Satellite Locator

[SatelliteSearcher]

Hi Everybody:

I just joined the forum today. We have the dtv slimline dish, 3 lnb hd receiver at home. We travel in our 5th wheel trailer alot and want to take dtv with us. I have purchased a seperate smaller dish , 18"x20" with 3 lnb's to take with us, (triple feed multi sat lnb phrase lll). I understand that this smaller dish will not get the HD which is ok when we are traveling. Our programming comes in on the 101, 110, 119 sats.

I want to purchase a very good satellite finder, what do you recommend? I would like to get by reasonably on the price, however I want to accurately and quickly set up the dish when traveling. I appreciate the information.

Take Care,
SatelliteSeacher​

 

[35LKSA]

I've been moving around in our 5er for 3 years now (fulltimer), albeit using DishNetwork. I use this URL (Satellite Finder / Dish Pointing Calculator with Google Maps | DishPointer.com) to find my angles. I use an Align-A-Site (www.alignasite.com) to insure I have a clear shot at the satellite. Set everything ahead of time, make sure your tripod pole is plumb, mount your dish. I use a CHANNEL MASTER SATELLITE METER #1007IFD to get the strongest signal I can using the internal battery to power the LNBF. Then I plug in the receiver cable, turn off the internal battery, and fine tune using the satellite setup screen. Usually takes me about 15-20 minutes including setting everything up. Take the meter out of the connection and it is done.

In a few weeks we will be sarting our trek south for the winter. I will see how much different it is to setup with DirectTV. I am told with DirectTV I just need to go into my account and change my service location to get the locals where I am.

 

[SatelliteSearcher]

Thank You 35 LKSA for responding to my question. I am very curious why only 1 response, 91 views, 1 response?????

Thank You, Take Care,
SatelliteSearcher

 

[Jimbo]

Probably the lack of post is due to most people NOT buying signal finders to do thier set up.
I normally use the signal meter on the recvr itself, regardless of the dish type.

Once your comfortable setting them up, you probably wouldn't use it either.

 

[SA Holly Springs GA]

I've been moving around in our 5er for 3 years now (fulltimer), albeit using DishNetwork. I use this URL (Satellite Finder / Dish Pointing Calculator with Google Maps | DishPointer.com) to find my angles. I use an Align-A-Site (www.alignasite.com) to insure I have a clear shot at the satellite. Set everything ahead of time, make sure your tripod pole is plumb, mount your dish. I use a CHANNEL MASTER SATELLITE METER #1007IFD to get the strongest signal I can using the internal battery to power the LNBF. Then I plug in the receiver cable, turn off the internal battery, and fine tune using the satellite setup screen. Usually takes me about 15-20 minutes including setting everything up. Take the meter out of the connection and it is done.

In a few weeks we will be sarting our trek south for the winter. I will see how much different it is to setup with DirectTV. I am told with DirectTV I just need to go into my account and change my service location to get the locals where I am.

SuperBuddy Satellite Meter & AIM is probably the most accurate but the price is high. You might be able to find a decent SuperBuddy on craislist or eBay . You probably will not find an AIM as they are on backorder unless someone is just wanting to get rid of it.

If those don't spark ya then try a Birddog meter.

Those are my 3 most accurate. I've used all 3 as well so I'll answer questions about them as well

 

[SatelliteSearcher]

Thank You to those who replied. Jimbo, you mentioned you use the satellite finder on the receiver itself. What is the procedure for that????

Thank You,
SatelliteSearcher

 

[schneid]

Jimbo is using the receiver's "signal strength meter." You do not need a Sat finder if you have a stable dish mount that allows an absolutely plumb mast and a means to accurately acquire a dead-on shot at the 101.

I use the TV4RV HD Combo Kit with the optional folding arm kit. The kit includes a five-buck signal meter that I do use initially while waitng for the receiver to boot up. You really don't need to use it and it can in fact get you looking at the wrong bird.

 

[Jimbo]

SuperBuddy Satellite Meter & AIM is probably the most accurate but the price is high. You might be able to find a decent SuperBuddy on craislist or eBay . You probably will not find an AIM as they are on backorder unless someone is just wanting to get rid of it.

If those don't spark ya then try a Birddog meter.

Those are my 3 most accurate. I've used all 3 as well so I'll answer questions about them as well

But the ones you mentioned do NOT tell you what Sat your hitting either, that I have heard.
Correct me if I'm wrong about that.

 

[charper1]

Receiver/dish setup, the correct coordinates and a $12 compass is all you really need. Should be golden in about 20 40 mins depending or your skill level.

 

[SatelliteSearcher]

Thanks you guys, I will start plugging away.

Take Care,
SatelliteSearcher

 

[charper1]

Good luck and let us know how it works out. Here is a pic of what I used.

 

[SA Holly Springs GA]

But the ones you mentioned do NOT tell you what Sat your hitting either, that I have heard.
Correct me if I'm wrong about that.

I can't remember if the Birddog does but Super Buddy and AIM DO.