Filter
Top Products
Reference
40 Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Can’t Pick Up the Satellite Signal
Most problems with signal acquisition can be traced to one of these points: improper cabling and connections or
inaccurate positioning and pointing of the DIRECTV PLUS™ dish.
Cabling and Connections Problems
1. Make sure you’re using the proper type of RG-6 coaxial cable to connect the LNB to the grounding block and the
grounding block to the satellite receiver. Standard Cable TV coaxial cables (RG-59) will NOT pass the satellite signals
properly. Important: Do NOT connect the RG-6 cable from the dish or grounding block to any existing TV cable
in your house. Do not use conventional TV splitters. They will not pass the satellite signals.
2. Make sure the Access Card is fully inserted into the Access Card slot.
3. Check all cable connections to make sure they are securely fastened to the proper connectors, from the TV, to the
satellite receiver, all the way out to the dish LNB. Make sure the coaxial cable connector center conductor is not
bent or broken.
4. Make sure the cable from the dish to the receiver is connected to the SATELLITE IN jack on the back of the receiver
(NOT the ANTENNA IN jack).
DIRECTV PLUS™ Dish Positioning and Pointing Problems
1. Verify that you are using the correct azimuth and elevation for your city by using the dish pointing menu.
2. Make sure the DIRECTV PLUS™ dish is physically set to the correct coordinates given on the dish pointing menu.
• Make sure the DIRECTV PLUS™ dish mast is plumb and level.
• Make sure the elevation indicator (edge of metal, NOT the washer or the bolt) is aligned to the correct
elevation and that the polarization is set correctly.
3. Use a compass to verify that the center of the antenna is pointed toward the correct azimuth reading (number) as
indicated by the dish pointing menu. Nearby metal objects may cause a compass to give an inaccurate reading.
4. Make sure there are no obstructions (trees, buildings, windows, your body or hands, etc.) that might be blocking
the satellite signal.
5. Slowly rotate the DIRECTV PLUS™ dish left or right (one tick mark at a time) pausing at each for 3-5 seconds until
the on-screen signal meter produces one continuous tone.
6. If you can’t acquire a signal by rotating the DIRECTV PLUS™ dish left and right, readjust the elevation of the dish.
• Return the center of the antenna to the original azimuth (left-to-right compass direction).
• Loosen the elevation nuts on the LNB support arm and position the DIRECTV PLUS™ dish upward or
downward (one tick mark at a time). When finished, retighten the nut.