FAQ
TL;DR: 100 % signal but 0 channels usually means you’re aimed at the wrong bird; "Just turn on Vive Polska and set the best possible signal quality" [Elektroda, pajo21, post #5418382] Use the 11881 V transponder (80 % quality seen) [Elektroda, Peef, post #5415773] to centre on Hotbird, then fine-tune. Why it matters: Correct alignment and LNB switching save hours of trial-and-error for dual-satellite viewers.
Quick Facts
• Hotbird 13°E in Poland: azimuth 182-190°, elevation 30-35° [*SatLex Calc*].
• Astra 19.2°E sits 6.2° east of Hotbird; monoblock spacing 6° suits 80-90 cm dishes [*Inverto DS*].
• Universal LNB low/high LO: 9.75/10.60 GHz; 22 kHz tone triggers high band [*CENELEC EN 50494*].
• Stable DVB-S picture on FX-6600 needs ≥55 % quality reading [Ferguson Manual].
• Typical dual-sat install (dish, monoblock, labour) costs €60-€120 [*TeleSat Market 2023*].
How do I point my dish from Astra to Hotbird without a meter?
- Tune the FX-6600 to Vive Polska on 11881 V.
- Stand behind the dish and slowly turn it 6 degrees left (east-to-west).
- Raise elevation about 1 ° while watching quality; lock when it peaks above 60 %. [Elektroda, huk90, post #5416628]
Why does my tuner show 100 % signal but finds zero Hotbird channels?
The dish is reading a transponder that repeats on Sirius or Astra; quality isn’t real. Move the dish to Hotbird and rescan. "Percentages with HB do not mean anything" [Elektroda, pajo21, post #5415851]
Do I need LNB power ON in the menu?
Yes. Disabling it stops the 13/18 V and 22 kHz commands, leaving the LNB in one band and polarity [Elektroda, huk90, post #5417426]
What is the correct 22 kHz setting for a Universal LNB?
Leave it on Auto. The receiver sends 22 kHz for 10.7-11.7 GHz high-band transponders; manual 22 kHz locks you out of low band channels [Elektroda, Arcibal, post #6065364]
Can one dish receive Hotbird and Astra together?
Yes. Use a 6° monoblock: left horn on Hotbird, right on Astra when viewed from behind [Elektroda, matzg, post #7166644] Signal loss is ≈1 dB compared with a single-LNB [Inverto DS].
Why do low-band vertical channels disappear on my flat Selfsat?
Some flat antennas have reduced gain below 11 GHz. NTV low-band V failed until 22 kHz was forced, yet picture stayed black [Elektroda, Arcibal, post #6065364] Use a conventional 60-80 cm offset dish for full Hotbird range.
How do I manually enter Viva Polska PIDs on the FX-6600?
Enter transponder 11075 V, then Video PID 164, Audio PID 96, PCR PID 164 [Elektroda, Roman_5000, post #5428970] The TP number (128) is only the broadcaster’s label.
What dish size gives reliable dual-sat reception in Central Europe?
A 75-90 cm reflector keeps quality above 70 % in rain. Users with 60 cm reported Astra loss on the secondary LNB [Elektroda, KIEROWCA_VW, post #6346740]
Edge case: I have 80 % quality but no audio or video on Polsat FTA—why?
The tuner may lock on Astra 2’s carrier while your channel list expects Hotbird PIDs. Re-scan Hotbird, or delete the list and load factory settings [Elektroda, Peef, post #5451853]
Which Hotbird transponders are strongest for initial alignment?
Try 10992 V, 11034 V, 11881 V, and 12149 H. Users reported 80-90 % quality on 11881 V even with slight mis-pointing [Elektroda, Peef, post #5415773]
Quick 3-step guide: locking two satellites with a monoblock
- Centre dish on Hotbird until quality ≥ 70 %.
- Tighten bolts, then check Astra LNB head; tweak dish right or left 1-2 mm.
- Store DiSEqC: LNB1 = Hotbird, LNB2 = Astra. Rescan both.
My tuner finds 250 Sirius channels whatever satellite I choose—fix?
Clear channel list, restore factory settings, then blind-scan after physically moving the dish off Sirius by several degrees [Elektroda, Peef, post #5433377]
What DiSEqC settings should I use for TNK on a monoblock?
Set DiSEqC 1.0: Port 1 → Hotbird, Port 2 → Astra. TNK uses Hotbird only; Astra search is optional [Elektroda, dzac4, post #7564561]