Need Help: RE Cables and such

stesaurus

Hey, first off thanks for reading.

I'm going to get a Selfsat H21D Quad LNB and a Selfsat Rotor HH90. I presume these should be compatible?
I'm farily technically minded but I don't have too much knowledge with regards Satellite TV.

What I need to know is what cable I should be buying, what connectors I need. What safety precautions I need to take. What kit I need to point the dish in the correct direction.

If you guys can think of any other advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Oh I should mention I'm in an apt. Dishes are a no go so a H21D looks discreet enough to get around that.
I also have a South to SW facing balcony so I think I'm good for location.

fat-tony

I had a quick look at the specs. If you are going to use it in Ireland, I wouldn't think it would have enough gain to pull in anything except Astra 2 or the more powerful sats. in perfect conditions. I think it's the equivalent of a Zone 1 minidish which would be ok in GB but not here, where you need a Zone 2 dish. For satellite signal quality, size is everything;) Once you get rain, then the signal quality drops off rapidly. You really can't get around the basic physics.
As regards motorising this, I would suggest that you get in touch with the manufacturer as the geometry of the unit may not be suitable for tracking the Clarke belt with a regular HH motor. "Normal" offset dishes have their LNB skewed automatically by the motor pole as it rotates - I don't know if this would be the same.
I'm sure someone with experience of these units will come along shortly:) In the meantime, I would suggest you search for reception reviews before you purchase.

Sam Radford

I agree with fat-tony. The Selfsat hasn't enough gain for reliable reception. I'd use a zone 2 dish and disguise it by putting a bin-liner or similar over it. I wouldn't bother with motorising it yet. One step at a time.

watty

80cm to 1.1m for a motorised Diseqc

36V motor system for 1.1 to 2.5m serious feed dsh.

36V motor 3.7m dish for C-band.

Under 80cm is a fixed dish in Ireland. 60cm is fine

stesaurus

Thanks for the replies so far...

Ideally only really looking to pick up Astra so probably don't need it motorized.

I don't think any dish would be allowed by our management co. so that's why I was going with the H21D.
Okay so what If I put a BBQ cover over it? It would look a sight better than a bin bag. And to most would appear to be a BBQ.

What would I need to avoid cover wise if going this route? Anything which would block a signal?

Also assuming I'm doing this, what's a good suggestion of a decent dish. Mainly for Astra and definitely HD with Quad LNB.

Sam Radford

Avoid any material that will degrade the signal. Very thin plastic (not metallised) is OK. Thin cotton or synthetic fibre is OK provided that it's dry.

Decent dish = zone 2 Sky dish.