Installing satellite dish inside the home?

[calmhorizons]

I live in an apartment ans want to get satellite programing. However, FCC regulations only allow me to install a dish in a commonly used area such as a balcony or a gated area. I have neither of these and a roof isn't classified as a "commonly used area". My landlord will not permit me for a roof installation.

So, do any of you have a dish installed inside your house pointing out a window? I'm lucky in one regard- I have windows that fast in a south direction.

If any of you do have a dish installed inside, how good is your signal and what difficulties if any did you encounter?

I'm desperate to get satellite and will do what it takes. Just need some opinions.

Thanks.

[brandon184]

It depends on the thickness and coatings of the glass in the window. It could very well work, assuming you have a line of sight. Although, obviously, this type of setup isn't reccomended.

[calmhorizons]

I have a large window facing directly south. So I don't really anticipate any problems there. As far as the windows go, I have one single pane and one storm window single pane also. Neither have any coating such as uv, ect.

I'm thinking that if I keep he storm window open at all times, it should allow for a better signal. Otherwise the thickness doesn't appear to be very thick, maybe 3 or 4 mm.

I thought of some advantages to this setup, saying that it indeed works. I would be easier to maintain and keep clean. Also wouldn't have to worry about water and snow or and physical damage to the dish itself.

Would also be super easy to install and hook up. I suppose aiming the dish might be a bit trickier though.

What do you guys think? Opinions welcome.

[woodbutcher]

From my understanding DSS systems will not receive signals through glass.

WB

[woodbutcher]

Hmm, I used to install DSS for a few of my 'must have it' clients back when they first came out. Keep in mind the cheapest system in those days was about $700.00. I was told then that indoor DSS was not possible and it was actually set-up inside my wholesale dist office because of a situation such as yours. The WS putz with it and could never get any signal unless they opened the window. This left me with the conclusion that they could not be installed indoors as the signal bounces off the glass pane.
This was quite some time ago so I thought i'd check for you (and me) and found that a few people have been able to get it to work indoors.
Here's the link

WB

BTW, there was a ruling in regards to outdoor mounting of DSS dishs back in 00 or 01 from the FCC. Something to do with the legality of DSS dishs in apartment complexes. Not sure if it pertains to your case but thought i'd mention it.