[TriLUG] FTA -- Probably OT, but...

[Glenn Starling]

> The ( faint ) Linux connection comes through the "Program Guide" and
> external control ( through a serial port ) of the receiver.

It sounds like there might be one of two problems:  Equipment not
operating properly or Dish not aimed properly.  The big C-dishes had
about 1 degree of play between good signal and almost no signal.  The
smaller dishes are not quite as picky at their aiming.  Without a signal
generator it is difficult to determine if the equipment, cables, and
connectors are working effectively.

> ...I purchased an FTA ( Free-To-Air ) satellite receiver,
> which I hoped to attach to either the old Dish dish and feeds or the
> DirectPC dish and feed...

Be sure the dish isn't warped (even the smallest shape change can affect
signal strength drastically), the dish reflector and electronics package
are designed to work together, and the dish electronics is supposed to
work with the receiver you have.  They are not generally
interchangeable.

Also be aware that if the dish uplinks (transmits data to the satellite
for remote internet) it takes a licensed installer to set it up.  (I
haven't done it in enough years that I'm not sure of the current legal
requirements.)

I hope this helps.  Email me offline if I can be of additional help.

-- Glenn


On Wed, 2007-06-06 at 13:54 -0400, Brian McCullough wrote:
> Group,
> 
> Since we are such an eclectic group, and I think I can force a Linux
> connection here ( but probably not )!
> 
> 
> In any case, I have let this hang on too long so I thought I would see
> if anybody here has any experience, or can offer connections.
> 
> 
> To make a long story longer, in the past I have owned a "big" dish (
> C-band ) and watched both analog and digital signals that way.  I 
> also used Hughes / DirectPC / Caldera's Linux satellite Internet
> service, for several years.  When I came to the Raleigh area, I tried to
> subscribe to DirecTV, but the installers kept not showing up, so I
> became a Dish subscriber. ( Yes, eventually I will get to the point. ) A
> couple or three years ago, I decided that I really didn't have enough
> income to give a big chunk ( or at least it felt that way ) to Dish, and
> cancelled.
> 
> About a year ago, I purchased an FTA ( Free-To-Air ) satellite receiver,
> which I hoped to attach to either the old Dish dish and feeds or the
> DirectPC dish and feed.  However, I don't seem to be able to properly
> aim the dishes and get a signal consistantly or something else fails, so
> I thought I would ask for help.  I don't mind doing some or most of the
> work, I just need guidance.
> 
> The ( faint ) Linux connection comes through the "Program Guide" and
> external control ( through a serial port ) of the receiver.
> 
> 
> 
> Can anyone offer any help?
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> Brian
>