can't find a signal...

[BABrede]

our first time to set up on the road (set up in driveway no problem ) and I can't hit a signal to save my life. The sat finder I have is a little cheezy thing that only goes to 18v, my HD DVR (HR23) receiver uses a 21v power inverter. My dish is a Directv Slimline 5LNB SWM. I have the receiver set correctly, and I entered our location zip code to get the "correct" settings. I set every thing up and then moved it around close to those setting. No Signal. Cheezy meter was bouncing everywhere though, but receiver showed no signal on the tv meter.

Anybody have any ideas? Or will DTV send out a tech to help me?

Currently camped at Rio Raft Resort on the Guadalupe River in Canyon Lake City, Texas. We're only here for 2 days, but wife likes here TV...

Kerry

[texnet]

If you did get a DTV tech out to help you I am sure you would have to pay for a service call. Not sure what type of mount you are using, but make sure it is level before you begin adjusting. Set the antenna elevation, should be a elevation scale on the side of the antenna, then use a compass to point the antenna in the correct direction. This should get you close to where you need to be pointed so you can use the meter or the meter on the DTV Receiver. When you are moving the antenna make sure you leave it in each position for at least 30 seconds so the receiver can lock on to the signal. If you have trees in the path then you may never get a signal.

[TXiceman]

You need to have the post on the base absolutely--perfectly vertical. The slightest bit off and you will have a heck of a time hitting just one bird.

Ken

[Clay L]

I just had HD set up with a stationary dish. The tech showed me how to adjust the dish and it is a little more complicated than the old SD dish. They use a "dithering" technique to peak the settings. As Ken said he leveled the dish very carefully. Then he started with the 101 satellite and then did the 99 and 103 sats.

You can see a video at http://www.solidsignal.com/p/?p=2699&d=directv-ka-ku-dish-installation-videos&mc=02 that explains how to adjust the dish.

We are at a temporary position in CO for a few months and will go to AZ for the winter. We won't have the Wineguard 5 LNB dish installed on the motor home until Jan when Bill Adams gets to Quartzsite. Since I plan to take the new dish with me to use until Jan, the tech installed a 3 LNB dish which he said will be a little easier to set up. I still get all the HD channels.
At this point Direct TV uses the other two sats for foreign language and spot beamed local channels (or maybe DNS feeds?) which I don't care about.

[wa8yxm]

I use a "Short" Set up, though I admit I've never done an DirecHDTV.. But this should work, or at least get you NTSC grade video.

First: TOSS THE SAT-FINDER IN THE STORAGE BIN

Then, Hook up, Make sure the mast (Post) is absolutly plumb (Straight up/down) use a plumb bob or level to insure it.

Now, enter the park's zip code and write down the suggested tilt, elevation and azmuth settings.

Set the receiver to look for 101W

Use a portable TV to watch the antenna pointing screen

Pre-set the Tilt and Elevation to the suggested settings, Lock down tilt for now leave elevation firm but not locked

Slowly swing the dish till you peak. NOTE if it's the right or wrong bird.. Alas unless Direc has greatly improved their receivers it only tells you YES/NO (Dish tells you WHAT bird)

When you peak, firm down azimuth (Direction) now push/pull gently to slightly change elevation, if you make an improvement loosen it slightly and touch up, lock it down, do the same agian with direction, when you have them peaked, Check the other two birds. Should be good.