Some information and feedback on automated satellite TV set antennae ups. How user friendly are they and what free to air channels are received etc/ looking at an Alden set up at a bit over $4K installed
G'day John, I haven't got an automated Sat antennae but a few times on my travels I wished I did, because free-standing dishes can be very hit and miss. However I did speak to a couple of travellers who had auto systems on our recent trip around Oz and the feedback was not very positive.
It seems the biggest problem, especially in warmer weather when you want your motorhome/ caravan to be parked in the shade, usually means your dish that is fixed on the rooftop has trees obscuring the signal. Whereas free standing dishes with a long cable are much more flexible and can be moved well away from trees or other obstacles but still allow your van to be parked in the shade.
The main Free-to-air channels are usually GWN (Regional 7 WA), WIN, Imparja (Regional 9) SBS from different states, Central 7 and various ABC channels from different states.
I'm considering an automated sat system also .. With the intention of spending a good deal of my time in remote free-camp locations for extended periods, I will primarily be using 12v for general power useage. To achieve maximum available charge from my solar panels on a daily basis, I will be needing to to have the MH positioned in a unshaded position for up 5 hours daily (depending on the season) .. and therefore also providing me with relative freedom from obstruction by trees etc .. Comment has been made as to why I need an automatic unit when I have the time to easily put out a free-standing dish .. Security of the unit is very important to me especially when I may be away from the MH for a short time and the simplicity of operation .. I also have an interest in radio communications and other antennae may be deployed in the area, so knowing the sat dish is always in a fixed location makes it easier for me to function .. At the moment I'm looking at auto-sat systems that use a 12v source, but they are are a scarce commodity .. If you, or anyone else can help me there, it would be greatly appreciated ..
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