DTV dish aiming

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

I'm new to DTV and RVing with satellite service.
I recently switched from Dish to DTV because most all the units I see in campgrounds are with DTV.
I have four receivers at home, one of which I plan to use with the RV.
I'm trying a 'test run' here at home and can't get a signal from a portable dish to the receiver in the RV.
The problem may be as simple as not lining up on the correct satellite. Don't know for sure.
When you go to websites to punch in your zip for the dish aiming coordinates, they wanna know "which satellite" first of all.
The installer wasn't much help. His answers were just "about this and about there". Very vague.

Can anyone help?
Thanks, Larry K. (aka: michigan camper)

[WindsorDave]

Larry,

This link should get you to the DTV dish-pointer. It does not ask which satellite.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/custom...equestid=36243

FWIW

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

Hello Dave,
I tried that one, didn't seem to help lock onto a satellite.
The receiver works OK in the house but in trying to measure a voltage when out at the RV, it doesn't seem to be providing the 13v or 21v (or whatever it should be) for the lnb. My problem may be there too, don't know.

I think I need some sort of 'check list' to make sure everything is in order to receive a signal.
Larry

BTW, I'm using a 3-lnb, the same my installer put on my roof. It has four outputs and the installer said I could use either if them.

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

Another BTW...

The website I was referring to earlier where they asked for a satellite was:
http://www.dishpointer.com/

[WindsorDave]

Hi Larry,

Yeah, the LNB must have power. Maybe your receiver does not like the 120 VAC that it's plugged into in the coach. Try plugging it into an extension cord from the house.

You're right about a check list. I tried to kick off the satellite search on the King Dome before connecting the coach to the AC power thinking that it could be searching while I was doing other things. Wrong! While the King Dome works on 12VDC the DTV receiver must have 120VAC to send power to the LNB which in turn supplies the TV signal to the receiver and television monitor. Also the King Dome or equivalent needs the LNB signal to tell when it's looking at a satellite.

Whether you have a King Dome or equivalent or not, the LNB must have power for the TV signal to be presented to the receiver.

Let us know what you find out.

FWIW

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

Dave,
I do have the receiver plugged into shore power, (the house) the TV also.
The TV runs fine and I have a signal from the receiver to the TV too. It shows the DTV logo and the words, "searching for signal". (or words to the effect)

I got the coordinates for satellite 110, maybe that's my problem, wrong satellite.

I did also check for power (with a VOM) at the 75ohm connector on the receiver (sat-in) and it showed no voltage. it works in the house though.

So, what I'm looking for is a 'check-list' type of procedure.
Where to go from here...
Larry K. (aka: michigan camper)

[darbyjudy]

In your set up are you using another antenna. If so you will have to go to setup in the menu and choose which antenna you are using. I had the same trouble and couldn't figure why I had no voltage at the antenna wire. Finally figures I had to choose round antenna with single LNB.

[John Hilley]

You need satellite 101. Check to see if you have the lnb voltage at the "satellite in" jack on the receiver when in the motor home, if so, it must be a cable connection problem. You have three settings to make on the dish, elevation, skew and azimuth. Make sure the mast the dish is mounted on is plumb. You may find a single lnb 18" dish easier to use.

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

A single lnb may be easier in some cases but honestly, I don't think that's my problem. For the record though, I'm using a triple headed lnb with four outputs. The tech that installed the house stuff said I could use either one (no diff) with the RV. Whats confusing is the "no voltage" on the "sat-in" terminal. The only button on the receiver that does anything is the "On/Off". I get the DTV logo on the TV and "searching for signal" notice. Pushing the Menu button does nothing. So can't get to "set-up".

Thanks for the heads up on Satellite #101. I am aware if the three settings for the dish. Thanks though. I was trying to get a signal on 110 and that was wrong so my coordinate was off. When I'm able to get the voltage on the 'sat in' terminal, I'll go from there.

I appreciate all your suggestions.
Larry K. (aka: michigancamper)

[Bill Adams]

You should not be seeing voltage from the sat in connection. The LNB is powered by the Sat Out connection from the receiver. You should see 13 or 18 volts from the sat out connection (or after you have a connection between the antenna and the receiver you will be able to measure voltage at the end of the coax where it connects to the antenna. Some users have reported no voltage, however, depending upon the antenna selected in the receiver. I can tell you that if the receiver is working in the house, the receiver is working in the RV and voltage is not your issue. The most common reason is not pointing the antenna properly. You should go into the receiver menu/setup and get to the signal meter screen. Select 101 transponder 1 and have someone watch that while you move the antenna around. Once you get a 101 signal you can make the necessary adjustments to also receiver 99 and 103 (be sure that you have the BBC adapters installed if they were installed in the house).

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

Bill,
I appreciate your help, first of all.
Second, I'm away from home for the next couple of days so can't look at things 'til Tuesday.

I don't recall seeing a "Sat out" termination on the back of the receiver. Sat in, yes.
Your not the first to make reference to selecting an antenna (or dish) on the receiver. I haven't been able to find it though on my receivers. If I understand it right, some antennas require a voltage and some don't? Or else why would the voltage be shut off when selecting some antennas?
Also, I don't see how connecting the coax and measuring for voltage and measuring before the connection was made would make a difference. either way, seems the power would be there or not be there.

Another story... The installation fella installed a "voltage inserter", he said was to power the splitter in the basement and not the lnb. He said when I used a single receiver in the RV that I would not a power supply as the lnb would be powered by the single unit. hmmmm

I'm curious to know your response to the Sat in/out thingy... Why would there be a "Sat Out"?
Larry K.

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

Bill,
Another thought or two...

I'm thinking my first problem is lack of power to the lnb. I say that because I spent the $40 at Radio Shack for their Sat signal meter. with it installed 'inline' with the receiver ON... I get NOTHING when I move the dish around.
I sprung for the meter for it's 'instantaneous' response to a signal as apposed to the 5-10 second delayed response I understand you get with the receiver/TV alone.

The other thought.... is GONE! LOL (dern CRS)
Larry K.

[Bill Adams]

Wow, I should not drink and post! Of course it it the Sat. In. I was thinking about the way satellite INTERNET works and not TV. I am very sorry.
The signal meter you reference can only do as good a job as you allow. If you turn it all the way up or down it's useless. It's likely that you just need a lesson from someone familiar with setting up a dish and the use of the equipment. If you can find that person you will likely find that setting things up are not the black hole of information that you are likely feeling.

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

Bill,
Thanks for the correction. Hey, we all make 'missteaks' LOL

I set up my Dish Network system without any problems but that was 10 years ago too.
I understand the meter adjustment between all the way to either extreme also and adjustments up/down when hitting on a signal. You always work in 'mid-scale'.

I guess I need someone who's familiar with the new receivers and the newer technology of single wire set-ups.

Thanks for trying Dave.
Larry