DISH Network vs SkyAngel Signal Strength

[SouthernSky]

I recently connected a second dish (DISH 300) for a customer to get SkyAngel programming from 61.5 It seems like the signal strength with a standard DISH DP Single LNB only receives half of the strength on my meter that the DISH Twin LNB gets on the 110/119 satellites.

Is it me or is this normal? The customer called me today to mention the signal strenth averages in the 60's versus the Twin in the 115-120 range.

Any help would be great. Thanks!

..john..
SouthernSky.com

[boba]

First thought low look angle means a partial signal blockage. Try substituting a Legacy single or dual just to compare signal strengths. If signal strength improves suspect a bad Dish Pro if it is also low suspect cable or location.

[SouthernSky]

First thought low look angle means a partial signal blockage. Try substituting a Legacy single or dual just to compare signal strengths. If signal strength improves suspect a bad Dish Pro if it is also low suspect cable or location.

I'm getting the same on both DP and a Legacy. Location is clear (flatland) and unobstructed. The strength seems the same whether tested at the maintenance loop (4' from the dish) or at the end of the run.

Does 61.5 produce a lower strength signal, as far as my meters would display?

I just rigged a similar setup at my office, identical to the one I placed for the customer, and am getting the same lower signal (about 60% of the Twin's strength). This baffles me.

..john..

[RJS1111111]

If it's low, expect less signal strength,
especially if you're looking through a
lot of clouds or overcast.

Of course, you want to make sure
that you've got the dish aimed for
peak signal as well.

People often use larger dishes for
61.5, especially near the Northwest
coast (Washington and Oregon).

[SouthernSky]

If it's low, expect less signal strength,
especially if you're looking through a
lot of clouds or overcast.

Of course, you want to make sure
that you've got the dish aimed for
peak signal as well.

People often use larger dishes for
61.5, especially near the Northwest
coast (Washington and Oregon).


My 61.5 angle here is 128 azimuth with 41 elevation.
My twin's 119/110 is 214 azimuth with 45 elevation.

Could 4 degrees in elevation cause such a drop? <confused>

Hmmm ... I also just tested a larger 24" dish and the signal strength jumped about 25% over the regular 20" dish. That seems odd but may be the proof I need to justify a larger dish.

Thank you to everyone who replied to my question. I greatly appreciate the support!!! ..john..

[Mike500]

No, the 4 degrees difference in angle and the minor longer distance to the satellite makes a very little distance. It probably has to do with the power of the transponders on Echostar III at 61.5. As I recall, Echo III had problems with power after it was launched. The 110 and 119 satellites have higher power levels.

[TNGTony]

Just for reference, I get signal in the high 90's on 110/119 and in the mid 80's on 61.5. All the dishes are peaked. Where I am 61.5 has a higher look angle than the other two. So having a lower signal seems to be normal.

See ya
Tony

[Mike123abc]

I get 115-125 on 61.5 by using a 35" dish. E3 cannot run double power like 110/119 because of heat problems. So it runs at half the power of the main satellites. You might try repeaking your dish. When I had an 18" dish I would get signals in the 80s on 61.5, but when spring thunderstorm season arrived it would drop out too much for me, so I went with a much larger dish.

[Jacob S]

I have found it easier to get a 61.5 satellite signal and sometimes even more possible to get a higher signal from this satellite as well. It sure does come in well on the signal meter (satellite finder).