Why No Signal

[masterdrago]

I was in a campsite that had a lot of tree obstruction. Moving my tripod mounted 1000.2 several times always had the 3 sats (110, 119, & 129) just barely clear of the offending branches. I was unable to get more than just a tone but no visible signal. I remain a bit foggy on what part of the antenna to point (azimuth). The arm or backplate (perpendicular to the line to the sats)? I was able to get the Diagnostics to indicate two different sats (129 & 110) by slight movement in azimuth. The skew and elevation were set correctly on a level tripod. The transponder numbers were different but I'll admit not having a clue what those meant. Using dual coax fed from #1 & 2 on the LNB or LBN?? See images on what to use as a pointer on the 1000.2. Really onclear on this part of the procedure (azimuth) to align. Used the Dish Pointer app and a compass to find sats. And yes, away from any metal interference. I would be interested in a meter recommendation but not some I've seen costing $400-$800.

 

[NYDutch]

Use the mount side plates as the azimuth aiming point, not the LNB arm. The only time the arm would be used is when the skew is 90 degrees.

 

[masterdrago]

"Mount side plates" ? Would those be the plates that are perpendicular to the back plate that squeeze the vertical support pillar?

 

[masterdrago]

Sure would be nice if these antenna/reflectors came with some pointer to visually sight down a line while standing behind the dish.

 

[NYDutch]

"Mount side plates" ? Would those be the plates that are perpendicular to the back plate that squeeze the vertical support pillar?

Yes, the plates that have the elevation slots.

 

[n0qcu]

That photo sure looks like an EA lnb.

 

[HipKat]

That photo sure looks like an EA lnb.

Uhhh, no

 

[masterdrago]

Thank you Dutch. That should help. It has also helped to view the phone app (Dish Pointer Pro) while on my knees (same level as the center of the reflector) to make sure the "line" of birds does in reality clear the trees

 

[masterdrago]

That photo sure looks like an EA lnb.

Nope. Western arc. When pointed correctly gives just over 50 signal strength on 110, 119, & 129 and great HD pix on both of the RV displays. I think my disturbing issue at Canyon of the Eagles was that the arc was always right at the edge of or obscured by tree branches.

 

[NYDutch]

Nope. Western arc. When pointed correctly gives just over 50 signal strength on 110, 119, & 129 and great HD pix on both of the RV displays. I think my disturbing issue at Canyon of the Eagles was that the arc was always right at the edge of or obscured by tree branches.

Do you have an EA LNB on hand? It's not uncommon for me to switch arcs as we change parks and sites to use the clearest view.

 

[masterdrago]

Dutch, that's an interesting thought. From this campsite in central Texas there would have been no hope on seeing those birds.

 

[tpinck]

I carry 200+ feet of cable (in 2 or 3 pieces) connected as required. With the pointer app, I walk around until either Arc sat, are visible. I have the dish pointer setup for both eastern and western Arc. Which ever Arc is best I change the lnb to that Arc. Setup tripod on that spot and level. Run the cable with an in-line signal strength meter and peak meter.

Looking at the picture there is an open area behind you site a little way through the trees. Should work.

We traveled all over the USA for a little over 14 years using this method did not work only a couple of times.

I highly recommend a TV4RV tripod I have been using one for the last 13 years and still works great.

We upgraded the receiver to Hopper, Hopper,2 and finally to Hopper 3.

We moved into a townhouse last year but still go camping and setup the Hopper. I do admit 3 years ago I bought a professional meter. $700 wife at first was not happy, but now is happy I did.

Sent from my MAX 10 using the SatelliteGuys app!

 

[NYDutch]

Like tpinck, I carry a couple hundred feet of coax in 50 ft sections. I've successfully tested with 350 feet with minimal signal loss. With both LNB's on hand, we've not landed on a site where I couldn't get a signal from one arc or the other since we first got satellite in 2008. I use a $50 signal meter that I've had for years and still gets the job done. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the higher priced meters, but it does identify which satellite it's seeing and the signal strength and quality. That's all I need. I use a 1000.4 dish that I modified for easy no tools needed setup and aiming. I mount it on a low cost tripod roof mount that I also modified for easy setup and leveling. It's rare for my setup time on a new site including locating, leveling, and aiming to take more than 15 minutes.

 

[masterdrago]

You guys are great. I do carry extra coax in 25' coils but have never had to use it. The only other place I could have possible gotten a clean line to the birds was on asphalt in front of my truck or as you mentioned well back of the site. Problem there is it is an asphalt access road to the rear of the restaurant. I tried 3 separate locations that looks like they just may have a path. But no cigar. Just never any signal strength. I've also tested the coax all the way from the LNB to the Wally - both feeds (bedroom & living room). Each have two high quality barrel connectors. Wish I could afford a Something - Buddy but it is clearly overkill for the number of times we travel in the 5r. That is the tripod I use (TV4RV). One stout mother. And George has been very helpful several times. Thanks again for the answers.