and make sure you are tuned to an active transponder while you are searching for the signal. Many times the default transponder that is pre-programmed into the box is not active.
I didnt see that mentioned in your writeup.
try the
PBS stations:
http://www.lyngsat.com/amc3.html
The spot where you get signal is very small. It is possible to "sweep" past it if you are moving too quickly. moving the dish an 1/8 of an inch will lose the quality indicator. It ramps up and drops real quick.