Signal Level & Quality

[p harrison]

Hi everyone, new member to Techwatch.
I'm completely new to satellite TV. Just bought an "off the shelf" system in France and I can't get going with it.
The receiver is Optex ORD9540, dish is 80cm (not motorised). I,m sure I have followed all the instructions correctly although my French isn't 100%.
Signal level is between 65 & 75% but quality is zero!!
The dish and receiver are digital but our TV is analogue. I thought I could route through a freeview box but this isn't working.
Can anyone help please?

[Robbo]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

What satellite or channels are you trying to pick up.

As you will have to carefully align your dish to your chosen satellite for it to work.

Have a look at this alignment tool

DishPointer.com - Satellite Dish Pointer / Alignment Calculator with Google Maps

Robbo

[BlackHawk]

As robbo71 states, accurate alignment is essential. You are trying to locate a satellite, approx 25000miles/40000kms, away out in space. "A miss is as good as a mile", as the saying goes.
Use the link given by robbo71 to help you point your dish.
If you tell us which satellite you are trying to receive from we can let you know of an active transponder to set your receiver to so that you can get some indication that you are pointing correctly.
BlackHawk

[p harrison]

Thanks for the rapid responses Robbo & Black Hawk
I have downloaded a satellite finder programme and put in my exact location on France.
I am trying to pick up Hot Bird at 13E degrees and Astra 1E at 19E degrees, both at 36 degrees elevation (based on my location).
I have used a compass and sight line from next door neighbour's dish.
It does seem from other threads that using an unmotorised dish is trial and error.
Regards
Phil

[Robbo]

What is your nearest big Town in France?. Because I am a bit confused why you have the same elevation for both sats, they should be different.

Yes, aligning a dish can be trial and error, or another way to do it, is to set the dish elevation right and then slowly swing the dish around until you pick up the sat.

I normally just point it where my Sky dish is pointing, and work my way back from there, satellite by satellite.

[p harrison]

Thanks Robbo
We live in Department 16, Charente. Nearest big town is Angouleme.
The instructions in the kit say Hotbird at 13 degrees east and Astra at 19.2 degrees east. They also state the dish should be elevated to 36 degrees in department 16.
Regards
Phil

[Robbo]

Your elevation for Hotbird is 36 degrees, but for Astra1(19E), it is less at about 34.

SatLex Digital :: Technology :: Calculators :: AZ/EL Calculator

[BlackHawk]

Another thing to remember is, if you have an offset dish, the offset angle of the dish has to be deducted from the look angle.
BlackHawk

[p harrison]

Thanks guys
One thing I didn't ask.
We have some trees approx. 25 metres from the dish in line of signal.
The dish is mounted on the gable end of the house approx. 5 metres high and the trees are approx. 30-35 metres high.
Are these likely to disrupt the signal?
Should I re-site the dish?
Regards
Phil

[Robbo]

Hi,
Yes, that tree is going to cause a problem, as it is too high and too close.
The angle to the top of the tree from your dish is approx 50 degrees, you will not be able to see the satelites, since your required elevation is 35 ish degrees.

At ground level you need to be at least 54m away from that tree at ground level (33 degrees), or 46m away at a 5m height.

Alternatively, move the dish to the right or left so that it misses the tree.

Robbo