DIY install questions

[John Scaro]

Before I start I would like to say that I enjoy and appreciate all the info on this site. I spend countless hours reading all I can.
I'm in the process or revamping my total cabling system (Network, Sat cables, Speaker cables, etc) in my house and would like some input.
Info on my sat system - Slimline dish, Zinwell WB68, HR21-700, HR20-100, HR10-250, and a CM 4228 OTA. Waiting on a AM21

My Questions are
What RG-6 cabling is preferred?
What connector ends, IE. Ideal, Stirling??
Which grounding blocks?
What meters to adjust the signal on the KA, KU dish?
Any other helpful tips?

Thanks,
John

[K4SMX]

Cable - Belden 1694a or equiv. solid-copper center conductor RG-6

Connectors - Compression. I'm sure everyone has there own preference. I use Ideal, because I could buy everything at Home Depot.

Grounding blocks - Stirling (http://www.stirlingconnectors.com/) has some real nice one's.

Signal meters - Even though I have an Accutrac, I use an older RCA receiver and a 10" TV for initial alignment (easy with a pole mount), and once initial 101/119 alignment has been achieved, swap over to an H20 for final 103 Ka alignment. The older RCA doesn't time out, and it has a nice audio tone alignment scale. I use a Slingbox and a laptop these days as well.

Helpful tips - Make sure your mast is dead plumb. Watch DirecTV's 2006 installation video, which is referenced in post #44 here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=100397&page=2&highlight=Advisory).