Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW Fireguy
Most likely means you are not on the satellites.
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I'm hearing all over the help forums that it is critical to have the tripod level and the mast plumb. I'm also discovering that getting aligned using a compass is fraught with issues. Namely interference from nearby metal structures, power lines, etc. At my location, I get at least a 4 degree magnetic difference using the compass or Dish Pointer phone app depending on how close I've got the tripod set to my RV cover. Fifty feet makes a noticeable difference. I'm coming to the understanding that to get the 1000.2 pointed correctly, a compass or phone app will only get you into the ballpark. To be used primarily for avoiding line of sight obstructions. I did not realize this, but now understand that fine tuning from the TV/receiver is the only way to get centered on 119.
I made a mod to the tripod to assist the mast being perpendicular to the tripod horizontal (level) axis. See pix. Might have made a 1-2 degree error in elevation.