Alternative uses for Sky dish?

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stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#173260 17-May-2015 12:32

The place we've moved into has one of the standard Sky dishes on the use which I don't anticipate _ever_ using, at least not for Sky, which primarily seems to be of use to rugby fans and not much else now that Netflix exists.

So, before I rip the ugly dish off and dispose of it - is there any other use for it?

I get good terrestrial freeview over UHF so don't need it for that.

Cheers,
Steve.

@KnightNZ

cb1

336 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1306637 17-May-2015 14:28

Dishes installed by Sky actually remain their property, even when a house changes ownership. Not sure how keen they would be to remove it though.

Used to be able to get some Aussie channels with a non-Freeview certified receiver, but I believe they are no longer avaiable.

rlevis

347 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1306660 17-May-2015 15:31

There are some Freeview channels only on satellite and not terrestrial, but probably nothing useful.

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18657 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1306700 17-May-2015 17:08

I use my Sky dish for Sky but from most of New Zealand it also works (without any modification) for satellites D1 (Freeview), D2 and Intel 19 . In the past I have had good use from these but nowadays most of the worthwhile stuff is scrambled. Still, it can be fun scanning the different transponders to see what is there. It depends on your interests and curiosity. If you have an ethnic background and speak another language, you may find a free service that interests you. If you are into religion, there is lots of choice. You can also receive some English-language news channels not otherwise available (Europe and Korea). All it takes to add the extra satellites is a couple of very inexpensive LNBs. If your dish is oriented to receive Sky, you can get the other satellites without having to change it. The positioning of the LNBs is enough to catch the right angle.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Zippity

683 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1306705 17-May-2015 17:25

Would make a great wok on your BBQ

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#1306712 17-May-2015 17:58

Contact sky to remove it, if it is their property. The last thing you want is for them to send you a bill for it if they decide to claim it. Give them a certain number of days to remove it, and say if they don't you will dispose of it.

wingbat45

233 posts

Master Geek

#1306713 17-May-2015 18:07

mattwnz: Contact sky to remove it, if it is their property. The last thing you want is for them to send you a bill for it if they decide to claim it. Give them a certain number of days to remove it, and say if they don't you will dispose of it.

Depending on region yes they will come get it, can't speak for all but I collect em

richms

28168 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1306721 17-May-2015 18:36

When I worked at the ISP, we took some old dishes up Mt Eden. Before they got all precious about the crater.

Not sure how a 60cm would go downhill tho.

Richard rich.ms

Equinox IT

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stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#1306768 17-May-2015 19:33

mattwnz: Contact sky to remove it, if it is their property. The last thing you want is for them to send you a bill for it if they decide to claim it. Give them a certain number of days to remove it, and say if they don't you will dispose of it.

What would they even do with a 2nd hand dish? Otherwise, sounds like an ideal scenario as l long as I don't have to take time off work for them to do this.

@KnightNZ

PaulZA

314 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1313169 27-May-2015 22:37

They make cool long range wifi boosters.

See here

http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna/

Best to get Sky's permission beforehand, although they are Sky property, the Dishes, and LNBs are the least of their concerns, as they are so many around.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
13765 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1313280 28-May-2015 09:48

mattwnz: Contact sky to remove it, if it is their property. The last thing you want is for them to send you a bill for it if they decide to claim it. Give them a certain number of days to remove it, and say if they don't you will dispose of it.

And they'll usually charge you for the removal.

Thats why most people just leave them up.

The only pricey part is the LNB itself.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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