Mount satellite on a pole?

[shaun3000]

I moved into a north-facing apartment that won't let us install anything on the roof. I thought I was SOL until I realized the roof slope is less than the elevation I'd need for my dish. (35 deg slope vs 51 deg elevation) I'm on the top floor so all I need to do is get the dish just above the roof, which is 8-10 feet above the floor of my balcony. I'm thinking strap a fence post or similar pole to the corner of my balcony, so it's braced on two sides up to about 4.5 feet. So We'd have 3.5-5.5 free-standing.
Is this a viable option? (I'd have an HD dish, if that makes any difference. I read somewhere that they can be a little finnicky)

Is this something a DirecTV installer would do?

Thanks!

[mjones73]

You would need to use a 2 inch OD pole. If you can securely mount it completely level and it doesn't move it should work. You may want to check with the install company in advance along with the apartment complex before you physically mount something to your balcony railing.

[BattleZone]

In my area, 2/3 of apartment complexes would not allow this to be done, as NOTHING can be attached to the building in any way. The others wouldn't have a problem. Before you start, you should get this clarified.

The second and potentially bigger problem is that you're creating a non-standard installation. Can you secure such a pole that it will hold up a 30-lb dish with a large sail area on the end of a long lever? If it falls and hits someone or damages something, you'll be liable. Plus, how is the installer going to aim the dish? Is there room for a ladder and something to brace it on? He can't reach it if it's "out in space", especially not several stories in the air.

IMO, a basic dish is no problem, but an HD dish (the slimline Ka/Ku dish) is unlikely in this configuration. In most cases, I wouldn't do it because its likely to have constant ongoing problems (wind blows and pipe spins, or pipe flexes in the wind, etc.).

[diggerg56]

I'm in a zero lot line long term rental. They didn't want anything mounted to the roof or the side of the structure and with the amount of kids in the neighborhood I didn't want a ground level pole mount. The easy answer was the deck.

I ended up fabricating a 2 x 2 iron channel post that is eight foot long with an 10" square platform welded to the top with the appropriate holes for the dish mounting plate. It also has "tabs" welded on to secure it the the 6 x 6 post in one corner of the deck that is part of the deck structure.

I actually have two of these as I still have the 72.5 dish in my market.

This has proven to be more than adequate so far and is stable enough and strong enough to support the Slimline properly.

[shaun3000]

Thanks for the replies. They don't want anything attached to the structure but mounting a dish on the balcony is fine. I don't see how attaching it to a pole is any different, although I'd definitely get that clarified.

If I called DirecTV, could they answer my question? What if I just place an order and have someone come out? If it's a no-go, am I out anything?

[BattleZone]

If I called DirecTV, could they answer my question?

No, only an installer, who can see the actual location, could answer this question.

What if I just place an order and have someone come out? If it's a no-go, am I out anything?

No, only the installer will be out anything.

[houskamp]

could call for a site survey..