Limit scan checks four transponders on each orbital location, the same four that are checked on the STB Health. What varies is the minimum signal strength as it is dependent on your location (zip code).
Blowing the dust out every six months is a good thing. As an installer, i wish more people would do it. But why in the world would you want to replace a hard drive in leased equipment? If the hard drive is bad, let E* send you a new receiver or send a tech to replace the receiver.
If you get local channels from Huntsville, you will need a 2nd dish pointed at 61.5 for HD locals. And if the tech is mart, he will not replace your current dish 500 with the 1000.2, just swap out your lnb for a Dish Pro Plus Twin.
Go to Lowes or any other home improvement store and get an outlet tester. If the tester tells you that the outlet is anything other than good, have an electrician check it out.
Try this code.
The code for a Sanyo VCR is 049, not 149. The remote wil flash quickly once for a zero and flash somewhat slower for a one. Hope this helps.
If you have your skew and elevation set properly for your area, use the left side of the LNB to lock in your 119 sinal and the 110 signal will (should) lock in also.
As a tech trainer I can tell you your tech is wrong. You need to ground the dish to the ground block to prevent static build up. Get enough and it will pop the switch like it was a 9601 LNB. I always ground my dishs to the ground block using the messenger wire.