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Subject: 1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to alt.dbs.echostar, an unmoderated newsgroup for posting
news, questions, and opinions about Echostar and Dish Network products
and services. Please review the posting guidelines sent on the 1st,
11th, and 21st.

http://ekb.dbstalk.com (Who's computer is this?) , the Echostar Knowledge Base

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Subject: 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
3. SITE SURVEY
4. GETTING STARTED
5. GROUNDING ISSUES
6. AIMING DISH 500
7. MULTI-DWELLING UNITS
8. APARTMENT & HOA ISSUES
9. MOBILE INSTALLATION
10. TROUBLESHOOTING LOST SIGNAL
11. DIPLEXERS
12. CREDITS

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Subject: 3. SITE SURVEY

Reception of DBS signals requires a clear line of sight from the dish
to the satellite.

The satellites seen by Dish 500 are 9 degrees apart in the sky.
Standing behind the dish, 110 will be on the left, and 119 will be on
the right. If there's an obstruction to either side, you may not be
able to see both satellites.

To do a proper site survey, you'll need a good compass and a
clinometer. Refer to the receiver's dish pointing screen to get the
Azimuth and Elevation to 110 and 119 for your zip code, or use an
Az/El calculator (see links below) to get the same info.

Use the compass to establish the azimuth, the clinometer is used to
sight along that azimuth line to determine if there are any obstacles.
If you're installing a Dish 500, be sure to look several degrees to
the right and left to be sure you have a clear line of sight to both
orbital positions. They are just about as far apart in the sky as the
ends of a six inch ruler held at arm's length. Depending on where you
live, one orbital location will be higher in the sky than the other.
It will be the one closer to due South of you. The Skew setting of the
Dish 500 compensates for this.

Remember that trees will grow, when they become wet, their brances
will droop, and wind will make them sway. If you try to aim through a
hole in the trees, you could have to start all over in the Spring when
the leaves come back.

http://www.dbsforums/azel.html (Who's computer is this?) , on-line AZ/EL calculator
http://www.dishnetwork.com/downloads/pdf/DISH_Pointing_Angles.pdf (Who's computer is this?) ,
ZIP code tables for 110/119
http://satcalculator.freehostia.com/ (Who's computer is this?) , Satellite look-angle calculator
http://www.dbsforums.com/sunspot.html (Who's computer is this?) , "Preliminary Site Survey based
on where the Sun Shines"
http://gjullien.fr/satellite.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Use sun or moon to choose the best
place for your satellite antenna"
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/trees.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "What if I have trees in the way?"

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Subject: 4. GETTING STARTED

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/install.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Installation Menu" Hints,
tricks and tips.
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/install-qa.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Some Installation Q & A"
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/92 (Who's computer is this?) , "What does a 'basic' install include?"
http://www.dbsforums.com/pole.html (Who's computer is this?) , "Installing a pole mount"
http://www.hometech.com/learn/coaxterm.html (Who's computer is this?) , "Installing coax
connectors"
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/switch-legacy.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "What are switches, and why
do I need them?"

Q: Are there any cable length issues I need to consider?

A: Yes, with unpowered switches like the SW21 and SW42, the maximum
overall length from the receiver to the LNB varies according to how
far the switch is from the receiver. See:
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/cablelength.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Recommended maximum cable
lengths for use with SW21 and SW42 switches." Powered switches like
the SW64 and SW44 have less stringent requirements and support much
longer runs.

Q: Where can I find diagrams and additional documents to help me set
up my Echostar system?

A:
<http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/user_guides_and_manuals/index.shtml (Who's computer is this?) >
Diagrams:
<http://tech.dishnetwork.com/departmental_content/TechPortal/index.shtml (Who's computer is this?) >,
choose Product Type: Dish/LNBF, any dish or switch, "Go," then expand
menu on the left
http://www.pepper.net/echostar/install/ (Who's computer is this?) (DishPro diagrams)

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Subject: 5. GROUNDING ISSUES

Ask about grounding at alt.dbs.echostar, and you'll get lots of
opinions and advice, some of which will be dead wrong. Although proper
grounding is a complicated subject, it boils down to two important
axioms. Use ground blocks connected to the main earth ground as
described in the installation instructions and the National Electrical
Code to keep the dangerous voltages and currents from nearby lightning
strikes from entering your structure via the coax wires, and avoid
ground loops by having only a single earth ground.

Nearby lightning strikes can also induce voltages and currents into
the phone lines and your electrical service that can damage your
equipment. Although there is no sure way to prevent damage, many
manufacturers of surge suppressors will warranty your equipment if
used properly with one of their surge suppressors.

Contrary to opinion, the purpose of grounding is NOT to bleed static
charges from your dish, although a properly grounded dish certainly
won't build up any static. --jbuff

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/grounding.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "What is a 'ground block' for?"
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/groundloop.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "What is a Ground Loop?"
http://mikeholt.com/low/lvgrounding.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Where can I read more about
grounding and Safety Issues?"
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/switchenclosures.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Should I mount my
switch in a watertight box?"
http://www.dbsforums.com/reviews/tech1_5.html (Who's computer is this?)

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Subject: 6. AIMING DISH 500

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/dish500pics.htm (Who's computer is this?) , What is Dish 500?

The mast must be perfectly plumb.

The skew adjustment must be set properly, use the setting from the
Dish500 pointing screen. The skew setting is a one time thing. Once
you set it, DO NOT adjust it.

The elevation on the early D500 dishes was miscalibrated. If there
is no red paint, add 5 degrees. If there is red paint, use the
elevation setting given (see below).

When trying to get the initial 119 alignment, you must be connected to
the 119 LNB (from behind the dish, it's the one on the left, look for
the markings on the plastic Y arm adaptor).

Once you have that established, connect the switch to one lead from
each LNB.

What is the best way to try to "tweak" the pointing at this point?

Most Dish 500's require a degree or two higher elevation than the
directions state. Once you have the 119 azimuth peaked, loosen the
elevation bolts, and peak the elevation.

"Dish Network's TechPortal basic information for Dish 500.
<http://tech.dishnetwork.com/departmental_content/techportal/content/tech/techequiDish500.shtml (Who's computer is this?) >

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/pqsignal.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "My signal strength is only 61.
Will my picture improve if I can increase it?"
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/signalscale.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Why does my signal strength
bar go up to 125 percent?"

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/dpinstalltip.htm (Who's computer is this?) , The Dishplayer and Dish 500.
Some important installation facts

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Subject: 7. MULTI-DWELLING UNITS

DISH attacks MDU from two ways, mostly depending on how many units are
involved.

If it's a relatively small number of units, a DISH 500 with paralleled
SW44s or SW64s can be used, with one cable running to each of up to 8
receivers that the dwellers activate on their own individual accounts.
Not a true "MDU system," but rather simply a community antenna. This
gets pricey, however, for big buildings, and often requires re-wiring
if the building is teeming with hidden CATV splitters, long runs of
RG-59, etc.
Dual SW44 diagram:
http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2001/6/MVC-004S.JPG (Who's computer is this?)
Dual SW64 diagram: http://tinyurl.com/yoanca (Who's computer is this?) (Dish Tech Portal)
Photo: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2001/1/MVC-006S.JPG (Who's computer is this?)

Up to 24 receivers can be connected to a Dish500 plus optional side
slot dish by using a DishPro Quad LNBF and 6 DP34 switches. Splitters
are still not allowed and RG-59 cable is likely inadequate for use
with DishPro. Also, each non-DishPro (legacy) receiver hooked up to a
DishPro switch requires purchase and use of an adapter to selectively
block one of the two polarities sent through the cable.
http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2002/Disk3/MVC-020S.JPG (Who's computer is this?)

If the cost justifies it, DISH has a special MDU setup called QAM that
uses a DISH 500 hooked to a special headend modulator that translates
each 119 or 110 transponder you want to use and "remaps" it to an
unused cable TV channel frequency. This allows the whole satellite
signal to be mixed with off air and travel through splitters, through
RG-59, etc. without problem. What's the catch?

Simple, the QAM headend runs about $15,000, and special receivers that
can get satellite on cable frequencies instead of satellite
transponders are used. The model number is "3750," and they run about
$250. From the model number you've already guessed that things like
PTV/DISHPlayers, cheap second receivers, or even event timers are out
of the question! Newer QAM receivers are the 351 and 811.
http://commercial.dishnetwork.com/ (Who's computer is this?)

EchoStar FSS Corporation (EFSSC) offers ViP-TV(tm) service, through
which EFFSC has the ability to transport over 300 channels of secure
broadcast quality popular television programming via satellite to
Telco, private and rural cable operators, municipalities and master
planned community video providers that have obtained rights for
distribution of programming over their wire-line networks. ViP-TV is
EFSSC's turn-key solution for wholesale multi-channel content
transport and distribution, and offers customers affordable, scalable
and aggregated MPEG-4 Internet protocol encapsulated radio and
television programming channels from a high-powered Ku-band satellite
at 85°.
http://www.echostarviptv.com (Who's computer is this?)

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Subject: 8. APARTMENT & HOA ISSUES

My Homeowner's Association won't let me put up a Dish. What can I do?

The FCC has established rules for this situation,
See: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html (Who's computer is this?)
1996 Rulings:
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1996_TXT/fcc96328.txt (Who's computer is this?) ,
1998 Rulings:
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/fcc98273.txt (Who's computer is this?)
http://www.sbca.com/government/zoning.htm (Who's computer is this?)

Additional help and support can be found at the Homeowners consumer
news group.
news://misc.consumers.house.homeowner-assn . A Google search of past
posts might turn up helpful information.

http://www.radiojc.net/cmr/personal/dss.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "Variations on a pole
mount for apartment dwellers"
http://www.starlink-dss.com/flexoflat.htm (Who's computer is this?) , "How can I get a coax into
my apartment without drilling holes?"
http://www.dbsforums.com/glass.html (Who's computer is this?) , "Can DSS be received through a
glass window?"
http://www.dbsforums.com/glass_2.html (Who's computer is this?) , "DBS through Glass"

Here are some interesting URLs gathered by a poster who is the
president of a condo homeowners association. They make it clear where
you can and cannot erect a satellite dish.

http://www.condolawyers.com/articles/fcc.htm (Who's computer is this?)
http://www.condolawyers.com/articles/newfcc.htm (Who's computer is this?)
http://www.cnyc.com/code/bdgaut98.html (Who's computer is this?)
http://www.angius-terry.com/satellite.htm (Who's computer is this?)
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Factsheets/otafacts.html (Who's computer is this?)
(preceding superceded by following document)
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/1998/nrcb8023.html (Who's computer is this?)

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Subject: 9. MOBILE INSTALLATION

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/ontheroad.htm (Who's computer is this?) , On The Road Page
http://shop.skyvision.com/store/onthego.html (Who's computer is this?) , Where can I find RV DBS
accessories?
http://www.satcomweb.com/passportline.htm (Who's computer is this?) , Info on the new flat panel
portable DBS antennas?

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Subject: 10. TROUBLESHOOTING LOST SIGNAL

Q: All I see is a message that does not disappear...."acquiring
service." When I do a diagnostic I get a message that says my switch
is not working. There is NO signal strength!

I wouldn't suggest even *touching* your dish until you have been able
to eliminate all other possible culprits. In this case, you're going
to be gauging what is wrong by whether or not you have signal
strength.

Assuming you have a cable (or some other hardware-related) problem,
then right now your dish is in correct alignment with the satellite.
If you move the dish, and *then* try swapping out cable, or a switch,
your dish is now out of alignment with the satellite, and wouldn't be
receiving signal strength even if everything was working correctly.

Therefore, no way to gauge if what you replaced was the real culprit.

Solution--check your cabling first, and if you can eliminate the
receiver, LNBF, switch, and any other possible problems, *then* you
can try moving your dish. Otherwise, you'll be causing more problems
than you've solved. --dgoff1

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/troubleshooting.htm (Who's computer is this?) , Troubleshooting Page

It is often necessary to know if your dish has the Twin or double dual
LNBFs in order to give a good answer. If you are not sure, see the
pictures at http://ekb.dbstalk.com/dish500pics.htm (Who's computer is this?) .

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Subject: 11. DIPLEXERS

Diplexers are used to combine OTA antenna signals with the LNB signal
on the way to a receiver. They can only be used downstream of
switches, and you'll need a pair for each receiver's satellite feed.
For many installations diplexers will not be necessary, and their use
should be restricted to situations which actually require them, not
used simply because it will save wire.

Diplexers can only be used downstream of the power inserter on output
1 of powered switches like the SW44 and SW64. Placing diplexers
between the SW44 and the power inserter might cause reception
problems.

High quality diplexers are recommended, cheap units will have poor
filters and may attenuate signals at the top of the UHF band. The
additional connections that diplexers require are a persistant source
of trouble. Be sure to install them so that water will not wick along
the wires into the connectors.

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Subject: 12. CREDITS

Seth, Bill R, jbuff and the EKB, ElecConnec, dgoff1