NOTE: Lots of good info here, no matter what meter you use!

Simultaneous Multi-Signal (SMS) Metering!

Here you can find out how and why to use the dual analog meter and great information for any installer.

         Channel Master Manual_1008IFD.pdf

      How to check and correct skew problems...

      Dish 1000 and 1000.2 - Some differences

      Dish 500+

       Installing a 61.5, 129, or 148

Technician Resource

      Installer Notes

    What dish do I have? Identifying Dishes

    What does the dish "see"?

    How can I determine if my dish is "grounded"?

        Why Ground?

    Other LNBs

    TV2 Tips & Tricks - TV2 should always be great!

    Transponders - What are they?

    Signal and HD Quality - What you won't hear anywhere!

     WOWVision! Interactive Glossary

                       http://www.dishpointer.com/

         How do I identify or find satellites? Satellite Finder

         Dish Pro & DISH Pro Plus Information and Installation Documents

         Dish basic point AZ/EL 119 & 110 by zipcode  installation/azimuth

For questions, comments, input, feedback, or if you live near the St. Louis area and are requesting personal assistance or consult, please contact highdefjeff@wowvision.tv

How to align the Dish 1000+ using one (1) dual meter...

click to enlarge

In the picture above, you can see a "relatively" accurate portrayal of a Dish 1000+ and the positions of the satellites it receives, for St. Louis.

In St. Louis, we start with these numbers:

Azimuth = 221     Elevation = 37     and Skew = 120.5

(Dish says AZ 218, EL 37, SK 120)

Point the dish at 221 degrees on the compass (using the polar plate mast collar for reference, sight through the "gap" from behind the dish). You should already be receiving signal. If not, re-check your compass and dish settings and re-try. (Make sure that your mast is plumb!)

Next, use "Gain" to equalize the signals you are receiving. Match the level of the signal meters between 80 and 100 on the meters scale. Then, move the dish slightly to the left and/or right noting the strength of the two signals. Stop when they are at their highest point and tighten the collar enough for the dish to remain stable as you continue. This has aligned your dish with it's azimuth.

Now, replace the 110 satellite lead with the lead from the 118 satellite (marked 1F on bottom of the LNB), but leave the 129 connected. This step will likely change the elevation a bit and make sure that you have the best signal on 118.7 and 129.

Note: The signal strengths are different for all four satellites and the signal type is different for 118.7. The 118.7 signal is the FSS signal, versus DBS for the other satellites. This sets the Dish 1000+ apart from the Dish 1000 and Dish 1000.2. It also explains the considerably larger size of the reflector for the Dish 1000+ vs. the others. The satellites using the FSS signal need a larger surface area to work. You can't use an 18" dish to receive an FSS signal. Satellites 105 and 121 use FSS also, and if you've done work with the Super Dish (105 or 121), you remember the size and hassles of those dishes.

The different signal strengths are listed here, from strongest to weakest, and what they bring to the St. Louis market. This is also their arrangement as they enter a 44 switch:

Port 1 or 2; 119 (most programming and some HD),

Port 1 or 2; 110 (regular SD locals),

Port 3; 129 (some HD),

and Port 4; 118 (4 HD locals)

Because of the difference in the strength and the type of the satellite signals, it is possible to have almost no signal on 118.7 (weakest), with little overall effect on the strong signal of 110 or 119. Since the FSS signal from 118.7 is the satellite that needs the greatest surface area of the dish reflector, it is the one where true peaking occurs.

Hook up two dual meters to see this for yourself. 

Again, equalize your needles in the high range of your meter for 129 and 118 using "Gain", and then check your elevation, azimuth again (gentle pushes and pulls from all sides), to fine tune the dish. The fast response of the analog meter makes it a breeze (and fast) to determine the quality of the point.

Before loosening your elevation nuts on this heavy dish, test elevation by gently pushing or pulling on the top edge of the dish and watching the results on your meter. (Ideally, you will start with elevation just a bit high, as it is easier to lower the dish than to raise it. To lower a Dish 1000+ easily, loosen one side of the elevation adjustment. Then tighten it back up. Then, loosen the other elevation nut and re-tighten. As you repeat this process, the weight of the Dish will, little by little, pull the dish elevation down.)

When you've peaked your signals, leave the meter "On" while tightening the bolts until you are sure there will be no more movement. Sometimes tightening the bolts can alter the dish, especially with a Dish 500.

These numbers WON'T appreciably change unless you are many miles from home. Don't be surprised if the numbers don't match what you've been starting with, but they will be your numbers and when you use them, you will find alignment has gotten much easier.

If you are fortunate enough to have a Super Buddy meter, or unfortunate enough to be trying this from the TV's signal screen, peak satellite 118.7 on transponder 18.

Dish 500+

Use your dual analog meter on satellites 118.7 and 110. 

In my experience, and my opinion, for the money, no meter comes close to doing what a DUAL ANALOG meter will do for any satellite technician! It'll be the best money you ever spent on a meter! The super buddy would definitely be my second choice and the two together are amazing!