Well, if he could find a 1k4WA LNB, he would get better signal due to the bigger dish size. I think those were discontinued, though.
Which logically makes sense. I am also seeing posts (on other forums) that indicate the 1000.4 WA signal strength is 5~10 "units" (whatever that is) stronger than the 1000.2 WA SS is. Which is, to my understanding, why it was created in the first place, since it came out after the 1000.2 and has a larger dish, longer focal length, better polar plate, etc. BTW, I do have a 1000.4 feedarm, yoke, and WA LNBF.
But I am finding conflicting information about this. I have seen some posts like this:
They were discontinued because they didn't work very well in some areas. My local dealer as 40 or so of them that DISH won't let him install because they don't work nearly as well as the 1000.2 for our area.
The angles are considerably wider in Texas so who knows?
Which seem to indicate that the 1000.2 WA outperforms the 1000.4 WA (harshness isn't the only one that has said this).
I am currently using a 1000.2 WA and have "marginal" signal on 129 (maybe I need to try a different 1000.2 WA LNBF), I have to re-peak my dish every 6 months or so to keep from getting some of my HD's from falling out, and I am tired of doing that. I figured I might as well try to get the hardware that will give me the best 129 SS; hence my original question.
My requirements: reception for 110, 119, and 129 and use a LNBF w/ integrated switch
Logically, the larger the dish, assuming it is designed for the application, would give a higher SS. To that end, the following setups should generate the highest SS on 129 and still meet my requirements. They are from least to best (on paper).
Good = 1000.2 WA (already have - looking for something better, I think)
Better = 1000.4 WA (can get)
Best = DPP 1000 Plus (basically a DPP 500 Plus w/ a DP LNBF for 129) (can get)
or
1000.5 WA (basically a Dish Plus reflector, #183146 polar plate, using the 1000.4 feedarm, yoke, and WA LNBF) (can make)
I can crunch numbers with the best of them but, as we all know, what looks good on paper doesn't always work out in real life. So I am soliciting opinions from those with more "hands on" experience than I. In reality, if the 1000.2 produces just as good a SS as the others, then I don't need to waste $$$ on them. I'll just get a different 1000.2 WA LNBF and hope for the best.
Those opinions from the same area (S. Texas) that I am in, will be more pertinent to my situation, but all are appreciated.
Thank you to those that have responded and those that may.
Dr_DX