SatSig topic:

Out of Ideas: Pointing W1 from Iraq

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Nov 12^th, 2007 at 8:57am

Ok, I recieved a BW Star 7000 system. I'm in Balad, Iraq, I can't locate the Satellite I need (W1). I've tried several different things, including updating the satellite meter from the Horizon website. I can find several other satellites, including W6. I get a reading of about 70 on the satellite meter, with no Q bar. I need more ideas, what am I doing wrong?

Nov 12^th, 2007 at 10:12am

Calculate and write down the azimuth and elevation pointing and polarisation angles for your wanted W1 satellite (at 10 east) using:
https://www.satsig.net/maps/satellite-dish-pointing-iraq.htm

If you have found another, identified satellite, stop there for the moment and mark the scales, then calculate the azimuth and elevation angle for that one.

Now alter the elevation scale by the difference. You will now have exactly the correct elevation for the wanted satellite (even if the scale reading is in error by a few degrees).

Considering the azimuth and you will know which way to go, and by roughly how much, to find the wanted satellite.

Check the polarisation angle. What polarisation are you trying to receive?. It will have a name: horizontal or vertical. Set your feed to the starting position: horizontal or vertical. Horizontal is with the broad faces of the LNB waveguide on either side.
Now the polarisation setting adjustment. Consider your calculated polarisation angle for the wanted satellite. Add 3.5 deg for Eutelsat. The result will be a positive number if you are in Iraq and want a satellite to the south west. Adjust your feed by facing towards the satellite and rotating the feed clockwise by the exact amount. If the scale on the feed throat is tiny use a magnifing glass. You can use an inclinometer sideways across the BUC/LNB as an alternative. This rotation must be to 1 deg accuracy.

Make sure your DW7000 terminal is correctly tuned.

Swing the dish boldly sideways and you will find the satellite and be able to peak up.

If you are using a Horizon meter it will only recognise a specific satellite if the programming in the Horizon meter matches the LNB local oscillator frequency in use by you, and the polarisation in use by you. The Horizon meter is very sensitive at measuring power from any and all satellites and is good for peaking up.

Best regards, Eric.