Recommended Gear for FTA Newbie

[netdvn]

I'm newbie to FTA. I'm going to purchase a FTA gear as a starter, is there any particular brand name or model I should consider? My home owner association is very restricted and can't have a dish more than 30" (I think Super dish from DN is OK).

 

[hiker]

The HOA can't restrict a dish size to smaller than 1 meter.
See FCC regulation:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/fta-mpeg2-faq-s/14001-can-i-have-30-dish-my-apartment-condo.html

I would recommend the 90cm dish and Fortec Merc II (see special in forum above) and SatAV packages/dishes
Packages - SatelliteAV, LLC.

 

[netdvn]

Thanks Hiker. I will order nothing smaller than the 90cm dish. Seems Coolsat 5000 is very good. What is the difference between CS 5000 and 6000?

 

[hiker]

I've never used a Coolsat. See the equipment review forum here.

 

[Anole]

From what I've read, the CS6000 just has more memory.
And it's built into a CS4000 case (different styling).
The CS5000 is perfectly dandy for FTA use, though, and is well liked by the members here.
Both have been discontinued by their manufacturer and you cannot buy a new one with a warranty any more.

If you get either used at a cheap price, that'd be fine.
However, I agree with the comments above that the hot deal for the next few days would be a Mercury II from SatAV.

Or, you might also consider the Visionsat IV200.
With the addition of an external USB hard drive, it will record shows.
Both have been reviewed well and discussed extensively on the forum.
(and I have one of each)

A key feature of all these receivers, is that the have blind scan capability.

 

[Sadoun]

I would recommend a Motorized Mercury II system with a 90cm dish upgrade. Check our M-2 system here: Motorized Free To Air Satellite system will allow you to move the dish to several satellites to watch more channels.  A powerful solution if your favorite channels are available over several satellites. The receiver's remote control will actually con

 

[netdvn]

Will M-2 receiver work with Super dish from DN?

Thanks,

 

[Anole]

The M2 kit contains a Fortec Star Mercury II receiver.
Certainly on the short list of good general FTA receivers, as we've suggested above.
Here's a thread with some discussion of using a SuperDish.

 

[Sadoun]

The 36" (90cm) dish that you can get with the M-2 system is well within the size restrictions imposed by HOA.

 

[Mr Tony]

Don't waste your cash on a dish, look around town for a unused primestar.

huh? Why shouldn't he get a dish? Little hard to get FTA with no dish

To the OP...get the complete setup right away. Its easier and sometimes cheaper in the long run then assembling pieces together. Then when the whole system comes, you can be up and running right away

 

[netdvn]

Just ordered a Fortec Mercury II receiver (Special Holiday price) from Sat AV.

 

[Mr Tony]

Dont wait your cash on a :new: dish.

again, please explain why.