Sat TV Trackers

[Deep C]

We're contemplating getting a Sat TV tracking system. I see several size units on the market and all kinds of different places they get mounted. Ours is an express boat and need an education on some stuff.
I am a fan of small things. We already have a load of antennas and an ardf. On the buggy top we have it clear but it has been explained to me that our particular top really isn't designed to take much weight and has no "channels" to run wires through. I'd really kind of be limited to a small unit. There is room forward on the hard top we could possibly fit a medium size unit but I don't know how that would affect our radar that it would be in front of. Aft of the radar we have room but really only enough again for one of the small units. Then it leads to the next questions...
Would one of the small ones still work 140 miles off Florida at Chub Cay?
Would mounting fore or aft of the radar with the floor of the tower platform above, would the reception be impaired when trying to grab a sattellite?
If impaired would it be possible to pick a docking position that would improve reception? (say the sattellite is south east... If I mount aft and point bow north in the slip, it would seem that the radar would no longer be blocking)

[JD5652]

Would one of the small ones still work 140 miles off Florida at Chub Cay?
Would mounting fore or aft of the radar with the floor of the tower platform above, would the reception be impaired when trying to grab a sattellite?
If impaired would it be possible to pick a docking position that would improve reception? (say the sattellite is south east... If I mount aft and point bow north in the slip, it would seem that the radar would no longer be blocking)

Deep-

I've had the KVH Model M3 for about four years now and love it. IMO, KVH is the leading manufacturer of marine satellite systems with many different choices including units that can be used while underway (M1 and M3) and those that are intended to be used only in the slip (M2). They have a newly introduced (2008) compact version called the M1 which has a 12.5" diameter dome and can be mounted on a railing.


http://www.kvh.com/MarineSat/index_mseries.asp

http://www.kvh.com/pdf/OA_M1_MountingOptions.pdf

Seaview/PYI also makes a dual mount system that could be retrofitted to re-mount your radar with the satellite dish. They call also make custom units which is what I had done.

http://www.seaviewglobal.com/en/categories/300000009

All of the KVH units have multiple gyros that automatically track and lock onto the satellite, so locating the satellite is not the problem. However, the dish MUST have a clear path to the sky.

As far as reception in Chub, you would have to check with the particular service provider for the dish system you choose. For instance, KVH has an agreement with DirecTV and Dish Network.

Here's the coverage map for DirecTV...

http://www.kvh.com/footprint/tracvis...directv_us.asp

.....and for Dish Network.....

http://www.kvh.com/footprint/tracvis...ap_dish_us.asp

Note that the coverage area is dependent upon which dish you have. Chub may be a toss-up for the M1 system. I would call KVH to confirm no matter which system you choose.

There are also other up and coming manufacturers out there....I'm just more familiar with KVH.

Good luck!

[Aficionado]

Intellian also has a very small satellite receiver that is capable of high-def. In order to maximize your satellite and radar performance you must mount either the sat dish higher than the radar antenna or the other way around. It is usually preferable to mount the satcom higher on a mount made for the antenna so the antenna has an unobstructed view of the sky. Your radar antenna has an approximate 25 degree beam that is transmitted, so with the satellite higher and on a proper mount, blind spots should be minimized. www.battlewagonmounts.com has some good information on where and how to mount both satellite and radar mounting.


Aficionado

[micchip]

The Lowest and most center position yet with a clear view of the sky is the optimum location. You want the least motion if possible so as to make it easier on the gyro to stay focused on the satellites. My buddy had the same boat and I would say the best location would be where he had his spot light in this pic. I'd have moved his spot light off center and put the SAT tv there making sure it was outside of the radar beam. That cable run should not be to bad. Good Luck
Chip