Using AIM to align a SL3 and having issues

If you aren't getting 101, you're aimed at the wrong satellite.  I suggest you put the AIM away and follow the seat of the pants instructions thus:  I assume you know how to find the signal strength screen on the DVR.

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.

are you getting a lock status on the 101

It appears my biggest mistake so far was not hooking up the receiver, to see if I am actually 101.  LOL  I relied to heavily on a 500 dollar meter that I assumed, identifies the particular DIRECTV satellites.   So that -28 reading im getting could be for the wrong satellite, regardless of the 101 in the corner.  Dang looks like I woulda been better off with a Accutrac22Pro.    

Being on the wrong satellite appears to be the likeliest of scenarios right now.   Thanks for the instructions. 

Anyone know of an easy way to use the AIM just as a meter.  I suppose I can leave it on step 1, where i peak for 101.   

Im sure the KA band sat signal readings would be helpful too.

If your using the AIM meter then your not going to be pointing at a wrong satellite...its just not going to happen. It uses the LNB you set to lock onto the sat that it needs to...or else your not going to get anything at all. Make sure you have no trees or buildings in your way. Make sure your on your correct settings on your dish before you go catchin anything from space. I would do what dcd suggested and go to www.dishpointer.com to find your tilt, azm, and ele for your area. Then the best thing you can do with that AIM meter if you havent been trained on it is to get your dbm's to the lowest you can possibly by adjusting your AZM and ELE...then run your EIV.

Thanks, thats exactly what i was looking to find out.   Does the reading i get on the AIM definitely means that im on 101 or could it be another satellite.  I was hoping for the price it would identify it.  However I have talked to a lot of people that have had that issue on accutrac 22 pro.

I got a -28dB reading, but the EIV failed on 101.    I will try the receiver method.

the AIM will display "LOCK"  next to the DB reading if you are actually on the 101.  make sure that you have selected the right dish type for the set up screen.  if it does not say "LOCK" you are NOT on the 101.  the AIM meter actually make pointing this dishes a piece of cake.  like taking candy from a baby.........

Awesome thanks for the info, mine did NOT say "LOCK"   so apparently i am on the wrong satellite.    Thanks for all the help.

you are not "on the wrong satellite" per see.  the AIM meter will only LOCK to DirecTV's sats.  so as far as the meter goes., you are not pointing at any sat if its not LOCK