Signal Meters

[dcapper]

I've been thinking on purchasing a signal meter. Any decent ones under $100? See lots of meters from China on eBay but don't know if I should trust them. The one that caught my eye is WS-6933.

hxxp://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Satlink-WS-6933-DVB-S2-HD-2-1-Digital-LCD-Satellite-Signal-Finder-Meter-/151445934612?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2342e19214

[fn59]

If you're planning on using it for dishnet installs you'll want a meter that can be used for signals that can handle 8psk modulation.
That model only handles qpsk.

[dcapper]

Ah I see. I was actually going to use it for true FTA satellites but I'm sure I would use it for the north and south birds in the future. I'll have to find another type then.

[kutter]

Ah I see. I was actually going to use it for true FTA satellites but I'm sure I would use it for the north and south birds in the future. I'll have to find another type then.

looks like it will work for what you want ... documentation says it works with QPSK/8psk/16apsk

never used one so I'm not endorsing it ...

[jazzman]

Another alternative is to buy a $15 5 inch black and white TV and run a coax line from the receiver to the dish. They are battery powered and it makes it easy to align the dish perfectly. Always worked for me...

[dcapper]

Another alternative is to buy a $15 5 inch black and white TV and run a coax line from the receiver to the dish. They are battery powered and it makes it easy to align the dish perfectly. Always worked for me...

I have a 5" color tv that use but pointing with an fta receiver is hard. I saw an installer use one and it was great.

[fn59]

looks like it will work for what you want ... documentation says it works with QPSK/8psk/16apsk

never used one so I'm not endorsing it ...

Can you show the documentation. The only site I found that had the specs only showed qpsk.

[kutter]

Can you show the documentation. The only site I found that had the specs only showed qpsk.

open the link that the OP provided ... scroll down ... you will see the demodulation specs :)

[fn59]

open the link that the OP provided ... scroll down ... you will see the demodulation specs :)
The one's I've checked out only show qpsk. Also one thing I've noticed is the max. lnb current for this meter is 300mA, which would really limit it's usefulness.
Another thing to consider if buying a meter is the support that comes with it. Especially check if it has support for North American satellites.

[dcapper]

What about this one?

hxxp://www.ebay.com/itm/140772033360?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2F i.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D1407720 33360%26_rdc%3D1

[fn59]

If you want a meter that identifies the satellite you're aiming for expect to pay more than $100.
I've just bought my fifth meter, so I've learned a few things.
First thing I look for is support for North American satellites.
The link you just posted shows the country it ships to. Look for the manufacturers site, the ebay seller can claim it is for NA market, but I would spend more time online researching the meter.
The only meters I would consider for future purchases would be from Birdog or Advantage (makes Superbuddy 29), maybe First Strike, they have a new meter coming out that does more than QPSK.
I just bought my third Birdog. Wore out my first one. Still have a USB Plus, but it only does QPSK and cant tell the difference between Bells 82 and 91 and for Direct SWM lnb's I need to have the power inserter hooked up and connect a Directv splitter up so I can hook my meter up.
If you're just going to do the occasional install just use a receiver and portable DVD player that has an auxiliary connection.

[dcapper]

If you want a meter that identifies the satellite you're aiming for expect to pay more than $100.
I've just bought my fifth meter, so I've learned a few things.
First thing I look for is support for North American satellites.
The link you just posted shows the country it ships to. Look for the manufacturers site, the ebay seller can claim it is for NA market, but I would spend more time online researching the meter.
The only meters I would consider for future purchases would be from Birdog or Advantage (makes Superbuddy 29), maybe First Strike, they have a new meter coming out that does more than QPSK.
I just bought my third Birdog. Wore out my first one. Still have a USB Plus, but it only does QPSK and cant tell the difference between Bells 82 and 91 and for Direct SWM lnb's I need to have the power inserter hooked up and connect a Directv splitter up so I can hook my meter up.
If you're just going to do the occasional install just use a receiver and portable DVD player that has an auxiliary connection.

Great! Thanks for the info. I would like the names of the satellites. I assumed I would have to pay a few hundred. I thought one of those might have worked by luck. I use a 7 inch battery operated rca tv with a receiver on the roof right now. I don't point too often but I thought of buying a new toy.

[fn59]

Check out the First Strike FS2-ProHD. I don't know the price, but should be cheaper than Birdog Ultra or Superbuddy 29.
Haven't seen anyone advertising them yet either.