Transponders Vs Spotbeam Questions

[FitzAusTex]

I'm a bit confused by transponders vs spotbeams, particularly as they relate to what is listed on the Echostar Knowledge Base hosted by DBSTalk.com.

For example, at http://www.ekb.dbstalk.com/110list.htm for Dallas SD Locals, I see the 'TP' is listed as '20s21', or '29s21' (depending on the channel). Then on the maps of TPs listed at http://www.ekb.dbstalk.com/satmaps.htm, I clicked on the 20 and 29 maps within the "Larger and more detailed maps of E*10 spot beams provided by James Long at DBSTalk.Com" section and see coverage area 'ovals' in Texas for both TP 20 and TP 29 for my area of Texas. The map for TP 29 lists the oval as T21. Wondering what T21 means? The map for TP20 doesnt label any of the ovals.

Real reason I'm asking, besides just wanting to understand what #s# means, is because I 'moved' to Dallas from Austin and get a 105 signal for 20s21 channels, but no signal for 29s21 channels. The 'ovals' coverage area for both the 20TP and 29TP on the maps from E* Knowledge Base seem identical, so just thought it weird that I get such a strong signal for the SD locals on the 20 TP, and no signal for the SD locals on the 29 TP.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Mr Tony]

the first number in the "s" ones is the transponder. The 2nd is what spotbeam Dish calls it. That part is moot.

Just the 1st number you need to know.

As for the spotbeams...TP20 has Dallas locals but also Sherman/Ada and Tyler/Nacogdoches.
TP29 has Dallas stuff but there is a nearby spotbeam for Brownsville locals. Due to your location, maybe you're picking up the Brownsville spotbeam.

What kind of signal do you get on 110 TP29?

 

[FitzAusTex]

Thanks Ice.

Dallas SD locals on TP29 = No signal (and a black screen)
Dallas SD locals on TP20 = 105 signal
Dallas HD locals on TP31 = 80 signal

I moved to Dallas to get HD locals, so no big deal, those come in fine so far, just wanted some of the independents that are on TP29 for Friends/Raymond/MASH/etc reruns late at night.

 

[Mr Tony]

you must be in the "dead spot" where TP29 doesn't work at all due to 2 spot beams trying to cross

 

[FitzAusTex]

thanks much for answering t he TP stuff. yeah deadzone...no biggie. just hope the 80 signal strength for the HDs holds up in less than perfect weather. my other choice was Houston on TP4, but i only got a 30-43 signal out of Houston. San Antonio kicked it at 110, but they dont have NBC.

 

[SmityWhity]

I'm a bit confused by transponders vs spotbeams, particularly as they relate to what is listed on the Echostar Knowledge Base hosted by DBSTalk.com.

It appears that some of the diagrams might be mis-labeled, i.e., sometimes a S is used for Spotbeam, and sometimes a T is used for Spotbeam. In either case, TP does equal Transponder.

(1) Look at the third picture at http://www.ekb.dbstalk.com/satmaps.htm
Outside the map outline, you will see Spotbeams listed for Spots 1 - 49 (S1 - S49) with the Transponder Numbers.
Inside the map outline, you will also see the center of each Spotbeam, but instead of being labeled using an S, they are labeled using a T.

(2) And if you take a closer look by clicking on the link below the map at http://www.ekb.dbstalk.com/pictures/echo10conus.gif
You will see the same thing. They are using T for Spotbeam instead of S.

Hope the above info helps in reading the charts.