1. Yes the dish lays on it's back as in the picture and works just as good as standing up the normal way.

2. See update 03/29/06 below for figuring Azmuith, elevation and skew on Dish 500 *

3. I did not think this mount up and take no credit for it's design.    I first saw a very similar mount
    made of steel pipe.  About  a year later I saw an RV'er with a very similar mount made of PVC.
    Both the mounts I have seen were home made, Where they got the Idea I do not know.    After looking
    at the two others, I decided to build my own and this is what I came up with.     From these pictures you
    should be able to build a similar mount and add your ideas to make  yours perfect for your needs.  Note: I
    have Direct TV with a single LNB.

4. This mount just sits on top of the ground (no anchors).   It is very wind resistance because of it's low profile.
    I have seen it sit through winds that have moved or tipped over tripod mounts near us.  I filled the inside the
    pipe with sand before gluing the last elbow on to add a little weight to the mount.  Total weight of mine with
    sand in it is 6 pounds. Others have suggested  filling the pipe with concrete.  Use whatever makes you happy.

5. Material can be found at most hardware, plumbing, or home improvement stores.  Material
    is     schedule 40 1" PVC pipe and fittings, use the correct glue ** for PVC pipe.

6. You can make your base any size you feel is right for you.  Mine is 21" wide, 21" long.  Mount for dish is
    6" above base.  I used about 51" total of 1" PVC pipe then cut to the lengths I needed. Used 5 - 1" elbows,
    3 - 1" tee's,  4 - 1" plugs for the bottom of the elbows that make the feet.  Then 1 - 1" coupler and 1 - 1" cap
    this is what the dish mounts on.  All adjustment bolts on the dish have wing nuts for easy adjustment.

7.  For a few dollars and a little fun give it try.  You may come up with other Ideas that better suit your needs.

    MODIFICATION NOTE:  It has been brought to my attention that some dishes have a lip on the dish mount.
    This lip prevents the dish mount from clamping tight enough to the PVC mounting stub.   I understand the
     lip can be cut or ground off, then the dish will clamp tight to the PVC mounting stub.

*    See 03/29/06 Update below

** I have received notes from those who have build the mount saying they drilled and used sheet metal screws
    to assemble. One told me he had used small bolts with wing nuts so he could break it down for easier storage.
    Another used cotter keys.  What ever works for you is the way to assemble.

     E-mail questions

Because the Dish is moved through 90 degrees. Elevation is taken from 90.
Because Dish is flipped through 180 degrees. Skew is taken from 180.

Example. for ZIP Code 93426

Normal             Dish upside down
Azmuith 154 =  Remains at 154
Elevation  48 =  (90 - 48) = 42
Skew         82 =  (180 - 82) = 98