Trouble receiving Sky Digital

[mikegall]

Sorry if this subject has been civered before but having just trawled around cannot find mention of this particular problem.

Recently we have been finding that mainly the subscription cahannels, e.g. Sky Sports, Movies etc., have occasionally been freezing and then coming up with the "No satellite signal being received" message. They may correct themselves after a few seconds/minutes or not at all. We have rebooted the system, cleaned the viewing card and even changed the box from the original Sky box to a Panasonic. The problem still exists. On the system test the signal is showing strong.

Can anyone help please?

Thanks,

Mike

[BGonaSTICK]

If you've replaced the box already, then the next most likely candidate is the LNB.

It might be worth checking dish alignment first, because signal quality is more important than signal strength.

LNBs are only a few pounds on eBay, so may be worth swapping anyway - especially if yours is more than three or four years old.

Other things to check are dodgy 'F' connectors (the screw on plugs at each end of the coax) and the coax itself.

Let us know how you get on!

[Gav]

Its probably a crap sky install. (a.k.a. a standard sky install) - I was sorting my Sky Dish out and whilst I was up there I noticed that it was *barely* pointed at 28.2 East and the angles were just wrong.

It was still picking up Sky but the signal dropped (like yours) quite often. I re-allinged it and never had a problem since.

[mikegall]

Thanks,
LNB on order, will keep you posted.

Mike

[mikegall]

Thanks Gav,

It has been OK for several years but will check alignment when changing out LNB.

Mike

[BGonaSTICK]

If you can get an assistant to watch the signal meters on the TV, then without loosening the clamp, try flexing the dish gently (from behind) up/down/left/right by holding the edge of the dish face to see if you can get the signal quality up any.

If you can, mark the current position with a permanent marker, then loosen the clamp(s) slightly and make your adjustments.

That way you can at least always get back to where you were.

[mikegall]

Thanks everyone for your help. It would appear it was the F connector on the dish. At least since being tightened we have had uniterrupted service!????

Mike

[BGonaSTICK]

Oh yes, those little beggars can be the downfall of the most expensive and sophisticated setups.

They're easy to change, but you should waterproof them with something called 'self-amalgamating tape' - an amazing 'rubbery' tape that (once stretched) actually bonds to itself to form a watertight rubber 'boot' after around 30 minutes. A good investment for anyone. You'll find yourself using it for loads of applications!

For me, it's right up there with WD40 and Duct tape

[Gav]

Originally Posted by BGonaSTICK

Oh yes, those little beggars can be the downfall of the most expensive and sophisticated setups.

They're easy to change, but you should waterproof them with something called 'self-amalgamating tape' - an amazing 'rubbery' tape that (once stretched) actually bonds to itself to form a watertight rubber 'boot' after around 30 minutes. A good investment for anyone. You'll find yourself using it for loads of applications!

For me, it's right up there with WD40 and Duct tape

& Of course - Blu-Tac

[barr6868]

Originally Posted by Gav

& Of course - Blu-Tac

And silicon sealant
Covers a multitude of sins