False, Constant Meter Signal

[bajadock]

Eqpt is Directv hr24 dvr, swm power unit, swm3 dish. Have done at least 12 sat points, half without sat siignal meter. Yes, correct cables going from swm power unit to rcvr and LNB. Setup screen is swm 3 dish, swm and dual tuners. 10 foot cable run from lnb to rcvr.
1. Setup dish same as neighbor 200 yds away. No sat 101 signals(all 0),but pegged sat finder meter. Made usual tiny changes with no success. Turned dish approx 30 degrees to check LNB connection and meter was still pegged. Meter stayed pegged with wide sweeps.
2. Rechecked all connections with my co-pilot also checking.
3. Changed out all cables with cables from another working setup.
4. Changed to non swm dish with matching rcvr...101 lit up hi 80s to 100, NO PROB!
5. Took swm lnb to neighbor's house and installed....NO PROB!

What could be wrong? And why am I getting constant false positive meter(tested meter at neighbor's)???
Thx

 

[Jimbo]

What meter are you using ?

 

[stardust3]

If meter is analog you could be on the wrong bird.

 

[bajadock]

Good ideas, but have been using this analog meter for years. As mentioned, tested meter at another site with no problems yesterday. Cheers

 

[stardust3]

Reread your post. I seen this happen before. Resetting the receiver has worked in the past for me.

 

[bajadock]

Thx, god of stardust!

 

[stardust3]

Thx, god of stardust!

Don't get my ego going until you've tried it to see if it works. Let us know.

 

[Jimbo]

If meter is analog you could be on the wrong bird.

Thats where I was going .

 

[Jimbo]

Is this the meter your using ?
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/satellite-finder/14067

If so, turn the knob down so you don't hear anything and re adjust.

 

[bajadock]

Similar meter. Yup, turned it down. Still gave long sweep positive. Away from install site. Will try red 'panic' button.

 

[Jimbo]

Similar meter. Yup, turned it down. Still gave long sweep positive. Away from install site. Will try red 'panic' button.

If your still getting a signal after turning it down, your hitting the wrong Sat ... that meter will pick up ALL the Sats up there.

 

[stardust3]

Yeah adjusting the attenuation on an analog meter is key also.

On a side note when installing jupiter systems we use an app on our smart phones to tune the dish via wifi. It's a shame neither dish or directv hasn't done something similar. It would make everybody's lives easier.

 

[stardust3]

Similar meter. Yup, turned it down. Still gave long sweep positive. Away from install site. Will try red 'panic' button.

Something else I'd try and you already may be doing. Use a 4 wire lnb and receiver power only (no swm or power inserter) to tune the dish. Once tuned swap out for the swm lnb and put power inserter back in line.

 

[Jimbo]

Something else I'd try and you already may be doing. Use a 4 wire lnb and receiver power only (no swm or power inserter) to tune the dish. Once tuned swap out for the swm lnb and put power inserter back in line.

Just got to thinking is the PI in the line when he's setting it up, that analog isn't gonna like the voltage from the PI.

 

[Claude Greiner]

Your better off using the signal meter on the tv than using a cheap meter.

You really need a $500
Meter for Directv

 

[Jimbo]

Your better off using the signal meter on the tv than using a cheap meter.

You really need a $500
Meter for Directv

Or a less expensive digital one.

If your setting them up for a living I can see investing that kind of money, but otherwise not.

 

[Claude Greiner]

Or a less expensive digital one.

If your setting them up for a living I can see investing that kind of money, but otherwise not.

Then use the tv screen.

I can't even line up a dish with a cheap meter and I've been doing this for years.

 

[Jimbo]

Then use the tv screen.

I can't even line up a dish with a cheap meter and I've been doing this for years.

I guess it depends on what you consider cheap, mine was $250 and works great ...

 

[bajadock]

Something else I'd try and you already may be doing. Use a 4 wire lnb and receiver power only (no swm or power inserter) to tune the dish. Once tuned swap out for the swm lnb and put power inserter back in line.

Friend at install site has been traveling. Liked the lnb3 swap idea for dish point, then throw in swm setup. Supplier insisted no B Band converters needed on my HR24-100 receiver. Ouch, FAIL. Trying again tomorrow. cheers

 

[stardust3]

B band converters used to be a big deal. I know they're not needed in my dma anymore. It may also be that way everywhere, I'd say it's a safe bet to go with suppliers info.

Running out of ideas to tell you. May want to try holding your mouth a different way the next time you try. Persistence is key.

Need to change setup in receiver menu when using a 4 wire lnb. It won't automatically recognize that setup like it will a swm.