How's it work: satellite,transponder,switch ?!?

[hab]

I have had satellite TV for two years but never really paid attention to how it really worked. I installed the dish, pointed it in the right general direction and all was well. I recently moved and am now trying to re-install my system, but I am having trouble locking in.
I am hoping that someone could explain or point me to a URL that explains in general terms how the system works, so I can understand the impacts of satellite number, transponder and switch, and what each of these systems do.

In case it matters, the specifics of my system, are as follows:
- subscribed to BEV
- using 21" round dish with twin LNB, but using only one receiver. Dish is capable of being mounted with a second twin LNB, but currently blank.
- used to be in NW South Carolina and it worked great.
- now NW of Atlanta GA and having trouble. Satellite 91 and 82 seemed to be 20 degrees apart! How can I get both on one dish?

Thanks.

Hab

 

[wobbie]

You may need to reset the skew on the dish. Check in the menu for the settings if possible

 

[Derwin0]

The menu won't give settings for the deep south.
Try this website:
http://www3.telus.net/rampage/skew.htm

 

[hab]

I believe my skew is correct at 91 deg.

hab

 

[Derwin0]

- using 21" round dish with twin LNB, but using only one receiver. Dish is capable of being mounted with a second twin LNB, but currently blank.

Are you using a dual or twin??
The terminology gets mixed up alot.

dual = connects to one side of Y connector (BEV ships with a dual)
twin = connects to both sides of Y connector (2 LNB's combined w/ built-in switch)

If you're using a dual, you'll only get one sattelite (91 or 82), which would explain your problem.
To get both, use 2 dual's & a switch, or a twin (or quad)

 

[hab]

Derwin,
I am using a dual LNB, so I guess that may explain it. But it seems to me I previously had both satellites with my dual, although I can't say for sure.
Also, won't I be missing channels if I only get one satellite? Which satellite would be better: 91 or 82?

hab

 

[Derwin0]

Yes, you will miss channels if you only have one sattelite.
91 contains the bulk of the channels.
82 contains the HD, International, Variety 3 Theme Channels, plus a few assorted others.
goto http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?p=206410#post206410 to a listing of which channels are where (82 channels are in Italics).
also http://www.mcquarrieweb.ca/canada/bell.shtml is pretty up to date on what Sat. channels are on.