After much trial and learning the art of tuning a small satellite dish (90 cm) to a geo stationary satellite in orbit (specifically Galaxy 18), I was finally able to successfully link my Ubuntu desktop running the blockstream receiver with the blockstream transponder on Galaxy 18! This is my first experience and had to acquire both the working knowledge of the how to fine tune to a specific satellite, as well as acquire the necessary tools to help simplify the overall frustrating process. 

A small victory, but a great feeling to see the data frames being received with no modulation errors in the blockstream receiver!

Here are some pictures of the equipment and tools I used: