R16, 5lnb, Getting Signal

1001 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by RobertE, Jul 7, 2008

novasbc

Discussion Starter · Jul 5, 2008

I got another 5lnb dish for use in an RV. I have been trying to setup the 5lnb to work with my r16 box (no HD in the RV yet). I have spent hours last night, and this morning doing searches on how to get it setup right.

I can get the receiver to tell me the azimuth (198 degrees), elevation (50 deg), and 70 degrees of tilt where I have the RV currently (Waco, TX).

I do not have any sort of aiming device right now, and have friends who aim dishes by watching the receiver & and the signal levels, so figured I could do the same. I have the elevation set as close to 50 degrees as I can, and the dish is tilted so that is pointing to 70. I was trying it with a simple compass originally, but am now using a digital compass with a better readout to get exactly at 198 degrees. However, I can not get the receiver to show any indication of signal on any of the 3 satellites shown on the test signal strength screen.

What bothers me is that on the satellite dish type screen, it only shows options for Round, Oval, 2 LNBs, and Oval, 3 LNbs. I have it set for 3 LNB, but am wondering if I will ever be able to get signal on this type. I currently have the satellite attached to the #1 input on the back, not going through any kind of multiswitch.

Can I do this without a signal meter? Or if not, is my only option to order one online?

Mark

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BattleZone

· #2 · Jul 5, 2008

You're using the wrong settings, because the 3-LNB dish is centered on the 110 sat, while the 5-LNB dish is centered on the 101 sat.

This is what DishPointer says:

Elevation: 53.0°
Azimuth (true): 187.4°
Azimuth (magn.): 183.0°
Dish skew: 83.8°

Zip: 76799

Remember that these are starting points; you need to fine tune from here. Also, the mast must be plumb or these numbers are meaningless.

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harsh

· #3 · Jul 5, 2008

Note that the behemoth dish parameters cannot be derived from the Phase III parameters.

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novasbc

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 5, 2008

Thanks, being fairly new to all this, I figured going by the directv box was the best bet.

The dish came with a bubble level inside the mast, and I have the bubble within the printed circle, so I am assuming I am good on that account.

When I was presetting the elevation, I noticed that on this second generation style elevation assembly, it seemed that 53 degrees was about as far as it would go. It seems to bottom out on some of the bolts, so I don't even see how the dish would be able to hit some of the elevations is has on the side.

Mark

IIP said:
You're using the wrong settings, because the 3-LNB dish is centered on the 110 sat, while the 5-LNB dish is centered on the 101 sat.

This is what DishPointer says:

Elevation: 53.0°
Azimuth (true): 187.4°
Azimuth (magn.): 183.0°
Dish skew: 83.8°

Zip: 76799

Remember that these are starting points; you need to fine tune from here. Also, the mast must be plumb or these numbers are meaningless.

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harsh

· #5 · Jul 5, 2008

It is possible that the area installers hog the holes out or, more likely, use a different dish in your area. Southernmost Texas requires a nearly 60 degree elevation.

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novasbc

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 5, 2008

harsh said:
It is possible that the area installers hog the holes out or, more likely, use a different dish in your area. Southernmost Texas requires a nearly 60 degree elevation.

I just went out and looked at it, and I definitely can't get the elevation past 50.8 degrees. I was coming in to post a picture. It's actually the elevation fine tuning adjustment bolt that is limiting me. It is bottoming out on the top-side. I'm considering taking out that bolt entirely. What good is an elevation adjustment fine tuner when I can't even set it coarsely in the first place!

Mark

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novasbc

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 5, 2008

I have attached a picture of what I can currently set the dish to in terms of elevation. I am seriously considering drilling out some metal under the elevation fine tuning bolt to give me some more adjustment room.

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RobertE

· #8 · Jul 5, 2008

novasbc said:
I have attached a picture of what I can currently set the dish to in terms of elevation. I am seriously considering drilling out some metal under the elevation fine tuning bolt to give me some more adjustment room.

Your doing it wrong.

See that red line. The one that is at 61 deg. Thats what your elevation is currently set at.

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harsh

· #9 · Jul 5, 2008

RobertE said:
See that red line. The one that is at 61 deg. Thats what your elevation is currently set at.

Actually, it is set for 66 degrees.

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litzdog911

· #10 · Jul 5, 2008

harsh said:
Actually, it is set for 66 degrees.

No wonder there's no signal! The dish is set 16º too high.

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novasbc

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 5, 2008

Thanks, I'm glad I posted that picture. I got the signal strength meters to show 96% on all the transponders on satellite 101 and 110. Satellite 119 doesn't seem to be getting any signal however. The receiver is now confirming satellite dish setup (not sure how long this will take).

Mark

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CJTE

· #12 · Jul 5, 2008

Thats going to take a little bit of fine tuning. I had the same problem with my 5LNB and it turns out I had to drop the elevation 5 degrees and all of a sudden everything 'just worked'

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RobertE

· #13 · Jul 7, 2008

harsh said:
Actually, it is set for 66 degrees.

My bad, quick typo while on vacation.

At least I didn't suggest something stupid like having to bore out the AZ/EL assembly.

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R16, 5lnb, Getting Signal

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