Can DVR1100 be safely connected to 3ABN Dish?

[RichardT]

Two questions- 1: Is there a simple way to determine whether an LNBF or receiver (Topfield 3000) is defective? Trying to move the 3ABN dish to G19, got a good reading on a Satellite Finder at two locations east of the original setting (AMC4), but not getting a picture on the receiver. Have followed the change instructions a dozen times or more. Reason for questioning equipment, lost the signal after utility work on some major outdoor electrical equipment a month or more ago, days later the picture was back, then had "No Signal" before we started the move process. Assuming the possibly the dish had been bumped or moved out of position, I saw no need to relocate it on AMC4 when we wanted to set it on G19. Thus the question about possible equipment failure.

Question 2: (title of the thread) Could I safely connect my 1100c to the 3ABN 30" dish for debug and locating purposes? The dvr is already programmed for 3ABN on G19.

Many thanks for your help on previous problems- I have the recommended Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus which is working well. Hard to find, found this new on eBay.

 

[Gary Z]

I can answer question 2. Yes you can connect 1100c to the 3ABN 30" dish.

Turn both receivers off with the switch in the rear before swapping cables.

 

[RichardT]

Thanks for your answer. Reassuring.

Now, another question: How do I find G-19? Unsuccessful using the Topfield. So I took a protractor and drew a pair of lines 4 degrees apart. 7/8" from the centerpoint where the line meet, the arc is about 1/8" wide.

Putting my GEOSTAT 1100c into the test procedure, I got a small indication of a signal at about 1/8" rotation, but nothing large enough to register on the Q bar.

Rotating about 3/8" on the 3ABN dish mounting post, I got a signal Q reading of 66+.
Digress a moment; the Glorystar install instructions talk about aiming at Galaxy 25, but at home on the Glorystar dish, it seems to work quite well on G-19 as well, at Signal Quality 55-56 for 3ABN's new channel.

Resume my aiming from the 3ABN dish. I had to lower the elevation about 4 degrees, got a Signal Q reading of 66 dgrees on channel 106, when I pressed the Signal button on the remote to return to a normal picture, the screen simply showed "No Video".

I did some channel switching, and on ch 102 I got the Glorystar Announcement screen, New Channel coming. When I pressed remote Signal, I got the indentification Promise Land, and Signal Q = 0.

What is going on? Is Glorystar on additional satellites and I'm on the wrong bird? Seems like I'm about three times as far away from AMC4 as I should be, but why haven't I picked up a signal strong enough to register? Are Glorystar dual LNBF's that different from the 3ABN single LNBF?

 

[Glorystar1]

I had to lower the elevation about 4 degrees, got a Signal Q reading of 66 dgrees on channel 106, when I pressed the Signal button on the remote to return to a normal picture, the screen simply showed "No Video".

So many variables.................

Has the DVR1100c been updated with the new channels or is it still configured for 106 (3ABN) to be on AMC4?

Have you followed the instructions for the DVR1100c with a single LNBF from the Glorystar website? http://glorystar.tv/p/atvmove

1. Set the DVR1100c to TBN Channel 101.
2. Decrease you elevation if on the West Coast 1 - 2 degrees, minimal elevation adjustment if in the Central US/Canada. Increase elevation setting 1 - 2 degrees if on East Coast.
3. Slowly pan to the East up to 6 degrees. If no SQ, return to starting marks. Raise or lower 1 degree and repeat until SQ is located and peaked.
4. Adjust the LNBF Skew to peak SQ. Lock down hardware, perform OTA-SSU update, Factory Reset and enjoy!

I honestly believe that you are over thinking the aiming process. Trust the instructions and the re-aim should take less than 10 minutes!

 

[RichardT]

Thanks for the speedy response! Yes, the 1100c has been automatically updated to receive 3ABN and I think LLBN also on G-19. It is working fine on my dual LNBF Glorystar system; I don't want to mess with it. I just wanted to use it as a glorified satellite locator for G-19 on a 3ABN dish at the church.

Eventually, I'll need to update the Manhattan 1500 and 11-foot dish which is a downlink for our local LPTV. I thought that before tackling that job, I'd update and set the Topfield and 3ABN dish which also are at the church; then I could broadcast from them (the small dish) while working on the big dish.

We didn't find the satellite using the Topfield receiver last week, so I thought, The GEOSAT 1100c is pre-tuned, all set ready to go, let's use it to move the 3ABN dish. So far, no better success.

1. What does it mean when I got the Glorystar screen on ch 102? Signal Q was 0.

2. What does a Signal Q of 66 and a greenbar mean? Does it mean I am on THE satellite for the selected channel or merely A satellite, channel immaterial?

Would either of those indicate I'm on G-19? Thanks again.

 

[RichardT]

Follow-on to my last post---

At home with the normal setup, GloryStar dish and GEOSAT 1100c receiver, I get the following readings:

Channel 101 TBN G19-ku Signal Quality 62, V
102 Promise Land coming G19-ku 57 V
104 HOPE AMC4-ku 51 H
105 LLBN G19-ku 57 H
106 3ABN G19-ku 56 H

The question comes to mind, why did I receive partial readings when this GEOSAT receiver was connected to the 3ABN dish? Would a wrong satellite still give a picture on ch 102 or a Signal Q of 66 on ch 106?

I honestly believe that you are over thinking the aiming process. Trust the instructions and the re-aim should take less than 10 minutes!

On my first post I mentioned that we had gone thru the update procedure repeatedly on the 3ABN dish and Topfield receiver, without success. I believe Einstein is credited with saying that repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity.

Note that we did not have a picture on 106 when we first started. Why? ? ?Hindsight says we maybe should have done a bit of investigating then, but my thought was Why put a harness on a dead horse? We wanted to move to G19; let's concentrate our effort there.

Lack of success there led to my first post with the question Is the receiver bad or is the LNBF bad? By using the GEOSAT receiver, I tried to eliminate the "bad receiver" possibility.

That still leaves the two other possibilities: Bad LNBF, or not properly aimed at the correct satellite. Here I face the puzzlement. How would I get a Signal Quality 66 Green Bar with a bad LNBF? And how would I get the GloryStar screen "Moving to this channel soon" if I were on the wrong satellite?

I'm missing something here; what is it?

I agree, Aiming should be a simple procedure; my installation of the dual LNBF GloryStar system was quite straight forward, not quite as simple as the 8 or so SkyAngel systems, but doable. This thing?! HELP.

 

[Glorystar1]

1. What does it mean when I got the Glorystar screen on ch 102? Signal Q was 0.

Channel 102 video is generated internally as the channel is not yet broadcasting.

2. What does a Signal Q of 66 and a greenbar mean? Does it mean I am on THE satellite for the selected channel or merely A satellite, channel immaterial?

Q of 66 usually indicates that you are on the correct satellite, bu that depends which channel the receiver is tuned to.

Would either of those indicate I'm on G-19? Thanks again.

If your receiver is on TBN channel 101 and you are receiving a Quality reading and you are receiving TBN, then you are on the correct satellite.

 

[Glorystar1]

Would a wrong satellite still give a picture on ch 102 or a Signal Q of 66 on ch 106?

Channel 102 video is not from the satellite. The video is from the internal memory.

Quality reading on Channel 106 without video means that the receiver is tuning something, but the LNBF may be blown or maybe the LNBF is an Universal type LO and not a Standard type LO? or he LNBF has drifted LO frequency?

 

[RichardT]

Many THANKS for explaining some of these contraptions, like channel 102 "Coming Program" signal not coming from a satellite, or Quality reading without a picture is not positive confirmation of satellite or even a fuctional LNBF. Or channel 101 quality AND TBN IS confirmation of the G19 satellite. Will check that out. THANKS again.

Watched the LLBN live tonite; impressed with how service oriented Brian Gohl was. He didn't get to the type of questions I've been asking; guess he thought he'd leave something for you guys to do!!! Actually, I didn't expect them to get very deep into the technical activity to scare or confuse the users. His demonstration of how to make the change was informative, even for me. I was surprised at how far the dish had to be moved. Maybe because when I'm moving the dish, I'm watching the mount and not the dish. Anyway, Thanks, guys.

 

[rv1pop]

I have moved a few in Very South Central WA. and after loostening the bolts to swing the dish, I have had signal in 4 to 10 seconds and retuned in 2 minutes, so practice makes it easy. If you were anywhere near me, I would be glad to help in person. I do use a MercuryII to aim, so that may make some diference.
POP

 

[RichardT]

Thanks rv1pop for the offer. I don't think we're located that close; Clarkston, that's 100 road miles east of Walla Walla.

I've tried twice with another fellow who has installed several of the 3ABN systems; I tried once alone using the GEOSATpro from my Glorystar system, and he tried once alone. We used the cables and tv in the church, and watched through a window. My next attempt I plan to use a different cable and set up out at the dish. I'm questioning whether we might have LNBF or cable problems; this way we'll replace everything except the LNBF for our test, and the GEOSAT will make it easy to go back to our starting point and recheck the LNBF by tuning the GEOSAT to HOPE channel.

On the Satellite Finder, we do indicate a couple of satellites east of the AMC4 (old) 3ABN, but haven't been able get a station broadcast.

 

[SatelliteAV]

A TV next to the dish will greatly simplify the process!

Perform a factory reset on the GEOSATpro and activate for Glorystar. Place the receiver on TBN channel 101 and locate Galaxy 19. The reaim should take less than 15 minutes. In your area, lower the dish approx. 2 degrees and pan to the east approx. 6 degrees.

BTW..... If your old Topfield system was purchased from LLBN, you might have an Universal type LNBF (LO 10750) manufactured by Samsung.

 

[RichardT]

Thanks. The tv has been visible thru a window; the cable ran from the dish into the building to the receiver, and we moved the tv to in front of the window.

And No, no reset on the GEOSAT; it has already been updated by Glorystar, and is in use at home. I just want to use it to find the satellite. Since the GEOSAT is tuned to stations on both AMC4 and G25/G19, it can be used to reconfirm AMC4 (HOPE) on the original dish setting and moved to G19 TBN for searching without having to reset the receiver, just select the proper channel. At least, that's my thinking.

By setting up outside with a different cable, we should eliminate any possible cable problems. The only thing left would be the LNBF. I doubt that we are simply overlooking the satellite; we've spent too many hours scanning and rescanning, changing elevations 1/2 degree at a time and sweeping. Using a satellite finder, we have found indications of a couple of satellites east of the AMC4, but got no programs, as mentioned in my previous post. Or are we suffering from some kind of mental block? I figure we should have to move the LNBF only about 4 to 6 inches. It is probably easier to visualize arc distance than 4 to 6 degree angle.

 

[RichardT]

G-19 located! Thank God and Hallelujah! The only thing different today, that I recognise, is that I set the receiver and tv out at the dish instead of inside the building watching the tv thru a window. Took only a minute or two moving the dish a fraction horizontally. After peaking TBN horizontally, I decided to try pressure up and down on the dish to test elevation; both lowered the peak reading. At a Quality reading of 66, I simply tightened things up, did a channel search, got the stations, moved inside, got the same stations!

I have no idea why setting up outside made such a difference, but for me the lesson is clear: Set Up at the Dish. We'll probably be getting a lot of move requests; not looking forward to moving our 11-foot dish. To pre-initialize the dish will be a big help, I think. I used my GEOSATpro today site in in the dish, then updated the Topfield.

Thanks all for the help you've given. Richard

 

[Gary Z]

That is great! Good News! :::clap

G-19 located! Thank God and Hallelujah! The only thing different today, that I recognise, is that I set the receiver and tv out at the dish instead of inside the building watching the tv thru a window. Took only a minute or two moving the dish a fraction horizontally. After peaking TBN horizontally, I decided to try pressure up and down on the dish to test elevation; both lowered the peak reading. At a Quality reading of 66, I simply tightened things up, did a channel search, got the stations, moved inside, got the same stations!

I have no idea why setting up outside made such a difference, but for me the lesson is clear: Set Up at the Dish. We'll probably be getting a lot of move requests; not looking forward to moving our 11-foot dish. To pre-initialize the dish will be a big help, I think. I used my GEOSATpro today site in in the dish, then updated the Topfield.

Thanks all for the help you've given. Richard

 

[rv1pop]

I can not tell you why moving the receiver out to the dish makes it SO much easier, but it sure does. Maybe the Angels are happier when they do not have to squeeze through so much RG6!!! (Oh - that is BAD! ) Praise the LORD it works now.
POP

 

[tag425]

Aim satellite help

You are in Washington? I read your thread on the forum. I am having difficulty aiming my dish at the G 19 satellite... I have a geosat pro dish, with one LNBF, have fortec star lifetime ultra receiver. I could really use some help, I think would only take a few minutes, If we had help... So far we have spent hours trying to aim correctly. We are in Olympia WA zip 98513

 

[Glorystar1]

I am having difficulty aiming my dish at the G 19 satellite... I have a geosat pro dish, with one LNBF

See attachment of aiming coordinates from www.GeoSatFinder.com

• Standing in front of your dish rotate the LNBF 20 degrees Clockwise (to the right) so the cable fitting is pointed at 8pm.
• On a perfectly plumb mast set the elevation indicator to approx. 30 degrees.
• Aim the dish to approx. 129 degrees on a compass (about where the sun is at 10am in your area this time of year). Make sure that there are no trees or buildings that might block the satellite.
• Connect the LNBF output to the GEOSATpro receiver with a short coax cable and place beside the dish with a small TV attached.
• Perform a factory default on the receiver and activate for Glorystar.
• Tune the receiver to TBN (channel 101)
• Slowly pan the dish 10 degrees to the east and 10 degrees to the west of the compass reading until the Q (Signal Quality) registers any reading. If no Quality reading, adjust the elevation up or down one degree and repeat the slow panning movement. Once you have a Signal quality reading, optimize by slightly adjusting the elevation then slightly rotating the LNBF in the clamp.
• Place the receiver on Cornerstone (channel 113). Verify that the Signal Quality is at least 50%.
• Enter the Menu and select OTA in the Utility menu screen. Highlight Update Now and press ok. The receiver will be updated with the latest firmware and channel list. Each week the receiver will automatically add available new channels.

This aiming process should take less than 30 minutes. The key is to have the TV and receiver right next to the dish so you can see the meter as the dish is adjusted.

If you need a local installer, visit www.FTAinstall.com

 

[tag425]

Why is having TV right at the dish key? I am unable to get a tv next to the dish. for one, I do not have extension cord long enough... my dish is currently at the far end of our property... as this is only place where have open shot to get signal.. I have someone inside looking at the TV while moving dish/LNBF to get signal. Can this be done without having TV right next to dish? Also with AMC 4, dish was close to 50degrees elevation, with G 19 it needs to be at 30degrees? that seems like a BIG difference... When I lower elevation of dish all the way to the pole that the dish is attached to... it is still a bit above 30degrees...I do not see any way to get it lower as dish is attached to the pole... Any advice? What about other posts that say, just re aim dish at AMC 4 and install a 2 LNBF and the 4degree separation is already there with the 2 LNBF setup so will be able to get G 19 that way? for some reason that does not seem possible with the fact that my elevation needs to be so low to get the G-19 satellite.

 

[Glorystar1]

Having your receiver and tv next to the dish is key as it provides instantaneous feedback that you can see with each movement of the dish. It also removes one more potential problem with the second person being distracted or not communicating the slight changes in quality. Many years and tens of thousands of tech support calls have shown this to be a major key to success!

AMC4 is at approximately 32 degrees elevation in your area. Either the dish was not correctly assembled or you may be incorrectly reading the elevation scale. If you can relocate AMC4, Galaxy19 is only 1-2 degrees lower and 5 degrees to the left. It is critical that you first set the LNBF rotation (skew) to the approx. angle before attempting to locate the new satellite.

If you haven't downloaded the step by step instructions for your specific system from Free Christian Satellite Television - No Monthly Fees from Glorystar Christian Satellite!, you might print them out. Tens of thousands of people have successfully re-aimed. Most report that it has taken them less than 15 minutes while following the guide.