Strange Signal Dropping SAT(B)

[apco25]

Hello,

I have been a D* user for several years. I just upgraded from a Dual LNB to a Triple LNB. Things seemed to work OK, but I get a strange signal drop.

I am using the same receivers and Cables as the old dual LNB. I started to notice that some channels were not coming in or are very blocky.

I then checked the test channels (490-495) and it seems that more often than not evens on Sat B just dies. Now it does not seem to be the weather because it will suddenly die and then a few hours later it will come back and be like 89% signal strength. When it goes it goes to ZERO there is not in-between,

This happens on both receivers (SAT-T60) and an older receiver. When I get signal on Sat B(22) all channels are fine. However when it dies some upper channels are blocky or do not come in.

I was going to check the wiring and such, but I have not changed anything from the last dual Sat and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the signal drop. And why only on one side of Sat B?

Has anyone seen this before or have a clue on how I could troubleshoot this?

Thanks!
Apco25

[greywolf]

If you have your lines going directly from the receivers to the dish, since you get 101 evens okay and the problem is on both receivers, I'd first suspect the Sat B LNB or the built in multiswitch on the dish. A new dish is the probable solution.

[apco25]

Greywolf,

thanks for the reply. I actually do have a new dish because I suspected as much. I am ready to put it up, however I found this dish: Channel Master® GainMaster® 75cm Phase 3 Offset Elliptical Antenna & LNBFs $159.99
Designed for DirecTV HDTV, Local and Foreign Language Broadcasts. Intercepts Signals from DirecTV satellites located at 101°, 110°, and 119°. 65% MORE GAIN than the Standard Phase III Satellite Dish Antenna above. Attacks and Eliminates Rain Fade. Ideal for ALL Applications: Residential, MDU, and Commercial. Perfect for High-End Home Theater and HDTV. Quick Assembly – Easy to Install. Includes Elevation Fine Tune Adjustment. Heavy-Duty 2-Inch Mast Wall Mount can be installed either vertically or horizontally. Includes 2 Dual-Feed LNBFs and a SAT-C Kit. Antenna Dimensions: 35.3” X 26.2” (Not Including Rim).

I payed 100.00 for the regular 3LNB and have not opened the new box yet. I am wondering if I should just get this so-called better dish.

Has anyone had experience with it?

Thanks,
Apco25

[greywolf]

I've seen good reports and problem reports. The good part is it's modular so bad components can be replaced. The bad part is it's modular and the parts can suffer from the weather if not installed indoors. The larger dish does hold off rain fade a bit longer but the combiners in Sat C kits needed for the Gainmaster are not as good as the ones in the Phase III. For a Gainmaster to work, you'll need the dish, LNBs, a Sat C kit and a multiswitch. http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=Antennas%20DirecTV%20Dish&PROD=SACGAINDELUXE44 shows an example of a returned complete kit which is more expensive by far than a Phase III.

You should have been able to get a Phase III for a lot less. The nice part about the Phase III is that yours is already aimed and all you need to do is to swap head units. An entire Phase III dish is commonly available for less than the triple LNB alone. See

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=Antennas%20DirecTV%20Dish&PROD=OD1820-BX

and

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=Satellite%20Components&PROD=SALNB3

[apco25]

Greywolf,

thanks. I do have a multiswitch up there already and the kit (I was looking at) does come with all the LNB kits. Hummm... I will have to think about this. It's a good point that I could just replace the head unit. If I knew for sure this was indeed the problem, I would do it...

Apco25

[greywolf]

The head unit contains all the works. Unless the dish moved or became obstructed, thats about all that could go wrong that would be the same on both lines.