[monetnj]

Post-Ike, my transponder readings on 99(c) and 103(c) range from 29 to about 50. My other sat readings are mid-80s all the way up to 100 on the odd transponder or two. I assume this means that my dish was blown only slightly out of alignment. I would fix this myself except that my 16 foot ladder is not nearly tall enough to get up to the edge of my second story roof where my dish sits. I called D* and their system can't give me a date to send anybody out. I still get channels, so I am better off than most, but I'm afraid that the slightest bit of bad weather will knock them out. D* says call them back in a week. Besides sitting tight and waiting for dates to open up at D*, does anybody have any advice on alternatives?

 

[2dogz]

You could try calling around your area for home theater shops and see if they have anyone available. Probably dish mount foot is loose due to high winds. Just tightening things up might help a lot as temporary fix. But you'll need more for a permanent fix (monopoles or reinforced mount point). Could be roof damage, too, and this you want to know.

Other than that, buy a taller ladder.

 

[Johnnie5000]

Can you get to your dish? If so take a 1/2" wrench and go DIY on it. Just do a quick search of this site for slimline allignment.
EDIT: nevermind, you said you can't get to the dish. Borrow a tall ladder from a friend maybe?

 

[Supervolcano]

Maybe try borrowing a taller ladder from a neighbor?

Maybe PRAY that an installer in Houston reads this thread and offers you their services?

Maybe check the telephone book for an installer (but you'll probably have to pay for it)?
http://www.yellowbook.com/search/?what=satellite+installation&who=&where=houston+tx

Who knows, if you find a 3rd party to fix it for you, maybe (BIG MAYBE) DirecTV can help offset the cost if you VERY NICELY discuss it with the install department. Once you find someone to do it and get an estimated price, immediately call DirecTV and see what they say.

 

[monetnj]

Thanks for the replies guys. My dish does have monopoles and I don't see any roof damage. It also seems a ladder tall enough to reach would cost more than paying someone. I think I might just sit tight and pray for good weather.

 

[monetnj]

Thought some of you might be interested in how I resolved my problem, especially if you live in the Houston area. Walked into the offices of All-Tech, a certified D* dealer in Sugar Land, and to my surprise they informed me that they could send a tech out either same day or next day for the standard $80 trip charge. Called D* and they agreed to credit me the $80 considering they would have to pay a tech that amount to realign my dish anyway. Tech came out today in the promised time frame and now my signal strength is actually higher than it was before Ike. Very impressive customer service, both by All-Tech and by D*. I'm a happy customer.

 

[miketorse]

Thought some of you might be interested in how I resolved my problem, especially if you live in the Houston area. Walked into the offices of All-Tech, a certified D* dealer in Sugar Land, and to my surprise they informed me that they could send a tech out either same day or next day for the standard $80 trip charge. Called D* and they agreed to credit me the $80 considering they would have to pay a tech that amount to realign my dish anyway. Tech came out today in the promised time frame and now my signal strength is actually higher than it was before Ike. Very impressive customer service, both by All-Tech and by D*. I'm a happy customer.

Nice!! Congrats!