What to do with an old satellite dish. DIY solar oven made from a satellite dish. The best mobile satellite dishes

YouTube has presented a lot of videos, notably where a couple of men catch Eurosat using a bucket lid. Satellite transmissions to a device for pointing a dish... The video was most likely preceded by considerable experience of the master and preliminary adjustment. We'll tell you what the matter is below. Today we will discuss how a satellite dish can be made with your own hands from scrap items. You need to understand: in any case you will have to buy an irradiator (converter). The device contains a lot of electronic components inside; the exact composition and purpose are a trade secret of the manufacturing companies. One thing is important to the designer: the converter is configured for the broadcast range. As for polarization, you can change it, we have already said it and we will repeat it.

Satellite dish design

The operating principle of satellite antennas is limited to the conversion of air waves into electrical vibrations of the receiving probes of the converter. The signal is amplified, removed from the carrier, and transmitted to the receiver or television set. The satellite is far away. Flies in an orbit located exactly above the equator at a speed that allows it to remain motionless in the sky. It makes a full revolution around the Earth every day. One satellite covers a large area. Thousands, millions of square kilometers. It is clear that the area leaves no choice: the signal level is negligibly low, otherwise the power consumed in orbit would increase, and broadcasting would become impossible.

Typical antennas are unable to receive such a low signal level. Plates are used. The scientific name of the structures is parabolic antennas. The shape of the dish follows a paraboloid, the key feature of which is the optical law: rays of one direction are collected by the focal plane. Everyone knows a lens that is built on this basis is capable of collecting solar rays. The dish similarly concentrates the satellite signal to one point, where the strength is much greater than the average broadcast.

The gain of parabolic antennas is rarely below 20 dB. You will find specimens that provide 40 dB or more. At the same time, interference is cut off, because reception is carried out from a narrow direction.

Let's discuss the actions of the master in a YouTube video. I didn't use an ordinary bucket lid! – I found a curved one, similar in shape to a paraboloid. What's left to do next? Find the focal plane, position the converter as needed so that it fits into the place where the rays are collected by the point. It is unknown how much time was spent on preliminary adjustment, we will describe the experiment so that readers understand:

Experience explains two things:

You can only construct a plate with your own hands. Not a converter. The point is to find a position where the signal will be stable, the problem is: at the slightest deviation of the antenna shape from the paraboloid, the gain drops sharply.
Setting up a homemade satellite dish is done in a natural manner. It is necessary to find the correct azimuth and elevation angles. In the case of Tricolor TV, you don’t have to turn the converter, the polarization is circular. Reception of foreign channels is carried out - make sure that a converter with linear polarization is selected. We find out the angle of inclination using the online calculator of the provider, the owner of the spacecraft.

There is a known case where satellite dishes came from a military assembly line onto the shelves... of a children's store. There was a defect, the deviations were negligible, the bigwigs of the then progress could not come up with anything else but to hand over the best plates to ordinary people in the form of children's sleighs. It is clear that the fact of sale became known to local radio amateurs, and the products were crushed. We believe that today those plates will give a hundred points head start to any Chinese paraboloids. Instead of a bucket, it is more advisable to attach such a “sled”; reception is guaranteed in bad weather and calm.

When designing a homemade satellite dish, immediately find out what type of converter you will need. Two features are important:

type of polarization;
bands C, Ku.

Parameters are used in different combinations. One satellite has several bands, polarization varies. Multifeed is used. A guide on which several converters are installed, each to its own companion. It is difficult to aim two or three at one spacecraft. The signal quality will certainly decrease. It is important to know: there are hybrid converters in the store; none will provide reliable reception in all cases. Surely one range suffers. Avoid being surprised by this fact; it’s better to read the forums, where the problem is fully explained in simple terms.

At the end of the twentieth century, satellite television quickly burst into our homes and began to improve just as quickly. Not everyone probably remembers the first Soviet-made satellite receivers from the Krosna company! It was a huge unit on which only 8 channels could be configured by rotating the variable resistor wheels. But progress in this area has led to the fact that the equipment for receiving satellite television began to rapidly age. The analog signal was replaced by a digital signal of the MPEG-2 standard, and now it is already living its last days, after the introduction of the MPEG-4 standard, which MPEG-2 receivers can no longer receive and decode...

Naturally, analogue and digital satellite receivers of early models began to rapidly accumulate in the hands of the population and also in landfills. For ordinary people, this is just garbage, but for us, radio amateurs, it is a rather valuable source of parts, cases in which you can assemble some kind of device, connectors, power cords, transformers and ready-made power supplies.

And strange as it may seem, analogue receivers may be of greater interest to radio amateurs because they were assembled using full-size components and, having a considerable current consumption, had power supplies and transformers of decent power. You can also profit from displays, high-frequency units and ordinary capacitors, resistors, transistors, diodes, etc.

It all depends on what condition the unit is in and what its configuration is, sometimes it can be used as a clock, a timer with an actuator, but some devices can be used in a more interesting way.

We will talk about tuners with a built-in positioner. A positioner is an electronic device designed to rotate a satellite dish along the orbital axis to various satellites, memorize their positions and then rotate the dish to these positions by supplying a supply voltage of +/- 48 volts to the actuator. The actuator is a DC electric motor with a gearbox and a retractable rod. They come with a retractable part of various lengths: 8-12-18-24-32 inches and can be quite powerful, for example, I know of cases when, on a jammed rotary mechanism, the motor bent the channel ten! There were also tuners with a dual positioner designed to orient the antenna along both the horizontal and vertical axis.

What is the main idea of this review: what can be learned from these devices and how they can be used if they remain functional. If the tuner with a positioner has retained its functionality as a positioner (analog), it can be used for its intended purpose as a positioner, as well as for opening doors, gates, orienting a solar panel, etc. If all the electronics are burned out and cannot be restored, but the transformer remains intact, a transformer-motor pair can be used for the same processes, but with your electronic filling.

The article contained photographs of 2 old receivers and you yourself will evaluate their contents. One of them is an analog Mirage 2200 with a double positioner. I inserted a 3-position toggle switch into it so that I could supply power from it to the motor, without the participation of a positioner.

Additional tuners are available for sale for specific models of satellite receivers.

Why do I need a satellite tuner, the receiver already shows it perfectly?

Everything is correct, however, technology does not stand still, it develops and we use it with pleasure. And the fact is that we are often offered a new digital broadcasting standard.

In this case, we are always told about a higher quality and “live picture”. To taste all the delights of HD images or make the transition to terrestrial TV broadcasting, you need a receiver that can provide all this.

To take full advantage of the digital signal, additional installation is required in the satellite receiver.

And so, a satellite tuner and what it can do.

The satellite tuner can provide reception:

DVB-C (cable TV); DVB-S and DVB-S2 (satellite TV); DVB-T and + DVB-T2 - terrestrial (terrestrial) TV.

Let's look at a few of them.

External combined tuner Vu+ DVB-T2-C USB Turbo.

Its mission is to expand the capabilities of receiving digital terrestrial and cable channels on Vu+ satellite receivers.

The connection is very simple using a USB cable.

What is noteworthy is that it does not require additional power supply. An external tuner is used to receive digital terrestrial DVB-T2 and cable DVB-C channels on satellite receivers manufactured by Vu+.

Supports connection to VU+ receivers: Zero, Uno, Solo, Solo2, Solo SE, Duo and Duo2.

Let me remind you that the receiver must have an image installed that contains drivers for the tuner to function fully.

In images from the VTi team, the necessary drivers were added starting from version 8.2.x, in BlackHole images starting from version 2.1.6.

Earlier versions of these command images do not contain current drivers for the operation of this combined tuner. To connect the tuner to the receiver, you must turn it off using the toggle switch on the rear wall.

Then you need to go to the tuner settings through the menu and make sure that he sees the connected selector.

Next, you configure the necessary parameters for scanning channels. In addition, when choosing DVB-T/T2 standards, it is supported to turn on the +5 Volt voltage supply to power the active terrestrial antenna amplifier.

Tuner specifications:

DVB-T2 COFDM demodulator FEC (LDPC/BCH) Receive frequencies: 42~900MHz Supports up to 255 PLP FFT: 1K, 2K, 4K, 8K, 16K, 32K Modulations: QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM Bands frequencies: 1.7 5, 6, 7, 8 MHz DVB-T COFDM demodulator FEC (BCH) Receiving frequencies: 42 ~ 900MHz FFT: 2K, 8K Modulations: QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM Frequency bands: 5, 6 , 7, 8 MHz DVB-C (ETSI EN 300 429) Reception frequencies: 48 ~ 870 MHz Modulations: 16-QAM, 32-QAM, 64-QAM, 128-QAM, 256-QAM Symbol rate: 1 ~ 7.2 M Weight: 0.5 kg Dimensions: 13 cm × 7 cm × 5 cm

Vu+ Hybrid DVB-T2/T/C tuner.

A replaceable hybrid DVB-T2/T/C tuner, the installation of which adds the ability to receive terrestrial digital television and cable digital television to your Vu+ Uno, Vu+ Ultimo, Vu+ Solo SE, Vu+ Duo2, Vu+ Solo 4K satellite receiver

A replaceable hybrid DVB-T2/T/C tuner, the installation of which adds to your satellite receiver the ability to receive terrestrial digital television and cable digital television.

In the Vu+ Ultimo/Duo2/Solo 4K models you can install several different tuners at once, that is, a combined version of DVB-S2 + DVB-T2 + DVB-T is possible.

Technical specifications:

VHF channels: 2-12 (49-230 MHz) UHF channels: 21-69 (470-861 MHz) DVB-C HDTV compatible Input frequency range: 51-858 MHz Symbol Rate: 1-7 Mbaud/s Input Impedance: 75 ohms Tuner Input / Output: IEC connector DVB-C/DVB-T/T2 selection using software

DVB-S2 tuner for Openbox S9.

Replacement satellite tuner for the Openbox S9 receiver. Supports signal reception in DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards.

This tuner can be used to replace the DVB-C or DVB-T2/C standard selector in the Openbox S9 receiver, if one is installed, in order to take full advantage of the signal reception capabilities of two DVB-S2 standard satellite tuners

DVB-C/T for DM 800SE / 820 / 8000 / 7020HD / 7080.

Replacement cable-terrestrial tuner for the original Dreambox DM 800 SE / 820 / 8000 / 7020 HD / 7080 receiver. Supports signal reception in DVB-C/T standards.

Used for receiving digital cable and terrestrial television.

This tuner is installed in the original Dreambox DM 800 SE / 820 / 8000 / 7020 HD / 7080 receivers. It can be used to repair or modify the device by replacing a faulty or problematic selector.

From China.

As is clear, the DVB-T/C/S2 tuner for Dreambox 800 HD se is not original. Replacement combined tuner for the Chinese receiver Dreambox 800 HD se.

Supports signal reception in DVB-T, DVB-C and DVB-S2 standards. Used for receiving digital terrestrial, cable and satellite television.

This tuner is installed in both early and later versions of Chinese Dreambox 800 HD se receivers. Can be used to repair the device by replacing a faulty or problematic selector.

And also to expand the capabilities of the receiver, accurately receiving cable and terrestrial digital broadcasting. Please note that this tuner does not receive a signal in the DVB-T2 standard.

DVB-S2 tuner for AzBox HD Premium Plus.

Allows you to replace a failed first tuner and use the second tuner in combination with DVB-C, DVB-T, DVB-S2 tuners.

Add the ability to simultaneously record a channel from one transponder or satellite and view a channel from another transponder or satellite.

This is roughly the situation with the possibility of improving your satellite receiver. I think that the purchase is justified and a satellite tuner can give a bonus in terms of budget savings.

After such an upgrade, you will not have to buy another satellite receiver.

Good luck, Friends!

One author suggested the simplest way to do this. A satellite dish is used as a basis, because its shape is ideal for focusing solar rays, formally it is intended for focusing waves. In addition, this antenna has an adjustable unit that allows you to change its angle if necessary and conveniently follow the sun.

This solar oven works very simply. When the sun's rays hit the plate, they are reflected from it and then focused at one point. As a result, the temperature increases sharply at this point, the principle is very similar to the operation of a lens.

Materials and tools for manufacturing: - parabolic satellite antenna; - a board or timber to create a reliable foundation; - saw for metal; - wooden plank; - mirror film; - glue; - scissors and other tools.

Solar oven manufacturing process:

Step one. Making a platform for the oven

In order for the stove to stand securely on the ground and still hold the pot, it needs to be well supported. A board is suitable for these purposes, but it is better to use timber, as it is heavier. The platform needs to be made as wide as possible, then the stove will be more stable and will not tip over even with a strong gust of wind. You need to cut two pieces of board and then screw the antenna to it with self-tapping screws as shown in the photo.

Step two.
Extending the gander The whole point is that the dish is designed to focus waves in the area of the LNB heads, that is, this is too small a distance for focusing the rays on the bowler.
In this regard, the gander needs to be lengthened a little. A wooden block is used for these purposes. It needs to be sharpened at one end and then driven into the antenna pipe. At the end of the gander you need to hammer a hook, the bowler will be hung on it. Instead of a hook on the gander, you can make cuts into which the handle of the pot will simply be inserted. Thus, the distance to the pot from the antenna sheet can be adjusted if necessary. Step three.
Creating a reflective surface In order for the sun's rays to reflect off the antenna, its surface must be made mirror-like. For these purposes, you can use foil, mirror film or small pieces of mirror. It is important to understand here that the efficiency of the furnace will directly depend on the quality of the materials used. The better the material reflects the sun's rays, the higher the temperature at the focused point.

Step four.
Final assembly and testing of the furnace Now the furnace can be assembled and tested in practice. It needs to be turned towards the sun so that the focused rays fall directly on the pot. You may have to experiment with the distance from the antenna to the pot. The better the beam is focused, the higher the temperature will be.

There are several tricks to improve the efficiency of such a furnace. Firstly, the pot must be black, since if it reflects the color of the sun, the efficiency of such a device will be low. Secondly, the pot can be placed in a heat-resistant bag; as a result, a greenhouse effect will be formed in the bag and the efficiency of the stove will increase significantly.

The disadvantage of such a stove is that it needs to be turned towards the sun every half hour. In addition, there is a risk of getting burned if you accidentally get exposed to focused sunlight. Getting such an energy source into your eyes is very dangerous. According to the author, at the focusing point the temperature reaches several hundred degrees. For example, a stove easily ignites a wooden block, and this requires about 300 degrees. In the photo you can see how a newspaper caught fire from a beam of light, and all this after 15 seconds, although the temperature outside was only +18 degrees.

You need to wear sunglasses when working with such stoves, as there is a risk of burning the cornea of the eye due to glare.

Many people end up with old junk over time - satellite receivers that break down, become outdated, or are transferred to another operator and are thrown into a landfill or thrown into a “dark corner.” But if you wish, you can assemble devices from nodes that will still be useful.

The TV modulator itself is from a satellite receiver.

For example, in old receivers Tricolor TV, NTV+, Raduga TV, now deceased, and others, there is an RF modulator for transmitting a video signal to the antenna input of the TV, which is essentially a miniature television transmitter with digital synthesis and control via the IIC digital bus.

I had a small number of Tricolor TV GS DRE 5000, 7300 and similar receivers lying around without cryptomodules, but I had the opportunity to keep about 30 of them... I lost it.... We literally cut out the modulator itself from the motherboard. On different motherboards, modules of different names, but essentially the same, are made on the TA1297AFNG chip. The specification for this modulator indicates the supply voltage of +5 and +30V. I still don’t understand why 30 volts, it works without it.

ATMEGA8 modulator control circuit

This microcircuit is essentially a ready-made PLL TV modulator for the UHF (UHF) range with overlap from 21 to 69. You can programmatically adjust the audio spacing; the default width is 5.5 MHz. It's a shame it doesn't support stereo sound. But we will survive nothing. The signal from this TV modulator is supplied via a TV cable to the antenna socket of the TV, but if desired, it can be transmitted through the wall, throughout the apartment or house, just connect an external antenna and/or add an amplification stage on a transistor. Or connect the UHF amplifier antennas, swapping the input and output... The signal source can be a satellite receiver, media player or video surveillance system.

another prototype...

But simply by applying voltage, this TV modulator will not work; you need to assemble a device that issues control commands. In my version, the device was assembled on the popular and inexpensive ATMEGA8 microcontroller; I also used an indicator from the GS DRE 5000 receiver (from all similar ones) to display the channel number.

When you turn on the power of the modulator, it automatically switches to channel 36, then you can use the control buttons to select any channel of the UHF range. Subsequently, firmware will be written for the microcontroller, where it will be possible to remember the channel number when turning it off and on and adjust the sound width from 5.5 to 6.5 MHz.

Transmitted picture quality

For now, look for how and how to flash a microcontroller in search engines; later I’ll create a topic on our FORUM. I did not make a printed circuit board, because... The circuit is very simple. I advise you to buy a breadboard and solder everything on it, if anyone is planning to do it...

Firmware for ATMEGA8 microcontroller: RFmodulatorV1.

POST SCRIPTUM…

There is an inaccuracy in the diagram; the device contains a TNF 0170U623R modulator from TENAS, which was also installed on the boards by the GS receiver. When I was “picking”, the modulator block was mixed up. It is made on the MBS741T1AEF chip. The one indicated in the diagram did not start for me. The commands for MBS741T1AEF apparently correspond to TA1297AFNG, the program was written specifically according to the TA1297AFNG datasheet.

Updated firmware with remembering the channel number when the channel number is disabled RFmodulatorV2.

And swap 3 and 4 on the modulator.

You can discuss this and other news on our

Despite the title, the article below will not talk about how to make a satellite dish or solder a receiver yourself. Just a note about what you need to purchase and how to install and configure everything yourself in order to watch TV channels on your plate.

Suppose you live in a country house, in a village, or simply “far from civilization.” But I want to watch TV, and not a couple of channels broadcast on the air.

(A small digression: digital terrestrial broadcasting is actively developing at the moment. Find out if the number of channels you need is available in your area via terrestrial digital television? In this case, you will only need a set-top box for receiving a digital signal (if the TV does not support it), and you can use an antenna do not change.)

And so you decided to acquire satellite equipment to watch many TV shows. First you need to decide: what channels do you want to watch? If your goal is various Discovery, Viasat and/or purely sports channels, then we immediately inform you: it is better to conclude an agreement with one of the companies providing satellite television services for a subscription fee. Such channels are transmitted in encrypted form and only some of them can be viewed “on the ball”. Fortunately, nowadays there are enough companies involved in installing satellite equipment and providing paid services. You can order installation even in the middle of nowhere, the only question is the cost.

If you decide to go this route, we will give you some advice here: 1) if there are several offers, carefully study the list of channels provided in a particular package, the need to pay extra separately for sports, educational channels, etc.; 2) the possibility of free installation of equipment by company specialists; 3) is there a separate charge for “kilometers to the client” upon departure? 4) it’s a good idea to pay attention to the company’s reputation: read it on the Internet, ask clients; 5) find out whether the signal quality of the equipment installed by the company is good in your area; 6) it is often possible to connect profitably (for example, equipment or installation at cheap prices, half the monthly fee for some time for a more expensive package, or even a couple of months of “freebies”) for various types of promotions; As a rule, to attract customers, large companies hold them regularly: on New Year’s, on company anniversaries, etc.; 7) well, and advice that is suitable for any transaction: carefully read the signed agreement BEFORE signing, and not after, coming home and relaxing in front of your favorite TV channel; It may well be that a promotion that is profitable at first glance obliges you to use the services for at least a couple of years after concluding the contract, otherwise a penalty will be written off, etc.; in general: always be on your guard! and enjoy watching!

For those who decided to do everything themselves

, material below.

Again, to begin with, let’s make a reservation: this information is most suitable for those who live in the European part of the former USSR. So what is needed? To begin with: desire! The desire to do everything yourself (or with someone’s help). Without this, you may not reach a successful ending. Then patience, a steady hand, a minimum of tools and some cash. Regarding the last one. A lot depends on where, what and from whom you will purchase. But even if you buy everything new, you can easily invest in the equivalent of 100 UDS, unless, of course, you are chasing branded equipment. And it doesn’t always make sense to purchase everything new, for example, if there is a profitable used offer on the market. The same dish or receiver is not a flash drive: it can work for a very long time and efficiently (although some flash drives are reliable :)).

And again a small digression: an introduction to the world of satellite television

. What is this anyway? First, let's take a look at Wikipedia.

Geostationary orbit (GSO) is a circular orbit located above the Earth’s equator (0° latitude), while in which an artificial satellite orbits the planet with an angular velocity equal to the angular velocity of the Earth’s rotation around its axis. In a horizontal coordinate system, the direction to the satellite does not change either in azimuth or height above the horizon; the satellite “hangs” motionless in the sky.

Those. somewhere high in space, at an altitude of approximately 36 km from the surface of the Earth, an artificial satellite of the Earth rotates synchronously with it, which is a powerful receiver and transmitter of a television signal. It receives the signal from high-power ground transmitting antenna(s) and transmits it to a large area below it. In fact, there are many satellites. Each of them broadcasts to a specific area according to the direction of its transmitting antennas. Several conclusions follow from this: the satellite is very far away, it is limited in mass, volume, power supply capabilities, it is impossible to repair it if something happens, hence the complexity, duplication of systems, etc. From all this the conclusion is: the power of the transmitting signal is limited, the signal from the satellite is very weak. Then, a satellite is expensive, which means it needs to be used to the maximum: transmit through it as many channels as possible to a large area of the Earth. The second conclusion: the usual technologies that we still use for transmitting on-air television and radio broadcasts are not suitable - the number of transmitted channels is too small. Therefore, satellite television uses modern digital data transmission methods. The third conclusion: all channels cannot be “stuffed” into one satellite for technical and organizational reasons.

Now let's see: what do these conclusions mean for us? Weak signal reception technology is required. A parabolic antenna is used for this. Here, the larger the area of the parabolic mirror, the better. Better for a signal that is collected and focused to a point. But the larger the antenna, the more expensive and heavier it is. It is more difficult to install, and securing it securely to counteract strong vert is generally a problem at home, as a rule. Therefore, in practice, they choose a size sufficient for high-quality reception, and for most of Eastern Europe this is a diameter of 0.8 meters. One of the most common diameters is 0.95 m. There are two main types of satellite antennas: direct focus and offset. The first ones have a signal receiver (irradiator) installed at the focus of the parabolic mirror, which coincides with the geometric one. In the second, the signal collected at a point from a parabolic mirror is reflected to a point below the geometric center of the antenna. This eliminates the shading of the useful area of the antenna by the feed and its supports, which increases its efficiency with the same mirror area as the direct-focus antenna. In addition, the feed is installed below the center of gravity of the antenna, thereby increasing its stability under wind loads. The offset antenna mirror is mounted almost vertically. Depending on the geographic latitude, the angle of its inclination varies slightly. This position prevents precipitation from collecting in the antenna bowl, which greatly affects the quality of reception. When viewed through the light, the antenna does not appear as a circle, but as an ellipse, elongated vertically. The dimensions of an offset antenna are usually given in terms of gain equivalent to the direct focus ones. If this size is the same horizontally, then vertically it will be approximately 10% larger. In the future, by satellite antenna we will only mean offset antenna, as it is the most common one.

Direct focus antenna.

Offset antenna.

There is also a distinction between fixed and mobile antenna mounting. In the first case, the antenna is fixedly attached to the base, in the second - to a special positioner. The latter’s task is to rotate the antenna in an arc to position it on the desired satellite. The signal to turn is usually given by a satellite receiver. It takes some time to accurately position the satellite when selecting a program from a different satellite than the current one. Technically implemented using a motor-actuator. Expensive and, therefore, not a common solution. The practical part will not be considered.

As mentioned above, the signal from the antenna is focused to one point, where a device called a converter (LNB head or low-noise block converter or low-noise monoblock converter) is installed. Based on the name “satellite converter,” it immediately becomes clear that this device converts (converts) something. An electromagnetic signal comes from the satellite, which is focused by the satellite dish onto the converter and converted by the LNB head into an intermediate frequency. This is necessary so that the signal can be efficiently transmitted further along the cable. In addition, the LNB head amplifies the received signal. Next, the signal via a coaxial cable from the LNB head goes to the satellite receiver, which, as a rule, is a separate device (the so-called satellite set-top box), but can also be built into the TV. Due to the fact that the satellite is very far away relative to the receiving antenna, you have to point this same antenna very precisely at the satellite itself. Let's summarize: to receive satellite television, you must, in addition to the TV itself, have the following equipment. 1) Parabolic antenna with a diameter of 0.8 m. 2) LNB head. 3) If you want to watch TV programs from more than one satellite, then you need a switch (switch) of DiSEqC heads. 4) Coaxial cable. 5) Satellite receiver.

This is where the theoretical part ends. Let's move on to the practical.

First, determine where to mount the parabolic antenna. The height above the ground does not play a special role. It is important that there are no obstacles on the satellite-antenna line. Even tree crowns. For residents of Eastern Europe, the direction to the satellite will be south with a shift to the west or east, depending on the coordinates of the antenna and satellite. After all, we remember that geostationary satellites are launched into equatorial orbit. The mounting location must be strong and securely fastened: even the slightest vibrations of the antenna will lead to signal loss. The best option is the main wall of the building or reinforced concrete roof slab. But other options are also suitable, for example, a rigidly reinforced vertically installed iron pipe of such a diameter that it does not sway during gusts of wind. Depending on the chosen mounting option, select the appropriate fastener, which is fixed on one side to a fixed surface, and the antenna itself is attached to the other. As a rule, the antennas themselves are not equipped with such a part. It can also be a home-made product, the main thing to remember is that the antenna has a large windage and it will need to be accurately aimed at the satellite, i.e. Reliability and ease of installation and configuration of the antenna itself are important. Then choose the antenna itself. Here it is better to ask the owners of satellite equipment in your area what diameter of the “dish” they use and whether the reception is good during thick clouds and/or rain. If, for example, it turns out that when receiving with an antenna with a diameter of 0.8 m, there is a loss of signal during heavy rain, then you should think about purchasing an antenna with a diameter of 0.95 m. At the same time, overpay for a 1.5 m “dish” diameter makes no sense. In addition, it may turn out that the one who provided you with the above information simply does not have the antenna pointed at the satellite accurately enough. In general, the advice of knowledgeable people and the experience of neighbors with “plates” will help here. Afterwards, you need to decide how many satellites you want to watch TV programs from? In theory, you can “overgrow” antennas like mushrooms after rain, but in practice the most common option is one “dish”, a mount for three receiving heads, three LNB heads, a DiSEqC switch for 4 heads, then a cable from DiSEqC to the receiver, the receiver itself, and from it to the TV. This is the so-called multi-feed scheme. Let's look again at Wikipedia. Multifeed is a set of devices (in particular, converters) designed to receive signals from several satellites onto one parabolic antenna. A multifeed is often called a bracket on which additional converters are mounted.

This scheme has been worked out for years; it allows you to watch a maximum of Slavic-language programs with minimal financial investment. With three LNB heads manually, without resorting to special equipment, it is possible to configure acceptable signal quality for the three most popular satellites in Eastern Europe: Amos 4W, Astra 4.9E, Hot Bird 13E. The beauty here is that you can use one antenna for these satellites. First, the antenna with the central head is configured, usually on the Hot Bird 13E, although it can be used on any other one. In this case, both the position of the plate itself and the head change to achieve the maximum signal level. The signal from this satellite with high-quality tuning will be the strongest. Then the other two are adjusted, but only through the heads themselves. The most common type of LNB head is for one output, as it is the most popular and cheapest. From it the signal goes via cable to the DiSEqC switch or receiver. With this scheme, it is possible to serve only one TV with a signal. But there are heads with a larger number of pins, which allows one antenna and LNB head to supply more than one receiver with a signal, thereby saving on equipment. This is very convenient if, for example, there is more than one TV in the house.

LNB heads: with one output and four.

In the second case, all 4 outputs can be connected to different receivers or DiSEqC. The receiver can simultaneously work with only one LNB head, this is where the DiSEqC switch is needed if you want to watch several satellites on one “dish”. Depending on the program selected by the user, he connects one or another LNB head to the receiver and supplies it with the supply voltage necessary for the head to operate. In the vast majority of cases, there is only one DiSEqC between the LNB head and the receiver, but there are intricate schemes with cascaded DiSEqC, but these are such rarely used cases that we will not consider them.

Next, you need a coaxial cable to connect DiSEqC and the receiver. It must be taken with a margin of a couple of meters relative to the distance that you are measuring. But remember that the longer the cable, the greater the loss.

It's time to talk about the receiver. This is a very broad topic. For most TV channel fans, a simple receiver, such as the Orton 4100C, will do. But general information on choosing a satellite set-top box will not harm anyone.

First of all, if you have a modern TV, then look at its instructions or read it on the Internet - it may happen that this TV already has the necessary digital signal receiver built into it. If not, here's something to look out for. 1) The number and type of signal outputs, as a rule, there should be at least three of them: a regular antenna output, a SCART, a regular Video-out. In this case, it is easier to avoid connection conflicts if there is other video equipment also connected to the TV, such as a DVD or BLUE-RAY drive, game console, terrestrial digital television receiver, etc. 2) Does the receiver support HDTV (high definition television) signal reception? In our area, this is still a curiosity - the presence of clearly broadcasting (in the native language) HDTV channels, and even those that you can watch for free, but time does not stand still. 3) Availability of instructions in understandable language. 4) Number and type of service connectors. They are necessary to flash the receiver. Flashing is necessary to correct errors in the current firmware or to update the channel list. (Yes, yes, a receiver is a specialized computer like a telephone or a router, and from time to time it also needs to “upload” something). Ideally, there should be two such connectors: RS-232 (pins in two rows) and USB. If there is no USB, then it is not a fact that your computer has RS-232 (aka COM port), but if you wish, you can buy an RS-232-to-USB adapter. You will also need a so-called null modem cable. If there is no RS-232 on the receiver, but only UBS, then this is not so scary, because any (well, almost) personal computer older than 1996 has at least one USB port. 5) As a consequence of the previous point, it is very desirable for the receiver to easily find the firmware, for example, the program code from the manufacturer, and the list of channels on a specialized website, or both in a second place. There are many options for popular models, but for exotic ones you will have to search. But you have to be careful, it’s not so difficult to screw up the receiver. 6) If it is not possible to flash the receiver, then it must support adding satellites and channels, entering keys, manually from the remote control. This is a tedious task and requires care, but there is less chance of completely damaging the equipment. Although... in capable hands... 7) If you want to watch paid channels now or in the future, then the receiver must support special security cards with keys.
This means a special connector and firmware support. Facebook Editors

Design your own satellite dish

We said earlier that at the slightest deviation of the paraboloid shape factor from the specified one, the technique drops. How to make a satellite dish as close to the correct shape as possible. Let's answer the question. Have you ever seen how ships are built? Assembled in sections. More often, parallelepipeds of various sizes are installed in place by crane and welded. The individual sections of the bottom are elaborately shaped, creating an interesting device useful in constructing a parabolic antenna.

First, we recommend studying the market. Avoid being out of line with factory satellite dishes. The country does not like unusual things of local origin, but carrying foreign clowns on their arms is a tradition. A homemade satellite dish should not differ from purchased ones when viewed from afar. Helps you avoid problems. It is impossible to install a purchased kit without permission without a design, let alone a homemade satellite dish.

So, adaptation. Imagine a frame of cross-welded guides on which profiles are welded vertically to form the desired part of the bottom. We know the formula of a paraboloid (it’s easy to adjust the dimensions by doing research in a store), therefore, let’s draw a cross-section on a sheet of paper. Guided by a paper template, we cut a number of profiles out of plywood, place them along a corner and a ruler, forming part of a paraboloid.

It’s not difficult to carefully make a paraboloid from fabric and glue. When the structure is completely dry, it is necessary to cover the inner surface with smooth aluminum foil. You will get a mirror in which you will see yourself. It is worth remembering that matte foil is suitable; the smallest roughnesses that scatter light have less effect on the reflection of radio waves. Try to smooth it out.

The converter stand should be bent in the image and likeness of the store one. Since we know the formula of the resulting surface, we can easily indicate the location of the focus, where we will place the irradiator, facilitating reliable reception. Decide for yourself what to make a satellite dish from; we are sure there will be many model aircraft enthusiasts who use straw. The plate must be rigid and durable, resisting wind, frost, and snowfall. A satellite dish made with your own hands from scrap material will probably be cheaper than a store-bought one, and the plywood guides can be used again. Build crosswise in cells, success will come. The main thing is to maintain the shape factor; the surface should be smooth.

It’s easier to slowly assemble a plywood frame and glue the structure together than to carry a satellite television set. By the way, it is not necessary to take the bucket lid. Any metal surface that resembles the base of a paraboloid. Bend according to the above technology (difficult way). Metal conducts electric current better and collects waves better, forwarding them to the converter.

It all depends on what condition the unit is in and what its configuration is, sometimes it can be used as a clock, a timer with an actuator, but some devices can be used in a more interesting way.

A satellite dish is a common but expensive pleasure. Many of us have often thought about the question: is it possible to make such a multifunctional antenna on our own? Of course, this is entirely possible! Most often, the question of making a satellite dish with your own hands is asked by people in order to save money or by those who like to conduct experiments. Building a homemade TV dish is not as easy as it seems. When installing it, you need to take into account not only the features of a particular model, but also even the smallest nuances: setting up available satellites, reflection angle, and others. Today we will tell you how to make a satellite dish with your own hands from readily available means. Let's look at the most common ways to make such a device.

Internet outside the city or 3G/4G antenna

Nowadays, good and fast Internet is much more important than a TV, so we’ll talk about antennas for the Internet separately.

The photo shows a 3G/4G Proflink antenna. Why is it needed? What's good about it? Before answering these questions, it’s worth delving a little deeper into the problems of the mobile Internet.

If the mobile Internet on your modern smartphone works quickly, and for a computer a regular USB modem is quite enough and the speed suits you, then you don’t need such an antenna, you don’t need to read further. But if everything works very slowly, even with a good signal, the antenna can already help.

The principle of operation of 3G/4G Internet is quite simple. In your or a neighboring village, a telecom operator (Megafon, MTS, etc.) installs a base station. It's like a big antenna that your devices, like your phone or modem, connect to. Your phone, the phone of the neighbor on the left, the neighbor on the right, the neighbor behind, across the street. They all need the Internet and they all share it with you. The fact is that the base station has a limited resource, bandwidth or “pipe” and it is divided approximately equally between everyone. Equally, but not quite. There is a so-called “radio resource” concept, which is also limited. And the more of this resource is needed, the worse the received signal on the subscriber device. Simply put, if your modem or phone has “bad reception”, there are only “one or two sticks”, the base station needs to spend more “force” to provide you with good Internet access speed. If your signal is good or excellent, you need less strength = resources. These resources are also divided approximately equally, and all this is very crude and simplified.

The bottom line is that those devices that have a better signal get better speeds. And this is only one side of the coin. Any mobile device, phone or modem is quite “weak”. If the operator's base station is a huge antenna on a mast or on the roof of a tall building, it emits a powerful signal, then the transmitter in your phone or modem is extremely small and it is difficult for the base station to “hear” a response signal from it. This is why your mail may be sent slowly, and uploading a video to YouTube can be a real problem.

What's the use of an antenna?

Well, now let's compare, what do you think receives the signal better - your phone or tablet in your hands, or the antenna on the roof of the house? What emits better? Obviously, a large antenna pointed towards the operator's base station will be in better radio conditions and will provide you with better Internet performance.

In addition to better reception, and therefore higher network access speed, the antenna in the photo above boasts built-in WiFi. Those two small antennas on top are just wireless communications in the house and on the property. You can connect any device with WiFi to such an antenna, and in addition to it there is also a regular Ethernet cable (by the way, it also carries power, this is POE technology).

Therefore, if the Internet in your home is not working well, it makes sense to think about an antenna. This is not a panacea; in case of severe overload of the operator’s network, it will not help much, but even then the Internet will work better, because the signal will be better.

At the request of customers, I install Proflink antennas, which are produced in Krasnodar https://smarten.rf/antenna/ These antennas are built on high-quality components and differ from analogues in a more reliable “filling”.

Method of gluing with a concrete base

When making a homemade satellite dish, do not forget to draw a detailed drawing of the device, taking into account all measurements and calculations of consumables, in order to get the desired result. It is thanks to your accurate calculations and values that you will save yourself from the risk of getting the wrong shape and similar unforeseen troubles.

The entire manufacturing process of such equipment is as follows:

We draw a parabola in the drawing, which a little later will be transferred to a steel sheet 0.05 cm thick.
Using a welding machine, we make a frame from metal rods with a diameter of 10 mm. We bend the steel ribs along the knife, and then weld the bearing onto the top of the structure.
We install the frame on a flat surface. We mount the pipe vertically in the center under the mounted bearing. After securing the part, install the knife on the bearing of the large washer.
Fill the plate with thick concrete mortar.
Dry the resulting matrix for 4-5 days (preferably in the open air).
Now let's glue the antenna. We divide the finished structure into several parts. We got 8 sectors.

Important! This is necessary in order to make the further work process a little easier. Don't forget to ensure equal spacing between matrix elements.

For the pattern we use special fiberglass fabric, cut into identical strips, and epoxy primer. Apply regular machine oil to the surface of the now dry matrix, and then place the washer in the installed pipe. We lubricate the matrix with resin, onto which we apply a strip of fiberglass. Smooth the applied component with your hands so that bubbles do not appear on the surface of the glued matrix.
Cover the reflector with aluminum foil.

That's all the work. This satellite dish can be used for its intended purpose.

Overview of options

DIY Plexiglas Plate

This method requires relatively significant financial costs, the plexiglass itself costs a lot of money, and you will need a large chamber to heat it, but the result is perhaps the most aesthetic.

Plexiglas is convenient for our purposes because when heated it can take on a given shape. To make a homemade satellite dish, take a piece of plexiglass about 4 mm thick, cut a circle with a diameter of a little more than half a meter, heat it, as soon as the glass softens, bend it into the shape of a plate. Carefully cover the entire inside with foil. The antenna for satellite TV is ready with your own hands.

Satellite dish made from umbrella and foil

Producing an antenna in this way, in addition to an unnecessary umbrella and foil, will require copper antenna wire and... plasticine with a beer can.
The same sectors of the umbrella are cut out of foil according to the size and attached to the umbrella fabric. So gradually the entire umbrella becomes metalized.

For the signal receiver, 3 cm of the protective braiding is removed from the antenna cable with a knife and cut to the copper wire transmitting the TV and radio signal. Here it comes to an empty tin can. An oval is cut out of this valuable material, a hole is punched in the middle, the same copper wire is inserted into it and soldered. To prevent corrosion in the future, experts recommend covering the joint with plasticine.

We have come up with a signal receiver that should be tied to the handle of a silver umbrella with electrical tape, but in such a way that our homemade receiver does not directly touch the metal cane, otherwise noise interference will occur. Plasticine can again serve as an insulating gasket between the parts.

The power supply to the receiver-amplifier occurs via the antenna wire. The resulting antenna must be fixed and also aimed at the source of the television signal.

Satellite dish made of thin metal sheet

We take a thin, no thicker than 1.5 mm sheet of galvanized iron with a thickness of 1...1.5 mm with sides of 100x100 mm. A plate with a diameter of about 80 mm is made from this material. To eliminate mistakes, first cut a cardboard sheet of the same perimeter into 16 equal parts in the form of sectors.

In this case, each next one will shift relative to the previous one by 22.5 mm. We draw 4 circles with the following radii: 75 mm, 254 mm, 400 mm and 538 mm. The largest circle will already extend beyond the sheet of cardboard. The parts that go beyond the boundaries just need to be cut off. Circles will be needed to bend the template along them.

Next, cutouts are made along 16 segments of the circle, maintaining distances of 0 mm, 11 mm, 29 mm, 50 mm. The finished cardboard template is transferred to a metal blank. Using special scissors, cut out and join the segments into a single plate.

Wire satellite dish

For this option, prepare a fairly large ball and copper wire about 3 mm in diameter. An inflatable ball with a diameter of at least 1 meter will act as a blank to give the shape of our plate. We mark the largest diameter of the antenna on it with a marker. Twist the first small ring from the wire and place it on top of the ball. Twist the second ring a little wider and place it on the ball.

The second circle should be of such a size that the distance between it and the small top one is 2-3 cm. We connect the rings with wire pieces using solder, or fasten them with thin wire. We continue in the same spirit making and arranging the rings on the ball until we reach the largest diameter of the plate. We will get the frame of the future satellite dish, which then needs to be covered with foil. We complete the product with a constructive solution inside the first smallest ring for securing the plate.

Sheet steel parabolic antenna

For the following home antenna option you will need:
steel sheet 0.5 mm thick
metal rods 1cm thick
welding machine
bearing
concrete mortar
fiberglass
machine oil
epoxy resin
aluminium foil

We draw a parabola on a cardboard drawing, from which we will then transfer it to a sheet of steel. We weld the frame of the product from metal rods. We bend these rods along the knife. We weld the bearing into the middle of the installation. We install a pipe vertically under it. Having secured it well, we place the knife on the bearing of the large washer. Pour a fairly thick concrete solution into the resulting antenna blank.

After pouring, 4 days should pass, the minimum time for the concrete blank (our matrix) to dry. Now let's start gluing the antenna. To simplify our task, we divide the antenna into 8 sectors. Uniform distances between the parts of the matrix are important. For the pattern you will need equal-sized strips of fiberglass and an epoxy primer.

Lubricate the concrete matrix with machine oil and install the washer into the pipe. We cover the matrix with resin, put strips of fiberglass on top and smooth them thoroughly. Then cover with foil. The new product is ready for use as a receiver-amplifier.

Do-it-yourself satellite dish at home from foil

It happens that the location of the house does not allow the use of a parabolic dish, so you can build such an antenna with your own hands. It is extremely important to take into account the following basic requirements for this homemade device:

The need for a TV tower to be 30-50 km away from your home.
The signal must have sufficient reception from at least several satellites.
It is advisable that there is a tall structure next to your home - this will make it easier to cope with the task.

Materials and tools:

Old umbrella.
A roll of regular foil.
Antenna cable (preferably copper).
Can.
Amplifier with built-in power supply.

Manufacturing:

We manufacture a satellite array. We measure the interval between all the spokes of the umbrella, the central angle of their attachment and the height of the segment we need.
We cut out all the parts from the foil, apply them to the triangular parts of the umbrella and sew them with nylon threads to the existing fabric. Using similar manipulations, we cover the entire inside of the umbrella with foil.
Let's start assembling the signal receiver. We install it at the focus of the satellite array. To do this, you can use a purchased amplifier, or you can make it yourself. To do this, remove 4 cm of braid from the cable, trim the noise-protective layer and leave one central copper core, which will transmit the television signal.
We cut out an oval part from a beer can, in the center of which we make a small hole. We insert a ready-made cable core into it and solder this contact. We cover the connections with ordinary plasticine to avoid oxidation and corrosion during the operation of the device.
We attach the resulting receiving apparatus to the handle of the umbrella with ordinary tape, and wind a 10-15 cm cable so that in the future you can adjust the focus of the mirror.

Important! Be careful not to let the receiver come into contact with the metal handle of the umbrella, as this may cause a lot of noise interference. To protect the device from such troubles, we placed plasticine in the area of possible contact, which will serve as a kind of insulator.

We place a homemade power supply close to the TV, since our amplification device will be powered through an antenna cable.
We secure the plate with a nylon thread or the upper central tip of the umbrella. We direct it to a nearby source (tower), and then select the focus with the receiver, which was received as a signal on our TV.

From a plastic bottle

Needlewomen have nothing to throw away; everything goes to work for them. Even a plastic bottle will make an original craft for a kindergarten or school. Let's make an unusual artificial Earth satellite with our own hands.

You should have at hand:

a whole small square plastic bottle and the bottom of a 2 liter round bottle;
wooden skewers and large wooden beads (2 pieces);
glitter (paper with sparkles) in red, gold and blue;
thin white plastic – elastic, retains its shape well;
regular black and gold paint in a can;
two polystyrene balls - a small one and a larger one.

We make 12 squares from white plastic and decorate them with small glitter squares. These are the “wings” parts. Their basis will be wooden skewers. Attach the squares to skewers. For one wing you need 6 paired blanks - 2 pieces each in gold, red, blue. Let's start designing the wings. At the base of each part we attach a wooden bead, and we “let” connecting “tendrils” to it and to the corners of the parts.

We make holes on the sides of a square plastic bottle. Their diameter should be equal to the diameter of the skewers so that they “sit” tightly in the holes. We paint the bottle with gold spray paint and insert the “wings”.

We glue a larger foam ball into the bottom, cut from a 2-liter bottle. We attach a bottle with “wings” to it with glue. We cut a small foam ball in half and glue the parts onto the lid of the whole bottle, decorate it with a golden color. The work is done.

Step-by-step video tutorial:

Space themes for crafts are popular not only on the eve of Cosmonautics Day. Many boys, and even girls, are interested in everything unknown and unattainable. Offer to create a satellite, a planet, or an entire solar system with your own hands from scrap materials, and they will definitely support you.

Do-it-yourself satellite dish at home from a thin metal sheet

It’s not difficult to make such a satellite dish with your own hands; it’s only important to follow the instructions and purchase one sheet of thin galvanized metal, the thickness of which should be a maximum of 1.5 mm, and the dimensions should be 100x100 mm. From such a sheet you can make a homemade plate with a diameter of 80 mm.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

We take the cardboard of the size we need in our hands, and then divide it into 16 identical round parts.

Important! Please note that each sector must be offset from the previous one by approximately 22 mm.

We draw 4 circles with the following radii: 75, 254, 400, 538 mm. Due to the fact that the last circle extends beyond the cardboard blank, we simply cut off all the excess parts. We will further bend our template using the resulting circles.
We make cuts along 16 rays, keeping the same distance - C1, C2, C3 and C4. Size C1 - 0 mm, C 2 - 11 mm, C 3 - 29 mm, C4 - 50 mm.
We transfer the made cuts to a metal sheet using a metal ruler and a sharp scriber.
Next, use metal scissors to cut out the previously made blank for the future plate.
We connect all the metal petals together. This is how we got a ready-made mirror for our satellite dish.

How to make a satellite dish at home from wire?

To make such homemade equipment, you will need a large inflatable ball, which will serve as a model for the frame of our future wire antenna.

The manufacturing technique is as follows:

We mark the largest radius of our satellite dish on the ball with a pencil. The curved surface will be represented by that part of the ball that is separated by a circle.
We take in our hands a coil of copper (preferably) wire with a diameter of 3 mm (you can take it from an old transformer), and then make circle No. 1 from it, which we place on our ball.
Now we make wire circle No. 2 a little larger in size so that the interval between it and the previous one is about 20 mm. So we will gradually reach the required maximum diameter.
We connect the finished circles with rays so that the places where they intersect are twisted with thick wire and soldered using the tin method.
Leave empty space inside the smallest circle. This is where the antenna stand will be mounted.
We cover the finished frame with aluminum mesh (possibly foil), observing the rear curvilinearity of the reflective structure.

DIY satellite dish made of plexiglass

Plexiglas is excellent for making a homemade satellite dish, since with moderate heating this material has excellent ductility, thanks to which it can take absolutely any shape. For work, we took one sheet of plexiglass 3 mm thick and with a larger diameter than the diameter of the factory satellite device.

Step-by-step master class on making a satellite dish with your own hands from plexiglass:

After softening the material under the influence of heat, we level it on the blank, giving the plexiglass a round shape. Now we wait for the material to cool.
Cover the concave surface of the material used evenly with thin foil. In our case, the foil will be a reflective element.

Your DIY satellite dish is ready! Now you can tune in channels!