Installation Problem -- High Winds?

I had my HD installed last week. I live near Lubbock, Texas, noted for high winds. First off the installer just couldn't get the signal locked in because he was off on elevation. I suspect he was inexperienced. He got behind and left too soon for another appointment. The result was some of the HD channels were fading in and out -- notable 310 Cinemax HD. Interestingly, 300 HBO worked and ESPNs, NFL Network others worked great. Some like History, A&E and the VOOMs were fading in and out.

Installer came back two days later and did it again, got everything working great. "I tightened every thing down tight enough to withstand a hurricane," he said.

However, the very next day we had snow and high winds and again the 310 Cinemax and other were fading in and out. Yes, I did clean the snow off the dish. :what:

Any suggestions as to why this is happening? It is now the next day, the winds have calmed and 310 Cinemax HD is still fading in and out. Any suggestions I can give to the installer when he comes back out?

When you call, ask for a senior technician to get the pointing correct. There is no reason this shouldn't have been done correctly in the first place. FYI I spray PAM on my Dish and it really helps to keep the snow off.

WELCOME to Dish Network!

Exactly what do you mean by fading out, digital signals have a very sharp threshold, they will pixellate and be gone with very much signal drop.

Press Menu 6-1-1 while tuned to Cinemax HD and see what your signal strength is - green is good, yellow is danger, red is gone. Probably should be at least in the 30's or 40's.

Be sure the base is very solid, and all the bolts are tight.

What dish did you get 1000.2?

I've never has a problem with the wind blowing my Dish 1000 out of alignment, of course, I did my own dish peak and made sure everything was tight.

Call Dish back and have them send out a tech to re-align the dish, concentrating on getting good signal strength on 129.

Cinemax is on 129 TP27, which I find to be fairly strong. Check your signal on Big 10 Network (not one of the alt's)(129 TP6) it seems to be the weakest on my system.

Jim5506,

My picture on 310 Cinemax HD is perfect then it begins to pixellate, screen turns to gray and goes to "Acquiring Satellite" screen. Minutes later it may be back to perfect.

Have tried all the stuff you list. When we go through the 6-1-1 tests some transponders are 0 some are 30s and 40s on the 129.

I have a 1000 don't know if it is 1000.2 ... Plainview person installed. Others that fade out include 118 A&E and 120 History HD.

I suspect it is just a smidgen out of peak alignment. I called him yesterday again and he's willing to come back again.

Your higher TP's on 129 should be in the 50's, my lowest TP is in the low 30's.

He may have to sacrifice a little of signal strength on 119 and 110 to bring 129 up to acceptable level.

Here I am three weeks after my HD installation and these guys from Plainview, Texas still can't get my dish tweaked correctly. The guy has been here five times. 310 Cinemax still fades out, pixelates, goes to acquiring satellite.

The inexperienced installer has been super friendly, but enough was enough. Finally had to get horsey with him and said, "Send a senior installer, this is ridiculous." Geez, this ain't rocket science.:mad: