Installation Troubles

[aragones]

Hey All;

Longtime reader , 1st poster. :)

So here's the skinny, Ive been with Dtv for over 8 years, I currently have the original Dish and two SD tivos. Theyre both dying so I called Dtv and they gave me a great deal the 2nd time around two HD DVR's and free install for just $20 bucks.

So I scheduled the install for last saturday and when the installer comes, he tells me that I have no LOS to the HD satellites to it's a no go. My current dish is installed on a pole mount in the far right side of my house about 75 feet away, Ive always had a good SD signal but I am surrounded by trees.

The installer kept looking around and we went to the back of my house close to the neighbors which has all open land and told he it looked like a could get LOS there if I cut some saplings. I asked what that would run me and he said around 150+ for new pole mount and double cable runs, But he said a Tech Supervisor would come to confirm the "no LOS" (which they did yesterday on a drive thru)

So I have these questions. Can the HD DVR's work on the SD dish just no HD?
You guys think it's worth the cash to pay the installer? or Can I do the install myself (Im a server network engineer, so running ethernet / coax isnt a problem)

thx! Merry Xmas

[hilmar2k]

I bet you could get LOS where your old dish is located. Try www.dishpointer.com, you can get a really good idea there. Also, where are your locals out of? Depending on what sat they're on will contribute to your LOS possibilities.

[aragones]

Im in East Kingston NH location wise

[Shades228]

If the installer said LoS for HD that means LoS issues for the 99 or 103. Considering how "close" those are to the 101 it either means that you're shooting through a very small window to get service as is or he feels that something will stop you from getting that signal soon anyways. Use the website linked above and see if there might be another spot on your property that would allow you to have greater LoS.

If you feel the window you're getting signal through is large enough it could be that the tech didn't want to run 2 more cables to where the multiswitch is if you have them burried. I always want to take people at their word but if the install was going to take a very long time due to this it's possible the tech was just unwilling or knew it would make him late for other jobs that might be easier to accomplish.

[hilmar2k]

If the installer said LoS for HD that means LoS issues for the 99 or 103. Considering how "close" those are to the 101 it either means that you're shooting through a very small window to get service as is or he feels that something will stop you from getting that signal soon anyways. Use the website linked above and see if there might be another spot on your property that would allow you to have greater LoS.

Exactly why I think LOS would work where the dish is now.

If you feel the window you're getting signal through is large enough it could be that the tech didn't want to run 2 more cables to where the multiswitch is if you have them burried. I always want to take people at their word but if the install was going to take a very long time due to this it's possible the tech was just unwilling or knew it would make him late for other jobs that might be easier to accomplish.

His install would like be SWM, so no extra cable runs from the dish. That assumes that the OP's locals are on 101.

[aragones]

There are very tall trees southerly from where the current dish is at so I get that the window might be small. The dual line coming from this dish isnt buried it's tacked across the fence all the way to the house.

Now he did come to the back of my property and said I could possible get LOS near my neighbors since he has 2 acres cleared up. I looked it up on the website and it seems it would work. Now the question would be can I do this myself and run the wires a little cheaper Plus the pole cost. Or do I let them charge me the +150 bucks?

Im a little behind the times my setup is the old dish with two cables coming to a 2 X 4 multi switch that connects the two old tivos. With the new Dish Do I need 4 lines no multi or could I still use the 2 X 4 and leave all the lines intact?

thx!

[hilmar2k]

There are very tall trees southerly from where the current dish is at so I get that the window might be small. The dual line coming from this dish isnt buried it's tacked across the fence all the way to the house.

Now he did come to the back of my property and said I could possible get LOS near my neighbors since he has 2 acres cleared up. I looked it up on the website and it seems it would work. Now the question would be can I do this myself and run the wires a little cheaper Plus the pole cost. Or do I let them charge me the +150 bucks?

Im a little behind the times my setup is the old dish with two cables coming to a 2 X 4 multi switch that connects the two old tivos. With the new Dish Do I need 4 lines no multi or could I still use the 2 X 4 and leave all the lines intact?

thx!

You can go with a standard 3 or 5 LNB dish and have 4 lines to a multiwitch (if you have more than 4 tuners), then out to the receivers. DVR's need two lines each. If you went with a SWM 3 LNB dish, you only need one line to a splitter, then one line to each receiver, including DVR's. Your old DVR's won't work with SWM, so if you plan to keep them around, that option won't work. The last option is a SWM8 system, which needs 4 lines from the dish, only one to each SWM compatible receiver, and it has legacy ports to support older receivers.

[aragones]

Excellent thx!

I just called DTV and they are sending a Third Tech supervisor that will check LOS while im there and tell me what my options are

[aragones]

Well the DTV guy came and after much discussion of no LOS and 150 feet to the 1st receiver I'll loose signal, I gave up. I guess after all this time im done with DTV, it's sad. I get it that I have a lot of trees and it might be difficult, but this guy woudlnt even give it a try. So im off to call the dreaded comcast and see what deal they can give me

[JeffBowser]

That's a bummer. Assuming LoS is ok through the neighbors lot, you could run an SWM setup and maybe a signal amplifier if really needed (I have 120 feet to my distribution point, and another 75-100 feet to my furthest device without an amp). However, that likely will require you to buy and install the SWM stuff yourself, and that may or may not be worth it to you.

[2dogz]

You guys think it's worth the cash to pay the installer? or Can I do the install myself (Im a server network engineer, so running ethernet / coax isnt a problem)

Were I you, I'd take the two DTV receivers literally for free and pay for the new pole mount install at the clearing. Unless you are a dedicated DIYer, getting the proper size 2 inch OD pole, cutting to size, dealing with winter snow and frozen ground and the time to learn how to do it all properly, I think the $150 cost is cheap considering that it's mostly grunt labor. You should spent your time and expertise on the inside wiring (nice in-wall keystone jacks, cat 6 ethernet, etc.)

Hate to see anyone go back to comcast. Half the systems are still partially analog, same crappy signal as 25-30 years ago. HD is digital but their DVRs suck.

Also, 150 feet is no big issue. Many stories here of 300 or more. And there are devices that can extend the distance even farther.

Happy New Year

[aragones]

So im a little confused :0

Does the distance between the dish and the primary receiver need to be -150 feet and if it's more than that do you need an amplifier? that's what the installer was alluding to and why he couldnt do the install today. I really, really want to stay with DTV :) I did call and ask to do the install myself, but they dont do that anymore.

I just keep getting conflicting info from the techs and tech supervisors, I mostly think it's freezing out and the extra work is putting them off.

[RobertE]

Once you get above 150, you start to get into an "iffy" area for reliable service. While many installations work just fine 200, 250 even 300 feet, it's not something they can guarentee will work. The longer the run, the more voltage drop on the line driving the LNB. This can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the cable. Same holds true for dB loss.

Can it be done. Yes. But it will cost you. Some of the componets won't be understood or supported by your average DirecTv tech.

[dazedinohio]

Please help- I am trying to install a Slimline 5lnb (not SWm) in Youngstown Ohio. (this use to be a 2 dish market, but now locals are on the 110)
Singnal good on 99,101, 103 & 119 & only 49% on 110. Re-checked dither,
& refered to D*'s install manual - How do I find RHCP reception with no 22KHz tone on a birdog usb plus?

[joe diamond]

Please help- I am trying to install a Slimline 5lnb (not SWm) in Youngstown Ohio. (this use to be a 2 dish market, but now locals are on the 110)
Singnal good on 99,101, 103 & 119 & only 49% on 110. Re-checked dither,
& refered to D*'s install manual - How do I find RHCP reception with no 22KHz tone on a birdog usb plus?

Tune the 110 ...try the elevation in very small steps. Look for something blocking a segment of the dish (rare). Suspect defective LNB...or if you have picture...defective meter.

Joe

[RobertE]

Please help- I am trying to install a Slimline 5lnb (not SWm) in Youngstown Ohio. (this use to be a 2 dish market, but now locals are on the 110)
Singnal good on 99,101, 103 & 119 & only 49% on 110. Re-checked dither,
& refered to D*'s install manual - How do I find RHCP reception with no 22KHz tone on a birdog usb plus?

Don't concern yourself too much about 110 or 119. The important 3 are 101, 99c & 103c. Your locals are now on 99/103, not 110.

Some possibilites for bad 110 readings are: Partial blockage of the 110 slot, iffy LNB or bent reflector.

[dazedinohio]

Thank you !