Yes, he used the satellite receiver to control the actuator. The previous analog satellite receivers incorporated the power and control circuitry for the actuator and also the circuitry for the control of the polarotor [little blue box on the back of the LNB], which changed the skew and polarity for V or H. You will need a control box for the actuator, and also something to control the polarotor, if you use that LNB setup. Someone had a post during the past week about a polarotor controller found on Ebay. You have found some NICE equipment, Congrats! Oh, yes, the paint - you can use anything appropriate for coating metal outdoors. The only thing I can think that might be a problem, don't paint the mesh holes closed, it will increase the wind resistance of the dish. Good Luck!