No Signal...How To Troubleshoot

[AbraCadabra]

I bought a Directv receiver & card on ebay with a "no guarantee" disclaimer.
When following the dish aim routine, I get zero signal strength showing.
I guess there could be lots of causes, is there some way to isolate the problem? One thing I can eliminate, I have a clear line of sight to where the bird should be.
I don't have the phone line connected for parinoa reasons. Is this necessary?
Should there be a signal on all satellite "channels"? I have tried only a few at random.
Thanks.
Mr. I_Think_I_Just_Bought_An_Expensive_Doorstop.

[rwil1939]

First, can you turn on the receiver and get the "menu" options page on the television? If so, can you navigate to the "setup" section and get to the "signal strength" area. The receiver may not indicate any signal.

Don't need the phone line. You first need to verify there is 13 to 18 vdc and the end of the coax that connects to the LNB (At the antenna). You did not mention if you are trying to use an existing antenna setup. If so and you know it is a good setup and you do have the required 13-18vdc at the LNB, then indeed, you have bought a unattractive doorstop.

If the antenna setup is a new one, you must MAKE SURE the setup is level and pointed correctly.

rj

[AbraCadabra]

Hi; Thanks for the suggestions.
I can get into the dish aim menu. It shows a graph type representation as well as a digital signal strength number.
I'll drag the ladder out & check voltage.
Thanks again.

[AbraCadabra]

Abracadabra again...
I'm getting 18.15 VDC on the coax at the dish.
I've tried moving the dish in the slightest increments, but the signal meter always reads zero.
How accurate must the aim be? +/- 1 degree or less?
Thanks.

[ebms1]

Abracadabra again...
I'm getting 18.15 VDC on the coax at the dish.
I've tried moving the dish in the slightest increments, but the signal meter always reads zero.
How accurate must the aim be? +/- 1 degree or less?
Thanks.

you will see the meter move as you move accross the arc... first thing is to be sure that the pole is level .. then set your dish & move accross the arc to see the sats

[AbraCadabra]

It would sure help if there were two of me.
As it is, I look at the signal meter (on the TV), go around to the back of the house, climb a ladder, move the dish, climb down, then go inside to see the same zero signal.
My enthusiasm is just about dried up.

[ebms1]

It would sure help if there were two of me.
As it is, I look at the signal meter (on the TV), go around to the back of the house, climb a ladder, move the dish, climb down, then go inside to see the same zero signal.
My enthusiasm is just about dried up.

what you need is someone inside watching while you move or a outside meter so you can see as you move