Using Directv for DishNetwork 61.5 sat HELP

[houset]

I am using a Winegard Directv 18" Dish came with a California Dual LNB. I was told that this dish should work for my 61.5 connection for HDTV. I can't find the signal. I have a wide open path to where I believe the signal should be.

My Azimuth is 169 and my Elevation is 41..

If I point to 148 orbital slot, my Azimuth is 269 and elevation is 5

First question: should I use the 61.5? I think elevation of 5 would be hard to achieve?

Second question. the white casing ont he lnb on the very edge near the grey body has very minor scratches, could this be a possible cause of failure?

Third Question: How Pinpoint accurate do I need to be? One time adjusting the Dish, the red indicator of 0 blinked green, and then went back to red. I couldn't find it again. Did I possibly achieve a signal.


Fourth Question: Is there a way to tell if the LNB is Damaged, has a switch in it (I highly doubt this since it is a dual)?

Final question: Does anyone have any suggestions? Do you think If I called dish and told them i was using a directv dish for that signal, they would basically say it's unsupported?

This is my first time doing this, and so far, it has been a pain. now I am going to miss HDnet free weekend :( Hopefully you'll answer these Questions and I might catch a glimpse of this sunday..

Thanks

[Jacob S]

- This dish should work for Dish Network's 61.5 programming.

- You should go for 61.5 instead of 148 due to the look angles.

- You do need to be pretty accurate. You may have received the signal briefly then lost it.

- The Wineguard 18" dish does not have a built in switch. You can find someone that has DirecTv and swap lnbf's if that lnbf will fit onto their dish and see if it brings in a signal for them. You could also take it to RadioShack, Sears, or a local retailer and they may be able to test the lnbf for you.

- If you talked to the right person at Dish they will tell you that the DirecTv and Wineguard dishes are compatible with their satellite signals. If they tell you something else then they are lying and may even be trying to sell you something to make you money.

Some hints on finding the signal are making sure that your mast or pole is plumb (put a level against the mast to make sure that it is). This will make sure that your elevation number is true, otherwise if it is not plumb then your elevation number will not be accurate. Also move your dish very very slowly as there is a narrow area in which the dish has to be at to pick up any signal and that it takes a sec. to register the signal on the satellite receiver signal strength screen.

You need to also make sure that your wire is good. Test it on the connection between your dish at 119 and your receiver to make sure it is working properly. If in doubt that this dish works you can always use your dish at 119 whether it is a dish 500 pointing at 119 and 110 or the dish 300 that points at 119 only. You can mark the dish on the mast/pole and the elevation on the dish so you can set it back to that quickly when you are done viewing the HD channel preview on 61.5.

[gpflepsen]

I find a good way to check the cable at the lnb is to put my tongue on the center conductor. It should be carrying some voltage. ;)

[houset]

Ok...

I took your advice and still can't find a signal.. Here's what I do know now..

I tried finding 61.5 and couldn't. I was playing around with other zones, and found a signal for Bell vu Express (Is that Directv?), since my neighbor has DTV and it looks as if my dish was pointing hte same direction as his.

So I know my cable and LNBF are both ok..

I called dish, and they told me that I could use the same dish, however I would have to get a new LNBF. I just want to confirm that i don't have to..

Also, for an installer to find the signal, they want to charge me $119 dollars. that's crazy..

[gpflepsen]

I did have a lot of trouble finding my 61.5 after relocating it. This is after I'd aimed my 300, 500 and 61.5 several times with no trouble.

Like was said, have a plumb mast, a good compass (perhaps step quite aways away and look back on the dish) and maybe try one of these:

http://www.dssstuff.ca/products/satellite_finder.htm

Lots cheaper than $119.

[gpflepsen]

And, my 61.5 is an old Direct TV LNB. You shouldn't have any problems using DTV's LNB.

[scooper]

First off - REMOVE all your switches between a dish and a receiver while aiming ! With a Direct connection, following the advice given in the thread, you SHOULD be able to find 61.5 (assuming no foilage in the way, etc.) Only AFTER 61.5 is peaked and your Dish500 is peaked do you want to put in any switches - then do the Point Dish tests.

BTW - what LNBs / switches are on your Dish500 and how do you plan on hooking up the 61.5 slot ?

[houset]

I have no foliage, completely clean test.

I am using a dual lnbf produced by california amplifier with a winegard dish. I have a direct connection. I take my tv and receiver on the roof with me. The lnbf works because I did connect to the Bell Express Vu Satellite by accident (I did get a little excited I must admit only to be let down).

I am on top of my roof which is about 20 ft. higher than my other satellite dish. Will this cause a change in the elevation.

I am going to try the satellite signal helper i think before I'd even consider spending the money for the installer.. Or better yet, switching to directv ;)

[Jacob S]

I would also suggest disconnecting all switches. If you found those other satellites then you should not be having any problems finding 61.5. I also recommend the satellite finder.

[HTguy]

Well, what kind of LNBF(s) do you have on your DISH500 & how do you plan to tie on 61.5?

This came up for us today when we were doing a new DISH install for a former DirecTV sub & we planned on using his D* antenna for 148. But my installer forgot that the new system came with a DishPro TWIN which is not compatable with the D* LNBF & SW-21 switches. Luckily, we still had a legacy TWIN in stock so he could finish the job but he had to come back to the store & make a 2nd trip.

But as to your finding 61.5, I agree that the best way would be to home run the D* LNBF to one of the receivers w/o any switches assuming you don't have a meter to use right at the dish.

[houset]

My Dish 500 system is about 2-3 yrs. old, so I think it's the legacy twin..

[HTguy]

My Dish 500 system is about 2-3 yrs. old, so I think it's the legacy twin..In that case you might even have 2 dual LNBFs & SW21 switches in which case you will need a SW64 now.