119 issue

[Coffeehound7]

Dish 500 DPP, 625 receiver

Was working for over a year, signal has always been a little weak, rain fade etc. The installer didn't replace the old coax, which I'm sure is not up to standard and also didn't ground the dish. There have been some trees planted in front, but I'm not sure they are in the right spot or are large enough to have an effect...but maybe.

Check Switch reads Port 1 Sat. 119 red X, Port 2 Sat. 110 green okay
DPP Twin w/Seperator (same for both inputs) I've run check switch several times, rebooted etc. Channel reception is very spotty.

Point Dish shows Sat. 119 Spotbeam 1 at 64 and Sat. 110 Trans. 1 at 30
I've been reading and tried: a) raising the elevation of dish--no good lost everything
b) covered both lnb, one at a time, with no effect on signal strength

Here's the weird thing. A channel I can't get will record a Sunday morning show flawlessly every week. Doesn't make sense.

I'm thinking Diplexer is shot, but then, I don't know what I'm doing.
Any ideas???
Thanks in advance!

 

[RandallA]

What kind of cable is it? You must have RG6 rated to at least 2500 Mhz. Any chance that you can run a new cable?

The signal comes from around 22 degrees higher than where the dish is pointing, so trees might not be the issue.

 

[Coffeehound7]

The cable is unmarked and was here from previous owners comcast. I'm planning on replacing it asap.

But it was working for about 1-1/2 to 2 years, the problems started in August and have deteriorated since.

 

[Pepper]

sounds like the tree grew.

 

[Coffeehound7]

Yeah I thought it was the trees at first. But why will it record a show off a channel I haven't seen in 6 weeks. And if 119 is "not connected" then how come I can see some of the transponders in Point Dish and watch some of the channels???

I realize it's more complicated than that, but that's why I'm here.

Enlighten me please......

 

[RandallA]

If some TPs are there, which ones are there? Odds or Evens. Do you have a barrel connector somewhere along the cable run? The barrel connectors must be rated 3 Ghz and don't use the ones for CATV.

Holland 3Ghz F81 - G-F81F

If you have a spare RG6 cable, just run it to the receiver even if you need to move the receiver just to see if the problem is with the cable run. If it still doesn't work, something is blocking the dish but I doubt that's your problem.

 

[Coffeehound7]

There are some wall plates in the house that probably were from the original wiring...doubt they are up to standard.

There is a Diplexer which is outside (Seattle rain, etc.) that is Holland DPD2. I'm trying to find one locally so I can replace it. If not...off to ebay.

I'll get back to you tonight on the transponder list.


Thanks!

 

[RandallA]

There are some wall plates in the house that probably were from the original wiring...doubt they are up to standard.

There is a Diplexer which is outside (Seattle rain, etc.) that is Holland DPD2. I'm trying to find one locally so I can replace it. If not...off to ebay.

I'll get back to you tonight on the transponder list.


Thanks!

You could also remove the diplexers and run check switch just to see if the diplexers are the problem.

 

[Pepper]

RandallA is on the right track here. Start with a complete separate cable all the way there. If that works just start adding stuff back one at a time till you find what breaks it.

 

[Coffeehound7]

Just picked up all new RG6 Quad for complete rewiring...boy they are proud of that stuff!!

Also they had a diplexer, not the Holland, but they told me it would work. I'll be busy over the next couple of days and let you know how it turned out.

Thanks!

 

[RandallA]

Just picked up all new RG6 Quad for complete rewiring...boy they are proud of that stuff!!

Also they had a diplexer, not the Holland, but they told me it would work. I'll be busy over the next couple of days and let you know how it turned out.

Thanks!

Yeah, quad is expensive and a little overkill for satellite but that's what I have too from the LNBs to the switches. The diplexers should work too since you don't have a DPP44 switch, the blue Holland diplexers are required for port 1 because that's where the power inserter goes.

 

[Coffeehound7]

The good news is the new diplexer works. Bad news is it didn't fix anything.

The Point Dish Numbers are:
Spotbeam 1=61
Spot 3=28
Transponder 11=12
Trans 13=16
Trans 15=16
Trans 17=14
Trans 19=22
Trans 21=17

Everything else is a zero.

Probably take a couple of days to figure out the new tools, fittings and wire, and get it into the house.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Pepper]

Those numbers are terrible, plus you're only getting the low-band (odd) transponders.

What are the readings on 110, do you get both odd and even transponders?

If 110 is ok, but 119 gives the readings you listed above, I would normally say the cable between your 119 LNBF and your switch is the culprit. However, you're using a DPP Twin which has the integrated switch. It begins to sound like a bad DPP Twin.

If 110 has even transponders missing it is probably the cable.

 

[Coffeehound7]

110 as follows:

Transponder 1=30
Trans 2=34
Trans 3=12
Trans 4=50
Trans 5=32
Trans 6=35
Trans 7=22
Trans 8=30
Trans 9=32
Trans 10=16
Trans 11=32
Trans 12=54
Trans 13=20
Trans 14=33
Trans 15=27
Trans 16=30
Trans 17= 23
Trans 18=0
Trans19=34
Trans 20=0
Trans 21=35
Trans 22=35
Trans 23=0
Trans 24=30
Trans25=0
Trans 26=0
Spot 27=38
Trans 29=0
Trans 31=0

I have the 625 with the software update, so the numbers looks worse to some than they might. But they were never very good.

Had a "FREE" install that was bad, then had them fix it. It's been mediocre ever since.

When ever I try to get CS/Tech support to help me out, all I get is smoke and mirrors. They gave me the number of a local "technician" (think he's still listed on the Dish site) who's number came up about 3 different ways when I searched it online. One of them was for voice lessons--same guys name associated each time.

Not a confidence builder.

So here I am. It'll probably damage some brain cells, but I should be a able to figure it out with enough time help.

Thanks again!

 

[RandallA]

Yeah, those numbers are bad. We'll need to re-align that dish and while you're at it replace the cable. You usually peak the dish on 119 transponder 11. Just have someone look at the tv and you slightly push the dish to the left, right, up and down once you notice an increase in signal you'll know which way to go.

 

[Coffeehound7]

Success!

Turns out the dish was out of alignment....good call!

Didn't realize they are so touchy. It's mounted on our wood siding, probably changes throughout the day with the expansion and contraction.

I'll need to move it but not as soon as I thought.

Now I'm off to build the new cables.

Thanks again!