Re: tv question
There's really only two sat systems for TV; DirecTV and DISH. I use DirecTV at home so that's what my receiver is made for.
"How do you find a signal?" Well, here's a loose description of the process.
The geosynchronous satelites are in the southern sky so you generally "point" your dish in that direction.
You use the 'Setup' menu on your receiver and the zip code where you are currently located to get the compass direction for your dish. It might tell you to point to '210'. You get your trusty compass out, find where '210' is and generally point your dish that way. (You may have to 'tip' your dish forward and backward to get the other angle, also.)
Your receiver will be 'ticking/beeping' through the TV. When you get a good 'point' of reception, the 'tick' will get faster. The fastest 'tick' means a better signal, so you keep moving the dish to maximize the 'tick'. (Please note that if you do this part with your spouse the result is much like backing up your RV with your spouse. One time this process determined my relationship with my spouse for the better part of three days! :laugh: )
I always mark theposition of the legs of mydish mount, so when the smart aleck walking by taps it with his foot, I can put it back easily.
As long as the signal strength is above 40, I don't have any reception problems. Just like being at home.
BTW, here's the link to the construction article on the sat dish ground mount.
http://www.bbrv.dreamstation.com/sat.html