Two dishes one box?

[grahammau]

Was just wondering if it is possible to use two provider size dishes with one decoder? Would this (if possible) be increasing the size of the dish? Instead of using one large dish? (like they do with radio telescopes when they are linked together).

[SIadmin]

Phasing of dishes is an exacting science - by the time you coupled the 2 together the actual gain would probably be no more than if you went up a dish size..

[rasputin]

From my hazy brain where antenna theory is stored from a decade and a half ago, phasing two identical antennas will yield a theoretical gain of 3db.

This is a signifigant gain but as SI said it is an exact science.

Usually this type of experimentation starts with constructing you own antennas from scratch and you gain some understanding of wavelengths, feedlines, couplings etc.

If you are a bit of an experimenter then you might find the process rewarding even if you don't actually succeed.

Otherwise, you might try looking for a supplier of phasing harnesses that might have what you are looking for.

One thing is for certain, and that is that if the signal you are chasing is not detectable on one dish then phasing two together ain't gonna help.

Where it may be worth the effort is if you have a signal strength that is borderline you may be able to improve it somewhat.

Rasputin.

[rasputin]

Another option may be an inline amplifier.

These are passive devices that are best suited to overcoming line losses where feedline lengths exceed 20 metres.

They offer around 20db gain and should be located as close to the dish as possible.

Sat suppliers will have them in stock.



Rasputin.