installer will be here this afternoon, what to ask

[hi-rez]

What questions do I need to ask him? What do I need to confirm he does/does not do?

My setup will be hr20 in one room and series2 directivo in another.

Any comments on signal strength / proper multiswitch he should use / etc would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[litzdog911]

You're getting the 5-LNB dish, right? Some things to consider/request ....

* Be sure the installer runs ALL FOUR dish output cables to your multiswitch.
* The multiswitch should be a Zinwell WB68 8-output multiswitch. Even though you only need four outputs right now (two for each DVR), insist on getting the multiswitch for future expansion.
* Be sure the AT9 dish is installed with the two required monopole supports.
* Be sure the cables from the dish to your multiswitch are properly grounded where they enter your house.
* Be sure your installer provides an HDMI cable to connect the HR20 to your TV, provided your TV has an HDMI input.

[hi-rez]

You're getting the 5-LNB dish, right? Some things to consider/request ....

* Be sure the installer runs ALL FOUR dish output cables to your multiswitch.
* The multiswitch should be a Zinwell WB68 8-output multiswitch. Even though you only need four outputs right now (two for each DVR), insist on getting the multiswitch for future expansion.
* Be sure the AT9 dish is installed with the two required monopole supports.
* Be sure the cables from the dish to your multiswitch are properly grounded where they enter your house.
* Be sure your installer provides an HDMI cable to connect the HR20 to your TV, provided your TV has an HDMI input.

Thanks for the quick response. My install was scheduled for 1-5PM, dispatch says he should arrive at 4:45, gotta love it.

I initially placed my order September 23rd. What a botched rollout, I must have gotten stuck with the installer company from hell (directech).

[paulman182]

Some installers will balk at the multiswitch install until he needs it. I personally wouldn't ask for it until it was needed--they will be happy to put it in if he gets more receivers. I guess it is a matter of opinion.

If you do get a switch, page two of the WB68 multiswitch manual says to install it in a protected area, away from rain and other water.

[LameLefty]

Yeah, I wouldn't make a huge issue of the multiswitch unless you need it. I needed all eight outputs with the HR20 install but as luck would have it, several months ago when I added three SD receivers for my kids' rooms, I ended up needing seven outputs. They installed the Zinwell WB68 then so the installer didn't need to install a new one when he came to put in the 5-LNB dish and HR20.

[litzdog911]

If you don't get the multiswitch now, just be sure the installer runs all four satellite cables into the house together, otherwise it's harder to install the multiswitch later. The multiswitch needs all four satellite cables connected to its inputs.

[LameLefty]

I just re-read your first post and saw you mentioned signal strengths. If you end up with a completely unobstructed view of the sky, you ought to get signal strengths in the mid- to upper-90's on most of your transponders if the installer peaks the dish properly. Also, make sure the dish is installed solidly! Monopoles if it's a roof mount, a proper 2" pipe if it's post-mounted, etc. Mine is anchored into a south-facing brick wall with five or six masonry screws and tapcons.

[hi-rez]

My appointment was 1-5pm, the dispatchers couldn't tell me anything. Finally he called me around 6:45pm stating that he didn't have the receiver until just then. It was pitch black outside and I had plans and could not stay.

My previous install date was Oct 3rd and cancelled due to lack of receivers. I called retention yesterday and the installers confirmed they had plenty HR20's in stock - I didn't want a repeat!

Hopefully I can actually get this thing installed on my 3rd install date. I'm this close to just cancelling this order. To boot DTV is charging me $180 for this thing - I will be talking to retention tomorrow...sigh