power lines

[Stu-gots]

A freind of mine called me up to say that he just bought a new Hughes system and could not get any signal at all, I went to check it out and after looking everything over I noticed that the dish was pointing exactly through several power lines that were about 200 feet away, Does anyone know if the power can block out the signal or is the problem elsewere, Thanks for any help, Stu-

[PrivateGuy™!]

From my own personal experience I haven't ever had issues with powerlines. I really doubt thats the problem. Maybe someone will rebut my statement but they have never givin me any trouble.

PrivateGuy™

[PrivateGuy™!]

I might add that I cant be for sure if I ever have been pointed directly in the line of site of the power lines but what Cellular says makes sence to me. Half of the install process is trail and error anyway so hang in there and remember that there's alot of sky to point at. Cellular, do you still have my e-mail? Was wanting to ask you a question.

PrivateGuy™

[PrivateGuy™!]

I still had yours so I e-mailed. You might look for it in the next few minutes.

PrivateGuy™

[smack]

It's probably not the power lines. Remember that the actual signal is coming from above the center axis of the dish. For example, in Chicago, the elevation value is set to 39 degrees.
Because the satellites are orbiting over the equator, the actual signal elevation is ~42 degrees...the (general) latitude of Chicago. The dish is constructed with an offset to make it more vertical, I'm guessing to help reduce snow accumulation.

Check to make sure the mount is plumb and level, otherwise the markings on the dish mount will not be accurate. Also, if you're using the receiver to monitor the signal (versus using a meter), wait at least two "beep cycles" before changing the position of the dish...it takes (most) receivers some time to actually get enough signal and process it to display a "lock".

Check the cables, the connectors, etc.

Hope this helps...

Scott

[Stu-gots]

Well the problem was narrowed down to an Improperly installed screw on connecter, But that was after the dish was relocated so I will never know If the power lines were causing any trouble.
What I did to figure this out was I set up a small TV and my reciever out side and found the signal, I then hooked up my main lead and started checking everything until the signal made it into the house and wala.
Three days and ten frozen toes later we have TV,
Thanks for any input, Stu-

[smack]

Cellular: I understand. Having been around the block a few times m'self...sometimes it just boils down to "masks and rattles", sacrificing small furry animals, and contributing to political campaigns.....

(And don't forget...we're approaching the peak of the solar sunspot cycle...we can blame it on the sun).

FWIW

Scott

I have a dish installed in the centre of a hugh transformer/switching station where I work, so i can tell you the lines had nothing to do with having no signal. Maybe you changed the elevation just enough to pick up the signal.