Seattle Area installer needed

[Hans Gruber]

I was planning on installing the slimeline myself. However, after considering the complexity of the slimline and the need for a fancy sat finder. I have the old SF-95 sat finder and many of you are using $400 signal finders for the slimline.

I've got the slimline dish and I'm wondering if there are any installers would be interested in doing a side job. Normally, I would have DirecTV install it, but they did a terrible job on the 3LNB so I figured I could do it myself.

I called my dad and he seems to think I would somehow fall off the roof or the ladder. I've never fallen off a ladder.

There is a less expensive sat finder Acutrac22 PRO MKII Satellite Signal Tracking Meter for around $100. I could still do that route. But the SF-95 wouldn't work well considering I would have to take off the LNB and reattach the arm which could screw up the signal.

Anybody know an installer in Seattle? I may just have DirecTV install it if I can't find somebody to do it. I just want my signals at 90 or better on each LNB.

[carl6]

Hi Hans,

First off, the local HSP (Ironwood) is pretty good in this area. They do have some independent contractors working for them, but most are Ironwood employees, and are pretty good.

As to aligning the Slimline, once the dish is aligned and locked down, you can remove and re-install the LNB assembly without effecting alignment.

I'm not familiar with the SF-95. The Accutrac22 does not read the new sats (99,103), but will read 101 and 119 which are the ones that are used in the "official" alignment procedure. If your meter is capable of selecting the 22KHz tone on and off, it will also let you read 101 and 119.

Once you get the slimline close (good 101 and 119), you can either use the dithering procedure specified, or you can use your DirecTV HD receiver signal strength screen for 103 and peak using that.

I'm not an installer, just a retired old f... , but if we could agree on times you might persuade me to give you a hand. I've got an Accutrac22. PM if interested. But you will probably be just fine with a DirecTV install.

Carl

[Hans Gruber]

Carl,
I think I can do it on my own now with your clarification. I looked at my cousins slimline for a good idea of what I'm getting myself into. I've also watched some installation videos. My dad was worried I would fall of the ladder. I used to climb 40ft trees. My roof is only 30ft at most in parts.

[carl6]

One other thing to consider - don't put the dish any higher than you need to. If you've got good visibility from ground level, mount the dish low so you don't need to mess with ladders and rooftops. Also makes it easier to brush snow off on the rare occasions we get any.

Carl

[Hans Gruber]

It has to be placed on the roof. I live in a townhome with rules regarding sat locations. I have to order the sat support arms becuase the dish arrived without them. I also have to wait for clear weather for safety and making sure water does not get inside the roof.

The two giant LNB's on the left side, what birds do these two point at? The dish did come with the AZ/EL adjustments attached.

[carl6]

If it is the Slimline dish, the LNB housing that is in line with the LNB arm coming out from the dish is for 99/101/103 (it should be physically larger than the other two). The one on the very end is 119, and the one in the middle is 110.

Carl

[alfasteve]

Hi Hans,

Your slimline will probably like an elevation of 31-32 degrees, and the skew to be between 106 and 108 degrees (when aligning your 119 sat).

I make sure I have visibility between 130 and 152 degrees on my compass before installing a slimline.

Make sure that the mast is plumb, or else you'll be chasing your tail. It all begins with having the mounting mast plumb. Make sure the leveling bubble in the mast is seated correctly as well.

Take the time to dither it, or get the best possible peak reading. The included instructions are good and informative.

Good luck,

Steve
Installer in Seattle

[Hans Gruber]

Hi Hans,

Your slimline will probably like an elevation of 31-32 degrees, and the skew to be between 106 and 108 degrees (when aligning your 119 sat).

I make sure I have visibility between 130 and 152 degrees on my compass before installing a slimline.

Make sure that the mast is plumb, or else you'll be chasing your tail. It all begins with having the mounting mast plumb. Make sure the leveling bubble in the mast is seated correctly as well.

Take the time to dither it, or get the best possible peak reading. The included instructions are good and informative.

Good luck,

Steve
Installer in Seattle

Steve,
Thanks for your reply. I will post pics of my 2 dishes on my roof. One's the original 18" round and the other one is a 3LNB oval. I went over to my cousins house and looked at his slimline installation and even took a picture. He had three installers come out to fix his slimline. The third time was the charm. The third installer got 90+ on every bird.

I have literally a wide open shot between 130 and 150 degrees. No obstructions, trees or anything. The best part of whole project is if I screw things up, I still have my 3LNB oval until I get it right.

Can I install the dish without the two support arms and install them in a couple of weeks? The arms will probably arrive before the weather clears.

Do you use silicone to seal roof penetrating mounts? One guy was saying to use roofing cement. After looking at the screws and the Slimline mount, I think lots of silicone would seal the dish just fine.

[alfasteve]

Hi Hans,

Plenty of silicone would do the job, but I use bishop's tape, or a mastic tape. Less messy to work with. When you pull cured silicone off, it takes chunks with it!

The Slimline is over 30lbs. Hate to say it, but I would wait for the arms to arrive. One good windstorm and you may have done damage to your roof when that big sail tries to move. Once you get your mast plumb, make sure you don't put it out of plumb when you attach those supporting arms.

Steve
Seattle, WA