Satellite Dishes for Dummies

Backaburke · Newbie

Satellite Dishes for Dummies

KFT · Guru

There are a few suppliers that have a good reputation among GN's with respect to satellite systems.

What are you looking to view with your sat system?

The free to air digital channels are all available on what is called the VAST system which is Viewer Access Satellite Television.

more info is available on that here: myswitch.digitalready.gov.au/ and click on the satellite TV link

some of the suppliers are
1. www.satplus.com.au
2. www.satgear.com.au
3. www.accessantennas.com.au

you should consider a digital satfinder to locate the correct satellite such as the SF3239.
you should also (depending on area of travel) consider an 85cm dish which will give better reception in rain and is easier to aim particularly in central and western Australia.
you should also consider a portable tripod type of stand so the dish can be located away from obstructions such as trees/buildings.

If you have any further questions please ask. we are happy to help

Moonraker · Senior Member

I found Access Antennas Osbourne Park very good. Just Google them. They have a caravan kit and anything else you might want and will show you how to set it up.

cheers

nigel

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

if you are going further north you will not get much up that way, if you cannot get back to AccessAntennas contact them and get them to send a system to wherever you are heading, problem is they will not be able to show you how to operate it and the setup, very easy once you have done it a couple of times.

Or you could wait until you get back to Vic and contact SatPlus in Frankston, Philip will be more than willing to help you, he will also post a system to you and if you have problems he will be close to home for you to go see him, when you get home.

If you do have problems, when you are in a caravan park just walk around, look for a dish and ask for help most vanners will be only happy to help.

Another option if you are going to Exmouth is to go into the tourist office and ask for the contact info for the guy there that sells sat systems, (he does not advertise) he will set it up in your van and show you how it works, I got my first system from him years ago, great guy.

See Franks links for these shops

villatranquilla · Guru

we bought ours from 'norsat' in Port Hedland last July- used to dealing with 'grey nomads' ($600 ready to go). If you run into trouble there's generally someone in the c/park only too willing to help and once you have set it up a couple of times it gets easier and quicker. Get a long coax as trees can be a problem and remember to 're-register' every 6 mths.

-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 27th of May 2014 11:19:08 AM

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

villatranquilla wrote:
we bought ours from 'norsat' in Port Hedland last July- used to dealing with 'grey nomads' ($600 ready to go). If you run into trouble there's generally someone in the c/park only too willing to help and once you have set it up a couple of times it gets easier and quicker. Get a long coax as trees can be a problem and remember to 're-register' every 6 mths.

-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 27th of May 2014 11:19:08 AM

one thing to ad, make sure you register as a traveller

Sparkster · Senior Member

Absolutely agree with asking for help in caravan parks and in the ease to setup after a couple of practice runs.

If you have satellite Foxtel at home use that box it uses basically the same 85cm dish and satellaite locator as other systems but will cost a lot less to setup. You may need a dual lnb.

I would like to add that I have both the analogue and digital sat finders but prefer to use the analogue one for quick setups as I find it has quicker repsonse. Having said that if I am having problems due to trying to get through/around the tree canopy I then dig out the digital finder which shows Signal Strength and Quality seperately.

Keith.... smile

Vic41 · Guru

This mob in Balcatta WA (suburb north of Perth) have a good reputation, but might be too far south for you now unless you are considering getting one sent in your direction, also some info on satellite TV on their link, see;

http://www.absolutecaravancare.com/Satellite_TV.html

Foz · Veteran Member

Kimberley Satellite Services out of Broome if you're going that far.
Absolutely the ants pants, won't let you out of the place until you are fully versed in the set-up & operation of the gear.
Phone back-up after sales advise, & a phone call after about a week to check all happening as it should.
Supplied as a full kit with everything included, including registration etc all done for you.
Approx $700 with Hills (Aust) top quality dish & tripod.
Always best to buy from an area where the kits are in general use instead of city-based coastie suppliers who are good at theory but lack the practical knowledge.
No commercial interest here just recommendation from previous experience.

Just a note, this business has a pile of "internet" purchased dishes out the back as big as a house from folk who thought they could do it cheaper. No really, big as a house, hundreds of them.

Good luck with it all,
Foz & ta missus

Technomad · Senior Member

Hi, as an opinion only, the research I have done indicates Satking with a Satplus signal finder to receive free channels on Vast The complete kit sells for high $600 and is free to use when you register every 6 months on the internet. Direct hookup from dish to box is preferred and RG6 fittings if you need to add a splitter or break the run, and quad shield cable will give faultless reception anywhere they say. Looking forward to getting ours soon.

Graham.