Need Help Setting up my Portable Directv Satellite for Tailgates.

[SoNCSU95]

So frustrated...
Purchased a Tripod Kit; DirectV SWim SL3S. Out the box, set it up, and had television. Perhaps it was pure luck.

Following season... can't get a signal. Had a Directv technician come to my backyard. Dish was slightly bent on rim. He replaced this with what looked like the same dish. He ALSO replaced the LNB. I THOUGHT it was the same type I had with the kit.

Today... trying to set up at tailgate and dish type is defaulting to something I haven't seen before and won't allow me to change. I never got it working.

Come home and tried in back yard. NOW dish type is changeable!
Using same dish, same receiver, same cables, same LNB.

What I now have is model 3D2RBLNBR0-14

Unfortunately I didn't write down what defaulted at the game. What I remember is

Dish Type: SL3 LNB
RB/INTL: can't remember what was here
Switch Type: remember something about 22 CH

All above was grayed out and I could not change it.

Back home in the backyard,
Dish Type: SL3 LNB
RB/INTL: None Selected
Switch Type: I think it was single and I also had a choice of multiswitch

All of the above was changeable.

What has happened? What should my settings be for the new 3D2RBLNBR0-14???

That's the only thing different from the tripod kit I purchased and referenced above.

Note: there were two different TVs, but again same receiver, H25-100.

 

[hancox]

What about the power inserter? I would think you would mention this, given you would need to rip it away from current use?

I tailgate with a very very similar setup, so hopefully i can help here...

 

[SoNCSU95]

What about the power inserter? I would think you would mention this, given you would need to rip it away from current use?

I tailgate with a very very similar setup, so hopefully i can help here...

Not totally sure of what you are asking. Before and after the dterxtv tech's changes, the satellite is powered via coaxial by a "box" which is plugged into 120V outlet, and then another coaxial runs from the box to the receiver.

Given the new LNB, I want to make sure I have the right selections when going through resetting up the satellite.

 

[hancox]

Not totally sure of what you are asking. Before and after the dterxtv tech's changes, the satellite is powered via coaxial by a "box" which is plugged into 120V outlet, and then another coaxial runs from the box to the receiver.

Given the new LNB, I want to make sure I have the right selections when going through resetting up the satellite.

The receiver *should* auto-select the new LNB/switch type on bootup.

For example. mine has (all greyed out and non-changeable):

SL3 LNB
Reverse Band
SWM LNB 22 CH

Are you 100% sure you have the cables into the right ports on the power inserter (the 120V thing you mention)? Power to SWM goes to the LNB. The IRD one goes to the H25.

 

[SoNCSU95]

The receiver *should* auto-select the new LNB/switch type on bootup.

For example. mine has (all greyed out and non-changeable):

SL3 LNB
Reverse Band
SWM LNB 22 CH

Are you 100% sure you have the cables into the right ports on the power inserter (the 120V thing you mention)? Power to SWM goes to the LNB. The IRD one goes to the H25.

Yes, I'm sure. I did reverse them initially and got the 775 error. Corrected them and got the 771 error. So, at the tailgate, the settings did default. Still I was never able to get a signal. I asked someone else that had a dish, and they said they'd had a heck of a time getting a signal for some reason, but they did get one. I gave up and decided I'd try back home in my yard. There, the receiver settings did not default. Ultimately I ran out of time. I will try it again this weekend at home and enter the correct settings should they not default again. Or is the fact they aren't defaulting a sign of trouble?

 

[Jimbo]

Yes, I'm sure. I did reverse them initially and got the 775 error. Corrected them and got the 771 error. So, at the tailgate, the settings did default. Still I was never able to get a signal. I asked someone else that had a dish, and they said they'd had a heck of a time getting a signal for some reason, but they did get one. I gave up and decided I'd try back home in my yard. There, the receiver settings did not default. Ultimately I ran out of time. I will try it again this weekend at home and enter the correct settings should they not default again. Or is the fact they aren't defaulting a sign of trouble?

Make sure the PI is up and running before plugging the recvr in, this way it will see the power first for sure.
Not sure if it will make a difference or not, but its worth a try ....

 

[hancox]

It’s also possible, but unlikely, that you fried the H25 when the cables were switched.

If you have an alternative receiver to try, it might be worth that too.

 

[b52pooh]

Does your H25 work in your home system? That will tell you whether it is fried or not. A 771 indicates the aiming is off. A slow and sometimes painful process without a proper meter.

 

[SoNCSU95]

Does your H25 work in your home system? That will tell you whether it is fried or not. A 771 indicates the aiming is off. A slow and sometimes painful process without a proper meter.

I'll try this. Tried it earlier to make sure it was working, before the DTV tech visit. Good idea.

 

[SoNCSU95]

I’m home and back at it. Still no signal. Confirmed that H25-100 receiver works with home satellite. Picked up channels and guide right away.

I bought a cheap satellite meter, which says it is not compatible if receiver is Directv SWM only. So... is my set up Directv SWM only???

H25-100 receiver
When satellite is connected, indie defaults to and can not be changed from:

SL3 LNB
Reverse Band
SWM LNB 22 CH

Can anyone tell me which inexpensive satellite signal meter is compatible?

 

[SoNCSU95]

The receiver *should* auto-select the new LNB/switch type on bootup.

For example. mine has (all greyed out and non-changeable):

SL3 LNB
Reverse Band
SWM LNB 22 CH

Are you 100% sure you have the cables into the right ports on the power inserter (the 120V thing you mention)? Power to SWM goes to the LNB. The IRD one goes to the H25.

Hey! Went back to review the response. What you say here is exactly what I have now. Still can’t get a signal. Relying on a couple phone apps to set Azim. Elevation and Tilt is locked in as Directv set it because he tightened it with a drill :-/

I’ve been successful picking up a signal in the past. Maybe it was dumb luck. Bought a cheap signal meter and it says it’s not compatible if “Directv Receiver is SWM only”. Is our setup “SWM only”???

Do you know of a signal meter that works for this set-up. Everyone I have looked at so far says incompatible with SWM.

 

[hancox]

Getting an “official” SWM meter is going to be prohibitively expensive. It’s also a major pain when aiming at a tailgate. You should be able to get “good enough” using a receiver.

1) pre aim the elevation and tilt numbers, at least roughly, first. Special note - make sure the elevation lines up with the painted line on the dish mount.
2) use the receiver signal meter on a single transponder on 101. (Note - not the matrix of several transponders as it refreshes too slowly). Hopefully, you’re only moving on azimuth.
3). Once you get signal on 101, make sure you get something reasonable on the HD birds (99 and 103 ca and cb)

Above everything - make sure your tripod is plumb! I have a bubble level at the top of my tripod.

I do this without fail at my football tailgate , even using a worse dish than you.

If I had to guess - the drilled in aiming is at fault.

 

[SoNCSU95]

Getting an “official” SWM meter is going to be prohibitively expensive. It’s also a major pain when aiming at a tailgate. You should be able to get “good enough” using a receiver.

1) pre aim the elevation and tilt numbers, at least roughly, first. Special note - make sure the elevation lines up with the painted line on the dish mount.
2) use the receiver signal meter on a single transponder on 101. (Note - not the matrix of several transponders as it refreshes too slowly). Hopefully, you’re only moving on azimuth.
3). Once you get signal on 101, make sure you get something reasonable on the HD birds (99 and 103 ca and cb)

Above everything - make sure your tripod is plumb! I have a bubble level at the top of my tripod.

I do this without fail at my football tailgate , even using a worse dish than you.

If I had to guess - the drilled in aiming is at fault.

Geez! I disconnected the receiver. Just went through a step above to power up dish before connecting receiver. As a result... I can’t get my default settings anymore! Now it’s changeable, but starts as

SL3 LNB
Non Selected (I select Reverse Band)
SWM (and only other option is Multi-switch)

What gives?? Might there be something faulty with the LNB, the coaxial...???

 

[hancox]

Could be. Can’t rule that out.

 

[SoNCSU95]

Could be. Can’t rule that out.

Got the default settings back. Powered everything down. Unhooked and rebooked coaxials.

???

Mast is plumb. Elevation should be 43. Tilt should be 63. Looks more like 65 to me, but I can’t get those bolts to budge to adjust it.

Going to call for a Directv technician to come out again.

Also leaning towards investing in a King Quest. Would only be able to get SD though. AND, would have to buy another receiver. Ugh!

 

[raoul5788]

Are you using the red line on the bracket to set the elevation? Are you getting the settings from the receiver? You said the mast is plumb. Are you using the bubble in the mast? It's not very accurate. A post level works much better.

 

[SoNCSU95]

Are you using the red line on the bracket to set the elevation? Are you getting the settings from the receiver? You said the mast is plumb. Are you using the bubble in the mast? It's not very accurate. A post level works much better.

Yes, using the red line on the bracket for the elevation. That’s also bolted down by the Directv technician and I can’t get it to budge. Checking plumb by laying level across mass (perpendicular to mast) and alongside mast (parallel to mast). Currently have tripod on my front porch; so pretty level.

 

[Jimbo]

Getting an “official” SWM meter is going to be prohibitively expensive. It’s also a major pain when aiming at a tailgate. You should be able to get “good enough” using a receiver.

1) pre aim the elevation and tilt numbers, at least roughly, first. Special note - make sure the elevation lines up with the painted line on the dish mount.
2) use the receiver signal meter on a single transponder on 101. (Note - not the matrix of several transponders as it refreshes too slowly). Hopefully, you’re only moving on azimuth.
3). Once you get signal on 101, make sure you get something reasonable on the HD birds (99 and 103 ca and cb)

Above everything - make sure your tripod is plumb! I have a bubble level at the top of my tripod.

I do this without fail at my football tailgate , even using a worse dish than you.

If I had to guess - the drilled in aiming is at fault.

Keep in mind, your EXPERIENCED at this, hes not to the same extent.

 

[Jimbo]

Yes, using the red line on the bracket for the elevation. That’s also bolted down by the Directv technician and I can’t get it to budge. Checking plumb by laying level across mass (perpendicular to mast) and alongside mast (parallel to mast). Currently have tripod on my front porch; so pretty level.

Don't have a rachet or a 1/2" wrench ?

The King Quest works well, as you said, its SD Only though .... for tailgating and camping it works fine ....

The H25 i think is SWM only, which means it won't work with the KIng Quest unit.
I would look for a H24 or HR24 depending on if you want a recorder or not.

 

[SoNCSU95]

So again, a Directv technician came out, looked at my setup and said “oh you’ve got it set up correctly”... but he could not lock into a signal, either. Could not find any explanation for its. Did feel the tightly locked-in elevation was a couple degrees off but he couldn’t loosen those dang bolts either! Ended up rebuilding a dish set up, used the same LNB and all was golden! Not sure what is going on, but after having the previous dish damaged (slight dent in the rim) I was extra careful with this last one.

DirectV guy’s wife is an NC State fan so I’ve invited them to our next big tailgate against Clemson. We’ll be covered with text support, LOL! Dude also hooked me up with a stubby mount which is interchangeable with the hook mount I had purchased, and he finished my drilling and mount set up! I hate the tripod!

I’m going to move it all around my yard and driveway to test getting the signal multiple times.

Learned something new: low signals (we tested at 54% on the 101) will get you SD channels, as long as setting is such that SD channels aren’t hidden.