STAR CHOICE Reception Information                  Hardware in First Section,  Tech Info Below

Global Communications                                                       
APRIL 17, 2008 UPDATE
Mike and Laurel Kohl
S-9141 State Road 23                                               
TEL  (608) 546-2523        FAX  (608) 546-2157
Plain, WI  53577-9612   U.S.A.                                 
E-MAIL   globalcm@mhtc.net

ANTENNA OPTIONS:  
DMS "Hot Dish 75"   30-inch round offset OK for northern third of U.S.   Light to Medium Duty Wind Areas
WINEGARD DS-2076  30-inch round offset OK for most of U.S. Lower 48    Medium Duty Wind Areas
PATRIOT 85-E  30 x 36-inch elliptical offset Suggested for Mexico & Other Weak Signal Areas     Medium Duty
DMS "Hot Dish 90"  36-inch round offset Almost Overkill - More Signal than 85-E - High Shipping Costs
"Bigger" Larger Commercial Antennas - Custom Installations - SPECIAL ORDER
   
LNBF OPTIONS:  
DMS  JSC-321 single output Ku LNBF OK for most standard single-receiver installations
PANSAT PF-7600 single output Ku LNBF Premium LNBF for Single-receiver installations
DMS  JSC-322 two-output Ku LNBF OK for most standard two-receiver or Multi-receiver installations
PANSAT PT-5600 two-output Ku LNBF Premium LNBF for 2-receiver or Multi-receiver installations
   
SWITCH OPTIONS: NO SWITCH REQUIRED FOR SINGLE RECEIVER, SINGLE SATELLITE
22 KHz Switch  (ONE) 2-SATELLITE,  SINGLE RECEIVER INSTALLATION
22 KHz Switch  (TWO) 2-SATELLITE, TWO RECEIVER INSTALLATION   (or single DVR-530)
1 COAX CABLE FROM DISH FARM TO EACH SEPARATE LOCATION.
5-input  8-output  Powered Multi-Switch
2-SATELLITE, UP TO 8 RECEIVER INSTALLATION
4 COAX CABLES NEEDED FROM DISH FARM TO CENTRAL LOCATION
FOR SATELLITE.  OFF-AIR INPUT NORMALLY NOT USED.
   
Antennas  (all include Universal Mounting Bracket)
59.00 DMS HOT-DISH 75 offset antenna only      30 inch 
69.00 WINEGARD DS-2076 offset antenna only     30 inch
99.00 DMS HOT-DISH 90 offset antenna only      36 inch
139.00 PATRIOT 85-E elliptical offset antenna only    30 x 36 inch
   
LNBFs only
29.00 DMS JSC-321 Single Output Ku-Band LNBF
35.00 PANSAT PF-7600 Single Output Ku-Band LNBF
45.00 DMS JSC-322 Dual Output Ku-Band LNBF
49.00 PANSAT PT-5600 Dual Output Ku-Band LNBF
   
  Switches
1 for 15.00    
2 for 25.00
22 KHz switch
89.00 Powered Multi-Switch,  5 input (one TV, 4 satellite)   8 satellite output
   
  Combinations for One Receiver, One Satellite
79.00 DMS HOT-DISH 75 Antenna and JSC-321 single output Ku LNBF
89.00 WINEGARD DS-2076 Antenna and JSC-321 single output Ku LNBF
119.00 DMS HOT-DISH 90 Antenna and JSC-321 single output Ku LNBF
159.00 PATRIOT 85-E Elliptical Antenna and JSC-321 single output Ku LNBF
Add 6.00 Substitute PANSAT PF-7600 single output Ku LNBF with any of the above
   
  Combinations for Two Receivers, One Satellite
95.00 DMS HOT-DISH 75 Antenna and JSC-322 dual output Ku LNBF
105.00 WINEGARD DS-2076 Antenna and JSC-322 dual output Ku LNBF
135.00 DMS HOT-DISH 90 Antenna and JSC-322 dual output Ku LNBF
175.00 PATRIOT 85-E Elliptical Antenna and JSC-322 dual output Ku LNBF
Add 5.00 Substitute PANSAT PT-5600 dual output Ku LNBF with any of the above
   
  Combinations for One Receiver, Two Satellites
169.00 (2) DMS HOT-DISH 75 Antennas, (2) JSC-321 single Ku LNBFs,  22 KHz Switch
189.00 (2) WINEGARD DS-2076 Antennas, (2) JSC-321 single Ku LNBFs, 22 KHz Switch
239.00 (2) DMS HOT-DISH 90 Antennas, (2) JSC-321 single Ku LNBFs,  22 KHz Switch
319.00 (2) PATRIOT 85-E Antennas, (2) JSC-321 single Ku LNBFs, 22 KHz Switch
259.00 DMS HOT-DISH 75, PATRIOT 85-E Antennas, (2) JSC-321 Ku LNBFs, 22 KHz Switch
269.00 WINEGARD DS-2076, PATRIOT 85-E Antennas, (2) JSC-321 Ku LNBFS, 22 KHz Switch
219.00 DMS HOT-DISH 75, DMS HOT-DISH 90 Antennas, (2) JSC-321 Ku LNBFs, 22 KHz Switch
229.00 WINEGARD DS-2076, HOT-DISH 90 Antennas, (2) JSC-321 Ku LNBFs, 22 KHz Switch
Add 5.00 Include (2) 6-foot RG-6 Jumper Cables
Add 7.00 Include (2) 10-foot RG-6 Jumper Cables 
Add 10.00 Substitute (2) PANSAT PF-7600 single output Ku-Band LNBFs
  Combinations for Two Receivers, Two Satellites
189.00 (2) DMS HOT-DISH 75 Antennas, (2) JSC-322 dual Ku LNBFs, (2) 22 KHz Switches
209.00 (2) WINEGARD DS-2076 Antennas, (2) JSC-322 dual Ku LNBFs, (2) 22 KHz Switches
259.00 (2) DMS HOT-DISH 90 Antennas, (2) JSC-322 dual Ku LNBFs, (2) 22 KHz Switches
339.00 (2) PATRIOT 85-E Antennas, (2) JSC-322 dual Ku LNBFs, (2) 22 KHz Switches
279.00 DMS HOT-DISH 75, PATRIOT 85-E Antennas, (2) JSC-322 Ku LNBFs, (2) 22 KHz Switches
289.00 WINEGARD DS-2076, PATRIOT 85-E Antennas, (2) JSC-322 Ku LNBFS, (2) 22 KHz Switches
239.00 DMS HOT-DISH 75, DMS HOT-DISH 90 Antennas, (2) JSC-322 Ku LNBFS, (2) 22 KHz Sw.
249.00 WINEGARD DS-2076, HOT-DISH 90 Antennas, (2) JSC-322 Ku LNBFs, 22 KHz Switch
Add 10.00 Include (2) 6-foot RG-6 and (2) 10-foot RG-6 Jumper Cables
Add 12.00 Include (4) 10-foot RG-6 Jumper Cables
Add 10.00 Substitute (2) PANSAT PT-5600 dual output Ku-Band LNBFs
Add 75.00 Substitute 5-input, 8-output Powered Multi-Switch instead of two 22 KHz Switches
   
  ALIGNMENT ACCESSORIES
25.00 DMS SF-95C In-Line Satellite Tuning Meter 
29.00 DMS SF-95C+ Deluxe In-Line Satellite Tuning Meter with 6-foot RG-6 Jumper Cable
129.00 Preprogrammed TRAXIS DBS-3500 MPEG-2 Receiver, SF-95C Meter, 6-foot Jumper Cable
     
   TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON STAR CHOICE RECEPTION:

STAR CHOICE supplies a 60 cm Elliptical Antenna (Model 60-E) to their residential customers in most parts of Canada.  This is equivalent to a 24-inch size, and works acceptably under most conditions in southern parts of Canada and the northern third of the U.S. Lower 48.   Model 75-E, a 30-inch version, is available by special order at select Canadian STAR CHOICE dealers, and is useful in weaker signal areas such as northern parts of Canada, and in locations with steady rainfall such as the Maritimes and coastal B.C.

Those Canadians wanting to take STAR CHOICE with them to their vacation homes in the United States and Mexico will often find that a larger antenna than the one they use at their Canadian location is necessary for reliable reception.  We would recommend at least the 75-E in all but the northern parts of the Lower 48 U.S. states, where a 60-E might be satisfactory, and it might be acceptable in northern Mexico.  Rather than take up valuable space on the trip southward, why not consider taking your receiver from home, and have Global Communications provide a suitable antenna and LNBF for use on your holiday.

Some advice about the Star Choice-supplied 60-E and 75-E antennas.  Recent installations have included a unique LNBF device with four coax connectors called a "Quad" LNBF, which is capable of reception of both the Anik F1R and F2 satellites, when properly aligned.  The Quad LNBF is designed to work only on the model of antenna that it was shipped with.  This means that you cannot successfully interchange a Quad LNBF supplied with the 60-E antenna on a 75-E model, or vice versa.  This is a very unique LNBF device made for Star Choice, and is not available for sale as a spare part.  If  your Quad LNBF fails, the only remedy to replace it is to go through the Warranty Exchange process with an authorized Star Choice dealer in Canada.  Those planning an extended vacation in the United States, and especially Mexico, might want to consider the possibility that they could be without their satellite service during the unfortunate event of a Quad LNBF failure, and that alternative antenna and LNBF configurations might be advisable.

The Quad LNBF is an incredible piece of technology when it works, and allows reception of 2 satellites from one satellite dish, through the magic of integrated switching and compact pickup probes.  Conventional LNBFs meant for one satellite have been standardized to a certain physical size that means that 2 separate units cannot fit in the same space that is occupied by a Quad LNBF.  The satellites are only 4 degrees apart, and the outer housings of the LNBFs get in the way of each other at that close distance.  What to do?

If you are using a standard definition receiver such as those in the model 200, 300 or 400 series, you will not be needing access to High Definition signals, which are found on the 111.1 Anik F2 satellite.  With the small exception of the NFL Sunday Ticket PPV package and a few other channels, the majority of English language television signals are found on the 107.3 Anik F1R satellite.  If you need none of the previously mentioned signals or French and foreign language services, a simple single satellite system will work.

Global Communications can supply an American-sourced antenna and LNBF, which will be considerably easier to align for those requiring only Anik F1R reception, and you have the assurance that if this LNBF should ever require replacement, it is easily obtained in the United States.  We have an economical 75 cm (30 inch) round offset dish called the HOT DISH 75, which is available with either a single output Ku LNBF, or a dual output model LNBF for those that need reception on two satellite receivers.  Ten dollars more will get you the heavier duty WINEGARD DS-2076 (30 inch) Offset Antenna.

DMS JSC-321S single output Ku Band LNBF DMS JSC-322 dual output Ku Band LNBF
SINGLE OUTPUT PANSAT PF-7600 Ku-Band LNBF
Suitable for a One-Receiver System
DUAL OUTPUT PANSAT PT-5600 Ku-Band  LNBF
Suitable for a Two-Receiver System


 22 KHz Switch
LINK to HOT DISH 75 ANTENNA

LINK to WINEGARD DS-2076 ANTENNA


30-inch Offset dishes should perform acceptably for reception of standard definition signals on strong Ku-band satellites such as ANIK F1R or ANIK F2 throughout most of Canada and the United States Lower 48 States.

The recent upgrading of the High Definition transmission system to 8PSK format has reduced the receive signal strength, in comparison with standard definition signals on the same satellite.
Those with marginally sized antennas may have unsatisfactory results with HDTV signals.  When encountering an abundance of rainy conditions, or weaker signals such as those found in the Sun Belt or northern Mexico, should consider the PATRIOT 85-E, an elliptical offset antenna measuring 30 inches tall X 36 inches wide. 

PATRIOT  85-E  Elliptical Antenna

(includes universal mounting bracket with
  2-inch outside diameter mast pipe)


LINK to PATRIOT Elliptical Antenna Page

 

LINK to HOT DISH 90 ANTENNA

Access to both ANIK F1R and F2 absolutely required?

1)  Take your chances with the STAR CHOICE 75-E antenna with Quad LNBF.               -OR-
2)  Install TWO separate antennas, and use either a 22 KHz switch or other Multiswitch for automatic access.

If you choose the latter, please be aware that signal strength from ANIK F1R and F2 is not equal in the southern United States and Mexico.  Anik F2 is actually stronger, and standard definition signals will work with a 75 cm antenna in all but southern Mexico, and its reach can be into Belize and beyond with the PATRIOT 85-E.  Those south of Mexico please be advised to check with us on estimated antenna sizes required in specific locations.  Those customers with the DSR-505 or 530 HDTV receivers would be advised to install TWO of the PATRIOT 85-E antennas to reduce problems.
Anik F1R shares space with another spacecraft serving Latin America, and has a reduced signal strength once you get into Mexico.  We can recommend the PATRIOT 85-E for reception past Guadalajara, and all of Baja California down past La Paz.  Those venturing to Mexico City and southward on the mainland may find that larger diameter antennas are necessary, especially during rainy conditions.  You might consider finding a 1.0 or 1.2 meter locally-made offset dish that might normally be used for SKY MEXICO, and install one of the above-recommended PANSAT Ku-band LNBFs.  SKY MEXICO uses a Universal LNBF, which is not compatible with STAR CHOICE satellite receivers.

Those wanting even more signal than that provided by the PATRIOT 85-E elliptical offset antenna might also consider the DMS HOT DISH 90, a full 36-inch round offset dish.  Pricing is actually slightly less than the PATRIOT 85-E, but unfortunately 36 inch antennas ship using the OVERSIZE 3 rate with UPS, and a similar premium paid with other carriers due to the box size.  Contact us for a freight quotation if you would like the slight edge in signal provided by the HOT DISH 90, and the extra shipping charges can fit within your budget.

STILL one more avenue to explore in Mexico, especially for those located in southern regions, is to acquire a locally made SKY MEXICO antenna with appropriate 40 mm LNBF neck clamp.  The freight differential might make it worth considering, but be very careful in choosing or accepting lightweight and often flimsy antennas of unknown origin.  They may not be accurate in their shape, and could possibly not be suitable for reception of these weak signals.   

Finally, there are people that used to use 4, 6 and 8-foot offset dishes of various configurations previously to receive signals from DBS services DirecTV or DISH Network.  Please note that the LNBF holder on most of these DBS antennas is designed so that the F-connectors for the coax connection slide into a rectangular shaped tube that hides the wires.  Conventional Ku-band LNBFs attach in a different manner, with a "neck clamp" around the LNBF, between the body of the device and the round section facing the antenna.  We can build an adjustable LNBF holder to allow you to use your previous large DBS antenna with a conventional Ku-band LNBF.  It may need a hole or two drilled into the antenna, but we can help with a proven solution and some instructions on how to do it.

Adjustable Ku-Band LNBF Holder

Attaches to 1/2 inch EMT Electrical Tubing as pictured
Remove the conduit clamp, and it can be installed on a
previous DBS LNBF rectangular bracket, after drilling a
pair of 1/4 inch holes near the end of the bracket.

American Sourced Antennas and LNBFs for STAR CHOICE reception by SNOWBIRDS
Please contact us if you have a need for other hardware, or have questions on reception.

Global Communications
Mike and Laurel Kohl
S-9141 State Road 23
Plain, Wisconsin   53577
Telephone Hours  9 am to 6 pm  Monday-Friday
608-546-2523    Phone
608-546-2157    Fax
globalcm@mhtc.net
     E-Mail


Pricing Effective  April  1  2008
Please contact us for delivered price, including shipping
Custom Quotations for Other Antennas and Hardware (Receivers) available

DSR-207   DSR-317   DSR-505