Lost signal after moving dish

DirecTV has been shutting down the MPEG-2/SD-only feeds. With that H23 in theory you should have an MPEG-4 capable setup to where at least that one should still pull up the service. But even if you get the D12s working again, they are on borrowed time being severely outdated.

What dish/LNB do you have?

What are the exact signal readings?

I would use one of the websites to help with exact alignment.

https://www.directv.com/dish-pointer/ (Official)

www.dishpointer.com (3rd party used for many years)

Thanks for responding.

Dish Type: SL3 LNB

Switch Type: Multi-switch

RB/INTL: None Selected

The signal readings are all 0 on all satellites and all transponders. Signal strength test states: "Tuner 1 ___________ Not Acquired" on all satellites and transponders.

How accurate does dish orientation have to be? When I moved the dish along the wall it would maintain about the same latitude, so I expected at least some signal given that I did not change its settings from the spot I moved it from.

It needs to be VERY accurate. You're aiming for a very small target in Earth orbit. 

Check out this video on dish alignment ....

https://youtu.be/QA1krU8eo8E 

Thanks, but does it have to be millimeters or inches accuracy. The satellite may be a long way off but it is transmitting an electromagnetic wave that is being focused by the parabolic dish antenna. By the time the wave gets to earth it is miles across.

Millimeters. Yes, the dish focuses the signal onto the LNB/antenna, but the dish must be aimed accurately. The video shows you how to do it. Good luck. 

Thanks, but aren't there 3 satellites, so how can the antenna be focused at all 3? I am not trying to be flippant, I am really interested in the subject.

Sorry, but my browser won't play youtube videos so I am unable to watch the link you provided.

Your browser won't play YouTube videos?!? What are you using?

Yes, your dish needs to "see" all three satellites. In a nutshell, aiming starts with finding the more powerful 101ºW satellite. Then you tweak the dish alignment to peak the 99 and 103º signals. 

Perhaps you would be best off calling DirecTV for a technician to come re-aim the dish for you. 

If you do call DirecTV, be prepared they will most likely offer a complimentary MPEG swap or optional upgrade because of your non-supported D12s.

The required MPEG swap would hopefully cover H25s (or H24s if any left in stock) to replace the D12s. There is no 24 month service agreement. If they don't have those available than getting a Genie and Mini Genie Client would be the alternative. That would add $10 DVR and $3 Whole Home DVR. And those two boxes would not have Autotune as that is replaced by the DVR feature.

Whenever you do replace the outdated boxes, do make sure to read the order confirmation carefully. If there is a 24 month service agreement than it was the optional upgrade, not mandatory MPEG swap.

(edit to correct model number typo)

The signal is covering the whole USA but as stated you have to get the dish aimed so it focus on the LNB.  The dish is made to focus all 3 sats on the the part of the LNB that needs that signal.

@litzdog911

I may end up getting a service technician. How much do they charge?

I am able to see snippets of the youtube instructions and it looks like he is using a receiver outdoors to focus the dish. Is that what a technician uses, or do they have specialized equipment?

@Juniper

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I think I am going to dump the D12's and get the H23 working. Do you think Directv will want the D12's shipped back, or are they too old?

The D12s have been non-returnable for years. DirecTV stopped offering SD-only service in late 2015 and shortly after stopped reactivating those legacy boxes. Whenever you deactivate them they just get recycled.

Most pre-Genie boxes, like your H23 are not required to be returned. Though some they might accept back for recycling/warranty replacement purposes.

Service calls are $99 and come with a 90 day warranty and covers anything needed to get the system working.  There maybe a lower price for just to align to dish.  The techs have signal meters that powers the SWM LNB.