DIY Freesat

[elootos]

OK, Freeview is great but very variable on signal strength highly dependent on where you live creating a headache for some people.

Freesat (or just plain old satellite) is far better as the whole of the UK is fed by just one satellite (Astra @ 28.2East). Everything satellite-based comes from it (Sky included, although those Sky only channels are encrypted of course) so it has just one set of frequencies and just requires a standard minidish for 99% of the UK.

So for those wanting a DIY satellite upgrade you can easily get it up and running for about £50.

First, a satellite. Ebay for one and you can get them for about £25 inc LNB and fixings. The LNB is what feeds each tuner, so a quad will run upto 4 tuners in the home. Above that comes Octo output LNBs meant for feeding multi-occupancy residences etc. (although I think it has to feed an 8 input dist amp for breakdown of the frequencies, or something like that). You can't split or amplify the signal. It has to run direct from the LNB to tuner. You will also need a fair bit of coax and F-type connectors (best way to connect lengths of co-ax without signal loss.)

Zone 1 minidishes (Sky type) are 45cm across and meant for people south of Manchester or thereabouts. Zone 2 are 60cm across and for north of the divide especially Scotland. I'm in the south but opted for a Zone 2 as the Zone1s can have poor reception in bad weather or when pointing through trees etc.

This Zone1 is damn cheap.

Fix it on the wall pointing clear of any obstacles (although they work pointing through certain obstacles) to the Astra satellite @ 28.2E. Map guide here. It doesn't have to be too high up. Look around your street for other examples of Sky installers although they tend to be quick 'n easy fixes that are so lazily installed it's shocking! Take pride in yours!

Don't bother with a £3 dish finder off ebay as they will just show any satellite signal and there are hundreds up there (perhaps even thousands). The best guide is by eye then use the signal meter in whatever you intend to receive it through (Hauppauge WinTV has a percentage scale 0% - 100%, Media Center has a 5 bar meter). My signals at 99% 'cos tightening the bolts on the dish created about 0.5mm movement in it losing me 1% signal. Bastard bolts! Anything above 80% is adequate I believe.

Next up, satellite card for PC. The cheapest is the Compro VideoMate S350. I have 2 in my home. One in the kitchen, one in the lounge. They perform great but aren't DVB-S2 which will be a must in a few years time. But for £22 it will do for now to give you an idea of Freesat.

Er, and that's it. The card sends volts down the co-ax to power the LNB so do all your fitting with it powered down or you could short it out knackering your card.

Sit back and enjoy all 2 channels of HD (ahem) and 350 channels of shopping and community information. Brilliant.

Here's my bad-boy (I spent a bit more an a branded LNB but I needn't have bothered!):