LINE OF SIGHT FOR MULTI-SATELLITE DISH

[ROSSER]

I am new to this forum. I need help about line of sight issues.
I am a fulltime RVer and travel all over the US and need to set up my dish each time I move. I have a triple LNB dish (101, 110 and 119).
Here's my question: When I am looking for a clear line of sight and look toward the given coordinates, does this mean that I am looking at the clearance for the 101 satellite only? IE: Does this mean that I must also have an additional 18 degrees clearance to my right (clockwise rotation) in order to also have enough clearance for the 110 and 119 satellite signals? Or what is the "formula" or criteria? Some times I can get the 101 satellite, but not the others OR sometimes I can get the 110 or 119 satellite (at this same location), but cannot get both or all three at the SAME time. This doesn't happen all that often, but when it does, it is frustrating! It seems to me that there must be trees in the way when this happens, but the line of sight is perfectly clear looking straight out from the dish. This leads me to believe that the "window" is not wide enough for all three satellites?? Do I need a total of 18 degrees clearance to get all three satellites (119 minus 101 = 18 degrees)??
Any information regarding this will be greatly appreciated!
Hopefully, I have explained this clearly enough!

Thanks,

Fred

[bobkat]

You are correct - you need a full 18 degrees of "window" to get all three satellites. The 101 degree satellite carries all the main channels so this is the one you will be after at most times. The other satellites (110 and 119) carry, as far as I am aware - haven't checked in a while - high definition and ethnic languages and local channels. So I guess as long as you can tune in the 101 satellite wherever you happened to set up camp then that should be your main concern. The 101 satellite has a strong signal and its footprint covers most of the continental U.S. and into Canada ( :shock: Oops - did I say that??)

kat

[Todd Wiedemann]

My parents are RV'ers as well. Bobkat is correct, you need that full window for reception.

Unfortunately, my Mom and Dad have discovered that RV parks are nice and wooded ... not the best situation for satellite reception.

Like I always say about any kind of dish pointing ... have plenty of patience !!

[bobkat]

Originally Posted by Todd Wiedemann

my Mom and Dad have discovered that RV parks are nice and wooded ... not the best situation for satellite reception.

Yup; and the ironic thing is that the wooded parking sites are considered the prime ones... :?

kat