The benefits that a satellite dish brings to its owner have led to the great popularity of satellite television. After all, thanks to the widest choice of channels, you can not only get access to a huge number of films, your favorite sports and cultural programs, but also be aware of all important events, improve your knowledge of a foreign language, that is, combine pleasant pastime with useful self-education. And if we add here the excellent image and sound quality, it becomes clear why a satellite dish is of such interest to those who are just thinking about what kind of TV to install in a new apartment or who are tired of constant interference when receiving a signal.
How does a satellite dish work?
The principle of operation of all plates is approximately the same. First, the signal hits the mirror surface of the satellite dish. Then it reflects andis sent to the converter, from where, in turn, it gets to the receiver, and from it it goes directly to the TV itself.
A satellite dish can be one of two types: offset or direct focus. The offset antenna is not directed exactly at the satellite, but slightly below it, since the signal that is reflected from its surface enters the converter at a certain angle. This type of receiving device is mounted almost vertically, which avoids the accumulation of precipitation, which greatly impairs reception quality. It is this antenna that can most often be seen at the windows of apartment buildings, since it is convenient to install it along the walls. The optimal size of this plate is 1.5-1.8 m.
In a direct-focus device, a part of the mirror surface is covered by a converter, but as the diagonal increases, this becomes hardly noticeable. The quality of reception directly depends on the size. Good characteristics start from 1.5 m. With such dish sizes, the irradiator no longer “shadows” the surface of the mirror. This type of antenna is used for professional reception.
It should be noted that the satellite dish is very "picky" to the area. Any interference in the signal path, whether it be a tree or a wall, can completely or partially “clog the reception”. Therefore, before a possible purchase, you need to check if there is any interference in the direction from the intended installation site to the selected satellite.
DIY satellite dish. Should I try?
If you search Google for "homemade satellite dish", the Internet will give you the most bizarre pictures with images of such amazing designs that sometimes you admire the boundless imagination of a person. There are beer cans, and umbrellas, and steel wire frames, and cut galvanized sheets, etc. Will any of this work? Maybe. However, it is unlikely that such a design can be compared with an ordinary plate, which can be easily purchased at any specialized store. Considering the fact that the average price of satellite dishes is quite democratic, there is no need to waste your time on the construction of a dubious design, except, perhaps, if a person is an inventor by nature or has deep knowledge in this area.
