Dstv self install?

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blue-eye-boy

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So we've been thinking of getting dstv. So after checking out the prices of the decoders I thought of getting the hd pvr, because of the ability to record shows for later viewing, and the hd af course. So, I saw the pvr's is R 1500 now, then I must still get the dish, and get it installed.

So I was wondering, is there some guide to follow to install this all on my own? Not the hardware side, more the wiring and so on? Just to save some money on the whole new setup.
 
You can install yourself. You need a dish, a twin LNB and cable. You also need a satfinder. With out it you are going to have problems installing the dish. They cost around R200-R300 and then you might never use it again.

For a guide go to DSTV forums. They have a few there. It really is simple though, if you can get the dish positioned properly, that is.
 
Okay, so appart of the dish, I just need the twin lnb (I suppose that is a fitting?), and one dstv cable? Cant I just point the dish in the same direction as my neighbors dish is pointed?
 
I suppose you could try "pointing the dish in the same direction as your neighbour", but that would be similar to threading a needle at 3 meters... ;) Best to use the sat finder for a self install....
You'll also need a dual cable for the dual LNB, unless you're considering a SAT CR LNB (which is twice the price of a dual LNB, but you can use a single cable)
IMO it's best to use the dual LNB and the dual cable for the HD PVR.
 
jacqvt said:
Okay, so appart of the dish, I just need the twin lnb (I suppose that is a fitting?), and one dstv cable? Cant I just point the dish in the same direction as my neighbors dish is pointed?
Click to expand...

LOL, OK you need cable called co-ax. And you need two of these (they usually come in 10m lengths or more, depending on what you want) These cables are drawn from the dish and plug in to the back of the decoder,the ports are marked LNB, by means of F connectors. An LNB is the little box mounted on the arm in front of the dish and is actually the part that picks up the signal. And no, you cant just point the dish in the direction that your neighbours dish is pointing. You will never find the signal unless you are very lucky. You need to have the right elevation, about 38 degrees depending where you are in the country, and you need to find the signal ark, which is very narrow. Basically you are trying to get the dish to reflect 100% of the surface signal towards the LNB. Good luck if you want to do it without a satfinder.
 
From what I recall, the horizontal directional angle of the dish needs to be 53 degrees North East for optimum signal to the dish. As for the elevation angle of the dish, this would vary slightly depending on the height of the satellite dish. Once you have the direction correct you can adjust your angle and use the sat finder to fine tune...

Below is taken from another thread I posted in a few weeks ago, FYI:
You can also get a SAT CR LNB, which wotks on a single cable, but it's about 2.5 times the price of a dual LNB - in all honesty, I'd go the for dual LNB and run of these types of dual RG6 cables.
I recently did my mother's HD PVR installation, and got the dual LNB and the dual cable from a chap called "izs" on Bid or Buy - cost me R209.95 for the Elsat Dual-LNB and R90 for 20m of dual RG6 cable (plus 35 for courier in JHB) - Makro sells the dual LNB alone for R399!
...and it works perfectly! ;)

BTW - you'll also need a few F-Connectors for this - izs can also supply these if needed. He's based in Rosettenville, JHB - you can also collect if urgent, but the courier was next day anyway!
He's also got a shop: http://www.justelectronics.co.za/
Click to expand...
 
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howardb said:
From what I recall, the horizontal directional angle of the dish needs to be 53 degrees North East for optimum signal to the dish. As for the elevation angle of the dish, this would vary slightly depending on the height of the satellite dish. Once you have the direction correct you can adjust your angle and use the sat finder to fine tune...
Click to expand...

Yeah, the elevation does vary slightly, very slightly. The guy will never find the signal without a satfinder. I have found it a few times without, but I still needed to "fine tune", as you say, using the satfinder. I've done a few installs though.
 
Just seek a promotion with all included, including an install voucher. They are frequent. Although you can set up the dish using a TV "on the roof" looking at the signal strength bar, you will most probably call on an installer to set it up properly if you find that a smallest cloud will drop your signal and in the end that will cost you more. Also the Installer will find the best position to intall the dish from scratch as the likes of trees may be a problem. You also have a opportunity to call him back at his expense if you find the performance wanting for example say when a few clouds move overhead and the signal drops or whatever other reason may show up a few days later.
 
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So without the right tools I'm going to battle to get it right. Will install all of the hardware and ask an installation guy to just fine tune everything. I'm also a bit of an perfectionist, and hate it to let someone else work in my house. It's just never as neat as it should be.
 
Use the R599 special & get yourself an instal + 1131 decoder for Xtraview, then either upgrade to Twin LNB yourself, or ask the installer to upgrade it (will need a 2x4 multiswitch or SatCR if you want to use Xtraview)
 
Smurfatefrog said:
Use the R599 special & get yourself an instal + 1131 decoder for Xtraview, then either upgrade to Twin LNB yourself, or ask the installer to upgrade it (will need a 2x4 multiswitch or SatCR if you want to use Xtraview)
Click to expand...
but why would i need the twin lnb if i take a sd decoder? And we have only 1 tv so xtraview wont be needed. Im a noob with this stuff.
 
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jacqvt said:
but why would i need the twin lnb if i take a sd decoder? And we have only 1 tv so xtraview wont be needed. Im a noob with this stuff.
Click to expand...

If you only have one tv and want hd don't get the 1131. But you do need a twin LNB for HD PVR. They are a little more expensive but necessary.
 
Smurfatefrog said:
Use the R599 special & get yourself an instal + 1131 decoder for Xtraview, then either upgrade to Twin LNB yourself, or ask the installer to upgrade it (will need a 2x4 multiswitch or SatCR if you want to use Xtraview)
Click to expand...

Just beware these specials. They send out really cheap guys for the install, and they use substandard cabling and connectors. My installation worked for a month. Need to get a proper installer out now, or replace all cables and fittings myself. Cabling also done very sloppy.

You have been warned. ;-)


Sent from the MyBroadband iPhone App
 
Hello, Im moving into a new flat in Cape Town. There is a dedicated dish outside but the previous tenant removed the little "receiver thingy" that sits on the centre arm in the middle of the dish. I was wondering if it is possible to buy this part seperately, where I can buy it and how much it will cost?
 
Its called an LNB, buy at Space TV, Sats-R-Us etc, I think places like Makro & Hi-Fi are now selling them as well
If you have a PVR or more then 1 decoder then you will need at least a Twin LNB (about R300)
 
Cool thanks! I am indeed getting a HD PVR. So I'll look into the twin LNB.
 
Was gonna install it myself but starting to think I shud just pay for installation coz Twin LNB costs R450 and multiswitch costs R350... Isnt that almost the price of a new installation with dish and everything included?
 
@jacqvt: Do yourself a favor and get a professional, you won't regret it. No irritation or frustration and you get 100% signal assuming you get the right people to do it. Can recommend Sats-r-Us or Satellite Solutions, if you in Cape Town that is. Get the decoder yourself and the other hardware from them, then get them to put up and align the dish and lay cables. Not the cheapest solution but no need to buy your own satfinder (expensive for proper one) and decoder strength meter useless IMO. The other thing that affects the difficulty is size of dish. I got a 90cm but still got it done properly. Apparently the 60cm dishes are more difficult although MC recommend 90 for new installs.
 
PanQuarius said:
Was gonna install it myself but starting to think I shud just pay for installation coz Twin LNB costs R450 and multiswitch costs R350... Isnt that almost the price of a new installation with dish and everything included?
Click to expand...

Don't need multiswitch for PVR 2P
 
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