For a professional
installer the
BIRDOG ($439) or the Channel Master 1009IFD ($439) are worth every penny you spend on it.
A local installer told me one day that he is taking so much time installing T5 systems and asked for some advice (he was used to the Dish Network/DirecTV type
installations). I told him buy the
BIRDOG and see how that is going to speed your work. Well, he complained that he can't afford it at that time and price is high. So I told him, OK, take this demo unit and use it for a weekend. If you don't like it, bring it back and you owe nothing. The guy took it for almost a week. Called me and said, I am buying this sucker, there is no way I am giving this one back LOL.
~ Birdog has a continuose Audio tone that CM does not have
~ Birdog does not work with Universal LNB as it has no 22Khz tone, while the CM will do.
~ Birdog has a LOOP Out to connect to satellite receiver, while the CM does not.
~ CM has more satellite data storage capacity
~ Battery usage/charge time is almost the same.
We actuatlly also use the BIRDOG meter to even supply voltage to an HH motor when we do HH Motor/Dish installaltion.
Here is how to use it:
~ Adjust the HH Motor/DISH elevations and azimuth to TRUE SOUTH.
Connect the meter to the REC side of the HH Motor. Connect the LNB side of the HH Motor to the LNB.
~ Let us say you are located at 83W longitude. To get to T5 (97W) rotate the motor (using the buttons on the buttom of the
SG2100 motor) about 14 degrees west. Use the angle marker on the base of the HH Motor rotating shaft. If you are setting up a
STAB motor, you will need the mini positioner to move the motor.
~ Now notice the signal strength and quality come up on the meter LCD screen. If it does not, a slight adjustment for the TRUE SOUTH direction usually does the job.
~ Please note that the meter battery will be drained much faster using this type of installation. Luckily, it comes with a car charger so you can charge it while driving to your next installation job.
Enjoy!
:wink: