Some folks have found it necessary to change the frequency on the Satellite Tuner Tab from the prescribed 12.1032 MHz to 12.1029 MHz to achieve lock.
However if more presice satellite acquisition is needed, I developed the following method which in in the User’s Manual and on the4 Wiki. Ken - -
Dreamcatcher Satellite Acquisition Guidance
Power up the Dreamcatcher/LNB outside, and point to the satellite. Othernet is on SES-2 on Ku-band North America Beam (87W), and Astra 3B on Ku-band Central and Europe Beam (23.5E).
Based on where you are, find your elevation angle, skew, and magnetic azimuth from a site such as http://www.dishpointer.com . For your first satellite acquisition effort, select a location with a clear unobstructed view of the equatorial sky. (Later, once you confirm your system is working, you can try to find a better more permanent location. Many people are able to operate thru windows or off balconies with partially obstructed views.)
Example: For Washington, DC, mount the LNB on a camera tripod with the appropriate skew angle set to 12.1 degrees clockwise (more on skew below). Using a magnetic compass chose the Azimuth (magn.) to get a sight line on close in objects which you can use to point your LNB towards the satellite at 206.4 degrees magnetic. If you use a cellular phone, you may have to use Azimuth (true) to get the sight line. Use an Adjustable Sliding Bevel and a carpenter’s level to get a precise elevation angle (EA) of 43.8 deg for Washington, DC, set on the LNB. In the picture below, the obtuse angle inside the Adjustable Sliding Bevel is EA + 90 degrees or 43.8 + 90 =133.8 degrees with the vertical side of the Adjustable Sliding Bevel perfectly perpendicular to the ground.
Skew allows you to match your LNB’s horizontal/vertical orientation with the satellite’s horizontal/vertical orientation to maximize signal strength. When you set the skew, make sure you rotate the LNB so that skew angle is pointed directly overhead. Skew is given in degrees either clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW). If the reported LNB Skew direction for your location is shown clockwise, you stand behind the LNB looking at the satellite and rotate the LNB clockwise until you arrive at that number. For Washington, DC, you set the skew to 12.1 degrees by turning the LNB in a clockwise direction. Viewing the same satellite on the same longitude, but from South of the equator, result in an opposite rotation skew angle.
Skews less than 10 degrees CW or CCW don’t make much difference, but if you live on the far edge of a satellite beam, skews may approach 30 degrees which is significant. If your satellite has a built-in offset as in EU’s Astra 3B, use the Skew that http://www.dishpointer.com provides which is correct.
