I have an installation where my RCA elliptical satellite dish is about 1000' from the receiver and have a problem with the signal. On odd numbered transponders I get a signal strength of 85. On even numbered transponders I get a searching for satellite message. I've tried using in-line amplifiers (channelmaster) but that doesn't seem to help. I've also tried a dirrerent antenna (Sony round with dual LNB) and different receivers (Sony and RCA HDTV). The dish is connected with RG8U low loss coax.

I know the obvious solution is to mount the antenna closer to the receiver but I can't because of a large growth of tall trees. Anybody have any advice? Much appreciated!

Dave

Correction: It is RG-6 quad shield that is run from the receiver to the dish.

Dave,
I asked a similar question on the dbsdish forum (http://www.dbsdish.com/) awhile back -- can't retrieve it for you, since they only archive messages for 30 days. Post your question there and you'll probably get a good response.

-Ken

PS-The answer was that voltage drop (not signal loss) is the problem with a long run. The switches need a certain voltage to function and it appears that at least some of yours aren't getting enough juice.

Thank you, Ken. I will do that.

Hmmm, voltage huh? Wonder if I could use some sort of seperate power supply down by the antenna.

Anyway, off I go to the dbdish forum. Thanks again!

Dave

Hi dave..THINK i HAVE a SOLUTION..never had a 1000' run but the typical solution to long cable runs are as follows; and better still , will give u a phone number for a hi-end satellite and amplifier mfg who may direct you even better than i, but it sounds like 1), yes ,u do have a voltage problem feeding back to the LNB's which would require an amp to increase/maintain proper voltage, or even better yet, use one of the new design multi-switches 2)i would use nothing less than a 3'dish
to garner-in the input signal, thereby intensifying it so much because of the size of the dish , that u would have next to no signal loss downstream at the receiver....sounds like u have a 2 fold problem, but definitely u need to intensify the signal to the receiver, and maintain the correct voltage back to the dish LNB's...regardless of what anyone says, 18'' dishes are ok for low-end installs, and i believe the ellipticals are 21 or 22'',and are adequate too.But u may have to keep ur elliptical if u dont want to use multiple dishes to aim at different satellites which i believe is the nature of your purpose for using an elliptical dish.Otherwise ALWAYS use a 24'' to 48''dish to gain an optimal IF signal at your receiver or multi-switch, from the dish....we have been doing so for 3 years, along with the newer 'surface mount technology 'multiswitchs which is also available;together the bigger dish and this type of multi-switch will virtually eliminate rainfade , pixelization, and drop outs , because the multi-switch affords you the proper voltage back to the lnb's on the dish as it powers the line with dc voltage,(yes, u need to be able to plug it in ) amplifies the IF satellite signal to compensate for insertion loss to the rcvr , and has excellant thruloss, return loss, isolation , and group delay;again,.thereby eliminating much of the drop-outs dss systems sre known for.....anyway the phone number for Jayco Industries , FtLauderdale , Fla. is 1-800-841-7970...ask for tech support;they'll direct u in the right direction with a 1000'cable run...we use their multi switch #35-tr8ws,2inputs plus 8 outputs, and #35-tr4ws,2 inputs plus 4 outputs, almost exclusively (2 inputs being for the 2 LNB's )...have one at my house , and i dont have any more signal dropouts, or pixelization problems like i used too with my 24'' dish....
good luck billy c

Ken - you were right. I got two responses yesterday afternoon. For the benefit of anyone else reading this thread, the problem is indeed voltage loss, not signal loss over the long run. The drop in my 18V is not allowing the LNBs to change polarity and receive the even-numbered transponders.

One recommended solution was to use RG11 coax which is heavier and has less inherent loss. The other was to use a power inserted in-line amplifier like a ChannelMaster 5216IFD or 5224IFD.

I opted for the latter (ChannelMaster) solution as it is more cost effective than replacing 2000' of cable. I'll post next week after I get the amp and let everyone know how it worked out.

Dave