[hinge]

Going fron SD to HD, I have SD locals on 119 (from Lyng sat), looking at non-SWM 3lnb with 4 outputs, but then I'll lose my SD locals on 119, correct, otherwise use 5lnb with 4 outputs, right?

 

[harsh]

Other than LOS issues, there isn't much to recommend the 3LNB over the 5LNB.

Are you losing sight of 119W?

If you're moving entirely away from SD, you could conceivably get away with the 3LNB but you may have storm fade issues that 119W might survive better.

 

[jimmie57]

I could be wrong but it appears from this spread sheet that your locals are on the 103.
The Sd locals are on the 119.

link: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=206618

 

[KyL416]

If it's a professional install they will give you a Slimline 5 dish since Scranton is a 119 market.

The HD locals for Scranton are on 103, so if you want to do it yourself, you can use the Slimline 3, but you will no longer get the locals on any SD receivers you might still have. You'll also lose several national English language channels that are on 119 like mun2, Jewish Life TV, Hope Channel and CCTV News, as well as some English language Sonic Tap channels like Rat Pack, Holidays & Happenings, Groove Lounge, Jazz, Metro Blend, Great Standards, PUMP!, Piano, Familiar Favorites and Tranquility.

While the Slimline 3 dish came out more recently, the Slimline 5 is not obsolete. The Slimline 3 was mainly created for those with line of site issues who can't get access to 119, since until it came out, much of the northeast was screwed if you wanted HD channels and you have any trees to the southwest.

 

[hinge]

Ok, I'll go with the 5LNB slimline, I'll install it, and going to try without meter, hit or miss from what I'm reading, any meter recommendations for $100 to $125?

 

[peds48]

Ok, I'll go with the 5LNB slimline, I'll install it, and going to try without meter, hit or miss from what I'm reading, any meter recommendations for $100 to $125?

none. UNLESS you want to spend $450+ on a REAL meter

 

[jimmie57]

Ok, I'll go with the 5LNB slimline, I'll install it, and going to try without meter, hit or miss from what I'm reading, any meter recommendations for $100 to $125?

I have aligned 2 dishes so far by using the signal strength on the TV screen and someone to relay the readings as I moved the dish. It is not a problem and for a one time deal , to me buying a meter at all is a waste of money.

 

[harsh]

none. UNLESS you want to spend $450+ on a REAL meter

Since the OP is contemplating a non-SWiM LNB, any signal finder ($10) and many of the professional meters will work. I don't think there are any meters at the desired price point (new or used).

 

[peds48]

Since the OP is contemplating a non-SWiM LNB, any signal finder ($10) and many of the professional meters will work. I don't think there are any meters at the desired price point (new or used).

Disagree completely. Buying a signal finder is a waste of money, they are all junk! The OP asked what kind of meter was available at the $100 range. At that range, all is junk. As Jimmie57 says, is better to use the signal meter screen built in on the receivers instead of wasting the money in junk meters.

 

[harsh]

Buying a signal finder is a waste of money, they are all junk!

If the DVR signal meter responded more quickly to changes, you might have a point.

Patience is expensive and spending minutes just finding the general azimuth comes off of the patience you have left for dialing it in.

 

[djrobx]

If the DVR signal meter responded more quickly to changes, you might have a point.

Patience is expensive and spending minutes just finding the general azimuth comes off of the patience you have left for dialing it in.

The DVR's meter responds pretty quickly. As long as you plumb the mast it's pretty darn easy to find the azimuth.

Functionally the DVR's meter is fine. The problem is convenience - I used to drag an old small CRT and a receiver outside. Now I don't even need to do that. I point my iPad at the TV, fire up FaceTime and then look at the signal strength on my iPhone.

 

[peds48]

If the DVR signal meter responded more quickly to changes, you might have a point.

Patience is expensive and spending minutes just finding the general azimuth comes off of the patience you have left for dialing it in.

The DVR's meter responds pretty quickly. As long as you plumb the mast it's pretty darn easy to find the azimuth.

Functionally the DVR's meter is fine. The problem is convenience - I used to drag an old small CRT and a receiver outside. Now I don't even need to do that. I point my iPad at the TV, fire up FaceTime and then look at the signal strength on my iPhone.

That is really ingenious. :lol: