Searching for satellite signal problem

[kend18]

Just installed a new Triple LNB with build in multi-switch and Oval Dish for Directv. I am getting a signal strength of 94 on Satellite A, on Satelite C/ B, got 94 as well. My receiver is a RCA DRD 430RG. I can't see anything channels at all, only getting a Searching for Satellite Signal on the screen. I am not sure what the problem was. Could it be a defective LNB ?? Testing on the receiver show that the signal is good.

[Mike500]

Sounds like you locked onto the wrong satellite. Make sure that the correct elevation and tilt are set on your dish, before getting a signal strenth from the onscreen meter.

[kend18]

I did set the elevation and tilt according to the dish pointing.

[Mike500]

I did set the elevation and tilt according to the dish pointing.
Make sure that the pole is absolutely plumb. If this still doesn't work, there is a problem with your lnb or your receiver. As a professional installer, I have sent the dish to the wrong elevation by mistake, got a 98 signal on the receiver's screen and got no video.

[kend18]

How did you fix your mistake then ?

[Mike500]

The edge of the metal elevation adjustment, marked in red must align to the elevation setting on the degrees protractor, not the center of the elevation locking screw.

[SouthernSky]

How did you fix your mistake then ?

What kind of meter are you using? One with dual ports (two graphs) and a 22 khz tone switch on one of them? Without one, it is likely you are on nearby satellites but not the ones you want. You'll get a strong signal, but no audio or video.

Also, if using an external multiswitch, hopefully it is the correct one as standard cheapie ones won't work.

[kend18]

I am not using any meter at all, what meter would you recommend?? The multi-switch is build in the Triple LNB so I don't know how that operate.

[SouthernSky]

I am not using any meter at all, what meter would you recommend?? The multi-switch is build in the Triple LNB so I don't know how that operate.

See my reply to your SF-95 Satellite Finder Question for details.

Accutrac22, Channel Master dual with 22 khz tone, or another brand will work.

Mike is 100% correct about the level and plumb and hopefully you are using the little level that came with the triple-LNB mount (the dishes I order all have one). A torpedo level, measured on 2 sides of the mast 90 degrees apart) is not accurate enough though it will work in a pinch.

[Mike500]

I've never had problems aiming any dish, including Phase III dishes with my Digisat II meter, and, at times with and old SF-95.

The key to any dbs install is alignment. I am a stickler on getting the mast plumb. I agree with what Southern Sky has said, but I prefer the torpedo level method over the bullseye level supplied with the dish. Maybe, it is his contention that the method recommended by many of the self install manuals is inaccurate. I do not agree with many of the self installer's manuals on laying the torpedo level over the top of the tool, since many times, the tube is not cut square or at a perfect 90 degree angle. Used the proper way, by measuring plumb on the side of the tube is the most accurate method. The one inch or so of the level's surface makes it less accurate than measuring the plumb on a five inch surface of the tube. The accuracy of any method, however, will depend on the user's skill. I am also very particular on setting the angles correctly on the elevation and the tilt or skew.

After these are set, I tighten the vertical mast clamp bolts enough to take up all slack and scan the sky horizontally to sweep the sky. Almost always, I get a signal lock and video on 101 for Direct and 119 for Dish. Direct always defaults to 101 and Dish defaults to 119.

Having done this, I always get the other satellites. So, the most important point is getting the settings right.

[kend18]

Have you have experience with the RCA DRD430RG receiver ??

[Mike500]

Yeah,

I've done several. No problems.

[kend18]

Did you have to go in and select a multiswitch in system option enable to received any channels ??

[Mike500]

I don't recall, but I'd try it both ways.

[kend18]

How do you tell if the 3 LNB is defective ??