6 Messages
Lost signal after moving dish
After losing reception for my system and having repeated 771 errors I moved my slimline dish about 15 feet due east of of its old location along the side of my house. I kept it oriented exactly as it was in the old location since it was a parallel move. I still get no signal when I test with my receiver. I had thought I would at least get some signal, but I get absolutely none. I did change the orientation of the dish and tested each time, but still no signal.
My receiver is an H23/600, software last updated in 2018. I also have two D12/500 receivers. Only one is hooked up to a TV, and it also gives repeated 771 errors.
In the past I have had to trim some trees in my yard to get reception, which is why I decided to move my dish this time. I suppose I could cut some more trees down, but before I do I want to assure myself that this is not a hardware problem.
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.6K Messages
2 months ago
DirecTV has been shutting down the MPEG-2/SD-only feeds. With that H23 in theory you should have an MPEG-4 capable setup to where at least that one should still pull up the service. But even if you get the D12s working again, they are on borrowed time being severely outdated.
What dish/LNB do you have?
What are the exact signal readings?
I would use one of the websites to help with exact alignment.
https://www.directv.com/dish-pointer/ (Official)
www.dishpointer.com (3rd party used for many years)
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MPC
6 Messages
2 months ago
Thanks for responding.
Dish Type: SL3 LNB
Switch Type: Multi-switch
RB/INTL: None Selected
The signal readings are all 0 on all satellites and all transponders. Signal strength test states: "Tuner 1 ___________ Not Acquired" on all satellites and transponders.
How accurate does dish orientation have to be? When I moved the dish along the wall it would maintain about the same latitude, so I expected at least some signal given that I did not change its settings from the spot I moved it from.
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.2K Messages
2 months ago
It needs to be VERY accurate. You're aiming for a very small target in Earth orbit.
Check out this video on dish alignment ....
https://youtu.be/QA1krU8eo8E
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MPC
6 Messages
2 months ago
Thanks, but does it have to be millimeters or inches accuracy. The satellite may be a long way off but it is transmitting an electromagnetic wave that is being focused by the parabolic dish antenna. By the time the wave gets to earth it is miles across.
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.2K Messages
2 months ago
Millimeters. Yes, the dish focuses the signal onto the LNB/antenna, but the dish must be aimed accurately. The video shows you how to do it. Good luck.
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MPC
6 Messages
2 months ago
Thanks, but aren't there 3 satellites, so how can the antenna be focused at all 3? I am not trying to be flippant, I am really interested in the subject.
Sorry, but my browser won't play youtube videos so I am unable to watch the link you provided.
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.2K Messages
2 months ago
Your browser won't play YouTube videos?!? What are you using?
Yes, your dish needs to "see" all three satellites. In a nutshell, aiming starts with finding the more powerful 101ºW satellite. Then you tweak the dish alignment to peak the 99 and 103º signals.
Perhaps you would be best off calling DirecTV for a technician to come re-aim the dish for you.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.6K Messages
2 months ago
If you do call DirecTV, be prepared they will most likely offer a complimentary MPEG swap or optional upgrade because of your non-supported D12s.
The required MPEG swap would hopefully cover H25s (or H24s if any left in stock) to replace the D12s. There is no 24 month service agreement. If they don't have those available than getting a Genie and Mini Genie Client would be the alternative. That would add $10 DVR and $3 Whole Home DVR. And those two boxes would not have Autotune as that is replaced by the DVR feature.
Whenever you do replace the outdated boxes, do make sure to read the order confirmation carefully. If there is a 24 month service agreement than it was the optional upgrade, not mandatory MPEG swap.
(edit to correct model number typo)
(edited)
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.8K Messages
2 months ago
The signal is covering the whole USA but as stated you have to get the dish aimed so it focus on the LNB. The dish is made to focus all 3 sats on the the part of the LNB that needs that signal.
(edited)
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MPC
6 Messages
2 months ago
@litzdog911
I may end up getting a service technician. How much do they charge?
I am able to see snippets of the youtube instructions and it looks like he is using a receiver outdoors to focus the dish. Is that what a technician uses, or do they have specialized equipment?
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MPC
6 Messages
2 months ago
@Juniper
Thanks for the detailed explanation. I think I am going to dump the D12's and get the H23 working. Do you think Directv will want the D12's shipped back, or are they too old?
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.6K Messages
2 months ago
The D12s have been non-returnable for years. DirecTV stopped offering SD-only service in late 2015 and shortly after stopped reactivating those legacy boxes. Whenever you deactivate them they just get recycled.
Most pre-Genie boxes, like your H23 are not required to be returned. Though some they might accept back for recycling/warranty replacement purposes.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.8K Messages
2 months ago
Service calls are $99 and come with a 90 day warranty and covers anything needed to get the system working. There maybe a lower price for just to align to dish. The techs have signal meters that powers the SWM LNB.
(edited)
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