First off we need to make sure you have the right equipment. To get most of the true fta out there (KU Band) you will need a linear lnb and at least a 30" dish. I really recommend a larger dish than that though, there are some tp's that a 30" dish won't pull in reliably. There are 2 types of linear LNBFs, univesal and standard. I really recommend you get a standard LNBF, it makes life a little easier.

You will also want a 4x1 diseqc switch at some point. This will allow you to hook up your 18" dish with circular lnbf into the Pansat, besides NASA there is a lot of good audio on 119.

Ok, so now you have the proper sized dish and a linear LNBF. Lets start out on one of the more popular FTA satellites, which is g10 located at 123w. First thing to do is to make sure all of your antenna settings are correct.

Select "Menu" on your remote control. From there select installation, and then antenna setup. Choose G10r/KU and press "OK"

Here is what your settings should read, if they dont adjust them:

LNB type=standard (assuming you have a standard lnbf-if you bought a universal LNBF then select universal 1)

LNB Local-Freq- 10750 for standard, if you have a universal it will be 9750/10600

22 khz = OFF

DiSEqC= what ever port of the diseqc switch that you connected the linear ku LNBF to. If the cable is connected to port 1 then select port 1 here.

Skew- THIS DOES NOT MATTER, SKEW ON LINEAR LNBFS IS ADJUSTED BY TURNING THE LNBF IN THE HOLDER. This setting is for people who are controlling skew on thier BUD with the Pansat 2700.

TP=11800 v 27.657 This is a strong tp that can be used for aiming.

Positioner setting=This is used if you have a motor, if you have a fixed dish you will not use this

Satellite Scan=all

Ok, that is it for the installation screen. Leave this screen up to help you aim your dish.

Now, lets get that dish aimed. First off you will need the angles to the sat (asimuth and elevation) and you will also need the "skew" for the LNBF. Here is an easy to use az/el calculator.
http://www.satsig.net/ssazelm-palmos.htm
MAKE SURE to put the minus sign before the sat location (123) and your longitude, otherwise you will get an error. After you have the az/el and skew figures, you are ready to aim the dish.

The below instructions are for a fixed dish, you will NOT set skew on a motorized dish. Motorized dishs skew themselves.

First you will need to set skew. Lets assume your LNBF is set at 0 degrees skew, which means the f connector that the cable screws onto is pointed at the ground. If the calculator tells you that you need a scew of -45 degrees, you will turn the LNBF until the cable connection is pointed at the 3 o'clock position. If the calculator tells you you need +45 degrees of skew, then set the lnbf so the f connector is pointed at the 9 o'clock position. Now your skew is set.

Here is how I aim a fixed dish. First off make sure your pole is perfectly plumb. Then set your elevation according to the scale. You will need to see the TV for the following steps, or have a helper watch the tv and communicate signal changes. Remember you are looking for signal QUALITY not strength.

After you have set the elevation point the dish to the general azimuth of the disired satellite and SLOWLY "pan" the dish. Make movements of no more than a 1/32 of an inch at a time, then wait 5 seconds for the reciever to register signal change and then move it again. If you move the dish more than 90 degrees and still dont get a signal, then adjust elevation up/down and try again. Some of the cheaper dishs have the elevation marks off, this can really mess you up!

A cheap satellite finder such as a sf-95 makes this process MUCH easier.

After you have found g10 than peak the signal by adjusting skew, azimuth and elevation until you get the best signal. Sometimes moving the LNBF in its holder closer to/ away from the dish can help signal quality.

G10 is a fairly weak satellite compared to the DBS sats. A signal quality reading of 80 is perfectly acceptable for the tp we have been using in this example.

A lot of times it is easier to aim for 121 first and then move the dish a little to g10 after you have that satellite nailed.

Good Luck and welcome to the world of true FTA :D

To amplify the subject of dish SIZE . An 80cm is generally given as a minimum, I've found that to be inadequate, so my family and friends have 90cm dishes ( in central US) . As your location approaches the east or west coast, you'll need an even larger dish for the "opposite coast" linear birds . You will not regret having a larger dish and stronger signal.
:)

can you hook 3 super dish 500 to one diplexer switch for different satellite's. also would it work to weld more on the super dish it increase reflection area for more satellites and signal strength.

can you hook 3 super dish 500 to one diplexer switch for different satellite's. also would it work to weld more on the super dish it increase reflection area for more satellites and signal strength.
No you cant use a diplexer for that purpose sounds like you need to read up on switches and there use's as well.
Buy a larger dish geesh!

But if your gonna weld anything to it make sure your wearing a tin foil beanie while doing it.

Thamks for the useful info just checked another site said use the2 lbn lines from super-dish to its switch port 1 and 2 . another dish second 2 lbn lines port 3 and 4 then assign each port in box respectively. as for welding just trying to increase dish size, on a budget can get a couple channels now . I guess instead of asking anything and getting sarcasm, just do it instead. thanks anyway

I have an invacom quad LNB. it is on a 30 inch motorized dish. i noticed at the end of the LNB holder, there are tic marks. i assume it is to rotate the LNB itself. but im not sure where to set it? im also not sure where my starting point should be when aiming the dish. i did hook it to a diseq switch because the LNB is set up for circular and linear, but again, i dont know where to aim it the first time. I also have several FTA receivers to choose from for the true FTA use, and would like opinions on which one would be the best one for the job.

Pansat2700A

pansat 250SM ( USB Loader )

Viewsat Extreme Plat.

Xrica

Spacestar DB500 and DB700


Any help on how to aim the dish for the initial setup would be great. and which receiver is best for the true FTA would also be great.

Thanks.

What is the model number of your Invacom Quad?