103 Signal Strength Issue

[markrw58]

My 103 signals are either very low (30-40) or 0. Bypassed the multi-switch with no change. All other sats are in the 80's & 90's. WHat do you all think? Adjustment?

Thanks

[HDTVsportsfan]

It initially it sounds like you may need an adjustment, but what are your signals on 103(a)?

[pouterson]

My 103 signals are either very low (30-40) or 0. Bypassed the multi-switch with no change. All other sats are in the 80's & 90's. WHat do you all think? Adjustment?

Thanks

I had the same issue. Went out and adjusted the dish via fine tuning settings and am now getting mid to high 80s on all TPs. My issue was elevation and azimuth. Once I fine tuned them, the settings popped up. I fine tuned on 101. Tilt was ok, ie, 100%.

[bubbers44]

I had the same issue. Went out and adjusted the dish via fine tuning settings and am now getting mid to high 80s on all TPs. My issue was elevation and azimuth. Once I fine tuned them, the settings popped up. I fine tuned on 101. Tilt was ok, ie, 100%.

Did you buy a signal meter to realign or did you fine tune with signal strength on set up menu? I noticed with moderate rain today I lost the locals and most of the new channels but still got other satellites so think my install alignment could be improved with some fine tuning. The install crew two months ago didn't impress me a lot so didn't think they would get it right. I have the instructions on how to align with the meter but would rather not have to buy one.

[markrw58]

It initially it sounds like you may need an adjustment, but what are your signals on 103(a)?

They were zero's.

[markrw58]

I had the same issue. Went out and adjusted the dish via fine tuning settings and am now getting mid to high 80s on all TPs. My issue was elevation and azimuth. Once I fine tuned them, the settings popped up. I fine tuned on 101. Tilt was ok, ie, 100%.

Did you learn how to do the fine tuning from the install video??

[HDTVsportsfan]

That's not good obviously.

When was this installed. Do you have HD locals. Also, do you know the model number of you multi-switch and dish?
Is it a 5-LNB AT9 or AU9 Slimline.


You should have almost all 90's and even a few 100's on the 101 SAT signal meter.

[markrw58]

That's not good obviously.

When was this installed. Do you have HD locals. Also, do you know the model number of you multi-switch and dish?
Is it a 5-LNB AT9 or AU9 Slimline

Yes, I do have HD locals, the dish is the Slimline and I belive the Multi-Switch is the
Zinwell WB68.

[HDTVsportsfan]

Yes, I do have HD locals, the dish is the Slimline and I belive the Multi-Switch is the
Zinwell WB68.

OK...all that's good. Just trying to get some background here.

Are any of your signal #'s on 101 in the high 90's or 100?

[SATGATOR]

On Ant 1 I get no signal strength but Ant 2 gets great reception for 103b.

What gives?

[makaiguy]

They were zero's.

Zeros on both tuners? I had zeros on one and good numbers on the other. Swapped B-Band Converters between lines and got good numbers everywhere. DTV is sending me another BBS because it sounds like I have one erratic one (and they agreed, much to my amazement).

[azarby]

On Ant 1 I get no signal strength but Ant 2 gets great reception for 103b.

What gives?

You could have a bad BBC or if you have an OTA diplexor, it is interferring with the satellite signal. Swap the BBCs between the two cables. If the problem changes to ant2, you have a bad BBC. If not, you have a bad connection or diplexor interference. If you have a diplexor, remove it and test again.
bob

Bob

[markrw58]

OK...all that's good. Just trying to get some background here.

Are any of your signal #'s on 101 in the high 90's or 100?

They are in the upper 80's - mid 90's.

I plan on fine tuning the alignment this evening so I will report back when that is done.

[K4SMX]

On Ant 1 I get no signal strength but Ant 2 gets great reception for 103b.

What gives?
Please see Troubleshooting Tips for 103(b) (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=99528)

[K4SMX]

My 103 signals are either very low (30-40) or 0. Bypassed the multi-switch with no change. All other sats are in the 80's & 90's. WHat do you all think? Adjustment?

Thanks
Your Sacramento locals are on 99(b), so you should probably see some signals, but not great signals on 103(a).

Please post your actual 99(b) sig's by transponder. Your 101 110, and 119 sig's are on the low side of good, and I would expect your 99(b)'s to be the same. In any event, your dish probably needs re-alignment, but let's see those 99(b) numbers first, because your mast might be out of plumb, and that would need to be corrected before you do any re-alignment. Good 99(b) sig's would indicate that might be the case.

[markrw58]

They are in the upper 80's - mid 90's.

I plan on fine tuning the alignment this evening so I will report back when that is done.

Fine tuned my dish yesterday and now 103 is 89 - 91 and the other sats are 95-98. Only problem I had was no one was home to help and had to keep going up and down the ladder to check after each adjustment.

[K4SMX]

Fine tuned my dish yesterday and now 103 is 89 - 91 and the other sats are 95-98. Only problem I had was no one was home to help and had to keep going up and down the ladder to check after each adjustment.
Gee, that is definitely the hard way to do it! Glad you got your numbers up, though, and thanks for reporting back your successful results.

[knew001]

What did you adjust to get these numbers? I have low to mid 90's on all the sats except 103b. I don't get any stations off 103a but 2 transponders on that one are in the 50's. 103b all odd are mid 70's - low 80's. all even ones are in the 60's. This is a problem when it rains.

[Tom Robertson]

What did you adjust to get these numbers? I have low to mid 90's on all the sats except 103b. I don't get any stations off 103a but 2 transponders on that one are in the 50's. 103b all odd are mid 70's - low 80's. all even ones are in the 60's. This is a problem when it rains.

Assuming you do not have diplexors or incorrect switch in the line, I suggest everyone carefully follow the instructional videos: http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp to perform realignments.

Cheers,
Tom

[moonman]

Please see Troubleshooting Tips for 103(b) (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=99528)

Sounds like the problem I was having.... Do you have a slimline dish?? see my post here:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1171273&postcount=158

[markrw58]

What did you adjust to get these numbers? I have low to mid 90's on all the sats except 103b. I don't get any stations off 103a but 2 transponders on that one are in the 50's. 103b all odd are mid 70's - low 80's. all even ones are in the 60's. This is a problem when it rains.

The big change came when adjusting the the fine tuning on the azimuth. I fine tuned the elevation first, was told later should have done the elevation first but do not know if that matters, and only gained of couple of signal points but increased about 50 with the adjustment of the azimuth.

It is a good idea to watch part 3 of the videos recommended so you know what needs to be done, but don't get too freaked out by the detail shown because it really is not hard at all. You need a 1/2 inch socket wrench or something comparable to loosen the lockdown bolts and make the adjustments and preferably someone to watch the HR20 signal strength meter on your tv so they can tell you how the signal is reacting.

I wrote down my original settings before I made the fine tuning just in case it all went bad I could always change the adjustments back. I made adjustments of no more than a 1/4 turn, although it ended up being a full turn for the azimuth adjustment, the elevation adjustment was only about 1/5 turn.

When you are happy with the strength on the 103b check the others to make sure they did not get knocked off too much although my adjustment improved their numbers as well. Oh and don't forget to tighten the lockdown bolts or all your work will be lost in a good storm.

Just take your time and you should be fine.

[mp7501]

I have a 5 LNB dish that is on a pole mount and I wanted to do a realignment myself since on the 103b I am getting signals 78-85 and have had it on a pole for 8 months now. Do you think this is advisable. I wanted to know how to view the installation video.

[mndwalsh]

still waiting on my zinwell to come but I had dtv bring one to swap with my aspen.

Bingo, I now get all channels on 103b

[K4SMX]

Sounds like the problem I was having.... Do you have a slimline dish?? see my post here:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1171273&postcount=158
I have multiple Slimline/WNC's. What is the brand and ver. # (if applicable) of that new LNB, if you can see it conveniently? Also, the old one, or did they take it with them?

[K4SMX]

I have a 5 LNB dish that is on a pole mount and I wanted to do a realignment myself since on the 103b I am getting signals 78-85 and have had it on a pole for 8 months now. Do you think this is advisable. I wanted to know how to view the installation video.
You have no emergency there. As mentioned above, here's the video (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp) (third item.) This video was produced prior to the arrival of nationwide Ka signals, but they will certainly get people in the ballpark infield if carefully followed, where you already are.

[pouterson]

Did you learn how to do the fine tuning from the install video??

I read up on the forums here and followed the directions in the slimline manual. Everything was good to go.

[5678YN]

My 103B numbers are 40-60 and my neighbors 85-100. Azizmuth and elevation numbers the same but his tilt is 60 and mine 61. I would think and I assume then that chaging my titlt to 60 should do the trick correct???

[pouterson]

My 103B numbers are 40-60 and my neighbors 85-100. Azizmuth and elevation numbers the same but his tilt is 60 and mine 61. I would think and I assume then that chaging my titlt to 60 should do the trick correct???

I didn't adjust tilt because from reading the install guide, it looked like that dealt with 119. I was getting 98+ on all TPs for that. It may or may not help you. I'd check the 119 signal first, though.

[5678YN]

119's good. One 86, one 88, the rest 95 or better

[texasbrit]

My 103B numbers are 40-60 and my neighbors 85-100. Azizmuth and elevation numbers the same but his tilt is 60 and mine 61. I would think and I assume then that chaging my titlt to 60 should do the trick correct???
It doesn't really work like that. Your numbers will be similar to his but not necessarily identical, your dishes will probably not be quite the same when they were plumbed for the vertical, and the LNBs may be mounted marginally differently. The only way to guarantee improvements in 103(b), assuming your 101/110/119 signals are good, is to use the fine-tune adjustments using the 103(b) signal and the signal strength meters from the DirecTV box.

[Skins Fan]

It doesn't really work like that. Your numbers will be similar to his but not necessarily identical, your dishes will probably not be quite the same when they were plumbed for the vertical, and the LNBs may be mounted marginally differently. The only way to guarantee improvements in 103(b), assuming your 101/110/119 signals are good, is to use the fine-tune adjustments using the 103(b) signal and the signal strength meters from the DirecTV box.

Do you use the 103b weakest transponder or a 13v (odd) transponder to peak? Just wondering. I have an install next week and fully expect to have to fine tune myself.:)

[5678YN]

Tech just left, problem solved. Everything was loose from my July 5 LNB install. Now have more 100's accross the board on all transponders than I got on my papers in grade school and all 103B are 88 or better.

[Smooth Jazzer]

Do you use the 103b weakest transponder or a 13v (odd) transponder to peak? Just wondering. I have an install next week and fully expect to have to fine tune myself.:)
I am NOT an expert nor an installer. If I were you I consider a few facts. First to consider is the S-SW LOS. Secondly how much wire you are going to lay out/bury from the dish to your receiver(s). Do you have a Tech in mind or feel comfortable with? My dish was installed last June and was adjusted for the 101 and 119 sats. I get 97% for the 101, 95% for the 110 and 98% for the 119. When the 103b got activated the dish remained untouched and I get a 97% Signal Strength and mostly 95-97 percent on TPS 1-16 and 100% on TPS 17 and 24. I don't understand ALL the hoopla for 103b.:nono2: I must be lucky then.;)
Thanks

[K4SMX]

I am NOT an expert nor an installer. If I were you I consider a few facts. First to consider is the S-SW LOS. Secondly how much wire you are going to lay out/bury from the dish to your receiver(s). Do you have a Tech in mind or feel comfortable with? My dish was installed last June and was adjusted for the 101 and 119 sats. I get 97% for the 101, 95% for the 110 and 98% for the 119. When the 103b got activated the dish remained untouched and I get a 97% Signal Strength and mostly 95-97 percent on TPS 1-16 and 100% on TPS 17 and 24. I don't understand ALL the hoopla for 103b.:nono2: I must be lucky then.;)
Thanks
You ARE lucky to get those 103(b) numbers, but it shouldn't have to be that way. Most areas had at least some 103(a) numbers that could have been used at the time of the original install. Your's was done right from the get go.

[seern]

Well I just had a tech here to try and fix my issues with 103b. Up until yesterday I was getting only tp's 9 - 14 with any consistency. He tried a new BBC, new receiver and went on the roof to check dish alignment all with no results. In fact this morning I awoke to all '0' on 103b. While he was looking at the receiver set up he asked my what the Diplexer was for, told him the original installer had put it there so I could get local OTA from the OTA antenna on the dish. Well when he left I thought that the only thing we had not tried was remove that diplexer. I took it out of the line, I have never been able to get OTA from the dish anyway. Once removed everything lit up except 13, 14, 17, and 22. So now I have gone for getting 5 channels to not getting 4, further I am now getting the 2 test channels. Only issue is 2 of these are History hd and Discovery hd, two of my favorites. He is supposed to come back later today and try another realignment now that I solved the main issue. As far as OTA, I just hooked my little indoor HD antenna to the H20 and I am getting locals just fine. Oh, he knew to come back because I called him as soon as I solved the problem. Also signal strengths are still not the greatest, 60 - mid 80's, but that is better then before when it was 40's - 70's on the ones I was getting.

[K4SMX]

Do you use the 103b weakest transponder or a 13v (odd) transponder to peak? Just wondering. I have an install next week and fully expect to fine tune myself.:)
I don't know why it would make any difference, unless you were jammed up against 100 on a particular tp while making adjustments, which I have yet to experience myself.

You shouldn't have to fine tune yourself. Just don't sign off unless you get 103(b) numbers like 5678YN. That's the norm for a well-done east coast installation when the LNB is good and the dish is properly aligned.

[K4SMX]

Well I just had a tech here to try and fix my issues with 103b. Up until yesterday I was getting only tp's 9 - 14 with any consistency. He tried a new BBC, new receiver and went on the roof to check dish alignment all with no results. In fact this morning I awoke to all '0' on 103b. While he was looking at the receiver set up he asked my what the Diplexer was for, told him the original installer had put it there so I could get local OTA from the OTA antenna on the dish. Well when he left I thought that the only thing we had not tried was remove that diplexer. I took it out of the line, I have never been able to get OTA from the dish anyway. Once removed everything lit up except 13, 14, 17, and 22. So now I have gone for getting 5 channels to not getting 4, further I am now getting the 2 test channels. Only issue is 2 of these are History hd and Discovery hd, two of my favorites. He is supposed to come back later today and try another realignment now that I solved the main issue. As far as OTA, I just hooked my little indoor HD antenna to the H20 and I am getting locals just fine. Oh, he knew to come back because I called him as soon as I solved the problem. Also signal strengths are still not the greatest, 60 - mid 80's, but that is better then before when it was 40's - 70's on the ones I was getting.
Are you saying that there's no diplexer at the dish end, and they told you you could use the LNB in your dish for an OTA antenna? Wow! I've not heard of that one before. In any event, if there is a diplexer at the dish end, that one needs to go, too. Please also thoroughly review Troubleshooting Tips for 103(b) (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=99528) prior to your tech's return as it applies to your setup. You probably should print out a copy for your tech as well, because it sounds like he could use one!

[Skins Fan]

I don't know why it would make any difference, unless you were jammed up against 100 on a particular tp while making adjustments, which I have yet to experience myself.

You shouldn't have to fine tune yourself. Just don't sign off unless you get 103(b) numbers like 5678YN. That's the norm for a well-done east coast installation when the LNB is good and the dish is properly aligned.

That would be my intent. However, if I get somebody like I had the last time, I would certainly ask them to leave (wouldn't sign anything) and finish up myself.

Can you believe I actually forgot I had a signal meter that I bought from Solid Signal a couple of years ago. I dug it out yesterday. I could have used it last week when I was trouble shooting --- I was using walki talkis (sp?) -----duh!!! I have been a *D customer for about 12 years and never had an installer, always did my own stuff and bought a meter but only used it once.:sure:

[K4SMX]

That would be my intent. However, if I get somebody like I had the last time, I would certainly ask them to leave (wouldn't sign anything) and finish up myself.

Can you believe I actually forgot I had a signal meter that I bought from Solid Signal a couple of years ago. I dug it out yesterday. I could have used it last week when I was trouble shooting --- I was using walki talkis (sp?) -----duh!!! I have been a *D customer for about 12 years and never had an installer, always did my own stuff and bought a meter but only used it once.:sure:
Don't feel too bad. I was carrying out the trash once, got to thinking about something else, and forgot why I had gone out there while I was still holding it in my hand.

I doubt if you'd find that meter too helpful for final alignment anyhow at this point, unless it reads the 103 satellite as well as the 101 and 119. At least on my meter, the AU9-S/WNC was picking up such strong 101 & 119 signals, I couldn't really find the exact peaks, because they were off the scale on the high side, so I had to use my receiver on the 103(a). There are other signal meters that are probably better about that, and I guess I could have stuck an attenuator in the line, but there are some old-timers who, with a perfectly plumb mast, can do a really good job with the 103's and the 99(b) by doing a really accurate job with the specified tilt and the 101 only. I'm not one of 'em...

[kmill14]

Well, I thought I would share my experience with fine-tuning on my own and I don't recommend ANYONE do it my way. No meter reader, so my wife read off the numbers on the receiver.

My "brace" as I will call it is not the same as what I saw in part 3 of the video. I also noticed I did not get any significant reaction on my signal for either fine-tuner knob until I got to a point of feeling a little resistance on way or the other.

Before I started, my 101 signal averaged out at 78-79 on either tuner, though I did have a few 95+ and 100 on the individual transponders. My 103(b) signal was in the 10's on the odds and 0's on the evens.

I focused on improving the 101 signal, and realized quickly that the azimuth was not where my problem lie, so I started dialing up the elevation fine tuner clockwise until I started to get an improvement. 101 signal got up to 85% and 103(b) clocked in in the mid-40's for odds and 0's for evens.

The wife stepped away, thinking her job was done, and I started to play around with both knobs and checking after each 1/4 turn. Totally screwed everything up and got my signal down into the 50's for 101. YIKES!

Brought the wife back in, played around with both knobs until I got it back into the 85% range again....whew! Checked out the 103(b) signal, and amazingly, I got the strength up to the mid 50's on all transponders, not just the odds. Strange.

I hope it stays this way, because I went from getting NO new channels to all of them, even with just mid-50's for my strength. Can't wait for a rainstorm though.

Anyway, thats my story. Don't do what I did. :nono2: :nono2: :nono2:

[K4SMX]

Your experience is a bit out of the mainstream. It sounds like you have the AU9-S (Slimline) dish. A couple of questions:

Did you loosen the two 1/2" lock down bolts on each of the fine tuning mechanisms prior to turning the adjustment screws?

Do you have a clear line-of-sight to the open sky over an arc from ~10 degrees to the left of the dish to ~30 degrees to the right of the dish at an elevation of ~20 degrees higher than the apparent focus of the dish? (Standing behind the dish)

Is your coax of reasonably recent manufacture and < ~100' in length? What, if anything, is printed on your coax?

If you have an AU9-S, here (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf) is the Instruction Manual.