Need help with setting up 61.5

[Sonnie Parker]

I'm trying to get 61.5 up and running. The dish is installed but I haven't started aiming yet although I've got it pointed in the general direction.

Currently I have the Dish 500 pointed at 110/119 and a separate dish for 61.5.

I've opened up the "Point Dish and Signal Strength" menu and proceeded to the "Multi-Dish Install".

I selected 61.5 but the signal strength meter reads: "Wrong Sat-Echostar 119 West" with a "Signal Strength" of ~105 in RED.

How do I get the meter to read 61.5?

Thanks!

[Chris Blount]

Sonnie,

You really need to make sure you have a signal from 61.5 first and then do a switch test. The receiver will then set everything up correctly.

[Mark Lamutt]

On the point dish screen, select 61.5, then put in your zip code. The screen will tell you what direction and elevation your 61.5 dish needs to point to. Using a compass, and the elevation markings on the dish mast, point the dish, and then fine tune. Once fine tuned, run a check switch and you'll be good to go.

[Sonnie Parker]

I've still got to be able to read the signal strength... should I use the other "Point Dish and Signal Strength" menu and not the one in "Multi-Dish Install"?

Is there a particular transponder I should be on?

[boba]

Sonnie disconnect your existing cable from the DISH 500 and run a switch test. This will result in no switch detected now connect a cable from the 61.5 dish only and select 61.5 from the menu now tune the dish until you get a signal. The signal bar will turn green and show a locked signal when you are correctly aimed at 61.5. Now reconnect the DISH 500 and what ever switches you are using and run the switch test again to detect all 3 satellites.

[Sonnie Parker]

Finally!

Thanks guys! I really almost feel embarrassed. My dad and I fiddled with positioning the dish for over an hour and never could get a signal. I told my dad that we ought to be all over a good signal unless I forgot how to read a compass... lol. I gave up and aimed it where I thought it ought to be and came down off the roof. Once I got inside I read the responses, disconnected the SW44 switch and ran the 61.5 straight and low in behold my signal was at 105 without even going back on the roof. Reconnected everything and ran the check switch test and all is working beautifully.

I can usually aim a dish pretty good but I have never worked with cascading switches before. I suppose I know what to do now huh.

Much thanks boba, Mark, and Chris !!!

[Richard King]

my signal was at 105 without even going back on the roof. Want a job? :D

[Sonnie Parker]

hee hee...

ALL luck!