Installer here--doesn't understand OTA--help to talk him through it?

[bookwalk]

This is my first Direct TV installation and the installer is 5 hours late--have called the various numbers of the Installation Area manager, etc and wonder what the usual handling of this is--do they spill over to the next day or how do they handle? [He finally called but doesn't seem to understand OTA installation]

I realize they probably have a lot of new installs. Also, when calling (I had Direct TV put it on the work order and also confirmed with the Regional Install Company) I reminded them that I needed the HR 20 for my locals. Well, the installer doesn't seem to know anything about the OTA connection, so I may have to talk/walk him through it.

I have all the cables inside (for the OTA batwing) and the 2 that came in for my DISH install, but don't know what Direct needs for cables--I will have a HR 20 and R 15.

Also, Dish left a switch outside--a large type of connector--will go out and see what the brand is, but if I have to talk this guy through stuff, I guess I will need to check back here quite often this afternoon and hope somebody answers.

Thanks.

[Canis Lupus]

hey book,
You should have lines running from the antenna that are separate from your SAT lines to the receivers. The HR-20 for example should have 3 total lines running to it. If you have these in place already, you're good to go.

As far as the Dish switch, not likely you'd reuse it, unless it's a D* approved Zinwell WB68. You don't need a switch at all, though, unless you're planning on adding more receivers. You have what you need now running directly from the dish into the receivers.
The dish has a built-in 4 port switch.

Let us know how it's going.

[BattleZone]

In most areas, DirecTV installers have ZERO training or experience with off-air antennas, and generally won't have any hardware to mount one or a meter to peak it. I'm sure there are exceptions, but of the 200 or so techs working in the Bay Area's HSP, only 2-3 had experience doing it RIGHT, and only a few more had even tried.

Having said that, if you have the antenna mounted and a coax running to the receiver, you don't really need the installer to do anything.

[Mike728]

if you have the antenna mounted and a coax running to the receiver, you don't really need the installer to do anything.


Yep...

[bookwalk]

In most areas, DirecTV installers have ZERO training or experience with off-air antennas, and generally won't have any hardware to mount one or a meter to peak it. I'm sure there are exceptions, but of the 200 or so techs working in the Bay Area's HSP, only 2-3 had experience doing it RIGHT, and only a few more had even tried.

Having said that, if you have the antenna mounted and a coax running to the receiver, you don't really need the installer to do anything.

OK--we do have the antenna already up and coax running into the house. However, he has to put up 2 dishes--1 36" 5 LNB and the 18" for locals, so he would have to have some sort of switch or combiner somewhere along the line and then for the 2 dVR's, 2 each and then the OTA for the HR 20. I hope he has an HR 20--I asked for it all along the line--starting with Direct TV Install followup line, to the Installer Main number and the tech himself, but if he doesn't know OTA, he may "think" he has the right equipment until he can't find the OTA input.

He is resung the DISH line that was there--2 lines actually for coming into my 622. I think it had a solid copper core, so must be ok then.

[Mike728]

Why do you need a second dish for locals?

[CJTE]

Because the locals come off the 72.5?
or LOS.

But im going with the 1st

[Mike728]

Because the locals come off the 72.5?
or LOS.

But im going with the 1st

Really? That's horrible. If OTA picks everything up, I would say to just forget the second dish.

[bookwalk]

Really? That's horrible. If OTA picks everything up, I would say to just forget the second dish.

Really--hate the 2 dishes, but we don't get everything OTA--we can't get FOX AT all--SD OR HD.

Also, the 36" slimline is not 36" wide--it's only about 30", so does he have the right dish? I was told we needed it to get ALL the HD channels we are supposed to.

[CJTE]

Really? That's horrible. If OTA picks everything up, I would say to just forget the second dish.

You're kidding, right?
Many regions currently get their locals from the 72.5 bird... Supposedly with the lease running out D* is re-distributing those locals to the more primary birds (110/119 I assume, but its not something Ive done exponential research in to).

But yea... In some markets you'll see 2 dishes up on the roofs, hell some even 3 because the int'l programming comes off the 95.

[Canis Lupus]

Yes - in this case since you have the 2 dishes, a Zinwell WB68 is required. 4 lines from the Slimline go into the switch, and 2 lines from the 72.5 dish go into the "Flexport" inputs on the switch.

EDIT: as pointed out to me by techrep :) , 2 lines are only required from the dish to the switch's flex input if you have a DVR that would record 2 SD locals at once. ;)

The OTA for the HR-20 runs entirely separately from this setup. It just runs straight into the HR-20.

so he would have to have some sort of switch or combiner somewhere along the line and then for the 2 dVR's, 2 each and then the OTA for the HR 20.

[Canis Lupus]

Yes I still have 2 dishes. the 72.5 feeds the locals to my only remaining SD receiver, a D*TiVo. The 2 HR20s get OTA.

You're kidding, right?
Many regions currently get their locals from the 72.5 bird... Supposedly with the lease running out D* is re-distributing those locals to the more primary birds (110/119 I assume, but its not something Ive done exponential research in to).

But yea... In some markets you'll see 2 dishes up on the roofs, hell some even 3 because the int'l programming comes off the 95.