We all were awaing for the launch of this new satellite, since we were expecting more broad coverage and better signal level in our region. Currently, widebeam performance is astonishing, far far better than expected, and will be very good, if it’s performance will be maintained at current level. European beam is much weaker, but still receivable, if bigger dish and better LNB are used.
Currently, in Tbilisi, I’ve managed to achieve the following results:
1. Widebeam TP’s – Q75-85%
2. European beam TP’s – Q38-41% (35% is critical and packet loss starts)
These results were achieved by using 1.5 meter primefocus solid steel dish, Inverto IDLP-SFLANGE LNB and StarTrack SR55X receiver.
According to confidential info, than I’ve received from an friend, working at German uplink station, tests will continue till end of the february, beams coverage and signal strength will be further adjusted. So, if you’re about to buy bigger dish specially for Astra, I advise you to wait a month – maybe in future you will need smaller dish, or even big dish won’t help at all.