Does D* charge for Dish Realignment [Archive]

Michael D'Angelo

08-09-07, 08:34 PM

My pole-mounted AT9 Dish was installed JUly06

*Sat 99 Low=45 High=74 Upcoming HD in Sept07
" 103 " 37 " 71 Local HD-Pixelization during light showers
Sat 101 Low=67 High=100
" 110 " 76 " 81
" 119 " 76 " 80

The readings on Sats 99 and 103 are a concern.

*Does Directv charge for a dish realignment?

:welcome_s to DBSTalk

If you have the protection plan it is free. If you don't have it then they charge $70 for the service call to fix it.

brucegrr

08-09-07, 08:34 PM

sgibson

08-09-07, 08:37 PM

:welcome_s to DBSTalk

If you have the protection plan it is free. If you don't have it then they charge $70 for the service call to fix it.

"ouch!" Anyhow, thanks for the quick feedback.

Michael D'Angelo

08-09-07, 08:38 PM

"ouch!" Anyhow, thanks for the quick feedback.

If you add the protection plan I believe they will do it for 1/2 price. If I am not right about that someone please correct me.

twistedT

08-09-07, 08:40 PM

*Sat 99 Low=45 High=74 Upcoming HD in Sept07

The new HD channels will be on the 103 not the 99 :)

sgibson

08-09-07, 08:44 PM

From what I understand:

DirecTv charges for realignment unless you have the protection package........

but I am not at all sure your signal levels are a problem. Mine are similar and the forum told me they were fine since the new satellites are not live yet. Not sure if that applies to you.

Well, the pixelization on my local HDs is annoying. The initial install may not have been done properly. I later learned about the "Dithering"adjustment for a more precise lock and I don't recall that was done...but not sure if D* would take that into account.

sgibson

08-09-07, 08:47 PM

The new HD channels will be on the 103 not the 99 :)

Iv'e had the local HDs on 103 since Jul06. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.

sgibson

08-09-07, 08:49 PM

If you add the protection plan I believe they will do it for 1/2 price. If I am not right about that someone please correct me.

So....there's room for negotiation...
Thanks Mike,

twistedT

08-09-07, 08:52 PM

It seems to me that you just had the install done. If it wasn't done correctly you might get D* to fix it for free. I would try calling them back and explaining your situation. They might send the installer back to fix it.

Michael D'Angelo

08-09-07, 08:53 PM

twistedT

08-09-07, 09:03 PM

He had it done in July of 06 not 07.

DOH!! :eek2: My bad :lol: Too many Twisted Teas :D

Newshawk

08-09-07, 09:05 PM

If you add the protection plan I believe they will do it for 1/2 price. If I am not right about that someone please correct me.

Nope, you're wrong BMore... If you sign for the protection plan at the time you schedule the service call, then the service call is only $14.95.

Michael D'Angelo

08-09-07, 09:06 PM

Nope, you're wrong BMore... If you sign for the protection plan at the time you schedule the service call, then the service call is only $14.95.

Thanks for the correction Newshawk. That is even a better deal then I thought it was.

ryu

08-09-07, 09:11 PM

Michael D'Angelo

08-09-07, 09:13 PM

twistedT

08-09-07, 09:15 PM

Iv'e had the local HDs on 103 since Jul06. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.

Yes, but you have the upcoming HD in Sept07 listed on the 99 sat. It will be on the 103. D-10 will share the 103 slot with spaceway1

TriggerDeems

08-09-07, 09:31 PM

My pole-mounted AT9 Dish was installed JUly06

*Sat 99 Low=45 High=74 Upcoming HD in Sept07
103 " 37 " 71 Local HD-Pixelization during light showers
Sat 101 Low=67 High=100
" 110 " 76 " 81
" 119 " 76 " 80

The readings on Sats 99 and 103 are a concern.

*Does Directv charge for a dish realignment?

which receiver do you have? At least one version of the H20 still reports values on a different scale. Since your dish is very close, you can do it yourself with cell phones or walkie talkies and a partner. Follow these instructions, or buy a meter from them and do it yourself. http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf

RAD

08-09-07, 09:31 PM

Have the protection plan. Called and asked for a dish realign (wind knocked it our just a bit), no argument and no charge for it. This was not a recent install, dish has been installed for 13 months.

JLucPicard

08-10-07, 01:58 PM

Nope, you're wrong BMore... If you sign for the protection plan at the time you schedule the service call, then the service call is only $14.95.
sgibson,

And please realize that when you sign up for the PP now, you are agreeing to keep it for a minimum of 12 months. If you cancel before then, it will cost a $10 cancellation fee. Just so it's not a surprise later.

Steve Robertson

08-10-07, 02:08 PM

I have had the protection plan a long time now and Ihave always got my money's worth I really recomend it. I think it is a small price to pay to avoid out of pocket costs in the future and as well all know with new technology things go bad.

sgibson

08-10-07, 03:45 PM

I don't have a protection plan and just had mine realigned at no charge. I didn't have to negotiate, I just called and said that my pic quality was low and so was my signal strength.

A tech came out and re-aligned it, no charge.

Great news! I spoke with D* level 2 tech today and explained that since the AT9 dish was installed last year, pixelization occurs on a clear day as well as during a light shower. I mentioned that my previous 3lnb dish would only lose signal in a torrential rain. Tech said since this appears to be a problem related to the initial AT9 setup, there would be "no charge". D* will be here tomorrow a.m. Gotta love that kinda service!

Thanks to all for sharing your tips, advice and expertise.
Fwiw, I did purchase and install all my D* dishes, cabling and receivers
since '95, but the AT9 does need an investment for signal meter ($100+) if you're gonna diy.

Again thanks to all, glad I joined up!(Funny how you get better service on a Friday, as opposed to Monday...human nature <g>)
sgibson

sgibson

08-10-07, 03:59 PM

which receiver do you have? At least one version of the H20 still reports values on a different scale. Since your dish is very close, you can do it yourself with cell phones or walkie talkies and a partner. Follow these instructions, or buy a meter from them and do it yourself. http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf

Thanks for the soild signal link,
(BTW, great at9 diy video on their site).
I have H20, HR20-100, and HR20-700. They all display pixelization on HD locals and low signal levels on sats 99 and 103. Anyhow, D* will be out tomorrow for a no charge re-alignment.

Michael D'Angelo

08-10-07, 04:11 PM

Great news! I spoke with D* level 2 tech today and explained that since the AT9 dish was installed last year, pixelization occurs on a clear day as well as during a light shower. I mentioned that my previous 3lnb dish would only lose signal in a torrential rain. Tech said since this appears to be a problem related to the initial AT9 setup, there would be "no charge". D* will be here tomorrow a.m. Gotta love that kinda service!

Thanks to all for sharing your tips, advice and expertise.
Fwiw, I did purchase and install all my D* dishes, cabling and receivers
since '95, but the AT9 does need an investment for signal meter ($100+) if you're gonna diy.

Again thanks to all, glad I joined up!(Funny how you get better service on a Friday, as opposed to Monday...human nature <g>)
sgibson

Great to hear. Let us know how it goes.

DawgLink

08-10-07, 04:25 PM

Michael D'Angelo

08-10-07, 04:27 PM

I don't have the protection plan and during a storm the Dish got realigned a few months after first initial install.....and they came out for free and fixed it.

Do I get a window of free realignments after initial install?

It is normally free for the first 90 days and then it is a $70 charge if you don't have the protection plan. But I am sure they do waive the fee some times like they did for sgibson.

sgibson

08-11-07, 07:56 AM

Great to hear. Let us know how it goes.

Hi Mike
D* installer called 8:30am today. He apologized and said my scheduled appt. today was an "error". He will glady reschedule for Sunday a.m.
Since it's a "freebie", I didn't raise a big strink about it.
I'll keep you posted.

sgibson

sgibson

08-12-07, 03:34 PM

Hi Mike
D* installer called 8:30am today. He apologized and said my scheduled appt. today was an "error". He will glady reschedule for Sunday a.m.
Since it's a "freebie", I didn't raise a big strink about it.
I'll keep you posted.

sgibson

D* Installer arrived this a.m. Did the dish realign. Very good service. Called MasTec and gave installer "an atta boy"!
I observed this installer and he did perform the "Dither" fine tuning.

My Sat signals before and after:

99 low=48 now=95
103 low=44 now=95

Got a lot more 100s on 119.

Good Job D*

sgibson
(Happy camper)

Again, thanks to all in this forum for sharing your tips,advice.

Michael D'Angelo

08-12-07, 03:47 PM

D* Installer arrived this a.m. Did the dish realign. Very good service. Called MasTec and gave installer "an atta boy"!
I observed this installer and he did perform the "Dither" fine tuning.

My Sat signals before and after:

99 low=48 now=95
103 low=44 now=95

Got a lot more 100s on 119.

Good Job D*

sgibson
(Happy camper)

Again, thanks to all in this forum for sharing your tips,advice.

Glad to hear everything was taking care of for you.

MikeR

08-12-07, 03:54 PM

Good Job D*

sgibson
(Happy camper)

Again, thanks to all in this forum for sharing your tips,advice.

:biggthump
Good deal!
I have one scheduled for Wednesday - hope to have the same results as you!

celticpride

08-12-07, 04:02 PM

Inever heard of a DITHER fine tuning,can you send me to a link that explains whats involved?

MikeR

08-12-07, 04:09 PM

Inever heard of a DITHER fine tuning,can you send me to a link that explains whats involved?

video for the AT9 (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp) Segment 3 will cover it.

Install manual for the AU9 (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf)

sgibson

08-12-07, 05:41 PM

Inever heard of a DITHER fine tuning,can you send me to a link that explains whats involved?

According to the D* Slimline Training Video by Ray Edwards, the "Dither" adjustment is not needed for the Slimline...only the "older" AT9. I think it was needed to compensate for the outrigged 110 & 119 lnb arm on the AT9.

Tom Robertson

08-12-07, 05:50 PM

According to the D* Slimline Training Video by Ray Edwards, the "Dither" adjustment is not needed for the Slimline...only the "older" AT9. I think it was needed to compensate for the outrigged 110 & 119 lnb arm on the AT9.

At some point, the base for both the AT9 and the Slimline changed to a screw driven fine tune adjustment for both elevation and azimuth instead of dither for azimuth.

Cheers,
Tom

okieroy

08-12-07, 06:21 PM

D* Installer arrived this a.m. Did the dish realign. Very good service. Called MasTec and gave installer "an atta boy"!
I observed this installer and he did perform the "Dither" fine tuning.

My Sat signals before and after:

99 low=48 now=95
103 low=44 now=95

Got a lot more 100s on 119.

Good Job D*

sgibson
(Happy camper)

Again, thanks to all in this forum for sharing your tips,advice.

I installed my 5 sat dish and had no problems. I got it close on the old birds and then did a final tweek on the new birds. all sats are running 95 or better. I thought it was easier than the old dishes because of the vernier adjustments.

sgibson

08-12-07, 07:08 PM

At some point, the base for both the AT9 and the Slimline changed to a screw driven fine tune adjustment for both elevation and azimuth instead of dither for azimuth.

Cheers,
Tom

Tom,
Thanks for the clarification.

sgibson

sgibson

08-12-07, 07:10 PM

I installed my 5 sat dish and had no problems. I got it close on the old birds and then did a final tweek on the new birds. all sats are running 95 or better. I thought it was easier than the old dishes because of the vernier adjustments.

Did it require a signal meter?

okieroy

08-12-07, 07:23 PM

Did it require a signal meter?

No, I used my HR20-700 as the signal meter. from turn on to aligned took about 15 min. the vernier adjustments really helped.

sgibson

08-12-07, 07:34 PM

No, I used my HR20-700 as the signal meter. from turn on to aligned took about 15 min. the vernier adjustments really helped.

That's interesting! Might try this technique, if needed in the future.
Thanks for sharing the info.

Jazzmo

08-13-07, 09:40 AM

If I have pixellation, does it necessarily mean I need re-alignment? I have the HR20 and slimline dish. Installed 6/9/07.

veryoldschool

08-13-07, 09:46 AM

If I have pixilation, does it necessarily mean I need re-alignment? I have the HR20 and slimline dish. Installed 6/9/07.
"necessarily"? No, but it's most likely [or the first place to start]. Pixilation is usually from a weak signal.
Step one would be the look at your transponder levels for all of your SATs. For the most part they should all be in the 90s. If they're not this could be the reason for your picture breaking up. There are other causes too, but you need to start somewhere.

Chuck W

08-13-07, 09:52 AM

If I have pixellation, does it necessarily mean I need re-alignment? I have the HR20 and slimline dish. Installed 6/9/07.

Depends. If the pixelation is constant, then it very well could be. Since you only had your dish installed in early June, you are still within the 90 day "free" window. Call Directv up and schedule and tech to come out and take a look.

I'm did the same, which is scheduled for later today(my 99 and 103 sats need some tweaking, since I got rid of some tree branches).

sgibson

08-13-07, 04:21 PM

Depends. If the pixelation is constant, then it very well could be. Since you only had your dish installed in early June, you are still within the 90 day "free" window. Call Directv up and schedule and tech to come out and take a look.

I'm did the same, which is scheduled for later today(my 99 and 103 sats need some tweaking, since I got rid of some tree branches).

Chuck, please let us know how you did on this. After 99 & 103 "dithering" realignment signal levels went from low 40s to mid 90s. No more local HD pixelating. Just in time for some football!

bluemoon737

08-13-07, 04:42 PM

According to the D* Slimline Training Video by Ray Edwards, the "Dither" adjustment is not needed for the Slimline...only the "older" AT9. I think it was needed to compensate for the outrigged 110 & 119 lnb arm on the AT9.

My understanding is that it's more the advent of the signal meter (AcutracIII) that can directly read the Ka band frequencies. The reason for the "dithering" was because the previous Acutrac Pro could not "see" the Ka birds directly and therefore you had to "dither" the adjustment based on the Ku signals to accurately point for the Ka birds.

Chuck W

08-13-07, 09:54 PM

Chuck, please let us know how you did on this. After 99 & 103 "dithering" realignment signal levels went from low 40s to mid 90s. No more local HD pixelating. Just in time for some football!

I got nothing out of it because he said he couldn't do anything. I knew I wasn't gonna get much out of it when I got the same tech who installed my dish, a few weeks ago(I wasn't all that impressed then). He just checked my 101/110/119 levels and since they were good(90+ on 101 and 110 and just about 100 on 119) he said he couldn't do anymore. He did also check with his accutrak meter, just to be sure and said some thing about a max number and that he couldn't do any better, because it was at max.

I still feel like the 103 sat can be tweaked a bit better(my locals come off of that). They drop really fast, in bad weather, to the point they main sats barely drop into the 70's and I'm getting 0's on 103 and 99(although 99 isn't quite as bad).

My readings on 99 and 103 are...
99 = 82 94 44 89 51 91
103 = 80 68 0 74 74 60 0

My locals come off of 103(I dunno what transponder, but hopefully it's TP 1) but I also receive YESHD(and SNYHD), which comes off of the 99 sat, so I need both sats to be good.

99 looks ok, but 103 isn't all that great.

Anyone know what TP the NY locals(specifically YESHD) are on on 99 and what TP the Hartford locals are on on 103?

sgibson

08-14-07, 10:32 AM

I got nothing out of it because he said he couldn't do anything. I knew I wasn't gonna get much out of it when I got the same tech who installed my dish, a few weeks ago(I wasn't all that impressed then). He just checked my 101/110/119 levels and since they were good(90+ on 101 and 110 and just about 100 on 119) he said he couldn't do anymore. He did also check with his accutrak meter, just to be sure and said some thing about a max number and that he couldn't do any better, because it was at max.

I still feel like the 103 sat can be tweaked a bit better(my locals come off of that). They drop really fast, in bad weather, to the point they main sats barely drop into the 70's and I'm getting 0's on 103 and 99(although 99 isn't quite as bad).

My readings on 99 and 103 are...
99 = 82 94 44 89 51 91
103 = 80 68 0 74 74 60 0

My locals come off of 103(I dunno what transponder, but hopefully it's TP 1) but I also receive YESHD(and SNYHD), which comes off of the 99 sat, so I need both sats to be good.

99 looks ok, but 103 isn't all that great.

Anyone know what TP the NY locals(specifically YESHD) are on on 99 and what TP the Hartford locals are on on 103?

Chuck,
After D* realigned my Sat Sig levels taken on a Cloudless day. AT9 dish pole mounted and aimed above trees and roofline. 75ft (include slack) of RG6 from Dish>entrance grd block>6x8switch>HR20
I went from 40s to:

Sat 99 (b)-6 Active TPs 1-6, 95 0 97 74 54 0
Sat 103(a)-7 Active TPs 1-6, 95 96 0 97 89 96, TP17=0

According to the BBC filter test channel 499, some 0s are normal. Do you have any trees, buildings in line of sight? Your 103 does look like it could be further tweaked. Do you qualify for the no charge visit? If so, call D* and explain the rain fade problem.Ask to speak with level 2 tech. Good luck.