Automatic Satellite Systems

[Deedon]

Would like any info on Automatic Sat Systems please.
Are they worth the money?
Do they setup as easily as they say they do?
What have they cost people to be installed?
Any info would be greatly appreciated before we decide to get one or not.
Thanks in advance.
Deedon

[Stuartandjan]

My only reservation on them would be the size of the dish as anything under 80cm has trouble over in the north west. I believe you can now get a roof mounted one that works similar to a Windgard.

[Ancient Mariner]

Hi Deedon,
I have an automatic sphere system on my MH and it works great, just push a switch and it homes in on the satellite.
Only problem is if you are behind a tree in the line of sight of the satellite and it will just shut down.
I have that situation covered with the original winegard still in position.
Cost to my mind is well worth it so my wife can watch bold & Beautiful wherever we are (tongue in cheek)
You will be looking at somewhere in the vicinity of $2,600 for a sphere plus fitting costs. If you are at all handy you can do it yourself as there are plenty of installation blogs about.
Cheers Graham

[Bluecruiser]

My only reservation on them would be the size of the dish as anything under 80cm has trouble over in the north west. I believe you can now get a roof mounted one that works similar to a Windgard.

That is correct, but you have to get up on the roof to alter the 'skew'.

We have the Oyster auto dish and providing there is not a large tree directly to the North of the van, we have VAST reception in 30 to 60 seconds. Not cheap, but total convenience.

Colin.

P. S. Graham beat me while I was typing.

[dieseltojo]

I reckon they would be great if I didn't have to sell my van to own one....

My thoughts are it depends on where you are going. For eg. I went to Rockhampton and back and never had a problem except for one day over 7 weeks. And that's with the old Wingard.

Different in land no doubt.

[noggins]

I've been thinking of one of these auto sat dishes.
trouble is that there isn't enough realestate up on the roof of the van that's not going to be shade effected

I was thinking of making an almost permanent ( take off at end of trip ) arrangement that fits on the roof of the ute.

I can easily park it out in the clear with a long lead and leave the van under cover.

Ron

[Browny_r33]

My concern is the weight and the lack of support in or on the roof???
been thinking of one for 2 years still doing home on the van and weight of the set up on the roof especially in wind when set up. (twisting of the roof panel)

[J.REEVES]

Hi Browny,
I have also been thinking about getting one.

I was thinking using a bit of aluminium sheet about 1/4" or 3/8" thick over a large area of the roof to take the weight and forces the wind would though at it.
Some dishes come with an aluminium mounting plate but I think I would go a bit bigger to cove a bit larger roof area.

They are not that heavy considering many have air cons on the roof but yes do sometimes have special bracing.

JR

[dieseltojo]

Have you blokes ever seen those folding brackets from Bunnings?

I had a pair once to make a folding shelf.

I had entertained the idea of making a larger model for the rear of my van and using it to mount a dish at one time.

[Sean]

Last time I checked they were still north of $20K

I've watched one deployed, they work quite well!

These ones did internet at broadband speeds rather than just telly...