comparison between our Super Buddy satellite meter and the Birdog Ultra

[Sadoun]

Recently some of you have requested a comparison between our Super Buddy satellite meter and the Birdog Ultra. ...... As the designer and manufacturer of the Super Buddy meter, it is logical that we (Applied Instruments, Inc.) are biased towards the Super Buddy meter. Some relevant points:

• Super Buddy has full LOCKing compatibility with the WildBlue signals (since 5-21-09, North American Field Guide Version 1.60, Software 2.20). This also applies to the Canadian XPLORNET signals.
• In addition to the standard 13/18 Volts LNB power, the Super Buddy 29 meter can output 21 Volts to handle the DIRECTV SWM LNBs and 29 Volts to power the WildBlue / XPLORNET trias (since 5-21-09, Hardware Version 2.1B).
• Super Buddy meter has a very easy and intuitive user interface. We prefer having more front panel buttons and application driven soft-keys that are dedicated, single-function, as opposed to fewer multi-function buttons. The full numeric keypad is especially useful when keying in zip codes and labeling PoP Scan reports.
• The Super Buddy meter has a larger display. We prefer having enough room to display more and larger information.
• The enclosure for the Super Buddy is metal with rubber shock guards as opposed to plastic.
• The Super Buddy meter can withstand a drop of 6 feet onto concrete.
• The operating temperature range for the Super Buddy meter is a wide 0° to 125° F.
• The Super Buddy meter is manufactured and serviced in Indianapolis, Indiana USA. Field portable signal level meters live a hard life. Someday they will need serviced. As the designer and manufacturer, we are well inventoried and fully knowledgeable to handle any and all service needs that a Super Buddy may require.
• The Super Buddy meter can measure voltage and DiSEqC commands from the receiver. This is very useful for troubleshooting receivers.
• The Super Buddy has a noise scan feature for use with an external noise generator. This test provides continuity verification between the signal generator and the meter, and tests the RF integrity of the coax across the satellite frequency band 950-2150 MHz. It is especially useful when trying to determine if an existing coax run is usable.
• The Super Buddy meter can be operated while the unit is being charged.
• The Super Buddy has an "ID verification" soft-key that prevents false positives and a "Scan" soft-key to identify the actual satellite signal being received. It takes satellite identification beyond what basic signal locks can provide.
• The Super Buddy has a "Limit Scan" feature that measures key transponders’ signal level and quality to obtain a PASS or FAIL when compared to the service provider's minimum thresholds.

A couple of measurements that Birdog Ultra provides that Super Buddy has not in the past, but will soon via a free software download, to keep up with "spec-man-ship":
• Constellation diagram: The display of a digital signal's constellation diagram illustrates the discrete symbol representations in terms of its vector components, I for in-phase and Q for quadrature phase. Most satellite technicians in North America have not requested this measurement and have preferred to use other units for displaying signal quality parameters, such as IRD equivalent, C/N, Eb/No, Es/No, long provided by Super Buddy meters.
• Spectrum display: A spectrum display provided by a "real" spectrum analyzer can be very useful for initially finding a satellite signal and for adjusting a linear LNB and feed horn to optimally peak or null a polarity. When I refer to a "real" spectrum analyzer, I mean an analyzer that is able to provide fast enough (70 Hz +/-) sweep-rate that provides a near-real-time feedback. Unfortunately, our meter, and our competitor's, lacks a fast enough sweep time to be very useful. With a long sweep rate of near four seconds, it requires you to be stationary for long periods of time, resulting in.......move a little and then wait for the display to paint the picture...move again and wait....and so on. Not so friendly.