Acquiring satellite signal

[RedT]

I have had a Model MV3500A mobile antenna on my motorhome for the past five years and it has operated satisfactorily until a few months ago. When the system is turned on, the antenna will conduct a search for the satellite signal for several minutes - sometimes as long as 25 minutes, stopping and then restarting until I turn it off. Often, I can turn it back on a few hours later and it will find the signal.
Recently we were in Burlington, Iowa and called Winegard hoping to obtain service. I was told by the person answering the phone that they did not have a service department, but that he did some "moon-lighting" and would come out to our motorhome and take a look. I was a bit concerned about his stated fee of $99 per hour, and wondered what confidence I had that he would find the problem and, if found, would correct it. My wife's desire for TV viewing overrode those thoughts, but weather prevented him from coming out (he said he could not remove the dome while it was raining).
Since returning to Arizona, I have checked all connections, removed the dome and inspected all components, and the system seems to operate correctly - it just doesn't lock on to the satellite until it has operated for several minutes. When this happens, the signal strength in 12 of the 32 transponders on the 101 satellite is as low as 55-60. (And I get no picture or sound on the TV)
When it finally "locks" on to the satellite, the signal strength is in the high 80's - 90's on most of the transponders. Is it an antenna problem or a DirecTV receiver problem, or both? Can you advise as to what the problem might be, or if there is a reputable repair service in the Phoenix, AZ area?

RedT in Glendale, AZ
'04 Meridian 36G
'03 Jeep Liberty
M&G Brake System

[Monacoach]

Could it be some kind of obstruction on the dome such as dirt, water etc?

[stuplich]

I know nothing about your make of antenna or how it operates.
If I were you I would try to locate a similar sat receiver that I could borrow from a friend or neighbor. If the ant. it locks onto a sat and shows a strong signal it is probably a receiver problem, IMO.
The second step would be to connect your receiver in place of a known good one in a friends RV or home.
Mel

[RedT]

After chasing a lot of suggestions (and learning a lot about satellite antennas,) Winegard walked me through a troubleshooting procedure and I finally located a broken wire on the dish elevation limit switch.

Winegard sent me a new elevation limit switch plus all the necessary attaching hardware and installation instructions - a neat package with clear instructions. Installed same, antenna acquired satellite signal, picture and sound on, I think I achieved success!

GREAT support from Winegard!