Thread: 1000.4 Installation

I am going to install a 1000.4 EA dish for my 722. As it is some distance from the receiver, I would like to use a small TV and my deactivated 501 at the dish to align it. Will I be able to see the signal strength on the 72 and 77 birds with my 501 or does it require an MPEG4 receiver to see those signals?

I don't believe so. What I would do is take a cell phone up with you and have a friend sit in front of the TV with the 722 on it, call you and read you the numbers. Another option if you don't have a cell (or don't have any friends) is to diplex the TV 2 out to the dish and hook a TV up out side.

Originally Posted by Sparky29

I am going to install a 1000.4 EA dish for my 722. As it is some distance from the receiver, I would like to use a small TV and my deactivated 501 at the dish to align it. Will I be able to see the signal strength on the 72 and 77 birds with my 501 or does it require an MPEG4 receiver to see those signals?

That's a good question, I was going to do the same with a 811. But I don't know the answer.

Most of the transponders on EA sats are turbo 8PSK. NONE of those are tunable with a 501 at all. (I embarrassed myself with a 4900 for a number of hours before I gave up and called a pro.) You can check the list for the few that are left at QPSK...

Thanks for the info guys. I never thought of the diplexer idea. That should work well for me.

Hi, I would recommend buying one of those low cost satellite finders, I use a "SF95L satellite finder". For more info google it. They cost about $15 bucks and really help find the satellite because the audio signal they generate when on a satellite is instant. Some of the Dish receivers have a very long delay before the built in meter will find anything. For example my ViP 222 can take up to a minute or so to find a TP. That is much too slow and makes it impossible to locate the satellite. Using the satellite finder is quite simply, just adjust the squelch until the meter is just making a sound (on the verge of cutting in and out) and then start moving the dish. It will squeal much louder when you start to get on the satellite. By re-adjusting the squelch to less and less sensitive you will be able to rough in the dish. Now go to the TV and double check that you are on the correct satellite. After you confirm the correct satellite you should be able to fine tune the dish by cranking up the volume way up on the TV and peak the dish using the audio meter from the satellite receiver. Just open a couple of windows near the dish and you should be able to hear the receiver provided the dish and receiver are not real far apart. I used this system to re-mount and point my wing dish and it is on the other side of the house from the TV. Beats the heck out of un-hooking the heavy receiver and moving it to the dish. Hope this helps, DC

Originally Posted by delta_charlie

Hi, I would recommend buying one of those low cost satellite finders, I use a "SF95L satellite finder". For more info google it. They cost about $15 bucks and really help find the satellite because the audio signal they generate when on a satellite is instant. Some of the Dish receivers have a very long delay before the built in meter will find anything. For example my ViP 222 can take up to a minute or so to find a TP. That is much too slow and makes it impossible to locate the satellite. Using the satellite finder is quite simply, just adjust the squelch until the meter is just making a sound (on the verge of cutting in and out) and then start moving the dish. It will squeal much louder when you start to get on the satellite. By re-adjusting the squelch to less and less sensitive you will be able to rough in the dish. Now go to the TV and double check that you are on the correct satellite. After you confirm the correct satellite you should be able to fine tune the dish by cranking up the volume way up on the TV and peak the dish using the audio meter from the satellite receiver. Just open a couple of windows near the dish and you should be able to hear the receiver provided the dish and receiver are not real far apart. I used this system to re-mount and point my wing dish and it is on the other side of the house from the TV. Beats the heck out of un-hooking the heavy receiver and moving it to the dish. Hope this helps, DC

Does the SF95L have enough power on it's own to power a 1K4 dish without a receiver input to the dish also? I believe it takes like 600ma or so to power the dish..
Thanks, Gerry

Originally Posted by ggw2000

Does the SF95L have enough power on it's own to power a 1K4 dish without a receiver input to the dish also? I believe it takes like 600ma or so to power the dish..
Thanks, Gerry

Did some research and it looks like the SF95L requires a receiver input to work. There is also the SF95LK which looks to have a power pack that powers the dish and therefore a receiver is not required to be hooked up to start with. Anyone ever use a kit with power pack to intially setup a dish?
Thanks, Gerry

I would not use an analog meter for your final peek because they are wildly inaccurate on the 1000.4 dishes. You need a digital meter of some sort for the final peek even if it is just the meter built in the receiver. I use two meters for peeking the 1K.4s a ChanelMaster (analog) for quick aim and a Birdog (digital) for final aim.