Sky + on a Static Caravan - Signal Advice

[goldie1975]

Ive just set up a dish and sky + box on my Dads static caravan. I intend to just use it as a freeview box as the ariel signal in the area is poor. (The box doesnt have a viewing card inserted).

Im struggling to get a signal at the moment.

Could this purely be down to the incorrect dish allignment OR do I need at least a card (with or without subscription) before a signal can be found/recognised?

(NB - There are plenty of caravans around it with Sky fitted and its pointing in the same direction).

The longer term plan is Im going to take my skyHD box through and connected that every time I go to save paying any additional subscription.

[Smithy99]

It will just be down to alignment, it is not like an aerial where you can get a picture even if it is not pointing exactly the right way.

It is fractions of a degree to get t to work and can take some time to do it without a meter. A local company will come out and align it properly for you if you need them to but make sure the dish is out off the way enough that it cannot be knowked or hit with a ball etc otherwise you will be having constant problems.

You may find that one of the other caravaners has a cheap needle meter you could borrow, although not foolproof they are better than nothing.

[goldie1975]

Many thanks for your response.

Should I be able to get a signal then without having any viewing card inserted?

[Smithy99]

Yes, you will certainly get a signal and also all the FTV channels without a card, the problem is getting the signal.

Imagine it like this, there is a beam of light coming down from the satellite, you have to point the dish so this beam is focused to a dot and reflected directly into the LNB, if you have ever tried to burn ants with a magnifying glass you will know how awkward it can be to focus and direct it.

You could spend all day and get knowhere without a meter, also there are a few different satellites up there that will all show a signal but not be the one you want.

[goldie1975]

I see where your coming from. Looks like ebay is awash with such allignment meters for £9.99 or less. Well worth the purchase I reckon. As a last resort I will get a local firm out. Thanks again.

[Isitme]

If you have a local Maplins, have a look there, they stock them. Less hassle than eBay

[Kenedin]

Some useful info:

Installing a Sky dish

Not specifically for a static caravan, but you'll get the idea.

[MartinP]

also Satellite for caravans. (Satellite TV at home and abroad)
and How to use the SatCure Satellite Finder Signal Meter

[simonmpoulton]

I highly recommend one of those ball type compasses which has Astra 2, eurosat etc marked on it. You simply put it on the arm of your dish and then move the dish until your lined up with the Astra 2 marking, then just pop your signal meter on and make the remaining small adjustments to get it right. I personally find it incredibly simple and easy to set up using this method.