Signal low

[bgodsil]

I've been a Directv customer for over 5 years (still have both UltimateTV's!). I have noticed, this year, that my signal doesn't seem to get higher than the mid 70s, on most transponders.

There is a tree that may be causing problems, but I've been trimming branches, and the signal doesn't appear to be getting any better. I would assume, if the tree was the problem, that the signal would at least START to get better as I trimmed the branches. However, I don't know if that is true. My "gardening" ability is such that I would have to hire someone to cut the tree down.

I also was wondering about whether I need the dish realigned. Again, I'm not sure how to check this.

I figure, either way, I'm going to have to shell out money. I am looking for suggestions on which would be the route "most likely to succeed".

I'm leaning toward the realignment, as I can have them move the dish, if necessary.

If anyone has any technical suggestions that a neophyte can try, before I make any phone calls, I would appreciate it.

[naijai]

Yeah you have diagnosed your problems if removal of the tree limbs doesn't rectify the issue its going to be your realignment

[KalebsDad78]

I get all local channels in HD. On the CBS channel, however, the CLOSEST HD satellite and antenna location to my house (less than 10 miles away) will only pick up the HD signal on rare occasions. When it does pick up the signal it freezes up constantly.

There has been no high winds or anything that has affected the alignment of the dish or the off-air antenna.

Any suggestions?

Chad

[tonyd79]

I've been a Directv customer for over 5 years (still have both UltimateTV's!). I have noticed, this year, that my signal doesn't seem to get higher than the mid 70s, on most transponders.

There is a tree that may be causing problems, but I've been trimming branches, and the signal doesn't appear to be getting any better. I would assume, if the tree was the problem, that the signal would at least START to get better as I trimmed the branches. However, I don't know if that is true. My "gardening" ability is such that I would have to hire someone to cut the tree down.

I also was wondering about whether I need the dish realigned. Again, I'm not sure how to check this.

I figure, either way, I'm going to have to shell out money. I am looking for suggestions on which would be the route "most likely to succeed".

I'm leaning toward the realignment, as I can have them move the dish, if necessary.

If anyone has any technical suggestions that a neophyte can try, before I make any phone calls, I would appreciate it.

If you are still using a simple dish (single lnb unit on the arm), try nudging it just a bit up/down/left/right (without loosing anything). Hold the nudge (talking a fraction of an inch, don';t break anything) for a few seconds and see if your signal changes. That is what I used to do with the original dish. Then I knew that I needed to adjust the alignment.

You cannot be far off if you are still getting signal, so slight nudges should make a difference. If not, then check your wires. If you can, run a temporary from the dish to your UTV. See if makes a difference.