nakujua wrote:I have seen several diy post about installing the free to air satellite, I would like to take this up as a project, a small challenge that will probably keep me busy for the time being.
where in Nairobi can I get the needed equipments, i.e the right size dish, decoder and the other tu gadgets for checking signal strength and stuff.
Walk around the general neighborhood of Luthuli Avenue and get into shops such as Riwara, Spikes Spares and Electronics, Mwalimu Communications, Alpha Sounds, etc.
In general, you'd require;
i. Decoder. Strong SRT-4922HD currently going for around 6.5-7k.
ii. Satellite dish. Cost depends on type (whether prime focus or offset) and size.
iii. C-band and Ku-band LNBs. Different brands exist, make sure you buy one right for your dish. In general, the feedhorns for offset and prime-focus type lnbs are different.
iv. Cable. Always aim at grade RG6 cable and above. In general, cable run from lnb to decoder should not exceed 30m or else an in-line amplifier will be necessary. Approx cable cost is 35-45bob/m.
v. DiSEqC switch, generally costing 1-1.5k.
vi. F-connectors. Usually cost around 10bob each.
If you want a satellite signal finder/metre, please go for one that is at least able to decode DVB-S2 signals of at least 32APSK. Unfortunately, such are not available in Nairobi (a good example being SatLink WS-6918P) and one would have to import, preferrably from China, at a general cost of at least US $ 300. Have a look
here for general idea on prices.All the best pal.
Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on.