Dishnet problem

[SS MAYFLOAT]

I've got a problem that they don't know what to do. Here is my problem


I have a dishnet pay as you go system. You use pre paid cards (they call them dish now cards) to activate you systems programming. My problem is I'm only getting certain channels. Some channels that I should be getting is not even listed in the program guide. One tech had told me that those were on satellite 110. I've gone into the point dish menu and put it on 110, but it won't lock on. The signal I get is 50 to 55 which is about the same as satellite 119. I don't know if the problem is in my receiver or if for some reason I'm on the wrong satellite. Just aggravates me as paying for programming I'm not able to receive. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks......SS

 

[ehenry]

Re: Dishnet problem

I had the same exact problem with my Dishnet system over at my hunting camp. THe problem is you aren't getting a good enough signal. I took a guy hunting over there that installs the things for a living. He brought some sort of meeter with him, did some checking and said my dish needed to be moved and reallligned that there was a tree blocking the signal. I moved it to here he said was the best location for it. Lined it up like i did before and it works like a champ now.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Dishnet problem

ehenry makes an important point.

Look at the direction the disk is pointed and see if something is blocking your path.

Important to note that you may need to figure out how to determine the direction your dish is looking at. You may be able to use a carpenters square and place it against the lip of the dish then sight down the part of the square pointing forward. That should give you a good idea.

If that is the case you might be able move the dish to a place with a clear shot holding it in place with sandbags or something to test the idea.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Dishnet problem

You can get a signal meter at any satellite shop. If you have not lined up a dish before and you are on a dish that gets 2 sats at once you might consider finding someone to adjust it for you. 55 is low on both sats, up here we get 95 so a larger dish might be in order. That low a signal and any little rain cloud or leaf and your dish will go out. Call an installer in your area and ask them what signal strength you should expect in your area with the size of dish you have. The systems they sell are usually the minimum size you can get and larger dishes are cheap. Here they sell an 18 but most installers will get you in to a 24 or larger.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Dishnet problem

Any signal strength less than 65% is a potential problem. 50-55% is a non-starter.
As suggested, it sounds like your dish needs to be re-pointed.
The S(atellite)SP (or your manual) should have compass bearing and azimuth settings for your location.
Compass heading is easy to lock in, as stated by an earlier post, you will have to play with the azimuth to get it right.
A set of walkie talkies connecting you with someone watching the TV as you make small adjustments will do the trick....or, if you have a small portable TV, and the location will allow, take it to the dish.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Dishnet problem

Thanks guys! It was an alignment problem. I apparently was on the wrong satellite. I now have all my programming. I did all the set up myself. Sorta cheated. I went over to another slip that has the same system as me. Found that I need to move my elevation up about 10* and to the east a tad bit. I now have good signal. Not much stuff to block the signal as it is aimed over the water. Thanks again and now the Mrs can watch the Dog Whisperer ........SS