Trying to get 119 & 110 Dishnetwork

bilby05 · 04-17-2009, 06:58 PM

I posted this on another thread and I think it was one that was finished so I am reposting with a new title. Here's my problem:

I have the system set up in the driveway by the Airstream. I am using a Dish 500 dish from previous home use, two digital LNBs p/n 214-5100-402 and our DP301 receiver from the house.

So far so good. Everything hooks up correctly. The cables all work the azmuth and elevation are set. (I used a satellite finder)The "check switch" is redone to set it for the new set up instead of the old setup in the house. And I am receiving a signal and picture from satellite 119. Now the hard part (for me) how do I get satellite 110 to engage at the same time, without screwing up (technical term) what I already have. I saw, somewhere in the mists of the internet, an instruction, but of course it has disappeared. And took its bookmark with it.

Any ideas?
thanks, bill b.

**jcanavera** · 04-17-2009, 07:27 PM

If you are using the Dish 500 antenna, there should be a skew adjustment you need to make. This turns the dish in a circular motion. Because the dish is elliptical changing the skew will cause you to hit that 110 satellite while keeping in its 119 satellite alignment. The skew setting should be be shown on the same setup screen with the other alignment information for your zip code. There is another bolt to loosen and the skew degrees are stamped into fitting that allows the dish to rotate.

Jack

bilby05 · 04-18-2009, 06:17 PM

Hi,
thanks for the info. I also found out, on a satellite forum, that I need a switch to allow the blending of the two lnb outputs. They said, based on my descriptions, that I have two "legacy" lnbs and rather than getting satellite 110 and 119 from the same lnb for each output you get one satellite from each. Hence the need for the sw21 switch and proper skew to keep things in proportional alignment. Sheesh, I didn't realize I had signed up for a course in rocket science when I started this, but learning is good. Right? So I have ordered the switch and will double check for the correct skew.
thanks, bill b.

**jcanavera** · 04-18-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilby05

Hi,
thanks for the info. I also found out, on a satellite forum, that I need a switch to allow the blending of the two lnb outputs. They said, based on my descriptions, that I have two "legacy" lnbs and rather than getting satellite 110 and 119 from the same lnb for each output you get one satellite from each. Hence the need for the sw21 switch and proper skew to keep things in proportional alignment. Sheesh, I didn't realize I had signed up for a course in rocket science when I started this, but learning is good. Right? So I have ordered the switch and will double check for the correct skew.
thanks, bill b.

Dish did produce an LNB that eliminates the need for a switch. That's what is on my current dish 500. Dependent upon the vintage of LNB, you may have no need for the switch. The LNB with the built in switch is a one piece LNB. If you have two singles ganged together then you probably may need the switch. Check on the price of the newer LNB. It might be better than having to deal with the switch.

Jack

Jim Foster · 04-28-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bilby05

Hi,
thanks for the info. I also found out, on a satellite forum, that I need a switch to allow the blending of the two lnb outputs. They said, based on my descriptions, that I have two "legacy" lnbs and rather than getting satellite 110 and 119 from the same lnb for each output you get one satellite from each. Hence the need for the sw21 switch and proper skew to keep things in proportional alignment. Sheesh, I didn't realize I had signed up for a course in rocket science when I started this, but learning is good. Right? So I have ordered the switch and will double check for the correct skew.
thanks, bill b.

We use Dish Network. We use a "500" as well. It has a combiner built into the head. The two cables coming out of the head have both signals, that is, both 110 and 119. No switch or combiner at either end of the cable going to the box. I connect the cable to input #2 and go for it.

Been working great for a couple of years.

Lumatic · 04-18-2009, 06:23 PM

I would like to try a satellite on a tripod with my Dish TV receiver. I have both a single eye and double eye dish I was given. Any sources I can go to for "RV Satelitte TV for Dummies" type instructions. I'm already lost in the above techno jargon.

**jcanavera** · 04-18-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

I would like to try a satellite on a tripod with my Dish TV receiver. I have both a single eye and double eye dish I was given. Any sources I can go to for "RV Satelitte TV for Dummies" type instructions. I'm already lost in the above techno jargon.

The instruction books that came with the receiver are pretty good regarding how to aim the dish. I did my original installation using the receiver manual. I knew nothing about satellites at the time and it worked very well.

Jack

bilby05 · 04-26-2009, 08:33 PM

I ordered the SW21 switch for about $12 online and now it all works. 110 and 119 both come in fine, so I get my regular basics plus the locals. I understand that the locals will only follow me for a hundred miles or so, but not much on there anyway. The third satellite that uses a separate dish is for special programing, I have been told. So I am not sure why I even have it, except to try to peddle me some extra movie channels along the line. I need to find a list of which channels come from which satellite, so maybe I don't need even two satellites when I am out on the road. One may be enough. Does anyone know where I could find such a list? BTW for some reason I don't get my instant notification of responses to my posts. I have to check that out too.
cheers, bill b.

bilby05 · 04-26-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

I would like to try a satellite on a tripod with my Dish TV receiver. I have both a single eye and double eye dish I was given. Any sources I can go to for "RV Satelitte TV for Dummies" type instructions. I'm already lost in the above techno jargon.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The best site for the simplest explanation is:

Satellite TV for your RV

IMHO. Also there are a lot of other sites that give info, but don't seem to be as clear. This guy even tells how to put together the tripod, etc.
cheers, bill b.

Aage · 04-18-2009, 06:36 PM

May I ask: what do you need to have two satellites to get reception?

**jcanavera** · 04-18-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

May I ask: what do you need to have two satellites to get reception?

Dish network uses multiple satellites to deliver their programming. Dependent upon the package you have, you may need to use a special dish and LNB's. My son has the HD package which means his dish needs to see three satellites. His dish is bigger than mine and is even more elliptical.

Jack

**jcanavera** · 04-26-2009, 10:22 PM

Here's a list of all the Dish Network satellites and the programming content on each.
EKB: Echostar Satellites

Jack

bilby05 · 04-28-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcanavera

Here's a list of all the Dish Network satellites and the programming content on each.
EKB: Echostar Satellites

Jack

Those will be really good reference charts when I am out in the boonies and trying to decide what is what.
thanks, bill b.