Got it half right

[WaltsSatellite]

Forgive me if this is a little wordy but want to try to get all the info out the first time.

The DirecTV dome on my trailer quit, had to switch over to mast type. Got a Slimline in Quartzsite and set it up three times just using a basic analog meter and the receiver (not HD so it was set for 3 LNB, kind of old). Worked okay but signal meter showed some satellites not being received. Purchased Accutrak II Mark 2 and practicing before I leave home. Now have new HD DVR and preparing for vacation.

When first turned on the Accutrak shows the 101 signal on both lines. Got that (confirmed on receiver) tuned in. Go to the menu to turn on the 22K and get the indicator on the screen. Trying to adjust the tilt and the upper meter doesn't change even though rotating it 10+ degrees. Receiver shows signal for 101 92% (got something right) and 99 62% with nothing on the 110 or 119. Must have something to do with the tilt.

Any suggestions.

 

[jdspencer]

Before we go any further, we need to know exactly which Slimline you have?
SL3 or SL5?
If SL3, you won't get 110 and 119.

 

[WaltsSatellite]

It's a 5. Got the oblong in the middle and the fat one on the end. The manual that came with it talks about integrated ka/ku and tilting to catch 119 with RHCP. And I thought i gave all the info. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[jdspencer]

So there is only two actually LNB assemblies on the dish?
Please supply the dish model number?
AT9 or AU9 or something else?

If it is the AU9-SL5, it can be tricky to setup.

 

[WaltsSatellite]

It's the AU9. I didn't mention the one in the middle. I guess I assumed (bad word).

 

[jdspencer]

Make sure the mast is plumb and that the dish's tilt and elevation is set to what the receiver shows for your zip code. Then using the azimuth fine tune the 101 sat signals. Then you get to twiddle with the 99 and 103 settings. Like I said, that dish is tricky.

 

[WaltsSatellite]

Interesting. My accutrakPro MkII doesn't show the 99, 103 just the 101 and 119 which is the signal I can't get it to read (even though the manual says it can). I dont' know how I can fiddle with them with no gauge. So since i can't read them with the current gaugewhat are my alternatives.

Get another different style dish that I can set up with this gauge and if so what model?

Do I get a different gauge (probably more expensive) and if so what?

Want to get it right before leaving on vacation.

 

[jdspencer]

I'm afraid I'll have to leave the question about using that meter to those who have used it.

Maybe a search here on the forum for that meter model can find some answers.

 

[iwc5893]

Here's a post that describes how to peak the slimline dish using a meter that can't see the 99/103 sats using the dithering method.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-forum/108719-bird-dog-satellite-signal-finder.html#post1051654

Gross peak it to the max strength you can get on the 101 and tighten the mast bolts. Switch to the 119 and adjust the tilt until you get max strength there. Tighten the tilt bolts.

Using the Fine Adj. Elevation screw and Azimuth Screw, peak it to max strength on the 101. Reset the marker dials on the outside of the bolt to 0. Turn the elevation bolt 2 full turns in the counterclockwise direction, and record your signal reading on the 101. Now turn the elevation bolt in the clockwise direction until you get the same signal reading that you just recorded. Take the number of full turns and partial turn (from the dial) and divide by 2. Reset the counter to 0 and turn the elevation bolt in the counterclockwise direction to the number of turns you just calculated. Repeat the process for the azimuth bolts, and lock down the dish.

 

[WaltsSatellite]

Thanks icc5893 for the info but I already have all of that and am following that procedure. I am using a Accutrak 22 MKII and I get the 101 fine. Then I go for the tilt and the signal (which is ag about 50 or so) never changes no matter how far I move it. So i was wondering why. I have teh 22k turned on and it shows on in the upper right corner.