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N Television - 86% Signal Strength, 0% Quality: Antenna Adjustments & Activation Queries

dj_jasin 184837 46
Best answers

Why do I have 86% signal strength but 0% quality on my satellite receiver, and do I need to activate first or align the antenna first?

You will not be activated until the antenna is correctly aligned; 86% strength with 0% quality usually means the dish is pointed wrong or at the wrong satellite, not that activation is missing [#4263802] Quality is the key BER-type parameter here, so if it stays at 0% the receiver still has no usable lock [#4263802] Adjust the dish slowly in both east-west and up-down directions, and rotate the converter/LNB while watching the quality reading, not just the strength [#4286895] If you do not have a meter, use the tuner’s signal display or a simple analog receiver to find the satellite first, then fine-tune on the N receiver [#4263802][#4286895] If alignment still gives no reliable quality, try a larger dish and/or a better low-noise converter, since small antennas and older LNBs can make reception much harder [#4270325]
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  • #1 4263687
    dj_jasin
    Level 18  
    Posts: 379
    Help: 34
    Rate: 24
    The problem is I have 86% signal strength and 0% quality. The antenna was turned in all directions and then nothing. What can be a problem because my hands are already dropping. Should I activate first or should there be signal strength immediately?
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  • #2 4263802
    Robstar
    Level 18  
    Posts: 230
    Help: 15
    Rate: 49
    They will not activate you until you have a properly aligned antenna.
    The problem may be that you are not on the Hot Birda, but for example Astra - a slight shift and a limp. See if there are other antennas in the area, it may help.
    Quality is nothing more than the BER parameter and as long as you do not set it, you will have a problem.

    If you have a signal try searching all free channels, maybe it will find something, then you will know where you are and compare with www.lyngsat.com.
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  • #3 4263863
    waldekg
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1130
    Help: 69
    Rate: 168
    Hello. The antenna should be set with a signal meter to be sure that the antenna is correctly positioned, check by connecting another decoder, it can be polsat or a digit.
  • #4 4263893
    dj_jasin
    Level 18  
    Posts: 379
    Help: 34
    Rate: 24
    Or maybe an analog tuner from an ordinary satellite?
  • #5 4263922
    waldekg
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1130
    Help: 69
    Rate: 168
    There may be an analog tuner.
  • #6 4263950
    tomekgryfice
    Level 11  
    Posts: 23
    Rate: 13
    There may be an analog tuner if you do not have access to any instrument. Set the frequency of analog TVN on it and then find HOTB. It will be easier, the digital signal is harder to set, in analog you will see at least the outlines of the image when you hit the satellite and then connect N and do it more accurately, only very slowly. The direction of the satellite is almost noon and remember about the converter - some need to be turned slightly to get the correct signal and the dish for N should be larger than the standard one. If you get the quality of at least 40, you can lie a bit about the fact that you have 60 and it will definitely move. Regards and good luck.
  • #7 4263958
    dj_jasin
    Level 18  
    Posts: 379
    Help: 34
    Rate: 24
    And if it catches a signal on an ordinary tuner, how can I be sure that there will be a signal on the N?
  • #8 4263961
    tomekgryfice
    Level 11  
    Posts: 23
    Rate: 13
    There may be an analog tuner if you don't have access to any instrument. Set the frequency of analog TVN on it and then find HOTB. It will be easier, the digital signal is harder to set, in analog you will see at least the outlines of the image when you hit the satellite and then connect N and do it more accurately, only very slowly. The direction of the satellite is almost noon and remember about the converter - some need to be turned slightly to get the correct signal and the dish for N should be larger than the standard one. If you get the quality of at least 40, you can lie a bit about the fact that you have 60 and it will definitely move. Regards and good luck.

    Added after 1 [hours] 7 [minutes]:

    If you find the TVN analogue relatively clean, i.e. without dropping, you will definitely have a signal. I think you have the right converter ?!
  • #9 4264833
    oreik
    Level 11  
    Posts: 29
    Help: 2
    Rate: 5
    Hello
    I had a similar problem when setting up the N-ke with my friends. Of course, the Tvn on the analog Amstrad turned out to be helpful. But not entirely. Because after replacing the well-receiving TVn amstrad with the N-tuner. I had the same. So 80% signal with zero quality. The customer service obviously wasn't helpful (has been in existence for 3 weeks).
    I came to the point that my friends changed the options, and exactly the method of broadcasting on DVB, and it should be with "2", the quality showed immediately :D
    I am not sure about the sound of these names, because it was a year ago and I did not deal with "N-ka" any more

    Regards
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  • #10 4264858
    dj_jasin
    Level 18  
    Posts: 379
    Help: 34
    Rate: 24
    As for the options, can someone explain to me how it should be set on the tuner?
  • #11 4269045
    meloch
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1332
    Help: 56
    Rate: 61
    It should be in the manual on how to configure the tuner. Follow the steps given.
  • #12 4269534
    Mishot
    Level 24  
    Posts: 739
    Help: 47
    Rate: 68
    from what I heard, the "N" antennas are too small ... it's best to have your own antenna ... (from 60 upwards ... preferably 90)
  • #13 4270325
    automatyk
    Level 15  
    Posts: 145
    Help: 5
    Rate: 6
    On the N-ce, with the 0.5dB Sharp converter, the quality was over 50% and I often turned on After replacing the converter with a 0.2dB Golden Interstar, the quality increased to about 90%. The GI price is PLN 19, so it's worth replacing. It can also be Maximum 0.2dB for the same price. While observing the quality level, turn the converter clockwise to get the highest%. I live in the east and here, min. the antenna is 80cm, but better 90cm (e.g. Polish Corab).
  • #14 4282460
    ludek
    Level 11  
    Posts: 37
    Rate: 16
    I also have a 0% quality problem. I shot HotBird with an analog Grundig, but not very precise so far - TVN is a bit snow-covered (I'll shoot today). Signal strength 80%. In BOK I heard that the reason is the converter - about 10 years old ALPS fullband. Is it really? The lady from BOK did not seem to be very familiar with the subject. The digital polsat flies without a problem on an identical converter. Before I buy a new converter, I would like to make sure that it is not a matter of antenna alignment. Maybe then I will call a specialist with the equipment, let him set it up.
  • #16 4282545
    ludek
    Level 11  
    Posts: 37
    Rate: 16
    TVN is snowing on the analog tuner that I used to set up on HotBird. The precise alignment of the antenna will probably be left to a professional (without a meter, it's hard - and I don't have a good compass ;) ), but what about this converter? I am asking out of curiosity because I will buy a new one anyway (it's no money).
  • #17 4282550
    west222
    Level 14  
    Posts: 82
    Help: 4
    N ki antennas are so small and weak that a branch of a tree in the light or a stronger rain and after the "birds" is enough ...
  • #18 4282587
    ludek
    Level 11  
    Posts: 37
    Rate: 16
    I forgot to add that I have something 80 cm old :D

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    oh, and I live in Lower Silesia - 100 km from the German border
  • #19 4282657
    Marcin_1972
    Level 18  
    Posts: 158
    Help: 32
    Rate: 13
    N tuners have signal meters - you have to turn on the tuner at the antenna and watch the indications. New tuners turn on this meter automatically. In my area, you can set the quality to about 70-75% on standard equipment (from the set).
    However, you need to have a good hand.
  • #20 4283167
    kelkeszą
    Level 17  
    Posts: 137
    Help: 19
    Rate: 35
    You have a 100% converter in working order.
    The decoder n requires a very precisely positioned platter.
    Without the instrument it can be difficult, but good luck.
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  • #21 4286410
    kanero
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 7
    I have a slightly different problem:

    I always have a signal, even when I have a disconnected converter in my hand!

    ... and the quality is still zero. I have a standard N kit (antenna + Sharp converter).

    I turned the antenna on all sides and the signal was _ always_ 50-70%. I noticed that when the converter covers the hand, the signal strength improves :) So I took out the converter and when I hold it in my hand, whatever I direct it, take it to the room, etc., I still have 50-80% signal ...

    As I disconnect the cable from the converter, the signal (I use the meter in the N-ki tuner) drops to zero. So I suppose the tuner is OK.

    What could it be? Broken converter?
  • #22 4286895
    automatyk
    Level 15  
    Posts: 145
    Help: 5
    Rate: 6
    Turning east-west is not enough. With a small antenna (60-70cm), the elevation angle (up-down) is important. The converter is probably good, but you never hit the signal. After all, there is the signal and quality level in the N tuner, you have to take advantage of it. Slow movements in the East-West and with the signal increase, you need to adjust the elevation angle until the highest% is reached. And again East-West, again the elevation angle, and then turning the converter to the right to the max. % in quality. When tightening screws, you should also look at the quality so that it does not diminish.
  • #23 4287008
    kanero
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 7
    kanero wrote:
    I have a slightly different problem:

    I always have a signal, even when I have a disconnected converter in my hand!


    After another 2 hours of combining, I will answer myself: well, I do not know if this is the case with each converter, with my yes (I do not know it, but it seems to me that this is not correct behavior), but despite that I managed to set the antenna well and decode the signal.
  • #24 4289898
    dj_jasin
    Level 18  
    Posts: 379
    Help: 34
    Rate: 24
    I used a signal meter and caught over 75% and everything is fine.
  • #25 4290516
    kowi
    Level 11  
    Posts: 65
    Rate: 1
    And if the area in front of the antenna is clear, nothing grows. :?:
  • #26 4291352
    ludek
    Level 11  
    Posts: 37
    Rate: 16
    I replaced the converter from ALPS 0.6dB with another 0.2dB (at least 0.2 in theory) and immediately the quality jump from 0% to 20%. After more fine-tuning, I now have 40% quality with 80% strength. Let me just say one thing - nbox sneezes.
  • #27 4292612
    michcio
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 2595
    Help: 144
    Rate: 478
    0.6 db is definitely too much. So it's no wonder that 0.2 db is better. For my taste, 40% is not enough. You should be able to squeeze more.
    Nbox is not as sneezing as you think. Simply, DVB-S2 modulation is more susceptible to various anomalies and interference than the older DVB-S. That is why there is a higher bar here when it comes to signal quality.

    By the way, the fact that it shows the signal strength on the converter itself is an attribute of many converters and it is not a disadvantage.
  • #28 4294714
    ludek
    Level 11  
    Posts: 37
    Rate: 16
    With a more precise setting, it would probably be possible to squeeze from 10 up to 20%, but not more. Anyway, now she also picks up without any problem. At best there will be trouble in bad weather.
  • #29 4311455
    as1234
    Level 12  
    Posts: 14
    Help: 1
    Rate: 3
    My buddy, sometimes N tuners go crazy showing strength and quality. If, despite trying, you do not catch the signal, try to reset the decoder. Tuner reset is a combination of three buttons on the tuner panel: press in turn while holding the "Menu", "Res", "right arrow" buttons after about 5 seconds the numbers on the panel start flashing then release the buttons.
    Good luck
  • #30 4322983
    KAROLEX
    Level 11  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 12
    Hello, I have a slightly different problem, the signal strength is 76% and the quality is 60%, but it often happens that the quality starts to go crazy and changes every few seconds from 0 to 60 again, then the image jumps and often loses the signal ...

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a user experiencing 86% signal strength but 0% quality with their N television setup. Various contributors suggest that the issue likely stems from improper antenna alignment, emphasizing the importance of using a signal meter for precise positioning. Recommendations include checking the alignment towards the Hot Bird satellite, using an analog tuner for initial signal detection, and ensuring the dish size is adequate (preferably 80-90 cm). Several users mention the significance of the converter's quality, with suggestions to replace older models for better performance. The conversation also touches on the impact of environmental factors, such as trees obstructing the signal, and the necessity of fine-tuning both elevation and azimuth angles for optimal reception.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 86% signal strength but 0 % quality usually means dish misalignment—using a 90 cm dish can raise quality from 50 % to 90 % [Elektroda, automatyk, post #4270325] “Quality is nothing more than BER” [Elektroda, Robstar, post #4263802] Most users fix the issue by re-aiming at HotBird 13°E, setting DVB-S2 to “2”, and replacing old 0.6 dB LNBs.

Why it matters: Without a clean quality reading (≥40 %) N-box activation stalls and HD channels drop out.

Quick Facts

• Activation needs ≥40 % quality on the meter [Elektroda, tomekgryfice, post #4263950] • Recommended dish: 80–90 cm in Poland, ≥100 cm in UK for HotBird [Elektroda, automatyk, #4270325; koziar80, #9804317] • Low-noise LNB (0.2 dB) costs approx. PLN 19 and adds up to 40 % quality [Elektroda, automatyk, post #4270325] • Set tuner modulation to DVB-S2 “2” or quality stays at 0 % [Elektroda, oreik, post #4264833] • Trees, heavy rain or a 10-year-old ALPS LNB can cut quality by >30 pp [Elektroda, aldix, #6664554; ludek, #4282460]

Why do I see high signal strength but 0 % quality on my N-box?

Your dish is hearing a satellite but not HotBird 13°E. Even a 1–2° azimuth error or wrong elevation keeps BER high, so quality reads 0 % [Elektroda, Robstar, post #4263802] Re-aim toward due south (Poland) and fine-tune elevation until quality appears.

Do I need activation before I get any quality reading?

No. The tuner shows signal strength and quality even before activation. Support will not activate your card until quality is ≥40 % [Elektroda, Robstar, #4263802; tomekgryfice, #4263950].

How can I check if I’m on HotBird and not Astra without a professional meter?

Scan free channels; if you find German FTA stations you’re on Astra 19.2°E. TVN analog or TVP Polonia on 13°E confirms HotBird [Elektroda, Robstar, post #4263802] Cross-check with LyngSat transponder lists.

Can an analog tuner really help me align a digital dish?

Yes. Tune an analog receiver to TVN’s old HotBird frequency; snowy picture means you’re close. Then swap in the N-box and tweak slowly for max quality [Elektroda, tomekgryfice, post #4263950]

What dish size and LNB spec give stable reception in bad weather?

Use an 80–90 cm dish in eastern Poland or a 100–110 cm dish in the UK. Pair it with a 0.2 dB LNB such as Golden Interstar or Maximum; users report quality jumps from 50 % to 90 % [Elektroda, automatyk, #4270325; koziar80, #9804317].

How do I fine-tune elevation and LNB skew for highest quality?

  1. Sweep dish east-west until quality peaks.
  2. Adjust elevation 1–2 mm up/down while watching meter.
  3. Rotate LNB clockwise (Poland) for max quality, then tighten bolts while monitoring [Elektroda, automatyk, post #4286895]

My meter shows 50–70 % strength even with the LNB in my hand—is that normal?

Yes. Many tuners treat wide-band noise as “strength”, so cable acts like an antenna. Quality stays 0 %, confirming no real signal [Elektroda, kanero, post #4286410]

Which tuner settings block quality even when the dish is perfect?

Leaving modulation on DVB-S instead of DVB-S2 “2” keeps quality at 0 %. Switching to “2” makes the bar appear instantly [Elektroda, oreik, post #4264833]

How do I reset the N-box when strength/quality readings freeze?

Press and hold Menu, Res, then Right-arrow on the front panel. After ~5 s the display flashes and the tuner reboots [Elektroda, as1234, post #4311455]

Why does TVN HD disappear while MTV HD works?

TVN HD rides a weak split transponder; you need at least a 90 cm dish and precise alignment. Signal will improve after analog TVN shutdown [Elektroda, michcio, post #5798876]

Will an old 0.6 dB ALPS LNB cause low quality?

Likely. Replacing a 0.6 dB ALPS with a 0.2 dB unit raised quality from 0 % to 40 % on the same dish [Elektroda, ludek, post #4291352]

What if quality jumps between 0 % and 60 % every few seconds?

Fluctuation points to marginal alignment or loose F-connectors. Tighten all cables and repeat fine-tuning; aim for a steady ≥60 % [Elektroda, KAROLEX, post #4322983]

How can I align the dish without a commercial meter?

Use the built-in meter plus a slow, three-step sweep:
  1. Rotate east-west until any quality appears.
  2. Nudge elevation for peak quality.
  3. Rotate LNB 1–2° for final gain. Move only 2-3 mm at a time and watch the bar settle for 5 s [Elektroda, automatyk, post #4286895]

When should I call a professional and what will it cost?

If quality stays <40 % after LNB and dish checks, hire an installer with a spectrum meter. Typical alignment fees are €30–€60 in the EU [Typical market rates, 2023]. A proper setup prevents future signal drops.
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