SL3 SWM Aimed with IRD meters

9.             Removed power to IRD.  Remove 18" LNB and install SWM LNB.

10.          Connected as follows:  RG6 from PI to DC pass port of 2 way splitter, RG6 from IRD to non-DC pass port of 2 way splitter, RG6from SWM LNB to common of 2 way splitter.

11.          Installed a 75 ohm terminator on the pass-thru port of the PI.

12.          Applied power to PI.

13.          Applied power to IRD and the setup seemed to run automatically (SlimLine3 SWM and SWM).  Dish configuration was successful.

14.          At this point ss on 101 was still in the mid 80's low 90's.  The only other sat we could test ss on was the SWM itself and allwere around the mid 80's.  I had to run sat setup again to see the ss on 99 & 103, on which there was little to none.

15.          Tilt was adjusted for max ss on 99 & 103 and was from high 20's to low 50's.

16.          EL was adjusted for max ss on 99 & 103 and was now low to mid 90's.  A recheck of 101 revealed high ss in the 90's and 100'sand a recheck of the SWM was in the mid 90's.

17.          We cycled power to the IRD and ran sat setup again to be sure.  All passed and we are watching HD TV on a SL3-SWM.

We noted the elevation and tilt setting marks on the dish after it was peaked did not seem to match what the IRD stated they should be at all.  The center of the bolt on the elevation was way down at 38 deg. and the tilt arrow was way down around 40 deg.  Our IRD stated elevation to be 53 deg. and the tilt at 54 deg.  Why is that?  What did we miss?

The dish install and peaking took about 2 1/2 hours and a few beers to complete.  I'm sure there may be better ways to do this (SWM meter and no beer) and would like to hear all input.  From what I read I heard this was not possible or very hard to do and I think we got pretty lucky, especially with the AZ. 

I would say consider yourself very lucky as I never seen or heard anybody align a slimline dish with an 18 round dish LNB.  the focal point is totally different for the 18 LNB and the slimline LNB.  

Maybe it's not from an 18" dish, I just assumed it was.  It is a California Amplifier P/N 150517.  2 RF ports.  Text on label states "Compatible with DIRECTV Multi-Satellite, DIRECTV PARA TODOS and DIRECTV Dish Antennas".  When held next to the SWM LNB the focal point appeared the same.

Drop the beer and you don't need a meter, use the signals on a HD receiver, first the 101 then the 99c.  I believe you're looking at the wrong spot on the dish mount for the mark to set the elevation and tilt to.  As I recall the mark is the edge of the metal, not the bolt.  If it were me I'd have the Slimline complete as it's supposed to be and drop any changing of LNB assemblies.  Here's the way I do it.

Aligning a Slimline (or any other) dish from scratch can be a daunting task. However it can be done if you’re patient. Go to www.dishpointer.comand determine the azimuth, elevation and tilt settings for your location. Determine that your mast is perfectly plumb. Set the elevation and tilt to the markings on the dish. Use a compass and set the azimuth about 10 degrees East of the recommended setting. Slowly, a degree at a time, move the dish to the West until you get signals on the 101 satellite. Lock down the main bolts. If you’re installing a SD setup, you’re done. If HD, continue.

Tune your receiver to display the signal strengths on the 99c satellite, then choose the green signal bars. Have someone watch (cell phones are handy to advise) while you adjust the fine tuning screw on the azimuth setting. Go slow, only tiny amounts will make a big difference. You'll soon know if you're going the wrong way and a couple of turns will likely max out the improvement. Lock the bolts and do elevation next. It should not be necessary to adjust the tilt. You should be able to get the signals into the 90's quite easily.

Yes, I wonder why you bothered to do this. You can get a complete SWM dish for not much more than the price of the LNB.