Satellite Install for Dish Pre-paid system

[STEELERSRULE]

I got the DishNOW/YA! system from Radio Shack.

It includes a DP 301 receiver, a Dish 500 satellite dish with a Legacy Twin LNB(No DishPro logo on the front of it, so I assume that it is that), along with mounting supplies.

I found it strange that the LNB was a Legacy LNB(should that matter?), and the receiver is a DP 301(at least it says DP on the front of the receiver). This doesn't mean anything, does it?

A Legacy Twin LNB is just as good as a DP LNB, right?

We are talking only satellites 119, and 110 here. This is the pre-paid, one room service. I know MOST(not all obviously) of the channels are on 119, while 110 carries alot of the locals(plus some other regular channels).

And on the pre-paid service you can't get the locals, or PPV, or HD, so I wouldn't think that 110 is super important, but it does carry some HBO's/Cinemax/Showtime/premium channels on it. Not the main ones, but some that go with a package, plus other scattered channels.

Anyway, I seemed to have read somewhere that using RG59 with a Legacy LNB is actually no big deal. Is this true?

If it is not, no big deal. I will just use RG6.

Also, what is a good signal strength to get?

What I mean is what is an acceptable signal strength while setting up? On a Clear day, obviously, which would be a good indication of the MAX I can get. This is just so I can figure out what I will lose with Rain Fade/Snow/etc...

How low does it get before it begins to look bad?

This will be connected to a Direct View 27" CRT HDTV Monitor through composite at first, but then will switch to S-Video.

Is there a HUGE difference on a TV of this size, plus the fact it is a CRT?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated as well.

[Ken Green]

I found it strange that the LNB was a Legacy LNB(should that matter?), and the receiver is a DP 301(at least it says DP on the front of the receiver). This doesn't mean anything, does it?
No
A Legacy Twin LNB is just as good as a DP LNB, right?
They are different, but it should be fine for this installation.
Anyway, I seemed to have read somewhere that using RG59 with a Legacy LNB is actually no big deal. Is this true?
If it is not, no big deal. I will just use RG6.
RG6 should be just fine, unless it's a very long run....+70' or so.

Also, what is a good signal strength to get?
What I mean is what is an acceptable signal strength while setting up? On a Clear day, obviously, which would be a good indication of the MAX I can get. This is just so I can figure out what I will lose with Rain Fade/Snow/etc...
Clear line of site, on a clear day, low 70ish
How low does it get before it begins to look bad?
<55ish
Is there a HUGE difference on a TV of this size, plus the fact it is a CRT?
SD picture on a 27" CRT should look excellent.

You can see a list of channels on 110 HERE (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/110list.htm)
and a list of the channels on 119 HERE (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/119list.htm)

[STEELERSRULE]

kdg454,

I know you said for this type of install the Legacy LNB would be just fine.

But just for my own curiosity, what does the DP Twin LNB "do for me" that a Legacy Twin LNB won't?

I am guessing the DP LNB's are newer, and have some sort of upgrade as compared to the Legacy LNB's. But does that make them better?

Just curious. Especially for in the future, if I get a bigger system(most like to be a Dish FREE FOR ALL promotion).

Thanx for your quick and prompt response by the way

[Ken Green]

ST,
Check out the EKB
Here is the link regarding the LNB's:
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/dishpro.htm
and here is the link to the main EKB page:
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/index.htm
:)

[STEELERSRULE]

Thank you.

One more question, and the answer may be to VAGUE/WIDE OPEN to reply:

But during a heavy downpour/snow/cloud cover/generally lousy weather, what is the "Normal/Acceptable" amount of signal loss one usually see's?

-10?
-20?
-30?

Thanx again

[STEELERSRULE]

Those are two GREAT LINKS for NEWBIE'S like me by the way.

Thank you for sharing them.

I already put them in my favorites folder :)

[Ken Green]

Thank you.

One more question, and the answer may be to VAGUE/WIDE OPEN to reply:

But during a heavy downpour/snow/cloud cover/generally lousy weather, what is the "Normal/Acceptable" amount of signal loss one usually see's?

-10?
-20?
-30?

Thanx again
I doubt anyone ever really knows, because the receiver would go to Acquiring Signal, once it drops from rain-fade. I'd give my best guess and say any signal under 40-50 would cause a connection loss.

If you have a good clear signal, I wouldn't be very concerned with rain-fade. When it does occur, it is usually brief. Often the signal loss will occur with the darkening of the sky, and be back up by the time the rain starts. There are monster storms where I live, my clear signals run in the mid 70's, and I experience rain-fade less than 10 minutes a year, spread out over probably 100 times-per-year. Cable goes out in this area, when rain is in the 5-day forecast :lol:

Here's another information packed page:
http://rweb.echostar.com/departmental_content/TechPortal/content/tech/TechDepo.shtml
(not holding the Steelers thing against you):nono2:

[djdavis75]

I got the DishNOW/YA! system from Radio Shack.

It includes a DP 301 receiver, a Dish 500 satellite dish with a Legacy Twin LNB(No DishPro logo on the front of it, so I assume that it is that), along with mounting supplies.

I found it strange that the LNB was a Legacy LNB(should that matter?), and the receiver is a DP 301(at least it says DP on the front of the receiver). This doesn't mean anything, does it?

A Legacy Twin LNB is just as good as a DP LNB, right?

A DP Twin is a little newer LNB than the Legacy version. It won't make any difference with using your system once it's setup. A DP Twin is a little easier to troubleshoot, and there are some things you can do with it in a more advanced configuration, but for your setup the Legacy will be fine.

I'm really surprised the system would come with a Legacy Twin. I haven't seen the systems you are talking about but it could be a DP Twin marked differently. You will know for sure once you install it, if it's a DP the checkswitch procedure will only perform 2 tests, where a Legacy LNB will perform 38.



We are talking only satellites 119, and 110 here. This is the pre-paid, one room service. I know MOST(not all obviously) of the channels are on 119, while 110 carries alot of the locals(plus some other regular channels).

And on the pre-paid service you can't get the locals, or PPV, or HD, so I wouldn't think that 110 is super important, but it does carry some HBO's/Cinemax/Showtime/premium channels on it. Not the main ones, but some that go with a package, plus other scattered channels.

Anyway, I seemed to have read somewhere that using RG59 with a Legacy LNB is actually no big deal. Is this true?

It's not recommended to use RG59 on any satellite installation. RG6 is the acceptable coax to use. If you are running new cable I would most definitely go with RG6. If your house is already wired with RG59 and it is good quality it shouldn't cause any problems on a system using a Legacy Twin. You can sometimes get away with using RG59 on a DP system, but it needs to be top notch RG59 and a short run, and it's not recommended, but it will usually work.

If it is not, no big deal. I will just use RG6.

Also, what is a good signal strength to get?

What I mean is what is an acceptable signal strength while setting up? On a Clear day, obviously, which would be a good indication of the MAX I can get. This is just so I can figure out what I will lose with Rain Fade/Snow/etc...

How low does it get before it begins to look bad?

I install a long way from your area, so that may have some effect on what signal levels you can obtain. In my area I can usually get the 119 to 110-125 and the 110 to 100-120.

The higher the signal the better and the less susceptible it will be to rain fade. The receiver will usually loose lock on the signal in the 40s or 50s. Some transponders will have higher signals than others. Some will have no signal.

This will be connected to a Direct View 27" CRT HDTV Monitor through composite at first, but then will switch to S-Video.

Is there a HUGE difference on a TV of this size, plus the fact it is a CRT?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated as well.

Make sure when you install the system to get the mount plum. That will make aiming the dish much much easier. Coat the bottom of the foot plate on the mast with silicone if you are mounting on the side of a structure, use roofing tar for mounting on a shingle roof. Use at least 6 good lag screws to secure the mast. If you use a pole then drive a large nail through it before putting it in the ground, sink it at least 2 feet, and use at least 40lbs of concrete.

Set the Skew and Elevation on the dish before attempting to aim it. Then snug the azimuth adjustment and turn it side to side for maximum signal. Carefully tighten down the azimuth adjustment, then adjust the elevation adjustment for maximum signal. When you get done, with the dish all tightened down, you should be able to gently pull up/down/left/right on the dish and the signals should always drop. If that's the case you have the dish at the peak signal.

Be careful not to loosen the skew nuts to much or the dish can slip off the center pin it rotates on and mess up the adjustment.

Good luck.

[STEELERSRULE]

I'm really surprised the system would come with a Legacy Twin.

So was I, and I was wondering if I could possibly take that LNB back to Radio Shack(where I purchased the unit), and exchange it for a DP LNB. The LNB did not have the DP LOGO on the front of it, so I am GUESSING it is a Legacy LNB.

I am still well within the 30 days of purchase, still have the receipt, and after explaining the situation, I wouldn't think it would not be a problem. I'd hate to have to return the WHOLE system just for a DP Twin LNB, since everything else looks fine But then again, you never know.

I know Icould just go to DishDepot, and buy one if I wanted. Don't know if any local dealer sells them or not. Probably some local satellite installer would.

I thought it was strange that the system would come with a Legacy Twin LNB, but maybe that is normal, considering it is a Pre-Paid system, and PPV, HD, Locals, aren't included in the service(as of now. Don't even need the phone line hookup, but that could change if PPV, or other OnDemand services become available of course). Only the Family 60 pack, AT100(not sure about the AT100+ though which would include your local Sports network. Need to call and find out if that is available), AT200, AT250, and the premiums(HBO/Showtime/Cinemax/Starz either with an AT pack, or you could get them alone. An AT pack is not required).

I will see.

Thanx again to everyone who helped. Nice place to come with questions, and GRIPES:grin:

[BNUMM]

The pre-paid dish used to come with a 301 receiver and a legacy twin LNB. Now they come with a legacy twin LNB and a 3900 receiver.

[dartonviper]

The pre-paid dish used to come with a 301 receiver and a legacy twin LNB. Now they come with a legacy twin LNB and a 3900 receiver.

We have installed 3 of these prepaid systems and they have all been the 3900.

The last one that I did I just didn't understand the advantage of the prepaid system. The customer paid something like $210.
If one does the free for all they can have 2, 311's installed for like $199 with no contract. Or 1 for $150.

[BobaBird]

So was I, and I was wondering if I could possibly take that LNB back to Radio Shack(where I purchased the unit), and exchange it for a DP LNB. The LNB did not have the DP LOGO on the front of it, so I am GUESSING it is a Legacy LNB.Sounds like legacy, but there's really no need to swap it out for your setup. The DishPro version will get you a faster check switch sequence, but you'll hardly ever need to do that after the initial setup.

More info on the Twin (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/twin.htm) on the EKB.

[STEELERSRULE]

We have installed 3 of these prepaid systems and they have all been the 3900.

The last one that I did I just didn't understand the advantage of the prepaid system. The customer paid something like $210.
If one does the free for all they can have 2, 311's installed for like $199 with no contract. Or 1 for $150.

Here is my reason:

I am able to do an install myself. I have read through the directions, and am pretty handy when I need to be(or want to be).

Anyway, I am a single, 34 year old professional who is gone quite a bit from home. I am on the road and gone from home. I HATE the idea of paying for something, outside of insurance(medical/dental/car/homeowners/etc...) and not USING it.

I have TWC(used to be Adelphia), and they have SUC#$D since day 1 out here. Nothing but problems.

And I only have extended basic(2-71) for a RIDICULOUS $53/month. Plus they were changing my DMA to another local DMA that would cause me to lose some channels I WANT(look at my name, and now they want to call us a CLEVELAND market)

So I stumbled upon the Dish Pre-paid, and looked into it. It is only a 1 room system, but I figured hat would be OK for now though. I am also GAMBLING that down the road, they may EVENTUALLY(2-3 years most likely :sure: ) offer the SD 322 with the dual tuner for 2 TV's. But that is wait and see.

I have an LG LST-4200A HDTV Tuner connected to a Direct View CRT HDTV Monitor, and an RDR HX-900 160 GB HDD DVD Recorder for recording OTA digitally(and also use the analog tuner now in the HX900, until Feb. 2009 when the shutoff date is. If that even happens). So my locals are taken care of(Out of the Burgh, and local in Youngstown, OH). FREE. Get all the HD I want, so the idea of not getting HD through this system, is no big deal(plus no PPV either since you don't have to be hooked up t a phone line).

I look at what can be available for my Dish Pre-paid, and I will "most likely" go no higher than AT200, but most likely be at AT100.

I love football, and TWC does not even carry the NFL Network, so I get that on a Low channel tier.

Now, these types of systems are really mainly for people with either poor/no credit to their name. Now, I don't have that problem.

But to me, it was about COMPLETE CONTROL. I just load up a card, and get whatever I want, when I want it. If I just want one of the premiums to go with my FREE OTA, I can just do that(unlike cable, which forces to go DIGITAL now, at least near me, to get a premium, if you want one).

Also, instead of paying $636(which to most is NOTHING :D compared to what they pay), I will be paying $400 at the most for the year(most likely, less), and still get all the tv I want.

Plus, I get all the TV I want, when I want it. I can upgrade/downgrade/nograde at will(when the card runs out for that service).

I thought the idea of the FREE FOR ALL would be ideal for me, but I they want an SS number, and I always hated giving that to anyone. So no go for me. Maybe down the road, but not now.

I get an excellent lineup(with free locals, all in digital/HD), at a super cheeap price, and those are my reasons WHY. :)

[STEELERSRULE]

I should also add that a local Supermarket chain near me that sells gas.

They have a thing for "members", that for every $50 you spend, you get 20 cents off a gallon of gas at there pumps, and you can run it up to the price of gas(currently $3.10 near me. What an F'ing joke. Sorry).

They sell gift cards to a PLETHERA of business'(Best Buy/Radio Shack/Sears/Restaraunts/Pre-paid phones/etc...), usually in $25-$100 increments.

So I would buy $50 Radio Shack gift cards, and put those toward the Dish Pre-paid cards sold there(can buy as many as I would want at once. Just different pins on each $40 card), and go towards saving on the gas I put in my car.

Which is an Explorer, which is a nice savings.

But the way gas prices are going($4.00/gallon according to alot of "experts" by the middle/end of summer. UGHH!!!!), I am going to trade it in for either an Escort, or a Schwinn 12 speed.

No joke.

[JamesWest]

Just curious ... does anyone have the new "red" cards in their DishNow receivers? Or any Dish Network receivers for that matter.