Please HELP!! No Signals

T7310 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006, 06:20 PM

This is what I have:

Fortec Star Lifetime Classic NA FTA Digital satellite receiver
Digipower SG-2100 DISEqc Motor
Fortec 31" FS8P Dish
Universal mount
Fortec universal 0.4db Single KU LNBF

My Zip Code: 22003 PO Name: Annandale (VA)
Location: 38.830699 N, 77.214245 W

Here are my setting:
I set my motor to 39 on your latitude scale then set my dish elevation to 24 degrees; Motor auto moved the LNB to 22 degree.
Truth South 180+9 = 189 for VA area? or between 190 - 210?

I try to get the IA5 sat. (Freq:
IntelsatAmerica5 (IA5) call for
Satellite West Longtitude: 97; Lattitude: 38.9; Longitude: 77

However, I can not get the any signal to pass 6% Why? What did I miss?

Please help! Thanks

N4ST · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006, 08:05 PM

Can you get any satellites? AMC4 (close to IA5) has much stronger transponders than IA5. Try that one to verify your system. I'm about 35 miles SE of you and I had a tough time getting IA5. Signal level on the receiver is pretty much useless for finding the bird. Signal quality is what you want to peak for.

elgemcdlf · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006, 09:19 PM

I assume you have your system peaked properly for 79. If not you need to start there. With the entire system pointed at what you believe is true south for you have the receiver move the dish to AMC5 @ 79. Check www.lyngsat.com for an active transponder and set your receiver to that transponder. Now slowly rotate your assembly on the mast until you achieve peak signal.

Now slowly adjust dish elevation for peak signal. Until you have your system aligned properly on 79 you are most likely not ever going to receive anything. A motorized system is all relative to proper alignment to the center of the arc.

be236 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2006, 12:52 PM

Maybe you're having the same problem I used to have.

I have a similar set-up as you, except for the SG2100 motor (mine is stationary set-up).

When I first started, I couldnt get any signal at all. I went to various websites to find my elevation for IA5 for my area and they all showed 30 degrees. I was quite frustrating for a few days...

Long story short, I found either the scale reading in the back of the dish or the dish is offset an extra 5 degrees.

So, when I set my elevation to 30 + 5 = 35 degrees, I locked into IA5 just fine. heheh...

So, try tilting our dish up 5 degrees from whatever it is "supposed" to be for your location....

Good luck