AT9 re-aiming question?

[foilingfool]

I currently have an AT9 5LNB unit, and I suspect that I may have a bad cable in the group of 4 that run from the dish to the Zinwell multiswitch. To troubleshoot, I have removed the switch, and as indicated, now suspect a bad cable run, or a bad LNB output on the dish. So, I plan to do a quick test in which I replace the cable runs from the multiswitch to the dish, but I noticed this line of text in the AT9 installation manual...

"Make sure all needed RG-6 cables are attached at this point. It is important to not remove the LNB from the dish after antenna alignment."

Is the aiming on this dish that critical? I want to simply unscrew and pull the LNB off far enough to detach the old cables, and attach new cables. If I do this, will I really need to redo the fine tuning?

Thanks,
Tom

[veryoldschool]

Is the aiming on this dish that critical? I want to simply unscrew and pull the LNB off far enough to detach the old cables, and attach new cables. If I do this, will I really need to redo the fine tuning?

Thanks,
Tom
Yes & no:
Yes it is critical.
NO if you can be careful removing the LNB assembly.
You must understand that you are working on an arm that has leverage and can misalign the dish. I've pulled my LNB several times with no re-alignment needed.

[armophob]

using a sharpie pen on the post and arm adjustments is a quick and easy method of backing yourself up.

[veryoldschool]

using a sharpie pen on the post and arm adjustments is a quick and easy method of backing yourself up.
While a "sharpie" is a good idea, by no means does it have the accuracy needed.

[iceman2a]

I have removed and replaced the "LNBs" several times with no need to reaim, in fact last time I replaced it actualy increased signal! Just be very careful when removing the screw for the extention arm, do not let the assembly drop!

[DishDog]

I took mine off when I installed the SWM and had no problems at all during or after.

[armophob]

While a "sharpie" is a good idea, by no means does it have the accuracy needed.

Ballpoint?

[veryoldschool]

Ballpoint?
ultra fine sharpie...but then it will only show you that it moved. :)
Hey it's a rough reference point. the receiver's power readings will do a better job.

[armophob]

ultra fine sharpie...but then it will only show you that it moved. :)
Hey it's a rough reference point. the receiver's power readings will do a better job.

Good, I was gonna accuse you of being one of those aim it at the sun guys.:D

[veryoldschool]

Good, I was gonna accuse you of being one of those aim it at the sun guys.:D
So D* is now using the Sun for sending us signals? What channels, transponders? :lol:

[azarby]

Ballpoint?

Actually using a sharpie is not a bad idea if you add a little enhancement. Take and exavto knife a scratch a line in the black sharpie area. Can't get much finer granualrity than that.

Bob