Newbie - Frustrated

[danpatch]

We use a DishNow 301/Dish 500 tripod setup when we go RVing. Until recently, I was aiming with a $20 analog meter. Worked, but took some time. Yesterday, I was setting up and could get 110, but not 119. Having read a lot of good things about Birdog meters, I got on Craigslist and found a nearly new USB Plus for $350 and bought it. Downloaded the settings for Dish 110 and 119 from birdog.tv. Hooked it up to the antenna and the Birdog was able to quickly "find" 110 (but still not 119). Hooked up the 301 receiver, and it could not see 110.

Hooked up the old analog meter, checked AZ, EL and SK and peaked. Now the receiver sees 110 (but still not 119).

To double check the Birdog, I left the antenna in the same position (i.e., where the 301 could see 110), and reconnected the Birdog to the antenna. Birdog says "searching" rather than "found."

Basically, when Birdog "finds" 110, the 301 receiver can't see 110, but when I find 110 with the analog meter, the 301 sees it.

Any suggestions?

 

[boba]

You should have saved $350

 

[danpatch]

That bad? I guess I can always sell it. I was hoping it might actually work though. Is there a better meter that will ID the satellite?

 

[bross]

Don't give up on the Birdog so quickly. That's a great meter.

First, make sure you downloaded the dishpro 110 and 119 and not the BR Dishnet 110 and 119 configurations. Both will lock the satellites but the dishpro sends DiSEqc switching commands to the dishpro lnb, making sure you get the satellite on the correct lnb.

You also need to learn to use the DiSEqc menu to manually send switch commands. When you move from one satellite to another the Birdog sends the switching commands once, but sometimes the lnb misses it and you have to resend it manually. This happens a lot if you find a satellite, move to another satellite, and then go back to the first satellite. Here's the Horizon page that explains it http://www.birdog.tv/default.aspx?page=11