Existing pole from 3LNB and new 5LNB dish install...

[Chuck W]

I am scheduled to get the slimline 5LNB dish installed next week(7/19). I already have a 3LNB dish on a pole, that is cemented in, in my back yard. I know the pole size is slightly bigger(2in) for the 5 LNB, so my question is, are the installers, these days, prepared to resuse the smaller poles, by bringing a sleeve or some other method, to increase the diameter, or should I be ordering a sleave myself?

I really don't want to replace the pole itself, because there is really no other place in my yard, with a clear view and the existing pole is cemented in pretty good and would be a bear of a project to remove/replace.

FYI, I did tell Directv that I have a pole mounted 3LNB now, so they supposedly did note it on the ticket.

[davring]

I wouldn't count on the installer to bring anything but maybe his truck. (I know, there are some good ones). Bushings specifically made to do what you need, I believe "Solidsignal (.com) ) has them. I have read and I believe you can get a PVC bushing to do the same. And yes the mounting pole needed is exactly 2' OD.

[Chuck W]

Looking thru the boards, I see some who said the installers had them(the sleeves) on their trucks. I wonder if I can call Directv and get the name of the local installation company and contact them directly, to see if they will have one.

[HDTVsportsfan]

You can call D* and they will give you a phone number. There will be reference numbers you want to ask for. One is the work order number generated by D* and the work order number that the Installation company uses. There is two different numbers. I just can't remember the two different names right now.

They may give you the national 1-800 number of the install company depending on who it is. After that they will give the regional and down th eline. It was for me anyway.

Good Luck.

[Gadget27]

I wouldn't count on it myself. I had a similar experience when I got my 5LNB.

I had an old 3LNB on its metal pole in my back yard. When the installer came, he attempted to use the old pole, but it would not fit. He then went down to a local hardware store to find something he could use to get the new dish on to the old pole. He came back with a couple of items, but he was unable to make the fit. This was really upsetting as I had already disconnected my current receivers and TIVO boxes in anticipation of my new boxes... as a matter of fact, I recall installing all the new boxes myself while this guy was fooling around with the new dish on the old pole.

The resolution? Not wanting to disconnect the new boxes, give them back, and reconnect the old ones, I told him to just leave the dish and I'll figure it out. I ended up going to home depot and buying a wooden post, cementing into the ground near my old pole, removing the old pole, and mounting the dish on the wooden post, aligning it myself... a bit of a pain in the ass, but I learned alot about how to align the dish.

Needless to say, I didnt tip this installer.

[Chuck W]

Thanx for the info. I'm gonna call Directv and seeif I can get the number of the installer and see what they say.

[Chuck W]

Gadget27, Who did you install? Halsted is doing mine. The CS rep assured me the install guy would have everything needed to install on an existing post, but it sound like he was just spounting the standard response and really didn't know.

***EDIT***

To be safe, I ordered the adapter sleeve from Solidsignal.com. I'm not even gonna open the box, when I get it, unless it is needed by the installer and I'll just return it, if I don't. Yea I'll be out shipping charges, but IMO, it's better than being left with an uninstalled dish.

[HDTVsportsfan]

Smart Move.

[Gadget27]

Gadget27, Who did you install? Halsted is doing mine. The CS rep assured me the install guy would have everything needed to install on an existing post, but it sound like he was just spounting the standard response and really didn't know.


I dont remember the actual company the guy came from. I agree that I wouldn't put much weight in what they guys on the phone say. For what it's worth, my 5LNB install happened only a couple days after the new dish and HR-20 were available... it is entirely possible that they have encountered the exact problem we had/have and have acquired parts/procedures to handle this. Its good that you took the extra step to get that part just in case, but as I have learned, as have many others here on this board, that it is hit and miss with who you get for an installer and what they'll be able to do for you.

[Mike500]

You really have to get the adapter to be near exactly 1.67" actual inner diameter and the outer diameter to be two inches.

1.91 inches or the diameter of nominal 1-1/2 inch pipe is just a little loose.

I looked at this adapter set on eBay.......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150141245747&rd=1&rd=1

as well as gong to a lot of stores like Lowe's and Home Depot with a digital caliper. It appears that the only standard on PVC stuff is the inner diameter. Getting to with 2 inch actual is hit and miss.

It appears that this guy has found the right combination and has figured out how to make it work without extra fasteners, while using the clamp for the mast to tighten it to the current pole.

Anyway, it's less than half of the Solid Signal part delivered. The Solid Signal adapter only clamps on the bottom; leaving the top to flop.

[Chuck W]

You really have to get the adapter to be near exactly 1.67" actual inner diameter and the outer diameter to be two inches.

1.91 inches or the diameter of nominal 1-1/2 inch pipe is just a little loose.

I looked at this adapter set on eBay.......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150141245747&rd=1&rd=1

as well as gong to a lot of stores like Lowe's and Home Depot with a digital caliper. It appears that the only standard on PVC stuff is the inner diameter. Getting to with 2 inch actual is hit and miss.

It appears that this guy has found the right combination and has figured out how to make it work without extra fasteners, while using the clamp for the mast to tighten it to the current pole.

Anyway, it's less than half of the Solid Signal part delivered. The Solid Signal adapter only clamps on the bottom; leaving the top to flop.

The problem with the EBay one is that I cannot be guarateed of having it by next Thursday, which is the install. The SolidSignal one should suffice, as I've seen others state it works fine. If worse comes to worse, drilling an extra hole and adding a bolt, isn't that hard, if needed.

[armophob]

By next thursday you could have a 2" pole cemented in right next to the old one. Just a thought.:)

[Chuck W]

By next thursday you could have a 2" pole cemented in right next to the old one. Just a thought.:)

Actually no, because of where my pole is situated and my (very) limited clear view, the poll cannot be moved from it's location(seriously). I already have a tree growing out to the point that it is beginning to cause minor interference(blowing wind causes the signal to fluctuate, from the leaves). I have a tree pruner coming next month.

Besides, why would I want to do dig up a perfectly good and SOLID pole, when I don't have to.