dish network tripod system

Sitting here thinking about it I have to post a correction. There are actually 3 PVC couplers there. The top and bottom ones have the ridge inside filed down smooth and the center one is left as-is.

Gonzo42, that AZ adjustment is KOOL. That gives me an idea on how to make one for mine. Mine came with the El. adjustment. I will post pics when complete.

I'll try to get some more photos for you, but in the meantime, in the first pic, the right-angle bracket and hinge are standard Home Depot parts. The All-thread and faucet knob are, also.

For the elevation adjustment, observe a small diameter all-thread on the lower right going through existing holes (nowhere did I drill holes in the existing dish). There is a small block which was a junk item in my garage which was a steel block with one simple hole non-threaded and it fits over the small all-thread. Then it also had a threaded hole at right angles to the smooth hole. I used regular stock fasteners, including some nylon locknuts.

Now in the second photo (azimuth adjustment) I have some PVC pipe the same inside diameter of the tripod mast and in the middle is a PVC straight coupler. Some sheet metal brackets hold two more of the same hinges to the upper and lower PVC with the coupler between. You can see a chunk of straight metal cut down so the two hinges then line up. The lowest PVC is held with a screw in the tripod base so it doesn't move. There is grease between all the moving parts and the all-threads.

Notice at the bottom that I did cut the mast so there was a short piece at the bottom. Yes, it is a little bit wobbly but once aimed, no problems. Also I hung a hook where I might have to hang a weight if there is wind.

My main purpose was to eliminate the muscling around usually required to get the antenna aimed. I use an app to get the azimuth and elevation numbers for wherever we are and then use a compass. From there its only a matter of using the signal meter and the two knobs to tune for max signal.

Gonzo,

Neet mods, Is it possible to get a couple of more photo's of your mods to the dish and tripod etc.

Not quite sure how they are attached to the dish and tripod etc?

I have a tripod and 1 Direct TV dish, it will be for the RV use once I figure everything out.

Thank you,
Don

Gonzo42 wrote:
Dish & Tripod Modified: My Mods

Here's a shot of how I modified my 1000.4 for an easy no tools needed setup and alignment. All the standard and oversized wingnuts came from a local hardware store.

Fred_n_Jo wrote:
So I guess I need a 1000.4 dish and a separate LNB for each arc.

A 1000.2 will work too since it has Western and Eastern Arc LNB options as does a 1000.4. Like Dutch, I use a 1000.4. Here's a 1000.2 vs 1000.4 comparison.

Dish & Tripod Modified: My Mods

Its not only possible it's necessary if you want to use DISH network with a highly portable system (where you don't have to find a campsite with just the right conditions, kind of like aiming the RV instead of the dish :)).

Fred_n_Jo wrote:
So I guess I need a 1000.4 dish and a separate LNB for each arc.

Yes, that's what I use. The extra LNB is not expensive, and I've found the additional options it gives me for placing and aiming the dish more than worth the small effort it takes to change the LNB as needed.

So I guess I need a 1000.4 dish and a separate LNB for each arc.