yes you will need a signal to get an accurate reading on your check switch.
Try this
set the sat to 119
use transponder 11
hook dish output to right side(facing dish) 119lnb
use a compass to get the general vicinity then move dish 2degrees checking for signal each time.
you will get a signal(119) through any switch without running a switch test.
you only need to run the test for 110(or 61.5,148)
By far the most common issue with dish pointing is not having the post PERFECTLY level.
Hope this helps.