6

ACTUATORS AND POSITIONERS

Motorised dish systems account for only a tiny fraction of DTH systems in any given area, especially in the UK. However, when problems occur, there is a lot more to consider. In Chapter 3 we discussed the added complexity of dish alignment and mounts. Here we look at how the dish is moved and how that movement is controlled.

This chapter obviously covers detail that is irrelevant to fixed dish systems. Let’s define our terms first. The actuator is the motor and gear assembly that is fitted to the dish and mount to drive it from east to west and vice versa. Alternative names include jack arm or screw jack. The positioner is the electronic drive and control unit that sits inside the house and determines what the actuator ...

Get Servicing Satellite TV Equipment now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.