Satellite Signal Meters

[az99]

Are there any good easy to use signal meters to setup Dish and SWM DTV for under $250?

Thanx

[LScamper]

CA Traveler wrote:
"The tripod base turn buckle is to fine tune the azimuth vs an adjustment on the dish?"

Yes, the 1000.2 does not have an azimuth adjustment. You have to loosen the bolts and turn the antenna and then tighten the bolts. Sometimes it is hard to make small adjustments. I think the 1000.4 has an azimuth adjustment on the antenna.

az99 wrote:
"Did you do the firmware update to SL46-US ?"

Yes, but modified the sat list to use only the sats that I wanted. Now I don't have a serial port to program the SatLook Lite anymore. I think it was a serial port, it has been a long time since I used it.

[az99]

LScamper wrote:
Got out my SatLook Lite meter, have not used it in about a year. My dish is set up semi permanent now. Don't remember much about using the meter. The main problem I had with it was the battery only lasted about 10 min.

It used to show lock and sat identification on 110, 119, and 129 the last time I used it. Now it does not show locked when I select the sat that I want to look at! I did not try eastern arc.

There is another mode of operation - scan mode. In this mode it showed locked and sat identification on 110 only.

Shows locked and ID.

Did you do the firmware update to SL46-US ?

[CA_Traveler]

LScamper,

Excellent pictures, very creative. The tripod base turn buckle is to fine tune the azimuth vs an adjustment on the dish?

[LScamper]

Got out my SatLook Lite meter, have not used it in about a year. My dish is set up semi permanent now. Don't remember much about using the meter. The main problem I had with it was the battery only lasted about 10 min.

It used to show lock and sat identification on 110, 119, and 129 the last time I used it. Now it does not show locked when I select the sat that I want to look at! I did not try eastern arc.

There is another mode of operation - scan mode. In this mode it showed locked and sat identification on 110 only.

Shows locked and ID.




Shows scan mode.




Elevation adjustment modification.




azimuth adjustment modification.




Antenna setup.




Folding arm modification.




Level adjustment on each leg.




Strengthening in one place.




Weights on each leg. When camping I use 10 lbs barbell weights instead of bricks. Note quick connects.




Hope this is useful.

[mikestock]

I Use a SWM3 and have used many methods to set up. For the last year or two I have used legacy Slimline 3 horn, a self powered meter and a compass to get the dish set up. Then replace the head with a SWM head after getting the signal locked. This, to me, is as easy as any method and usually takes 5 minutes to get going as long as there are no location issues due to obstructions.

It is a great advantage to have a battery powered meter that doesn't need any other power source to attain the set up.

[az99]

LScamper wrote:


So now that Dish has changed the format I wanted to know if the meter can still show that it is locked on to and identify which satellite it is looking at for Dish satellites.

I would like to know the same. I am having no luck with it locking on an already setup 1000.4 EA dish. No matter which of the 3 LNB cables I use or any of the 3 sat screens (61.5,72.7,77) I try, it never locks. Just shows the signal strength.

[lynndiwagon]

Let us all know how that works out. Thanks

[az99]

Thanx for the recommendations. At the campground is not where I am looking to use it. That is too easy and does not need an expensive meter. I was looking for one for use around the house when the dish is over your head and your on top of a 30' ladder, 100' from a TV. 🙂 I ordered a Satlook Lite.

[lynndiwagon]

Maybe not. I'm not that familiar with Dish. He didn't specify which LNB he was using.

"Are there any good easy to use signal meters to setup Dish and SWM DTV for under $250?"

I thought I answered his question.

[TechWriter]

lynndiwagon wrote:
You might want to look at this one. I've had good luck with it.

I don't think this meter will work with the new Dish Pro Hybrid LNBFs (Hopper 3).

[lynndiwagon]

You might want to look at this one. I've had good luck with it.

[LScamper]

gatorcq wrote:
"frequency is still frequency". WOW I did not know that!

Seriously, the Satlook Lite meter can lock on to and display the satellite identification that it is locked on to. But it can only do that on certain transponders that transmit there signal in a specific format. It can show that it is looking at a satellite and signal strength for others but not identify it.

So now that Dish has changed the format I wanted to know if the meter can still show that it is locked on to and identify which satellite it is looking at for Dish satellites.

[gatorcq]

frequency is still frequency.

[LScamper]

Does the Satlook Lite meter still show which sat it is locked on to after Dish changed there signal format?

[SnoBear]

I have a Satlook Lite meter and like it very much.