Why do DSTV dishes point horizontally?

[gregmcc]

This has always puzzled me - why to DSTV dishes point horizontally and not like directly upwards. The satellites up above us right?

 

[Smooth Criminal]

This has always puzzled me - why to DSTV dishes point horizontally and not like directly upwards. The satellites up above us right?

The satellite is not directly above your house. You forget that the earth is round

 

[Nerfherder]

There is "up" in every direction, except down.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Even down is up.. depending on your point of reference

 

[Quantum Theory]

This has always puzzled me - why to DSTV dishes point horizontally and not like directly upwards. The satellites up above us right?

No. The satellite is on the equator at 68 degrees east. Then the signal comes in at an angle, bounces of the dish and down to the LNB.

 

[McGuywer]

No. The satellite is on the equator at 68 degrees east. Then the signal comes in at an angle, bounces of the dish and down to the LNB.

Is that the Quantum Theory?

 

[gregmcc]

The satellite is not directly above your house. You forget that the earth is round

Errrm...good point. I need to get outside more often

 

[Quantum Theory]

Is that the Quantum Theory?

Yes... Is that the McGuywer?

 

[Keeper]

Nigeria rent out their space-space (like air-space, just higher) for cheaper, so the satellite is closer to the equator.

true story.

 

[Quantum Theory]

I should also mention that it is not actually on the equator, but above it in a geostationary orbit.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Nigeria rent out their space-space (like air-space, just higher) for cheaper, so the satellite is closer to the equator.

true story.

No it is not!

 

[LazyLion]

This has always puzzled me - why to DSTV dishes point horizontally and not like directly upwards. The satellites up above us right?

cos if they pointed straight up the water would pool in them and they would rust?

 

[Gambit]

Dstv you an offset dish antenna as it is cheaper than a prime focus dish. Offset dishes don't point at the satellite like a prime focus dish. Prime focus dishes are much bigger and are used to track moving satellites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offset_dish_antenna

 

[McGuywer]

Dstv you an offset dish antenna as it is cheaper than a prime focus dish. Offset dishes don't point at the satellite like a prime focus dish. Prime focus dishes are much bigger and are used to track moving satellites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offset_dish_antenna

I think that is the answer....

 

[Xenophon]

Thanks for a great laugh guys

 

[Sackboy]

All these TV satellites are along the Clarke Belt AFAIK.