DirecTV install advice

[topperdude]

I have DirecTV install scheduled couple weeks down the road on Saturday from 8am-12pm.

Per this thread (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=63277) and dishpointer.com, I confirmed this past Saturday that I get clear LOS for the various satellites listed in that thread from the location where I'd like to install the DirecTV dish(es) on my property.

I am now trying to prepare and make sure the install goes smoothly and without any major surprizes and am hoping feedback from members to this thread will help me do so. Here are some details of what we have signed up for:

Programming: Choice Xtra package with Hindi Direct International programming
Hardware: Slimline Dish, 36" Dish for International programming (is it the same as the WorldDirect Dish I keep reading on this forum?), 2 HD receivers.

I also keep reading Craig's FAQ posts here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=792149) when I get a chance.

My questions:

1) When we built our house, we pre-wired with RG6 cables from the garage (which is on the South side of the house) to the utility room/distribution box. So I am guessing the installer would only have to run new wires from where the dishes are installed (behind the garage) to where the pre-wiring was done during construction, correct?

2) We would like to do a pole mount install instead of roof mount, partly because we will require two relatively big dishes and would not like to install them on the roof. Another reason for a pole mount is to avoid climbing on the roof during Minnesota winters for removing ice/snow, etc.

I was told by DirecTV when I signed up that my order would include "VIP installation" instead of "standard installation" - apparently this is offered to new customers that sign up with the AAA deal here. With "VIP installation" they said we would NOT have to pay any additional costs for pole mounting the two dishes. We were also told by a local DirecTV reseller that was trying to get us to sign-up for DirectV through them (instead of calling DirecTV), that they did not charge for pole mounts either. Not sure how accurate this information is because based on what I've read in other posts on this forum, I understand there could be an extra charge for pole mounting, especially if the installer feels there's a good line of sight from elsewhere on the property. Although we are willing to pay a reasonable amount for a pole mount install, we would like to find out if there is such a thing as "VIP Installation" with DirecTV whereby we wouldnt be charged for a pole mount?

Is there a way to install both dishes on the same pole or would we need to bury two separate poles in the ground? If there's a way to install both the slimline and WorldDirect dishes on the same pole, is there a website or illustration/photos/videos that shows how it would be done so we know what to expect?

Also, I understand pole mount installs would need two separate trips, one to bury the pole in the ground and the second (atleast 24hours later) to mount the dish, hook it up to receiver, etc. Is this correct? DirecTV informed me that they can schedule installs upto 30 days after placing the order. If the second trip to complete the install is more than 30 days after the order was first placed, how does it affect the unfulfilled order - specifically does the order get cancelled automatically?

3) Also, based on Craig's post here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=942518&postcount=16) I understand there are currently 7 operational DirecTV satellites. How can I find out which satellites would carry the programming for our area (zip code 55901)?

4) I remember reading in one of Craig's posts (but am unable to find the link at present) that its advisable to call the Order Support line after placing the order to get the contact information for the local installer assigned by DirecTV to do the install. I did so and looks like its the same company from a town ~30 miles from where we live that did the installs for a couple of people I know recently. Although these individuals seemed "satisfied" with the installation experience, they felt the installer could have done a better job the first time around and actually had to have someone come out second time to "fix" their installations. To avoid unnecessary multiple trips/surprizes, based on advise in Craig's post, I also called the installer company and the person I talked to said she could add any comments/instructions in their system and the installer would see them BEFORE coming out for the install. Based on posts here, I am thinking of having her add these comments for the installer:
a. Two new H21 receivers (our order shows two HD receivers, I am just making sure they bring new H21 receivers and not refurbished H20's)
b. Slimline Dish + 36" dish for international channels
c. Zinwell 6x8 multiswitch
d. Hardware to install the pole and cement (although I wouldn't mind purchasing this upfront if someone can tell me where I can get the appropriate cement and the correct size pole(s) as I understand the 2" diameter poles for DirecTV dishes are not available at HomeDepot/Lowes?)
e. Call on my cell a day or two before they come out to discuss any specifics for the install.
Would appreciate any input for any additional things I should discuss/mention in the notes for the installer before they come out.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and any input you may provide,
-Topper

[carl6]

I can't comment on everything you asked, but here are some responses:

1. You need four RG6 from the slimline dish to the multiswitch, and one RG6 from the international dish to the multiswitch. From the multiswitch, you need separate RG6 to each receiver location and dual RG6 to any DVR location.

3. You need visibility to 99, 101, 103, 110 and 119 for the slimline dish, and you need visibility to 95 for the international dish.

4a. H20 or H21, you can't narrow that down. Whatever the installer has satisfies the order.
4b. You should get both dishes. Can't do HD and international without.
4c. This is also a must have, as it is needed to mix the signals from the two dishes.

As to pole mounting, pipes, concrete, etc., you really need to talk to the installer, preferably in advance.

Good luck.

Carl

[ironwood]

You need two poles both two inches in diameter. Cant mount two big dishes on one pole. I know VIP installation when its a relative or friend on Directv's big wigs but I've never heard them sign a regular person as a VIP. I cant remember if they actually pay us extra for VIPs but I remember my boss telling me I have to do all and any extra work with a smile and no charge or I am fired :o)

[BattleZone]

You need two poles both two inches in diameter. Cant mount two big dishes on one pole. I know VIP installation when its a relative or friend on Directv's big wigs but I've never heard them sign a regular person as a VIP. I cant remember if they actually pay us extra for VIPs but I remember my boss telling me I have to do all and any extra work with a smile and no charge or I am fired :o)

Actually, the 5-LNB HD dish needs a 2" OD pole, but the WorldDirect international dish needs a 1.75" OD pole.

[veryoldschool]

the WorldDirect international dish needs a 1.75" OD pole.
Isn't this the same size as the older dishes, and really would be 1 5/8"?

[RobertE]

Isn't this the same size as the older dishes, and really would be 1 5/8"?

Nope, its really 1.75 od.

[joe diamond]

You need two poles both two inches in diameter. Cant mount two big dishes on one pole. I know VIP installation when its a relative or friend on Directv's big wigs but I've never heard them sign a regular person as a VIP. I cant remember if they actually pay us extra for VIPs but I remember my boss telling me I have to do all and any extra work with a smile and no charge or I am fired :o)
Ironwood,
The world needs more techs that will tell the HSPs to stuff it when they use the F word. Which kid do you not feed because some middle manager needed you to work for........you know?

There is a reason why the HSPs have "job fairs" without mentioning who they are.

I like handing written change orders to VIPs because they understand about business costs and pay for competent work.

Joe

[Mike500]

1-1/2 inch trade size or nominal EMT or thin wall conduit has an external dimeter of 1.740 inches, which is perfect for the WorlDirect International Dish.

The two inch actual diameter pole needed for the Slimline is hard to find. As local subcontractors, we use a 1-3/4 inch actual galvanized chain link fence line post that cost about $6 at Home Depot.

Then, we use an adapter like this one one that a fellow subcontractor developed ans sells at a reasonable price on eBay;
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150222824619&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=005

To make either pole really strong, we fasten a greet "T" fence post on the inside.

[ironwood]

Do they sell 1.75" poles in hardware stores? Reason I said two 2-inch poles is because that was techs normally carry. 2" poles for Ka Ku dishes and 1 5/8 for basic dishes. We dont have poles for international dishes in stock.

What I normally do is put a 2" pole in the ground, then cut a piece of mast provided with international dish (takes a minute with powered hack saw or whatever its called), then self tap one piece to another works great.

[Mike500]

1-1/2 inch nominal EMT or thinwall conduit is widely available at home centers like Lowe's or Home Depot.

The actual outside diameter is 1.74 inches. So, why do a hack job? Install the correct size pole. It is very likely that the manufactures of the mounting pole uses the same tubing suppliers that supply the conduit manufacturers.

[samrs]

So, why do a hack job? Install the correct size pole.

Thats pretty good advice cuz.

[RobertE]

1-1/2 inch nominal EMT or thinwall conduit is widely available at home centers like Lowe's or Home Depot.

The actual outside diameter is 1.74 inches. So, why do a hack job? Install the correct size pole. It is very likely that the manufactures of the mounting pole uses the same tubing suppliers that supply the conduit manufacturers.

Now just a minute. Your saying what Ironwood is doing is a hack job, but your constant pushing of the PVC pipe adapter that "your friend" hocks on ebay is not? Give me a break. :rolleyes:

Pot meet Kettle, Kettle meet Pot.