This page is intended for hints, tips, tricks, and other valuable information related to installing or upgrading Echostar systems.
 

Beginning

Some Installation Q & A
What does a "basic" install include?
What if I have trees in the way?
 

The dish

Installing a pole mount
Dish 500 correct install plus 5 degrees? NO!
Can I Mix Dish and DirecTV LNBs on one Dish?
Where can I get a good cheap LNB?
What's this Twin LNBF I've heard about?
Twas the night before Christmas - How to do a Newbie Dish 500 Install.
 

Switches

What are switches, and why do I need them?
Should I mount my switch in a watertight box?
Where can I download switch wiring diagrams?
DishPro Technology
 

Grounding

What is a "ground block" for?
Should my switch be grounded?
What is a Ground Loop?
Where can I read more about grounding and Safety Issues?
 

Signal strength

My signal strength is only 61 Will my picture improve if I can increase it?
Why does my signal strength bar go up to 125 percent?
 

Non-permanent Installation

How can I get a coax into my apartment without drilling holes?
Unique "On Glass" Mount for apartment dwellers http://www.onglass.com
Variations on a pole mount for apartment dwellers
On The Road Page
 

Are there any cable length issues I need to consider?

Yes, with unpowered switches like the SW21 and SW42, the maximum overall length from the receiver to the LNB varies according to how far the switch is from the receiver. See: Recommended maximum cable lengths for use with SW21 and SW42 switches. Powered switches like the SW64 and the new SW44 have less stringent requirements and support much longer runs.
 

Where can I find additional documents to help me set up my Echostar system?

See Echostar's document download page at http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/technology/userguides_manuals/index.shtml

Dish Network's new Customer Support Pages start at http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/support/index.shtml

Dish Network's PDF document for Dish 500 Dual LNB/SW21 Installers (requires Acrobat reader).
Dish Network's PDF document for Dish 500 Twin LNB Installers (requires Acrobat reader).
 

My Homeowner's Association won't let me put up a Dish, What can I do?

The FCC has established rules and procedures for this situation.
See: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html and
1996 Rulings: http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1996_TXT/fcc96328.txt
1998 Rulings: http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/fcc98273.txt

Additional help and support can be found at the Homeowners consumer news group.
news://misc.consumers.house.homeowner-assn. A Google search of past posts might turn up helpful information.