Weak signals on most transponders

[valhallan]

Hey guys, I've successfully installed DirecTV several times at several locations so I'm not sure what's causing my current problem. Let's start from the beginning.

I live in a brick house, so my dual LNB dish was attached to a wooden pole in a bucket of cement. I set it up in a pit and received a clear signal (80s and 90s on all transponders) between several tall buildings and leafless trees. The cable run is about 75 feet, but the quality was perfect without in-line amplification. About two months later, my signal started getting weak on some transponders. The leaves were coming in, so after trying to tweak the dish alignment with no success, I assumed the dish needed to be moved to an area with a better view. I detached it from the pole and moved it to the roof. The trees are hardly in the line of sight and the buildings appear short enough, but I'm still getting weak signals (40s). Now if every transponder was weak, I'd be fine knowing I just don't have the dish in a good location, but #18, which carries the local channels, comes in crystal clear at 96. What could be the reason for this? I've heard many stories about only even transponders coming in, but never one showing up in the 90s and the rest in the 40s. Any thoughts?

I'm using a single Phillips DSR with two lines. No multiswitches.

Thanks!

[dishking01]

It could be a number of things.

Is that transponder you speak of the only one that you are getting a good signal on?

First, check all your cable connections to make sure they are not loose, shorted out or corroded. Then check your coax line to ensure there are not breaks in it, or anything that could short it out. A single nail, pin or staple will short it out and wipe out your signal.

The second thing, is it could be a faulty LNBF. If you have a dual one, try switching to the other side to see if it improves things.

A problem with your tuner is also possible, although less likely.

Aside from that, the likely problem is poor location. DTV uses multiple satellites at different locations to deliver programming. The core orbital slot at 101 degrees for example has 3 satellites parked there. Its entirely possible that your chosen location allows you to receive programming from one of them but not all the ones you need.

[valhallan]

It could be a number of things.

Is that transponder you speak of the only one that you are getting a good signal on?

First, check all your cable connections to make sure they are not loose, shorted out or corroded. Then check your coax line to ensure there are not breaks in it, or anything that could short it out. A single nail, pin or staple will short it out and wipe out your signal.

The second thing, is it could be a faulty LNBF. If you have a dual one, try switching to the other side to see if it improves things.

A problem with your tuner is also possible, although less likely.

Aside from that, the likely problem is poor location. DTV uses multiple satellites at different locations to deliver programming. The core orbital slot at 101 degrees for example has 3 satellites parked there. Its entirely possible that your chosen location allows you to receive programming from one of them but not all the ones you need.

Yes that's the only transponder in the 90s. A couple hit the 60s, but the rest are in the 40s and 50s. No transponder is at 0.

The coax lines all appear to function properly, and I even replaced the couplers to make sure there wasn't a corrosion issue.

I mistakenly said dual LNB, it's actually a single. I've been using it for four years, so maybe it's time to get a new one.

I feel like the location shouldn't be an issue, as I've received clear signals in much worse conditions. Even through a pine tree once. I think I'll try replacing the LNB and see what happens.

Thanks for your response!