pointers and get you off in the right direction towards setting up your own low cost satellite installation. If you are successful, and I think you will be, I'd like you to write me and let me know what components you got and how they work. One thing for sure. Once you start pulling stuff from the sky, you will never be able to go back to the limited offerings of over the air and cable TV and radio.

I highly recommend reading the FAQ list (Send me EMAIL if you can't find it) for a full discussion of terms and components of a home satellite system.

There are two approaches we will discuss. 1) Obtaining a complete system and 2) Building your system from Mix and Match components. There are advantages to both approaches, and the method you go with will be determined in part by your own fortunes and creativity.

We are obviously talking about USED equipment here. That is the secret to doing it on the cheap. With the constant improvement in all areas of electronic technology, older satellite equipment is readily available, and much of it at giveaway prices. Indeed, it is very easy to obtain first-generation equipment for free, as "nobody" wants this old stuff. Of course, "nobodies" like you and me will gladly snarf up this old stuff, in much the same way a new shortwave listener will grab and enjoy reception from an old vacuum tube communications receiver. No, don't worry, since the home satellite industry is only about 10 years old, you aren't going to have something with 6AQ5's glowing on your shelf.

Let's look at the individual components, with the idea of the Mix 'n Match system. While you might luck out and be able to walk home with a complete system, understanding all the individual components will come in handy when you begin to upgrade your system. Compatibility of components is important, and depending on the age of what you find, you will want to make sure it will all play together.

THE DISH

The dish itself is perhaps the single hardest component to acquire cheaply. However, they ARE out there. Here are some pointers: You will want at least a 10 foot dish. You will probably find a few 6 footers in the cheap/freebie market. Grab them for experimentation, but your FIRST system should be a 10 footer or better. Now where to look? I got my 10 footer from a satellite dealer who had it laying out behind his shop. It was a mess. He had taken it in as salvage when he replaced it with a new system. His customer's dish was destroyed by a windstorm, and insurance covered the replacement. The old one was so mangled the insurance company did not want it. But *I* did, and I managed to walk off with it at no charge. After a lot of bending and using wire to sew the torn panels back together, and using a home made cardboard guide to maintain the parabolic curve, I had a reasonable facsimile of a satellite dish, complete with a rusty but serviceable polar mount.

So the first places you want to hit are the satellite dealers. Not the ones with big showrooms that only want to sell the high dollar systems, but the one man shops. Make friends with a technician who installs systems if you can. A person like this will have access to TONS of old satellite equipment, most of which is just taking up space, and can be had for a song. You would be amazed at the amount of older technology stuff laying about.

Other places to look for used dishes include abandoned commercial property. Many businesses made use of satellite equipment for corporate communications and training. While the receiving equipment may be gone, quite often the old dishes remain, often in disrepair, but serviceable. If you find one, find out who owns the building, and offer to remove the dish at no charge. You might have to pay something, but you should be able to bargain here. In no case should you pay more than $100 for a used dish unless it is in MARVELOUS and PRISTINE shape, or is a 16 footer or larger... You can get a brand new dish in the $300 to $400 price range, so knowing this, you should be able to haggle.

The dish is the one component you will want to obtain locally. Or at least within driving distance. You will want to inspect a used dish yourself for condition, and you also don't want to pay to have a used dish dismantled and shipped to you. Once you have your dish (It took me quite a long time to find mine, but it was worth it) and get it back into shape, you are ready to assemble the rest of the components.

One thing to be aware of: Some older mesh type dishes many not work on the KU band because the holes in the mesh are too large. Do not let this deter you from getting an older cheap dish though. You CAN remesh it with KU mesh if and when you add KU band.

MOUNT, ACTUATOR, LNB

There are two locations of equipment in a satellite installation, the OUTSIDE components at the dish, and the components inside your house. There is a network of wires that connects it all together. Let us next consider the rest of the outside components, and how we scrounge those.

The Polar Mount is the hardware that keeps the dish oriented properly to track the satellites in their equatorial geostationary orbit. While these satellites remain at fixed points overhead, there are more than 20 of them, and you must move the dish in order to view them. This is accomplished by the mount and actuator motor. The mount is installed on a 3 inch pipe, which is sunk in concrete. The concrete was the only expense of my first system, hence the $40 cost. All you need to do here is dig a hole, stick the pole in the ground, make sure it is plumb vertical, and let the crete harden. The dish/mount then goes on the pipe, and you install the actuator. Here when mixing and matching, you must make sure of two things. Operating voltage, and how the actuator communicates its position to the control unit in your home. Older technology systems use a simple 10 turn potentiometer to accomplish this task. If you are purchasing a scroungers special, this is the type of system you will most likely obtain. They work fine. The pots are either 10K or 1K, so make sure you get one that is compatible with the position controller you will be using. Motor voltages vary from 24 to 50 volts. Matching is not totally critical here, but you should try to get as close as possible. My first actuator had a 24 volt motor, and the controller put out 45 volts. The result was a really FAST positioner. That arm eventually died, not the motor but the internal nut which is made of plastic. People like me who do a LOT of sky scanning will always want a spare actuator arm on hand. Used arms can be had for between $20 and $50, especially the older ones, since they are not compatible with the newer systems. Most good satellite dealers have a stock of these older arms, and you should be able to get one very reasonably, and perhaps the position controller as well.

THE FEEDHORN ASSEMBLY

The feedhorn is located at the focal point of the parabolic dish, and acts as a "tuned funnel" which pipes the concentrated (but still minuscule) raw signals to the LNA or LNB. Inside the feed there is a small DC motor and a little flippy gizmo which changes the polarity of the incoming RF from horizontal to vertical. This gizmo is called a POLAROTOR. Used feedhorns, especially C-band-only ones are very inexpensive. You might have to clean out leaves, twigs or a wasp nest, but this is all part of the fun. Expect to pay between $10 and $30 for a used feed depending on condition. If you find one with a bug nest in it, you should get that one for free (Wasps LOVE to build nests in feedhorns). The feedhorn is a pretty universal component, and has not changed much since the dawn of the home satellite industry.

LNA or LNB

The old first generation receivers used a LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) along with an IF convertor located at the dish itself. The resulting 70 MHz signal was sent down a co-ax cable to the receiver, and a tuning voltage sent back along the same cable. This technology has been totally abandoned in the home market in favor of LNB technology, which converts the satellite frequencies (in the 3-4 GHz range) to a block of frequencies in the 950 to 1450 MHz range.

What this means is that there is a TON of old 70 mhz systems out there that NOBODY wants. Receivers can be had for $20 to $35, and the matching LNA can go for as little as $5. Again, you will not be getting state of the art at this price. Noise temperature (a means of measuring sensitivity) will be in the 65 degree range, which is crude, but which will work just fine on most of the domestic satellites with a 10 foot dish. You won't want to use such a system forever, but this is a great way to start.

POSITIONER

On the used market, expect to pay around $30-$50 for an older style position controller. You might be able to scrounge this for free from the back room at a satellite dealer though. A wise dealer knows that you will be back for more, and so will be glad to part with stuff he knows he will never be able to sell. Here is the one area that you CAN build your own if you really want to go crude. All you need is to build up a DC power supply at the proper voltage to match your actuator arm, and use a DPDT switch to reverse the voltage on the two drive wires. You need a momentary contact DPDT switch with a neutral position. Flip it one way to scan east and one way to scan west. Most electronic hobby types have all the components to build a position controller sitting in their junk box. Now here is the neat trick: To determine what satellite you are watching, you connect a digital VOM to the lead that goes to the potentiometer in the actuator, and read the resistance. Note these numbers and you can always go back to the same satellite. Crude but workable. In practice, it is simpler to just scrounge a REAL controller, but I imagine someone might want to build one up just to say they did.

CABLES

You will need the following cables to get the signal from the dish to your receiver setup:

  Coax for LNA or LNB  -  Should be RG-6
  Power for Downconvertor and LNA if you have an older 70 MHz system
  Power to actuator Arm (Two conductors)
  Return position readout from actuator (Two conductors)
  Power to polarotor (Two conductors)

While "All-in-one" cables are pretty cheap, I chose to make up my own cables since I have a few miles of various wires and cables here, which I obtained free when an electronics business closed up shop. My installation is not pretty. I meant to tie and bundle all the cables, I really did. But I was just in such a hurry to see if the system worked, that I just strung the cables in semi random fashion. It worked so well I did not want to disturb it once it all started playing. If you don't have access to such a stash of cables, I would bite the bullet and get the new stuff. You will definitely want to use the absolute newest and best co-ax for the signal feed. Of course you will also need the proper fittings and connectors.

RECEIVERS

As stated earlier, the older 70 MHz first generation receivers are basic giveaway units. $35 is the top price you should expect to pay for one of these. Some of them are pretty crude. My first receiver was a SAT TECH R-5000, the most simple satellite receiver ever made. It had analogue tuning, and you really did not know what transponder you were on. But it DID tune the C band, and had baseband output (you will want this jack for receiving additional audio channels). I got the receiver in trade for a microphone. The microphone had a value of around $5, but I had gotten IT for nothing several years before.

You can have a LOT of fun with an old 70 MHz system. Indeed, with the proper add-ons, it can provide very serviceable stereo audio reception and decent viewing of all the major C band satellites. The best part is that this equipment is available virtually free if you know where to look. (Sat dealers, sat hobby folk, hamfests, etc.)

If you can, though, you will eventually want to get a receiver that uses the current state of the art LNB 950-1450 technology (there are some older receivers that use weird block frequencies, stay away from these as they are not upgradable, stick with the standard block if possible, as it is easier to upgrade). My first 950-1450 block receiver (and still my current one) cost $100 used from my favorite used satellite equipment dealer...

ADD-ON GIZMOS

The first thing you will want to add to an older system is a STEREO PROCESSOR. This device is actually two FM receivers in one box that tunes from 5 to 8 mhz, and has dual bandwidths. These are available from a variety of sources (The sat dealers, and hobby traders) but the best deal we knew of is at SHOP AT HOME, though they are no longer available from this dealer. It is possible you might find one on the used market, or through another dealer. The Janeil SP-2000 is a digital readout audio processor that connects to the BASEBAND output of your satellite receiver and will give you full stereo reception of not only TV feeds, but also a wide variety of stereo audio services, as well as mono ones. These include the BBC world service radio, and other international broadcasters, background music, major radio stations from all over the country, network radio stations, talk shows, and even reading services for the blind. While the Janiels are apparently just about all gone, there were similar units made by Drake and others, and you do run into them at swap meets. This device makes possible reception of wide and narrow audio subcarriers with even the most primitive satellite receiver.

SCPC

Another low priced add on that will give you hours of fun is a receiver for SCPC (Single Channel Per Carrier). This will provide you with over 100 additional audio services of music, talk, radio networks and regional stations, as well as a TON of sports audio. The cheapest SCPC scrounge we know is to take a Radio Shack or similar TV AUDIO BAND RADIO (The Portavision 40 works great) and connect it to the 70 MHz loop if your receiver has one, or tie it into the 70 mhz line of an older 70 mhz system. Tune TV BAND #1 for the SCPC audio which is found on G4, Channels 1-4 and G2, channels 1-3 among other places. Total investment: $40.

KU BAND

While most new satellite receivers now receive the KU band (11-12 GHz) the older ones do not. HOWEVER, there IS a KU band convertor that does a serviceable job of adding this band to ANY C-BAND system that uses the 950 to 1450 block band. It is the UNIDEN UST-55, which is a matching component to their older receivers, but will work with all C band units using the standard block. You will need to add a KU band feed and a KU LNB. There are a few used dual band feeds, but they are pretty scarce, so when it comes time to convert to KU band, you might have to buy your first piece of new equipment, namely the KU feed and KU LNB. These will run you just over $200 from a reputable dealer. KU band is still not widely used, and is more for those who enjoy wild feeds, educational programming, news, or NBC programming. However, KU is growing, so the UST-55 would be a nice investment if you can find one.

SOURCES OF USED EQUIPMENT:

Use the local penny shopper paper

Our local shopper paper has satellite systems just about every week, complete systems, dish, receiver and all, for between $200 and $500. But here, make sure you know what you are buying. If it is an older first generation, 70 MHz LNA type system, the only component of real value is the dish itself. If you don't see ads for used systems, try to place an ad of your own looking for used satellite equipment. You might be surprised at the response you will get. Many people got discouraged when scrambling began, and signed up for cable rather than buy descramblers. Their satellite systems thus just sit unused, waiting for someone to take them away. Such a system can be had pretty cheaply.

Satellite Dealers in your area

Try and befriend a technician, and get into the SHOP. While the scrounger will enjoy looking at all the shiny new stuff in the showroom, the real treasures are in the back where the techie types hang out. Here you will find the stuff that has been traded in, or salvaged, and can usually be had very very cheaply.

Friends or relatives who have gone cable or DSS

You could very well have a relative or friend, or friend of a friend who used to have a satellite system and then got cable when scrambling started, or when cable finally came to their rural location. Here you can sometimes get the system just for the taking, or for a couple hundred dollars at the most. This is a good way to get a complete working system at a very low price. Tell ALL your friends you are looking for a used system. And tell them to ask THEIR friends for you. This method is surprisingly effective.

Hamfests

Lots of satellite hobby folk are also ham radio operators, and hams trade used equipment like kids swap baseball cards. DAYTON has dozens of people selling used satellite stuff every year. Even my local ham swap meet had a fellow selling sat receivers as low as $15 each! This is a real opportunity IF you know what you are looking for. Here though it is Caveat Emptor. What you get may not work, so don't spend the grocery money. However you can also luck out and come home with a real treasure.

Over the air ham swap nets

Same deal as the hamfests, many local and regional ham radio nets trade for equipment over the air, and occasionally satellite gear is offered. And if you have a ham license, it would not hurt to get into the group and let them know you are looking for used satellite equipment.

Bank repossessions

Call the banks in your area and talk to a loan officer and find out if there are any repossessed systems in their inventory. Here you will probably spend more than our $500 target price, but you might also get a modern state of the art system at a rock bottom price.

A Drive in the Country

This method REALLY WORKS. Just jump in your car and drive out to a nearby rural area. Make note of all the places that have satellite dishes. Note those which are rusty, and obviously not being used. If you see a small pizza pan sized DSS dish on the house, it is pretty obvious that the BIG dish (The much more useful one for our purposes, since we are doing this for HOBBY purposes and NOT to get cable type programming) is not in use.

Boldly go right up to the door and knock. Be friendly and tell the homeowner that your hobby is fixing up old satellite dishes. You will be surprised at how many dishes can be had for FREE this way. Offer to remove the eyesore for free and also haul off their old receiver too. Offer them $50 if you feel generous. Depending on the age of the system, you MAY find a LNB type setup, which is easily worth over $100 if it is working.

Morgan Engineering

Dan Morgan refurbishes receivers and other gear, and has used equipment at reasonable prices, These are current technology receivers, and range from $100 to $300. Dan also has other components to round out your scrounged system, and loves to chat. He is one person I know who does not put down the scrounger, but actively encourages them to pursue the hobby.

  Morgan Engineering
  517-685-3970
  119 W. Main Street
  Rose City, MI 48654

Mike Kohl, Global Communications.

Mike is a satellite nut, and runs a small business whose goal is to find the best deals on Satellite stuff in the country and sell it at the lowest markup possible. I have known him for two years, and bought a lot of stuff from him.

Currently he is offering a EUROSAT 150 channel receiver with Digital Memory and stereo. I bought one and it is great! It does not have a positioner, but those are easy to find. The best deal is that this receiver is only $159, for a BRAND NEW UNIT. He has a 25 degree Cal Amp LNB for only $49, and if you buy the receiver AND the LNB you can upgrade your old 70 Mhz system for $200, not a bad deal for NEW equipment. Something to consider for down the road when you want to step up. He is also a good source of other parts and components, and is also good to talk to about satellite stuff and can help you get your system (whatever you find, and wherever you buy it) up and running.

Global Communications 608 546 2523 P.O.B. 747 Spring Green WI 53588

There are likely many other sources of used equipment, certainly within your own region. The secret is to keep looking, and let all your friends and relatives also know you are looking. Eventually someone, a friend of a friend will know someone who has old satellite stuff laying around, and you will be rewarded. I know of many folks who have built systems for next to nothing, and so can you. It takes a bit of effort, but the results will be worth it.

HOW-TO BOOK

Frank Baylin has written a very good reference book called:

"Install, Aim and Repair Your Satellite TV System"

This book is clearly written, and includes ALL the info you need to properly tune up your dish, find the satellites, and get the best reception. It also will help you diagnose any problems that come along, and tells you what to replace or tweek to get your reception back on the beam. Lots of photographs and diagrams, IDEAL for the beginner.

The book is $9.95 + $3 S/H from:

Universal Electronics Bookstore 4555 Groves Road, Suite 12 Columbus, OH 43232

A bit of warning: The satellite hobby is an addictive one. With all the programming you will find even with the cheapest scrounged system, you will find there are not enough hours in a day to enjoy it all. And if you get bitten by the Satellite DX bug, always looking for the new and the strange, you could find virtually all your spare time spent at the controls of your satellite system.

But that's the fun of it....

Honestly, EVERYONE I know personally who took the ideas in this guide to heart has gotten a satellite system online for less than $300, with 100 to 200 dollars being the average cost. TVRO (BUD) Big Dishes are infinitely more fun than DSS or Cable. Just take a gander at the FAQ for more info about all the nifty stuff you can find on a satellite dish. I have other specialty files about AUDIO, DXing, and NEWSGATHERING that are all FREE for the asking.

If you have any comments or additions to this article, or want to report your own scrounged system, write me.

Send EMAIL to:

flash@lopez.marquette.mi.us and let me know YOUR scrounger story.

Keep Watching The Skies.................

--
    /   Gary Bourgois, WB8EOH, The Birdwatcher: Marquette Michigan  USA   \
   ([-o  Keeper of The r.v.s.t. FAQ, Wildfeeds List, and Radio Guides   o-])
    \ flash@lopez.marquette.mi.us REALAUDIO SITE AT: http://ttn.nai.net/  /
       Friday Night Live E2/18 5.8 SOON    Voicemail/FAX: (906) 228-7477

Welcome to Alan’s Satellite Page

URL: http://cband.us/

With C-Band you can choose programming from many companies. You won’t have to change receivers or equipment to switch providers. The Mega Un-American Monopoly systems are not interchangeable; you’re stuck with a subsidized wheel chock. C-Band gives you freedom to choose with alacart and a competitive range of package deals. Competition keeps C-Band programming much cheaper; many packages are 50% less. Many of the Channels you pay for on Cable, or DBS, are free on C-band.

<a href="http://www.4dtvforum.com/">4dtvforum.com</a> Mark’s Start page for the 4DTV forums. Many good links, FAQ’s, and info. Mark started the 4DTV forum at Delphi forums.

<a href="http://forums.satforums.com/SatForumMaster/start/login.php?webtag=mpg"></a><a href="http://www.4dtvrocks.com/">4DTVROCKS.com</a> Alternate start page for satelliteforums.com

<a href="http://www.satelliteforums.com/">satelliteforums.com</a> Direct link to a variety of Satellite forums. The Heartbeat of North American 4DTV and DVB FTA (Free To Air). The folks on these forums can help solve problems and recommend equipment. Once signed up, be sure to read the FAQ’s and search the archives. All support forums will attract folks that are having problems, or beefs with equipment or programmers. Don’t let the whiners, or “doom and gloomers” effect you decision to upgrade to digital C/Ku band. Believe me, the same cry babies have been around since I got into C-Band in 1994. The majority of C-Banders are content; therefore they don’t post “Everything’s peachy”. Declining subscription numbers will level off; C-Band programming is and will remain profitable. If you have C-band, please subscribe to at least <a href="http://www.callnps.com/alacarte.htm">one</a> or two channels. For $9.99 a year, you can be counted as a C-Band subscriber. (<a href="http://www.callnps.com/alacarte.htm">Spike TV</a> $9.99) Be a C-band hero, not a zero!

<a href="http://www.satelliteforums.com/">Satforums</a> has “owner’s only” sections where we discuss unscrambled channels. We try to keep specific feed info below the radar of the masses. There are hoops to jump through to get access because several idiots “blabbed” protected feed info on the web, and to programmers. We recently lost several very cool channels, to encryption, because of an ignorant hobbyist that contacted the channel staff. Anyone that posts specific signal info gathered from the forums to the open WWW, or discusses signal theft will be shown the door. Folks at satelliteforums pay for encrypted channels, and we quietly watch unencrypted free feeds.

<a href="http://www.lyngsat.com/">lyngsat.com</a> Lyngemark Satellite charts. Lyngsat <a href="http://www.lyngsat.com/freetv/United-States.html">Free TV</a> click to see some of the free Satellite TV, not 100% accurate, but helpful for getting started.

<a href="http://www.4dtv.com/">4DTV.com </a>Motorola’s 4DTV page Click <a href="http://www.4dtv.com/Xcel/xcel.htm">here</a> to see some of the channels available on 4DTV (once on the site, click selections on the bottom to see some of the available channels on C/Ku-Band) click <a href="http://www.4dtv.com/Specials/specials.html">here</a> for Special deals.

<a href="http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp2.html">geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp2.html</a> A massive source of dish setup info. Page three has the dish alignment info. It is worth printing the whole document. <a href="http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp4.html#anchor797917">shortcut tuneup</a>

Sean’s <a href="http://www.espee.net/live/">live</a> feeds site is for existing C-Banders. You will receive email after someone submits a live event as it happens (LA car chases live, with instant email from Espee Live) Click <a href="http://www.espee.net/live/">here</a> to signup for the live email list. Remember to submit your live events when you find them.

Espee <a href="http://www.espee.net/wildfeeds/">wildfeeds</a> is a Cool wildfeeds site with a schedule and search tool for feeds. You must signup for access. Record the master broadcast of your favorite show, days before it is broadcast to the masses. Never publicize specific info about the feeds in open newsgroups, WebPages, or forums. “Loose Lips sink Blips”. We have lost many channels to encryption, after the word got back to the wrong suits.

<a href="http://www.espee.net/wildfeeds/"></a>Cool Interactive 4DTV DSR-9** <a href="http://www.espee.net/4dtv">Diagnostics C</a> screen Designed and hosted by “Flyboy” Sean.

<a href="http://home.austin.rr.com/drlev/satellite.html">drlev.com</a> Darryl’s Satellite page. Good 4dtv charts & Satellite info

<a href="http://bigdish.info/">bigdish.info</a> Tim Holbrook’s 4DTV page

<a href="http://home.att.net/~r.c.culp/4dtv.htm">home.att.net/~r.c.culp/4dtv.htm</a> R. Culp’s 4DTV Page

<a href="http://my4dtv.tripod.com/mr.htm">my4dtv.tripod.com/mr.htm</a> DSR-920 Master reset (DSR-922 owners substitute G-0 for G-9 in the after reset instructions)

<a href="http://cband.us/">cband.us</a> Alan’s Satellite Page (optional link: <a href="http://www.pacificsites.com/~alanjudd/satellite.htm">http://www.pacificsites.com/~alanjudd/satellite.htm</a>)

<a href="http://www.pacificsites.com/~alanjudd/spectrum.htm">Spectrum Graphs</a> Alan’s virtual Spectrum analyzer, all you need is a computer controlled scanner and <a href="http://scanstar.com/products/commander.htm">Spectrum Commander</a> software. (Download the 15 day demo <a href="http://scanstar.com/downloads/spexdemo.exe">spexdemo.exe</a>)

<a href="http://www.nmia.com/~roberts/">http://www.nmia.com/~roberts</a> Robert’s page (This was the first Satellite page that I found on the internet, Robert is to blame for sparking my Satellite obsession)

<a href="http://www.danapretzer.com/">www.danapretzer.com</a> Dana Pretzer’s C Band Talk

<a href="http://www.coolstf.com/">CoolStf.com</a> Rod Hewitt’s Cool stuff, lots info and cool stuff.

Dealers:<a href="http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/pretdd/"></a>

Lee Richardson of <a href="http://mechtech.satforums.com/">Mechtech</a> is my favorite Satellite Dealer. Lee is a TVRO hobbyist; he goes the extra mile for his customers. Lee answers email fast. If you want anything Big Dish related send him an email with your question, or request for a quote. I’ve bought several new and used 4DTV units, feed horns, and LNB’s from Lee.

<a href="http://mechtech.satforums.com/">MECH-TECH</a>
2940 Meadowgate Ct.
Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 474-1613

(After clicking, remove the word “remove” from Lee’s email address) <a href="mailto:removemechtech@evansville.net?subject=Referred%20by%20Alan">removemechtech@evansville.net</a>

<a href="http://www.skyvision.com/">skyvision.com</a> The Sears of C-Band supplies, <a href="http://skyvision.com/pages/information_center/tech_tips.html">4DTV Tips</a>, DVB, including Dishes, and cheap NPS Programming. They have good customer support, ask them for a catalog.

<a href="http://satmart.com/">SatMart</a> online Cband supplies, 4DTV, cheap prices, expensive shipping.

<a href="http://www.orbitsat.com/motorola/"></a><a href="http://www.ats-electronics.com/">ATS-Electronics.com</a> ATS is the most highly regarded 4DTV repair shop.

<a href="http://www.4dtv.com/Specials/wdtvpg.html">ADL 4DTV Specials </a>ADL Feedhorns 4DTV Deal

<a href="http://www.primefocus.com/default.htm">Prime Focus</a> Dishes

<a href="http://www.samidish.com/">Sami</a> Dishes

<a href="http://www.microwavefilter.com/tvrobody.htm">microwavefilter.com</a> RFI filters that attenuate out of band interference. (AWACKS radar cure)

<a href="http://global-cm.net/">global-cm.net</a> Mike Kohl C/Ku Band Dealer and hobbyist, Canadian Gray Market, and Mpeg FTA.

<a href="http://store.yahoo.com/hightech/">Small Ear</a> Mpeg FTA Stuff & the <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/hightech/specan.html">SpectraLook</a> spectrum display for $179-A great tool! <a href="http://www.mpeg2-dvb.com/spectra/reviewhans/">Hans Review</a>

<a href="http://hdtvmax.com/">HDMAX</a> OTA & DVB FTA HD Receivers

<a href="http://www.commsearch.com/">Comm Research</a> Mpeg FTA Receivers (Se’Habla Espanol)

<a href="http://www.kusat.com/">Ku-Sat</a> Canadian Dealer-They have <a href="http://www.kusat.com/go.php?path=/sc/hdtv.php">HDD-20*</a> HDTV decoders for cheap and Gray Market Systems.

Programmers:

<a href="http://www.kusat.com/"></a><a href="http://www.skyweb.ca/~freewaysupport/index.shtml"></a>My Favorite C-Band Programming Service is <a href="http://www.dsinps.com/">NPS</a> (new URL <a href="http://www.callnps.com/">www.callnps.com</a>) NPS outbound department number is 888-210-3474 ask for an outbound CSR if you want to save money. Please keep at least one VCII decoder activated: <a href="http://www.callnps.com/alacarte.htm">Spike TV</a> is $9.99/Yr, <a href="http://www.callnps.com/alacarte.htm">ABC Family</a> is available for $11.99/Yr, CNN & Fox for $19.99/Yr. (Fox is <a href="http://mediamatters.com/">fair and balanced</a> news for fundamentalist. If you like George W. Bush, you will love Fox News. Buy it now, or you will go to hell! ;-) ?

NPS will cheerfully activate your 4DTV IPG, especially if you order a <a href="http://www.callnps.com/alacarte.htm">sub</a>. $tep up and be counted. Don’t be a Zero!!!

SRL- Satellite Receivers LTD (800) 432-8876 (This guy fights for C-band industry rights)

<a href="http://cband.winnfreenet.com/">CBAND Programing Center</a>

Programming Center (800) 432-8876 (Prime Time-24)

<a href="http://satelliteprogramming.com/">satelliteprogramming.com</a> SPS

<a href="http://www.skyweb.ca/~freewaysupport/index.shtml">Freeway Services</a> Gray Market program brokers

“<a href="http://www.superstar.com/">YSP</a>” (Netlink Superstar Turnervision HBO) Beware of these guys (YSP has been bought by Charlie Ergan, founder of EchoStar/Dish Network) YSP CSR’s get cash incentives to switch C-Banders to Dish Network programming. Their CSR’s are known to lie to make a buck. Just say no to LSD! (Little Silly Dish ;-)

If you have gained good info here, please activate a VCII for <a href="http://www.callnps.com/alacarte.htm">$9.99</a> a year so you can be counted. <a href="http://www.satelliteprogramming.com/"></a>

Revision as of 13:56, 6 May 2008 (view source) Admin (Talk \| contribs) m (Talk:C-Band Satellite Information moved to Talk:C-Band Satellite Information (General)) ← Older edit	Latest revision as of 11:01, 16 June 2010 (view source) Admin (Talk \| contribs) m (Reverted edits by Vsimon213 (Talk); changed back to last version by Admin)
(2 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
(No difference)

Difference between revisions of "Talk:C-Band Satellite Information"

Latest revision as of 11:01, 16 June 2010

The Scroungers Guide to Satellite TV

Welcome to Alan’s Satellite Page

Navigation menu

Views

Personal tools

Navigation

Popular Categories

comprehensive

Search

D.U.C.K. Toolbox