Direct TV DVR question

[dabrooks]

Ok I will let you know how I make out.

[Jim A]

When you run new RG6 cable, buy the tools to properly strip the cable, and the tool to install compression connectors. If you are going to spend the time and effort to run new cable, do it right. I have been using PPC Ex6xlPlus Rg6 Snap & Seal Outdoor Coax Compression Connectors from Amazon (do a search). They are highly rated and work very well. And very reasonably priced. You won't pull them off. And they are weather sealed. I just bought another bag of them, 50 for around $13. I've never had one fail.

Directv uses similar compression connectors on all of their installs.

Don't rely on crimp connectors. They are more likely to leak or pull off.

[dabrooks]

I looked in my garage and found I had a 21V PI21. When my sister passed away last year she had Direct TV. When I called them they only wanted the three receivers back. There was a bunch of other stuff I boxed up and brought home and a PI 21 was in there. I do not need to make up RG 6 cable. I bought a 25 foot piece to go from the dish to the receiver already made up and it is almost the perfect length. So I will run that to the Inserter. I just need to run out and get a 3 foot piece to run from the Inserter to the receiver. Thank you for the tip Jim. I guess my next task will be to find the satellite.

[dabrooks]

Well I am not doing so good. I can only get a signal reading on 3 of the 32 transponders. They are all on the bottom row and are in the mid 80s in strength. The top three rows are all zeros. I am not sure what is wrong or what to do next. The inserter I had is a PI21R1-03 21 volt. It does have stamped on the front " SWM ODU only ". I need a break this is very frustrating.

[docj]

Originally Posted by dabrooks

Well I am not doing so good. I can only get a signal reading on 3 of the 32 transponders. They are all on the bottom row and are in the mid 80s in strength. The top three rows are all zeros. I am not sure what is wrong or what to do next. The inserter I had is a PI21R1-03 21 volt. It does have stamped on the front " SWM ODU only ". I need a break this is very frustrating.

The fact that you're getting something is a good first step. Did you set the dish skew before starting? I assume the two terminals on the PI are clearly marked "to SWM" and "to receiver" or something like that.

[dabrooks]

Yes the PI is marked "power to SWM" and "signal to IRD" the skew is set to 64 degrees which is about where everyone on this dead end road is set. One house is directly north of me maybe 200 yds and the another one is 200 yds west. the other two I check are a little farther away but they are set also at about 64 degrees. I guess if I was getting any number on one of the othre three line of transponders I would be encouraged. For now is very frustrating.

[docj]

I'm not an expert in aligning tripod dishes but in the past when I've gotten only a few transponders to work it's been because I wasn't actually on the correct satellite. You can get a few to indicate signals and still be totally on the wrong bird. Believe me I know from experience. What are you using to help you get the correct alignment? Anything other than the markings, if any, on the tripod? Were you confident that your mast was precisely vertical? you said you were pointing to 228 degrees but what elevation did you set?

I don't know what part of MD you're in, but for Baltimore you should be pointing at magnetic 226.8 with an elevation of 38 degrees and a skew of 63 degrees

[dabrooks]

I put my zip code in and got the settings from there. I do have a friend who has a friend who has a meter who I think will help me out. I will keep you posted. I also think your idea that I am on the wrong bird makes sense to me otherwise I would think that I would get something other than those three transponders.

[dabrooks]

Well I slept on it last night and wanted to make sure I have the correct inserter. What does it mean when it says for "SWM ODU" only. What is ODU ?? And I suppose where the inserter says to IRD that's the receiver and not some other component that I need is it ? I think my help may arrive tomorrow with a meter.

[docj]

Originally Posted by dabrooks

Well I slept on it last night and wanted to make sure I have the correct inserter. What does it mean when it says for "SWM ODU" only. What is ODU ?? And I suppose where the inserter says to IRD that's the receiver and not some other component that I need is it ? I think my help may arrive tomorrow with a meter.

The term SWM ODU is just another name for the SWM LNB that you have on your dish. Follow this link and you will find a webpage where a vendor is selling the SWM ODU along with the same power inserter you have. You have the correct hardware.
DirecTV SL3 SWM ODU LNB Kit - Includes Power Supply

The side of the PI marked IRD connects directly to the receiver. If you've been Goolging you may have seen some wiring diagrams where the PI output goes through a splitter. That is not necessary if you have only one receiver. Trust me that is exactly how my system is wired.

[dabrooks]

Well I am good to go. We were in Florida for a couple of weeks and today was the first time I could get my friend to stop in to help. I have a decent signal in the high 80s and a very nice picture. Thank you all for your help. Thank you docj for being patient with me and my lack of knowledge on this subject.

[docj]

I'm glad things worked out for you.