What is a motorised satellite dish?
A motorised satellite dish is fitted with an electric motor that automatically changes its orientation to point towards different satellites. Instead of installing several fixed dishes, a single motorised dish gives access to dozens of satellites along the geostationary arc, from west to east.
The benefits of motorisation
- Multi-satellite access: receive French (Astra), Italian (Hotbird), Arabic (Nilesat, Arabsat) and many other channels from a single dish
- Cost saving: one dish instead of two or three separate installations
- Aesthetics: a single antenna on the façade or roof
- Scalability: add new satellites without modifying the installation
Types of motors
DiSEqC 1.2 motor
The DiSEqC 1.2 protocol allows you to manually programme the position of each satellite. The motor memorises the positions and moves to them on command from the receiver.
USALS motor (DiSEqC 1.3)
The USALS protocol is more advanced: you simply enter the longitude and latitude of your location, and the motor automatically calculates the angle for each satellite. It is the simplest and most accurate solution.
Our intervention
Equipment selection
We select the motor and dish best suited to your needs:
- Motor: load capacity adapted to the dish weight, IP weather protection rating
- Dish: size chosen based on the most difficult satellite to receive (generally Nilesat, requiring 100–120 cm)
- Quality universal LNB for optimal reception on all satellites
- Reinforced mounting bracket to support the combined weight of the motor and dish
Installation
Installing a motorised dish requires specific expertise:
- Perfectly vertical mounting of the bracket (checked with a spirit level)
- Motor assembly on the bracket with elevation angle adjustment (angle of inclination)
- Dish attachment to the motor
- Reference satellite alignment (generally due south) with a field strength meter
- Cabling: coaxial cable for the signal and motor control cable (or both via a single cable using DiSEqC)
Programming
- Receiver configuration in DiSEqC 1.2 or USALS mode
- Entry of the GPS coordinates of the installation
- Pointing and saving of each desired satellite position
- Channel scan on each satellite
- Creation of favourites lists
Maintenance and precautions
- Have the motor checked annually (lubrication, limit switch test)
- Protect the motor with a waterproof cover if the model is not fully IP65 rated
- Never force the motor manually: this can throw the memorised positions out of calibration
- In the event of frost, avoid initiating a rotation: wait for the thaw to avoid damaging the mechanism
Contact Elecprium on 06 95 62 24 33 for your motorised satellite dish installation. Free quote, 2-year warranty, coverage throughout the PACA region.