There has been a lot of interest in C band lately
        and most are experimenters. There has been a lot of
        discussion about the cost of a used C band system's.
 
         Last tuesday, I bought my 2nd system, It was made by
        Birdview. It consisted of, The Birdview 8 1/2 foot
        solid spun aluminun dish and the Birdview Horizion to
        horizion positioner. In my opinion this was the most
        rugged Dish and Mount ever built for home use.
 
         The Hall effect device, Which is a defective design
        can be replaced with a reed switch assembly for $50.
        This will make the positioner compatible with most,
        If not all Current day IRD's.
 
         The origional feedhorn and Dual LNB's will only work
        with the Origional Birdview receiver, It has a different
        If frequency. The system as I got it works and can receive
        all in the clear C band signals. Additionaly it will need a
        positioner box designed to accompany the new reed switch
        assembly, cost is about $50 used. with these improvements
        I will be able to watch any programing that is in the clear
        throughout the portion of the Clark belt, within my vision.
 
         All that is needed to watch VC2+ scrambled signals is a
        External decoder and enclosure, Cost about $200 used,
        But you will have to look a little to find one of these.
 
         Now lets look at the cost.
 
                Used Birdview system      $100
                Transportation cost       $ 35
                new reed switch assy.     $ 50
                used positioner box       $ 50
        pole and cement for dish support. $ 50
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      Total for, In the clear broadcast.  $285
 
        If you want to watch scrambled Programing add an additional
        $200 for a Used Decoder and the Genital Instruments 2100E
        External decoder box.
 
         Some people will tell you that a 90 degree Kelvin, LNB
        is not hot enough, I disagree. Most of the birds have
        gained an additional 10db in output power sence this unit
        was made in 1985. While testing the system in my back yard
        Propped up on a couple of 2x4, sparkle free pictures were 
        Quite abundant.
 
         The first system that I bought 2 1/2 years ago was also
        a Birdview. That system had been upgraded to a toshiba TRX-80
        IRD and included the decoder and reed switch modification,
        It also included a newer feed horn and LNB.
        Cost on this unit ready to go (actually take down) was $900.
 
         I found my second system, in a classified giveaway, In the
        local supermarket, I found my first system, the same way.
 
         I am sure it can be done cheaper, If you scrounge around.
 
Warren
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