Since I can't install a satellite dish anywhere outside my condominium unit, my only other option is an indoor installation. I have a south facing window, but I'm unsure what kind of degredation will occur when trying to grab the signal through the glass. I know that old, high lead window panes will not pass a signal. Has anyone installed their dish inside? How good is signal quality? Should I consider replacing the glass with a piece of plexiglass? The window currently has metal "ribs" between the panes for cosmetic purposes. Will these ribs cause interference?

Thanks for the help,

Dave

Get the dish. Get it from a local dealer, and keep your receipt. Mount it on a piece of plywood or something sturdier so you can aim it and have it hold position well. On a nice day, aim it with the window open. Make a note of the best signal level you get thru the open window. Then shut the window. Make a note of the new signal level if it changed any.

If it drops off too much with your window closed, then open the window again and try placing a piece of plexiglass between the receiver and the dish. Make a note of the new signal level. If the plex seem to work, then simply "paint" ribs on it to match the previous window glass. Be sure not to use lead based paint.

Done? You'll have all the information you'll need to answer all your own questions. See, isn't that easy?

Dave

David M. when you say "I can't install a satellite dish anywhere outside my condominium unit" I'm not sure if this means you can't get a good signal or because of some rules (which by the way can not be enforced).

You have to install it in a "Exclusive use" area.

[Link: fcc.gov]

It's actually both. The only place I am able to install a dish is on my balcony which faces north. My BOD is unwilling to entertain any other alternatives so indoor installation is my only option. They've actually tried to stop me from doing that too, but since they can't tell you what you can or can't have in your own unit, screw 'em.

Dave

Dave,
We are in exactly the same situation. We live in a co-op and wanted a dish. Although our patio faces southwest, we decided to try the dish indoors (so we wouldn't have to worry about grounding it.) It is behind a full length glass window (the side of the sliding glass door). We get 60-70% signal which is fine. Sometimes it even goes down to 40% which is still good.

We even have vertical blinds infront of the window,and as long as there is some opening, it works. Also the window gets pretty diry with no negative effect. The only time the signal is interrupted is if someone is out on the patio and stands infront of the dish.

We are relocating to Atlanta and our first priority is to have dish access!!!

Bet

right you are