Not to be outdone by cyberham, I started looking for a BUD and I found one on an acreage a short drive away. A number of readers here have plenty of space for their antenna systems. I, on the other hand, live effectively in the inner city on a 50' wide x 170' deep (a legacy "large" lot by our current standards) with a decent view of the southern sky. I'm prone to doing things that are considered "dumb" by 99% of women and "awesome" by 90%+ of men. For example, I have over twenty hot and ultra-hot pepper plants in my greenhouse, plus a ton of tomatillos. Why? Because I can. And because I like green sauce.
Originally, I was going to experiment with a 4' mini-BUD this year. I was also going to replace the suspension and brakes on one of my project cars (another dumb/awesome hobby). But noooooo.... "fate" intervened and now I'm disassembling this free mesh BUD to be repurposed in my yard. I'm creating this thread to capture my thoughts, share the experience, and to solicit technical feedback (as this is my first large dish project... I'm a big boy now!)
This dish measures about just over 10 feet from edge to edge. The top feed cover reads UNIMESH. There are no other markings on any other parts. The top feed contained a Chapparal LNB in effectively unweathered condition. The reflector ribs look like a Uni but the mesh is gray instead of black. Also, the feed legs attach to the outer edge and use screws rather than 1/4" bolts. The pivot assembly looks like a Unimount 10 H-H but the mount ring and the 8 reflector attachments points look close but not identical to the diagrams in the Unimesh installation manual I was able to find. The linear actuator is a Von Weise. Overall, this kit is in excellent shape for 30+ years of age. There are only a few minor dimples in the mesh and I was able to break torque easily on all of the fasteners except for one. This "feels" like it would have been an expensive installation back in the day. Only a bit of TLC and some paint touch-ups appear required. The Von Weise will get some basic inspection and attempts to re-energize, but it may be easier and more time-efficient to purchase a new actuator and positioner together.
So over to the gallery for comments on the Unimesh...
Happy Canada Day and Happy Independence Day!
Originally, I was going to experiment with a 4' mini-BUD this year. I was also going to replace the suspension and brakes on one of my project cars (another dumb/awesome hobby). But noooooo.... "fate" intervened and now I'm disassembling this free mesh BUD to be repurposed in my yard. I'm creating this thread to capture my thoughts, share the experience, and to solicit technical feedback (as this is my first large dish project... I'm a big boy now!)
This dish measures about just over 10 feet from edge to edge. The top feed cover reads UNIMESH. There are no other markings on any other parts. The top feed contained a Chapparal LNB in effectively unweathered condition. The reflector ribs look like a Uni but the mesh is gray instead of black. Also, the feed legs attach to the outer edge and use screws rather than 1/4" bolts. The pivot assembly looks like a Unimount 10 H-H but the mount ring and the 8 reflector attachments points look close but not identical to the diagrams in the Unimesh installation manual I was able to find. The linear actuator is a Von Weise. Overall, this kit is in excellent shape for 30+ years of age. There are only a few minor dimples in the mesh and I was able to break torque easily on all of the fasteners except for one. This "feels" like it would have been an expensive installation back in the day. Only a bit of TLC and some paint touch-ups appear required. The Von Weise will get some basic inspection and attempts to re-energize, but it may be easier and more time-efficient to purchase a new actuator and positioner together.
So over to the gallery for comments on the Unimesh...
Happy Canada Day and Happy Independence Day!
