One of the CSRs at D* said they will be using the new Slimline 5 LNB dishes starting next month (and we all know how on top of things the D* CSRs are). Can anyone else confirm this?

Thanks, Mike :rolleyes:

Installations have been reported, it is basically seems to be as they run out of AT9s. One report on either DBStalk or SatelliteGuys did a careful compare of signal strength, peaking each dish with the same meter and the Slimline gave a slightly higher reading on the receiver.

Installations have been reported, it is basically seems to be as they run out of AT9s. One report on either DBStalk or SatelliteGuys did a careful compare of signal strength, peaking each dish with the same meter and the Slimline gave a slightly higher reading on the receiver.

So in some locations you can get a Slimeline now? Can I order one on line?

Thanks, Mike

All the ones I saw posted were by installers. I have not found one online yet but I have not been searching too hard (my locals come in fine OTA)

Thanks for the info. I will start looking.

Mike

You can find them on everyone's favorite auction site if you plan to install it on your own... If you want to go through Directv, you are at the mercy of the local installer.

Installations have been reported, it is basically seems to be as they run out of AT9s. One report on either DBStalk or SatelliteGuys did a careful compare of signal strength, peaking each dish with the same meter and the Slimline gave a slightly higher reading on the receiver.


I read the same review - and the numbers were so close - quite frankly, I've had more variation when I plugged in my WB68 Multiswitch in reception than what was reported.

(If you search for it early this year, my Ka number went up 8 points WITH the multiswitch - which I found bizarre as I assumed it to be a passive switch - as it does not need a seperate power supply).

That 8 points (from 92 without and 100 with) is much greater than the 1 or 2 points shown between the AT9 and the Slimline.

An issue for me is the weight of this dish compared to the AT9. Since the info I read indicates that it's not much smaller than the KaKu, does anyone know if there's much difference in the weight between the two?

It's supposed to be half the weight. I believe the reflector is plastic but I could be wrong.

I believe the official number was 30% weight reduction.

It was supposed to be smaller and lighter.

We now know the surface size is not even 5% smaller.

Weight on the AT9 is 32 lbs. I really doubt that the other is 50% less.

AT-9 weights 37 lbs- dish + mast

Slimline weighs 33 lbs- dish + mast.

The "SlimLine" is 32.25" x 22.50" = 725.625 sq in surface area as compared to 29.50" x 25.50" = 752.25 sq in surface area for the AT9. (SL is 26.625 sq in smaller.

Is it possible to post a link to some pics of the "slimline" dish? TIA

AT-9 weights 37 lbs- dish + mast

Slimline weighs 33 lbs- dish + mast.

The "SlimLine" is 32.25" x 22.50" = 725.625 sq in surface area as compared to 29.50" x 25.50" = 752.25 sq in surface area for the AT9. (SL is 26.625 sq in smaller.

You know, I thought the AT9 was 36 lbs and the Slimeline was 32lbs and actually typed that - but decided to double check it before I hit submit. I checked the SolidSignal website which lists shipping on the AT9 at 32 lbs. Another site also used 32lbs shipping...so that is the figure I used.

I searched for 45 minutes for a definitive answer as to the weight of the Slimline and could not find it - so again - I used the 32 lbs figure from SolidSignal for shipping the AT9 :confused:

Is it possible to post a link to some pics of the "slimline" dish? TIA

http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/12/127160/FINALSlidesInvestorDay2-22-06.pdf

Page 31

Thanks, meany. That looks much better than the AT9 dish. The LNB setup on the AT9 seems like such a hacked together piece of junk. Defiinitely v.1. I'm waiting for the first MPEG4 national HD channel to launch before I install the new dish. Thanks, again.

Thanks, meany. That looks much better than the AT9 dish. The LNB setup on the AT9 seems like such a hacked together piece of junk. Defiinitely v.1. I'm waiting for the first MPEG4 national HD channel to launch before I install the new dish. Thanks, again.

Quite simply, I don't think a wife or anyone that has a problem with the appearance of an AT9 will find the Slimline 1 bit more acceptable.

It's not a piece of art for God's sake.

FWIW, I just ran out to grab some dinner at a resturant - and on the way there was a D* white install truck 10 houses down the street (remember its past 9pm local). Now, I saw the truck there on Wednesday, lol, and was wondering wtf was up with that.

So, yes, again I stop and go ring the doorbell (as the lights were all on - the garage door open and 10 cars outside, I figure they aren't going to be asleep) and ask to speak the the D* Installer. Owner asks me in - he and his bud are all watching football in HD and drinking while the D* installer is working.

Apparently another installer had been there 2 days ago but wasnt going to go up on top of his 2 1/2 story house - so this guy was doing it today - wasn't the same installer - and he had not been there for 3 days straight.

Got his cellphone as I wanted to pay him off the books to adjust my AT9 to make sure the Ka feed is peaked correctly.

I asked him about the slimlines and he gave the typical "they are not out yet". I told him they were and being installed in other markets - he said they have only one for demo in the shop to learn how to install it.

I stated they probably want to use up the AT9s in stock before rolling out the slimlines. He then confided to me that was correct.

He also stated that the slimlines are easier to adjust than the AT9. I didn't get into it with him about what that means as he is going to come by in several days "off the clock".

But again, this a very large market which was in the first batch up with the HD-LILs.

So, it seems they are just trying to use up the old stock AT9 first.

http://tinypic.com/2hfpahh.jpg
The slimline is currently being installed in our DMA, as dealers run out of AT9s.

Just had an AT9 installed by D* installer, and my single strength across all sats is no higher than 76.

Is this normal for the AT9, or did the D* installed just do a crappy install?

Also I am getting nothing from Sat 99, has this bird launched yet?

Just had an AT9 installed by D* installer, and my single strength across all sats is no higher than 76.

Is this normal for the AT9, or did the D* installed just do a crappy install?

Also I am getting nothing from Sat 99, has this bird launched yet?


I vote for crappy install.

Just had an AT9 installed by D* installer, and my single strength across all sats is no higher than 76.

Is this normal for the AT9, or did the D* installed just do a crappy install?

Also I am getting nothing from Sat 99, has this bird launched yet?

IF your receiver is an H20, it normally only reads in the 70s. However, a crappy install is very probable :( . As for 99, your area might not have any spotbeams coming from 99. It is up and operational

IF your receiver is an H20, it normally only reads in the 70s. However, a crappy install is very probable :( . As for 99, your area might not have any spotbeams coming from 99. It is up and operational

longrider is correct. My H20 gets everything in the high 70s, while all the other receivers are in the high 80s and 90s.

Just had an AT9 installed by D* installer, and my single strength across all sats is no higher than 76.

Is this normal for the AT9, or did the D* installed just do a crappy install?

Also I am getting nothing from Sat 99, has this bird launched yet?

My AT-9 was installed on Thursday. My new H20 reports signal strength in the 70s and the HR 20 shows in the 90s. My H20 has about 200 ft of cable between it and the dish. 103 reports signal failure, yet I get the two MPEG-4 HD stations available to me. I found that to be a pleasent surprise. My installer said that 99 isn't even turned on. He also offered to come back and install a slimline when they're available. I'll only take him up on it if I have problems with the AT-9. My first rain even with the new dish is today.

Bill

Thanks everyone for the great feedback!

Sorry I should have provided more information:
Yes I have two H20's along with 3 other various non-HD D* devices.
I'm located in the Philadelphia PA market - "GO EAGLES"

New Question:
Can anyone tell me what HD channels are using the MPEG-4 standard? Sorry if this is a stupid question!

To add - I went up on the ladder today to inspect the work and found the following:
1) No grounding wire installed to the AT9
2) Only three (3) screws placed in the main bracket - which is making me nervous given the weight of the AT9!

Will_Mor - My sat 103 is also reporting 0 signal, but I get all the HD channels plus the all the local HD. My installer said the same thing about sat 99, but I did not want to take his word on it. Also, I will have my first rain today as well.

Well I'm off to bitch to the D* CSR to see what they are going to do for me about the crappy dish install.

I'll keep you all posted on how I make out.

My AT-9 was installed on Thursday. My new H20 reports signal strength in the 70s and the HR 20 shows in the 90s. 70s for many transponders is a normal reading on the H20. It displays a relatively lower SS reading than other receivers. This lower display of signal strength does not affect actual reception and doesn't increase rain fade. Many people have reported less rain fade problems with the H20 than older receivers. As always, YMMV.

To add - I went up on the ladder today to inspect the work and found the following:
1) No grounding wire installed to the AT9
2) Only three (3) screws placed in the main bracket - which is making me nervous given the weight of the AT9!

Call D* and demand that they come back and ground the dish and coax per NEC (National Electrical Code). This involves running a bonding ground wire from both the dish mast and the coax indoor entry point to the main electrical power ground source, which is often below the electric meter box.
http://tinypic.com/2unubl3.gif
This image shows typical grounding for an antenna, but the dish ground would be the same. Both coax entry point and antenna/dish mast must be grounded to power ground.

Just spoke with the D* CSR concerning the poor installation of the AT9. They wanted to give me a $70 credit, which I refused for now - they are going to send out a "Lead Technician" on Tuesday to correct the installation issues.

We’ll see how that goes!

Also asked about the new Slimline dish - D* CSR, has no idea of what I was talking about!

Again, thanks all for all the information provided.

Just curious, why did you refuse a "sorry for the trouble" $70 bill credit?

Will do ARXAW - thanks for the detailed drawing - I'll be sure to share this information with the Lead installer on Tuesday!

It's pretty sad that we the customer have to educate the so called professional!

The choice was a $70 credit or send an installer back out to correct the issues. If I'm still not satisfied after Tuesday, I'm going to demand the $70 credit and correct any remaining issues myself.

I would press for the credit for your time & trouble and a correction to the problem. Threaten to report the installing company and DirecTV to the BBB and local inspectors, if you have them.

There's no excuse for sloppy non-code work.

The H20 does normally read almost 20 points lower than other receivers. One model has a software bug that doesn't properly report recognizing the Ka band satellites. The dish aim could be fine.

I love that people say this cannot get a signal higher than the 70s, when I did my own install and have readings of many in the 90s, a ton in the 80s and even a 100 on some ka transponders in the past on my H20.

I guess it means I must be one hell of an Installation guy! If it paid worth a darn, I'd have a second career lined up!

Now I am wondering again why I offered a D* tech money on the side to come by and check the alignment if this is the best the do for others.

70s for many transponders is a normal reading on the H20. It displays a relatively lower SS reading than other receivers. This lower display of signal strength does not affect actual reception and doesn't increase rain fade. Many people have reported less rain fade problems with the H20 than older receivers. As always, YMMV.

That's certainly not what users are reporting about their HD LIL Ka frequencies.

Had my first rain with the new AT9 and experienced poor picture quality (digital blocking) on all HD local channels. As stated earlier, D* is sending out what they call a lead technician on Tuesday to correct the AT9 issues. I’ll let you all know how I make out.

Again thanks for all the good advice and feedback.

Numbers in the 70s are for Ku band national channels. Locals are spot beamed and read higher.

Numbers in the 70s are for Ku band national channels. Locals are spot beamed and read higher.

I have 90s and 80s on more than half the Ku band national transponders with my AT9 install and a H20. Checked it again this afternoon after this became a discussion point again today.

My RCA DCT-100 has signal levels on the Ku transponders less than my H20 readings on well over half of the transponders.

Transponders reading in the 80s and 90s on the H20 with my AT9 install are:

101 1,3,5,6,10,11,13,15,17,19,20,23,25, and 28
110 all 3 transponders
119 22,24,26,27,28,29,30,32

That's 25 by my count out of 46 total - and only 2 (or 3) of those are spotbeams iirc.

Further more, 10 additional transponders are 77 or above - so 35 out of 46 are 77 or above with my H20 / AT9 install.

Had my first rain with the new AT9 and experienced poor picture quality (digital blocking) on all HD local channels. As stated earlier, D* is sending out what they call a lead technician on Tuesday to correct the AT9 issues. I’ll let you all know how I make out.

Again thanks for all the good advice and feedback.

I also went through my first rain with the AT-9. It wasn't raining particularly hard and I lost my signal. I reset my receivers (H20 and HR20) and I was fine for the rest of the day with a great picture even when the rain got heavier. Go figure.

I have 90s and 80s on more than half the Ku band national transponders with my AT9 install and a H20. Checked it again this afternoon after this became a discussion point again today.Which H20 do you have? 70s have been typical for the H20-600. Maybe the H20-100s are different. Has there been a software upgrade recently?

I just saw this thread.

They installed my Slimline dish 11.3.06. They were out of the older 5lnb and sent that one out. I can't comment on Signal Strength because I still have the HR10-250. We had a pretty decent rain the other night with no issues whatsoever.
Not much help, but they are being installed.

Which H20 do you have? 70s have been typical for the H20-600. Maybe the H20-100s are different. Has there been a software upgrade recently?

I have the H20-600 which can double for a George Forman grill. The numbers have been that way since I installed last December and remain consistent (except for the Ka numbers as I had 100 on the 2 transponders I could recieve (of course those were spotbeam) until they reduced the transponders to 6 this past Summer at the latest software upgrade.

I've never heard of anybody else getting those kind of numbers.

After taking the day off from work - the D* installer never came to correct my alignment problem and properly ground the AT9 they installed last week.

I have 2 H20-100's each with Signal Strength in the low 70's.

Called D* CSR they issued a $20 credit plus a 6 months HD package credit and rescheduled the D* for this Saturday. Does any one want to bet any money on them showing up – I’m giving 3 to 1 odds!

If they are a no-show on Saturday I’m just going to do the work myself. Found a good website that explains how to setup and properly align (w/single meter) the AT9. It's actually a video from D*, which obviously there own installers never watched!

“If you want something done right – do it yourself”

You can find some pics of my install here...Slimline Dish pics (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=684113#post684113)

I've had it since 10-9

You can find some pics of my install here...Slimline Dish pics (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=684113#post684113)

I've had it since 10-9
Billpear - did you mount it on an existing 3LNB Mast or is the tape there to protect the wires?.....also no support pole needed?.....

I am going to update my dish soon, but I am wondering if I can use the mast from the 3lnb to mount the Slimline..... :confused:

Billpear - did you mount it on an existing 3LNB Mast or is the tape there to protect the wires?.....also no support pole needed?.....

I am going to update my dish soon, but I am wondering if I can use the mast from the 3lnb to mount the Slimline..... :confused:

If you haven't finished reading through that thread, it is mounted on the iron vent pipe for my bathroom sink, and fortunately that pipe is very securely mounted. I don't know why the installer put the tape there...

Thanks, did not read the entire thread where pics were.....

Have any of you tried this http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_disp...e%20Components

I am getting mixed reports on it and not sure what to do.

By the way it looks like the site is having problems right now. I called and talked to tech yesterday and he didn't recomend it but I have seen that others have used it with no problems.

It is a 12 inch sleeve that fits over the current 1 5/8 pole trhat I have.

Thanks in advance

It will depend on how solidly mounted and how long the 1 5/8" pole is. A concrete pad with a 4ft pole will do well. Replacing the head of a standard 3LNB dish mount will not. 5LNB dishes need larger mounting pads for roof and wall mounts and need a monopole or two depending on wind exposure. Chimney and under eave mounts are not recommended.

If you haven't finished reading through that thread, it is mounted on the iron vent pipe for my bathroom sink, and fortunately that pipe is very securely mounted. I don't know why the installer put the tape there...

Because obviously the pipe was a tad small for the mount and needed to increase the diameter of the pipe slightly.

It will depend on how solidly mounted and how long the 1 5/8" pole is. A concrete pad with a 4ft pole will do well. Replacing the head of a standard 3LNB dish mount will not. 5LNB dishes need larger mounting pads for roof and wall mounts and need a monopole or two depending on wind exposure. Chimney and under eave mounts are not recommended.

Thanks for your reply. I went ahead and ordered the piece and hope it will work alright. I am about 4 1/2 ft off the ground the pole is in cement at least 2ft down if not more. From what I have read in other places it seems to have worked. I guess if doesn't work I will just put a new pole in.