Sat finder worth the cost?

[johnandcaren]

We have:
Direct TV. Setup is correct. Using tripod setup with 5 LNB dish, but basically only need that 101 sat for most programming. No HD concern.

So, finding the sat has been difficult. In part getting the tripod exactly level. Anyway, the kit came with a very, very cheap sat finder that is useless. Are the Digistat / Acutrac type finders worth the cost, which is only about 80 bucks???

Or am I better off, in someone's more experienced opinion, to just keep using the simple system until I learn to dial it in quickly?

[TechWriter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnandcaren We have: Direct TV. Setup is correct. Using tripod setup with 5 LNB dish, but basically only need that 101 sat for most programming. No HD concern. So, finding the sat has been difficult. In part getting the tripod exactly level. Anyway, the kit came with a very, very cheap sat finder that is useless. Are the Digistat / Acutrac type finders worth the cost, which is only about 80 bucks??? Or am I better off, in someone's more experienced opinion, to just keep using the simple system until I learn to dial it in quickly?

After using cheap meters, I opted for a SatBuddy:
Applied Instruments - Sat Buddy Satellite Meter

[wa8yxm]

The best sat finder is already inside your rig.. Yes INSIDE the rig.. It is the Sat Receiver

I use a spare coax. and a battery operated portable TV (12 volt, jump start battery)

that little analog meter you have.. >>> >>>> Let's just say that though I have heard of a couple of folks who swear by 'em.. I swore at mine.

[Stillwater]

This is interesting all you need is an Iphone that has built in GPS and a compass and download the dishpointer app

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AFtcgYRcu4

[a k]

You'd be better of with the 18"and 3LNB if you are not using HD. Easier to set up.

[SCVJeff]

The mount does not need to be exactly level. If all you're looking at is 101 and SD, keep practicing. It really can't get any easier, you just need to get comfortable with doing the alignment.

[StStg1]

I have DTV and use only a 18" round dish with 1 LMB (no HD for me) I don't use a tripod. I use a home made mount that sits low profile on the ground and the dish is upside down. I use a standard compas and the settings from the SAT receiver. Works great and usually get a signal within a couple minutes. After I post this I will cet the link to the mount and include it here if I can.

http://bbrv.dreamstation.com/sat.html