Confirming a clear path

[dokaben]

I'm a beginner interested primarily in installing a system to receive NHK World. From reading the NHK site and Lyngsat I believe the signal is on PAS-9 at 58degW. The frequency listed is 4040MHz which I think is C-band.

Our house has many trees so I'd like to confirm a clear path before buying anything. How can I do this for the given satellite? If I need a compass will any type work?

Is there any way that I can do this with a smaller (<6ft) dish?

Thanks!

[kevision]

Where are you located? That will be 99% of your answer. PAS-9 is going to be very very fringe if you live in N America. Elevation is more of a concern rather than compass direction (but any kind of compass wil work).

Edit: looking at lyngsat, pas-9 does have a conus beam, so maybe not so fringe. but still not answerable without knowing your location.

[dokaben]

Thanks for the response. I'm in North America...Fairfax, Virginia.

[kevision]

Using this calculator:
http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Installati...Calculator.htm

PAS 9 is at azimuth 150.8 (geographic. you'll need to add/subtract for magnetic deviation if using a regular compass, though not by much from where you live), and an elevation of 41.7.
So with your compass, look at a straight line at or around 150.8 degrees to a spot half way between the ground and directly overhead. That's about the best you'll be able to do without a meter to confirm the path.

As for C Band reception, I know very little about it, other than it's alot of work to set up. You wont be able to go less than 6' diameter and you'd likely need 7-10'.