Former cable guy, install on 1/31.

[sgarrand]

I have yet to post here but the excitement is boiling over and I just had to post. I was employed by Charter for 3.5 years up until 1/14. That day my free service ended and I ordered DirecTV for the first time ever. I have an HD DVR and a standard receiver coming. Just a few questions.

It snowed a few inches today and there was already a few up there. Is the installer able to clear that off or should I try? I no longer have the 28 foot extension ladder I had previously but a former co-worker might stop by to help me clear it off some. Wouldn't that be ironic if I had a cable guy helping me clear the roof for a dish install? It's not a high roof, just a little ranch.

Second question: Will the installer have an issue with using all my existing coax? It's all new RG6 with good compression fittings. I'd like to hook the boxes up too while he does the dish. I have the dual satellite ground hooked to the house electrical ground (previous owner had DirecTV). All I want is him to run whatever lines (two I assume?) to the ground and hand over the boxes. Also, as a former service tech who did installs, I plan to tip the guy well. Think he'll mind if I help?

Last question: How do I go about asking for an HR23 (just want the newest, I'll admit) if he doesn't initially bring one in? I know all the HRs are functionally the same but I like getting the newest and biggest hard drive.

It will be the easiest install of his Saturday by far because he could practically use a short ladder to get at the roof and he doesn't have to do much but run it to the ground and activate the equipment. I'm very excited. :) Sorry for the long post.

Scott

[BattleZone]

Just ask. Under the circumstances, he'll probably be happy to work with you.

[pressureman0]

would you go up a ladder and walk on a roof :nono2: are you get a swm if you are it can run on any thing if he's a good tech

[satjoe]

I have yet to post here but the excitement is boiling over and I just had to post. I was employed by Charter for 3.5 years up until 1/14. That day my free service ended and I ordered DirecTV for the first time ever. I have an HD DVR and a standard receiver coming. Just a few questions.

It snowed a few inches today and there was already a few up there. Is the installer able to clear that off or should I try? I no longer have the 28 foot extension ladder I had previously but a former co-worker might stop by to help me clear it off some. Wouldn't that be ironic if I had a cable guy helping me clear the roof for a dish install? It's not a high roof, just a little ranch.

Second question: Will the installer have an issue with using all my existing coax? It's all new RG6 with good compression fittings. I'd like to hook the boxes up too while he does the dish. I have the dual satellite ground hooked to the house electrical ground (previous owner had DirecTV). All I want is him to run whatever lines (two I assume?) to the ground and hand over the boxes. Also, as a former service tech who did installs, I plan to tip the guy well. Think he'll mind if I help?

Last question: How do I go about asking for an HR23 (just want the newest, I'll admit) if he doesn't initially bring one in? I know all the HRs are functionally the same but I like getting the newest and biggest hard drive.

It will be the easiest install of his Saturday by far because he could practically use a short ladder to get at the roof and he doesn't have to do much but run it to the ground and activate the equipment. I'm very excited. :) Sorry for the long post.

Scott
Clean your snow off. IF he installs a SWM only one line from dish and he will use all existing lines. Get your tools out and run some cat5 before he gets there so you can use On demand and for the future MRV. As for as getting a HR23 it is a crap shoot. They will give you what ever they have on their truck.:D

[sgarrand]

would you go up a ladder and walk on a roof :nono2: are you get a swm if you are it can run on any thing if he's a good tech
He won't have to get on the roof to walk around. Last dish was arm's reach away and I removed it from the ladder easily (old 18" pizza dish). I have no problem getting on a roof. I did for years.

Scott

[sgarrand]

Clean your snow off. IF he installs a SWM only one line from dish and he will use all existing lines. Get your tools out and run some cat5 before he gets there so you can use On demand and for the future MRV. As for as getting a HR23 it is a crap shoot. They will give you what ever they have on their truck.:D
I planned to clean it off and I already have the cat5 ready for the On Demand. :)

Scott

[Johnnie5000]

I have yet to post here but the excitement is boiling over and I just had to post. I was employed by Charter for 3.5 years up until 1/14. That day my free service ended and I ordered DirecTV for the first time ever. I have an HD DVR and a standard receiver coming. Just a few questions.

It snowed a few inches today and there was already a few up there. Is the installer able to clear that off or should I try? I no longer have the 28 foot extension ladder I had previously but a former co-worker might stop by to help me clear it off some. Wouldn't that be ironic if I had a cable guy helping me clear the roof for a dish install? It's not a high roof, just a little ranch.

Second question: Will the installer have an issue with using all my existing coax? It's all new RG6 with good compression fittings. I'd like to hook the boxes up too while he does the dish. I have the dual satellite ground hooked to the house electrical ground (previous owner had DirecTV). All I want is him to run whatever lines (two I assume?) to the ground and hand over the boxes. Also, as a former service tech who did installs, I plan to tip the guy well. Think he'll mind if I help?

Last question: How do I go about asking for an HR23 (just want the newest, I'll admit) if he doesn't initially bring one in? I know all the HRs are functionally the same but I like getting the newest and biggest hard drive.

It will be the easiest install of his Saturday by far because he could practically use a short ladder to get at the roof and he doesn't have to do much but run it to the ground and activate the equipment. I'm very excited. :) Sorry for the long post.

Scott

1 - roof mounts are generally a no-no on a icy roof but ymmv
2 - All techs love seeing new rg6 pre-wire. He may have to change the connectors (DTV requires PPC EX6 connectors) but other than that you're good. It probably will be two lines going to the ground block unless they're equipped with a single cable with ground line attached.
3 - If you don't get one on the original install, going to Best Buy will get you further than calling DTV. If you get a HR22 instead of a HR23, no worries, same hard drive.

[sgarrand]

1 - roof mounts are generally a no-no on a icy roof but ymmv
2 - All techs love seeing new rg6 pre-wire. He may have to change the connectors (DTV requires PPC EX6 connectors) but other than that you're good. It probably will be two lines going to the ground block unless they're equipped with a single cable with ground line attached.
3 - If you don't get one on the original install, going to Best Buy will get you further than calling DTV. If you get a HR22 instead of a HR23, no worries, same hard drive.
It's not really icy but I see your point. There's really no other option but the roof. There was a dish there not long ago and I planned to clear off the area to find the spot where the dish once was. If he really wants to climb around up there for no reason I'll clear the whole darn roof off. Line of sight won't require a lot of height.

I do want the HR23 but I think I'll live with whatever I get. It's just a fascination with the newest stuff. Most people (unless they want OTA with an HR20) feel the same.

Scott

[Matman]

:welcome_s

D* should use you in a commercial! Imagine the ad, I worked for cable and I have satellite! :D

[WestDC]

no need to find the old dish location(remove the base feet and you will leak), (person) will have to install a larger pole and dish.

If you have snow on the roof, I doubt they will climb it (however) if you clean it off (without slipping and falling) and the sun can melt it before (person) arrives then you may have a chance.

You will also get whatever DVR or HD box they have at their shipping location and loaded on the truck--It won't hurt to ask if a certain model is on the truck.

Good Luck

[curt8403]

I helped an installer with a 2 rcvr install. they were very happy, it saved them nearly 2 hours of time

[sgarrand]

I keep telling people that there will be no need to "climb" on my roof. Is it a requirement in some areas that the installer walk all over the roof? Is it not possible to install it lower when there's excellent line of sight (no trees or other obstructions). I already did take the old pole off years ago and I don't have a roof leak. I don't see why he can't work off the ladder but I will clear all over that side of the roof anyway. I don't want to give the guy any reason not to install my service.

Scott

[BattleZone]

In general, there is indeed no reason for the tech to get off the ladder and onto the roof; ideally, the dish should never be installed where it can't be reached from a 28' ladder.

Unfortunately, life isn't always ideal, and for some customers, the only place they can mount the dish, for LOS or HOA reasons, may require walking on the roof, say, to mount the dish on a chimney or something. But that should be a LAST RESORT.

In general, if the dish is going to be mounted into the roof, it should only be mounted on a roof overhang, and never over the living space of the house.

[sgarrand]

Finally someone who is looking past the "climbing on the roof" stuff. When I bought the house in May 2007 I removed the pole and dish with a 7/16 wrench (standard cable tool) from the ladder and was able to plug the holes pretty well (globs of tar). Have not seen any ill effects from the presence of these holes. My wish is that the new pole and dish will be able to reuse some (if not all) of these holes so that I don't get additional holes. I don't think the little bit of tar will get in his way and I know he will not have to climb on the roof with his feet at all. There will not be an issue with LOS at all (it's all clear).

I guess I'm going to have to get up there (~16 feet up) somehow tomorrow and find the old holes. No one wants a bunch of holes in their roof. There's just this one crappy old busted wooden ladder here from the previous owner. Wish me luck! :)

Scott

[Simmerman]

You are going to tip the Tech and help with the install? Why cant there be more people like you in AZ?

Another option is the non-penetrating roof mount. Its basically a sled type mount with 6 or 8 cinder blocks to weight the dish down and the dish and mast are attached to it. The mount costs $65.00 though but there are no holes to drill. I personally dont like to install them- only because of the extra labor involved.

S man

[sgarrand]

Hopefully the guy will just be able to use some of the same holes to make it easier for him and my roof. If he has to make some new ones in the same area I'll deal with it.

The reason I want to help is to speed it up (for him and I) and the tip is because I know they don't get paid that much per install. As long as my signals are good and the equipment functions, we're good.

Scott

[satjoe]

:D1 - roof mounts are generally a no-no on a icy roof but ymmv
2 - All techs love seeing new rg6 pre-wire. He may have to change the connectors (DTV requires PPC EX6 connectors) but other than that you're good. It probably will be two lines going to the ground block unless they're equipped with a single cable with ground line attached.
3 - If you don't get one on the original install, going to Best Buy will get you further than calling DTV. If you get a HR22 instead of a HR23, no worries, same hard drive.
I do work for cable and I have Direct TV, Vonage and Cable HSD

[Teronzhul]

Hopefully the guy will just be able to use some of the same holes to make it easier for him and my roof. If he has to make some new ones in the same area I'll deal with it.

The reason I want to help is to speed it up (for him and I) and the tip is because I know they don't get paid that much per install. As long as my signals are good and the equipment functions, we're good.

Scott

The 2 inch J arm for the kaku dish uses a larger mounting plate than the arms for the smaller dishes. You may be in a position to reuse 2-3 of the holes that actually do line up, but likely no more. Further, roof mounts of the larger dish require the use of additional braces. No matter what, I'd say you're in for a minimum of 7-8 new holes.

[sgarrand]

I'm getting a SWMline (SWM, Slimline?) install, that much I know. I can pretty much cope with whatever happens. I don't WANT a million holes in my roof but there really isn't anywhere else to put it and I'm not doing a pole mount. He'll be here tomorrow morning so we shall see.

Scott

[joe diamond]

I'm getting a SWMline (SWM, Slimline?) install, that much I know. I can pretty much cope with whatever happens. I don't WANT a million holes in my roof but there really isn't anywhere else to put it and I'm not doing a pole mount. He'll be here tomorrow morning so we shall see.

Scott

Asphalt caulk on the shingles will work as long as the shingles will be there.
You need a minimum of two lag bolts into the roof truss. OR, if you can see the roof deck from inside the attic ......have some 1/2 inch by 6" galvanized bolts ready..with lock washers and some 2 x 4 a 12 inch lumber ready. Have the tech drill the roof and use your bolts on the outside. Use the lumber, washers and nuts on the inside. Before tightening.......caulk all holes, around the bolts and only the top edge of the mast base.

The dish may need service from time to time and, like cable, working from a ladder is one thing and humping stuff across a roof is another.

Joe

[sgarrand]

This kinda sucks. I have them putting in a non-SWM setup because they don't have any of the good cold weather LNBs. They gave me an HR21-200. It's all hooked up inside, waiting for them to finish putting up the dish. They're putting it on the front of the house.

Scott

[satjoe]

This kinda sucks. I have them putting in a non-SWM setup because they don't have any of the good cold weather LNBs. They gave me an HR21-200. It's all hooked up inside, waiting for them to finish putting up the dish. They're putting it on the front of the house.

Scott When they are done go online and purchase a SWM 3 by eagle aspen, SWM splitter and power inserter and then remove all those extra lines. You will be glad you did.:D