New slimline signal question?

[daviddsims]

Got my slimline installed the other day and was wondering about signal strength. The installer showed me the signal strength and it all looked good except 99 and 103. On 101 satellite the lowest I get is 97, on 110 the lowest I get is 91, on 119 the lowest I get is 95, on 99 there is no signal on any transponders, on 103 I get 75 on tp 2, 82 on tp 4, 6 on tp5, 77 on tp 6, and on tp 19 I get 0. Should I worry about anything or not since I dont have HD LIL in my area yet? I live in Monroe, LA.

[litzdog911]

Those readings on 99 & 103 might be normal for your location, especially if no Ka-band spot beams are beamed at your area.

Wait a month or two for the new D10 Ka-band satellite at 103-deg W to begin operation and check your readings again then. If they're still low, your dish might need very slight tweaking.

[Fish Man]

I'm between Covington and Abita Springs LA. So, since I'm not terribly far from you (at least compared to the whole USA), comparison to what I get may be helpful.

I'm not at home now so I'm going from memory but I essentially get nothing on 99 (a couple of transponders on 99 read in the 30 - 50 range, but none in the 80's or 90's).

On 103, Transponders 2 and 6 both read in the high 80's (I'm quite sure the New Orleans HD locals, which I get, are on one of those.) I get something in the 30's or 40's on TP 4, where you are getting a signal in the 80's.

So, I'm guessing we're seeing the same spot beams on TP's 2, 6, and 4. I'm closer to the center of 2 and 6 and you're closer to the center of 4.

Since everything on 99 and 103 is currently spot beams and you're getting at least one signal in the 80's on a beam that almost certainly isn't "aimed" at your area (but a nearby area, probably), I'd actually say that's a good sign.

Like litzdog911 said, when the CONUS beams light up on 103 in September, compare them to what other people in this part of the country are getting. Re-tweak only if you are lower than them.

[daviddsims]

Thanks guys for the help. I thought it was good just making sure, as the installer looked like he spent his time peaking it. I have no complaints with the install of the dish, he did a great job and my signals on 101,110, and 119 are excellent.