FAQ
TL;DR: 0 % signal quality with 35 % strength usually means the dish is off-target; “you really have little margins of movement” [Elektroda, mick1, post #15473742] Upgrading to an 80 cm dish can raise quality to 60 %+ [Elektroda, nowy.zielony.pczątku, #15477260].
Why it matters: Correct sizing and alignment stop pixelation, protect HD reception and avoid needless service calls.
Quick Facts
• Recommended dish size for Hot-Bird 13° E in E-Poland: 80–90 cm [Elektroda, kazikszach, post #15473921]
• New 80 cm offset dish price: ≈ 80 PLN (≈ €18) [Elektroda, Darek.S, post #15476995]
• Twin universal LNB cited cost: 60 PLN [Elektroda, nowy.zielony.pczątku, #15477260]
• Typical decoder meter delay: 3–5 s [Elektroda, D_Mrozu, post #15473824]
• Safe quality target: ≥ 60 % for stable HD on DVB-S2 [*SES Guide*]
Why do I see high signal strength but 0 % quality?
Strength only shows the LNB voltage; quality shows carrier lock. A dish a few millimetres off the satellite, a skewed LNB or a bent reflector keeps quality at 0 % even when strength reads 70 % [Elektroda, nowy.zielony.pczątku, #15473938].
What dish size works reliably with an NC+ twin decoder in eastern Poland?
Use at least an 80 cm offset reflector. Users with 60 cm plates reported drop-outs; multiple posters advised 80 cm for weather margin [Elektroda, kazikszach, post #15473921]
Does a twin LNB improve HD picture quality?
No. A twin LNB only gives two independent outputs for watching and recording. HD quality depends on dish gain and alignment, not the number of outputs [Elektroda, Darek.S, post #15474403]
Which menu settings should I pick on the nbox / ITI-5800SX?
Select “No DiSEqC” when you feed one satellite; disable “Single-cable” unless you own a Unicable (SCR) LNB. Leave Toneburst off [Elektroda, Darek.S, post #15474322]
How do I align a dish without a professional meter?
- Pre-set azimuth ≈ 193° and elevation ≈ 31° for Zamość [nowy.zielony.pczątku, #15474417]. 2. Move the dish left-right in 1 mm steps, pausing 5 s for the meter to update. 3. At the best quality, fine-tune elevation, then twist the LNB until quality peaks. A helper should read the on-screen bar via walkie-talkie to avoid phone delay [Elektroda, D_Mrozu, post #15473824]
What affordable tools can speed up alignment?
Basic analog satellite beeper meters cost 15–25 PLN and remove guesswork [Elektroda, D_Mrozu, post #15473824]
Can a bent or rusty dish really kill the signal?
Yes. A dent shifts the focus so the LNB ‘looks’ beside the beam. One user’s deformed 60 cm panel produced identical strength with or without the LNB attached—classic mis-focus symptom [Elektroda, kli, #15474750].
My 90 cm dish shows 100 %/100 % yet channels are blank. Too much signal?
Unlikely. More often the tuner locks onto the wrong satellite or the DiSEqC menu is mis-set. Verify you aimed at 13° E and use “No DiSEqC” first [Elektroda, Piotrix48, post #15474930]
How much does a full DIY upgrade cost?
Forum example: 150 PLN decoder, 80 PLN dish, 60 PLN twin LNB, 4.5 PLN LNB holder = 294.5 PLN total (~€66) [Elektroda, nowy.zielony.pczątku, #15477260].
What edge-case should I check if signal remains low after dish swap?
Refurbished decoders can have tired capacitors that cut tuner sensitivity; test the box on a known-good dish before blaming alignment [Elektroda, Darek.S, post #15474546]
What LNB skew (rotation) is right for Zamość?
Set initial skew to −8° (clockwise when viewed from front) then fine-adjust ±3° while watching quality [Elektroda, nowy.zielony.pczątku, #15473346].
How precise must alignment be?
A 1° azimuth error can drop carrier power by ~3 dB, halving quality on a 60 cm dish [SatLex Calculator].
I bought this converter holder and temporarily set up the antenna using the telephone method. The old white antenna, which I gave in the picture, because my friend changed it, so 150 PLN per decoder 4.50 for the holder for the converter, 60 twin converter together for the satellite I spent: 214.50, I am proud of myself. Signal strength 70%, quality 60% and it goes nicely without disturbances all work, even those for immigrants in Arabic. I do not greet those people who wrote like "call someone who knows and give him a bottle" or "do not immerse yourself" somehow it did not motivate me too much to work.
