signal meters and triple LNB dish

Archived from groups: alt.satellite.tv (More info?)

Dave wrote:
>
> The signal meters that I see for sale, like
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d [...] 63298&rd=1
>
> have one input/output. How can I use one of these to reliably receive
> all three DirecTV satellites? How do I know which signal is actually
> being measured, and how do I insure I'm getting the strongest signal
> on all three?

They can't, in all reality.
As you noted, it can ONLY read signals from one bird at a time.
Adjust for one, then the other two are out of wack! :<

That's why you need to utilize the receiver's rather clever built in
signal strength METER as you aim, so as to see _all three_ at the
same time!

That way, you can get the "best average", after you found the MAIN
signal!

DTV and DISH have to have a "skew angle" when one dish/antenna is
used, but looking at several satellites, as you well should know.

And being as neither of their makes allow for individual positioning
of the LNBs into the antenna/dish, you have to "accept" the best
"average"... elevation, skew, and angle for what you have.

YOUR area will vary as to how one gets all three signals regarding
strength, unless you "modify" the mounts for the LNB's, or re-bend
the dish.
(not recomended!)


It's up to YOU to decide if you want the MAIN BIRD at "full tilt
boogie" while letting the others have "less than perfect" OR, have
them all aquire a "good signal".

After all, these are all cheap stamped steel POS's that have
defects made by the manufactuer or shipper, and will not always be
"perfect" in regards to perfect reception in this otherwise hi-tech
drama!

Oh, and that "tool" will only let you know if you found "A"
satellite, not really the one you are looking for!
After all, there are HUNDREDS up there in any particular section of
the sky.
That tool can't tell you which one you found UNTIL you utilize the
one built into your DTV receiver!

I use my sat site http://www.gourmet-ent.com/products/sat.html first
to SURVEY the property, so as to find out where the SATELLITE is,
and where BEST to mount!

You could do the same with cheaper tools like a simple inclinometer
and a compass, but I do this for a living in MY area, so this
"pricy" tool is the best for MY needs, as nothing comes close!
Computor programs mean NOTHING, either, as they can't see trees!
They only tell you were to look...and your receiver already gives
you that!

Moving on....

Then, I use the DTV receiver to get the best "average" when
aligning the dish to see all three birds.
And yes, that takes time to get the best alignment for all three.

Hope that helps.

Archived from groups: alt.satellite.tv (More info?)

Dave wrote:
>
> That helps a lot, thanks. I was afraid that it would only show me one
> bird. I've setup more than 10 DTV dishes over the years for myself
> and friends, so I've become pretty good at nailing it relatively
> quickly. But, it still looks like I'll need someone on deck watching
> the 3 signal meters......

I bring a small TV and the receiver with me and set it up close so
I can see and/or hear the tones, unless I'm on a roof where it can't
stay put.
In that case, my partner(I call her my wife!) reads out the
settings to me via a pair of small "Cobra" walkie-talkies.
But I need her regardless, because 99% of our customers are Chinese,
and unlike me, she can speak to the customers who can't speak
English!

Without the walkie-talkies, it would be a real major pain in the
butt.


>
> Liberty Valance's ghost <Shotby@Doniphon's.gov> wrote in message news:<OSH%c.5697$bE1.1769429@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> > Dave wrote:
> > >
> > > The signal meters that I see for sale, like
> > > http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d [...] 63298&rd=1
> > >
> > > have one input/output. How can I use one of these to reliably receive
> > > all three DirecTV satellites? How do I know which signal is actually
> > > being measured, and how do I insure I'm getting the strongest signal
> > > on all three?
> >
> > They can't, in all reality.
(snip)