what to buy sathawk4000 or birdog 3.0?

Dishtechman · #1 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 03:22 PM

I some help on making a decision on what to buy. I install dishnet work in southern california and I am using the birdog 2.5 I want to upgrade what would be the better buy. I read that the sathawk does not have a pass through signal to receiver and the birdog does. I also read that the sathawk can test lnb's. I see that they both can support dp+. birdog 479.00 and sathawk 449.00. or superbuddy 679.00

rainman · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 04:08 PM

I've been thinking of buying a new meter myself and the more I read the more I lean towards the Birddog of course I am not looking to install dish net sats so it just seems to be the best option for me.

Dishtechman · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 04:40 PM

thanks for your reply rainman, why would you go with birdog? I have a bridog 2.5 right now and I am happy with it but its time to upgrade to the 3.0 or the sathawk 4000.

Sadoun · #4 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 05:01 PM

The Birdog will only work with DP+ LNBFs if you have the receiver also connected to the LNBF to supply power. The SatHawk 4000 does it by itself.

rainman · #5 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dishtechman

thanks for your reply rainman, why would you go with birdog? I have a bridog 2.5 right now and I am happy with it but its time to upgrade to the 3.0 or the sathawk 4000.

what I have read seems to be less software problems with the Birddog and since I wouldn't use it for Dish sats just the linear sats it would seem to be more reliable.

Dishtechman · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sadoun

The Birdog will only work with DP+ LNBFs if you have the receiver also connected to the LNBF to supply power. The SatHawk 4000 does it by itself.

I thought this only applied to the birdog 2.5 sad you have to do this with the 3.0 also. thanks for your reply

pictureon · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sadoun

The Birdog will only work with DP+ LNBFs if you have the receiver also connected to the LNBF to supply power. The SatHawk 4000 does it by itself.

I Used Birdog to install the new dish 1000.2 which uses DP+ technology and the meter worked without any receiver connected. It's much easier to use and fewer software problems than the other meter.

Dishtechman · #8 (**permalink**) 05-16-2007, 01:52 PM

thanks pictureon for your reply. did you use birdog 2.5 or bridog 3.0? I really want to know if testing the lnb with sathawk is really useful for dp+ I know that birdog 3.0 and 2.5 don't have that feture.

pictureon · #9 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dishtechman

thanks pictureon for your reply. did you use birdog 2.5 or bridog 3.0? I really want to know if testing the lnb with sathawk is really useful for dp+ I know that birdog 3.0 and 2.5 don't have that feture.

I used 3.0
About testing the lnb. Sadoun responded to this question saying that the lnb check would work only if you're pointing to the correct satellite. In that case I think this feature is useless because if you're pointing to the right satellite, you would know that you have good lnb if you get signal.

iamfoesho · #10 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 04:37 AM

I have owned both a Birdog 2.5 and Sathawk 3K. Out of the two, buy the Birdog! You will be happier.

gordom · #11 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 11:44 AM

I'm looking to buy but I need whatever to work on Starchoice in Canada. Birdog says in their literature that their meter will NOT do Starchoice. I've also read that Sat Buddy will. Does anyone have info on ANY meter working with Starchoice? Thanks.

gordom · #12 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 09:17 AM

After MUCH research, I've come to the conclusion that the Super Buddy is superior for what I want. It 'locks' onto all the birds including *Choice which is a major requirement in Canada. It finds the numbers via zip code including the Canadian ones. It may be a few bucks extra, but I think it will be worth it - made in the USA is nice as you can expect better service if needed.

Sadoun · #13 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 02:55 PM

The Super Buddy is a great meter and has a lot of excellent features that the other two lack.

davida · #14 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 07:24 PM

the 4000 does not work

gordom · #15 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 07:53 PM

I'm convinced the Super Buddy is what I want regardless of price. However, in the meantime I purchased a Sky Tracker Plus for less than $100. Absolutely amazing - have set up 4 dishes very quickly - it has great sensativity/comes with battery pack which elimintates need for anything else up the ladder. Highly recommended.

Sadoun · #16 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davida

the 4000 does not work

Post what is not working on yours in another new thread and maybe we can help you to set it up correctly

crankbooster · #17 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 09:34 PM

I have a birdog v2.50 and I don't have any issue with dish pro plus or Legacy