
5 DuraSAT®D4 In-Motion Antenna
Maintenance
Operating the DuraSAT
®D4 Antenna Troubleshooting
1) Turn on receiver and television set. The DuraSAT®D4
antenna must be connected to a receiver plugged
into 120VAC.
2) Verify that you are getting the receiver’s menu screens on
the television. These screens are available with or without
the dish finding the signal.
3) Ensure receiver is properly configured for your provider;
for DISH, see pages 3-4, for DIRECTV (see pages 2-3).
4) Turn the power switch on for the antenna. Within 10–15
seconds the dish will begin moving and should make one
or two revolutions during startup. During this process it is
normal to hear a slight grinding sound as the unit checks
its rotational limits. This does not harm the unit. The
system will pause to acquire GPS.
5) Once the dish begins its search, it pauses on signals long
enough to determine which satellite it has found. The
antenna may move off the signal in an effort to verify the
signal and should return shortly.
If you do not have signal, see “Troubleshooting” .
Because the D4 antenna uses information from
the last location where it was on signal, satellite
acquisition may take longer if the dish is inactive
over long distance traveling.
6) After the D4 has verified the correct satellite, it will
continue to track the signal. The unit will go into “Sleep
Mode” if the vehicle is stationary for 6 minutes. This
involves a quick verification process where signal may be
lost, then return to the signal and be silent. If the vehicle
begins moving greater than 10 MPH, the in-motion D4 will
resume tracking mode.
For smoother operation, use your on-screen guide to locate
your channel rather than “channel surfing.
There are certain areas within the U.S. where the
DuraSAT®D4 antenna may experience limited
or no coverage of the 129° satellite for HD
programming. DISH home coverage has the same
limitations. Problem areas include Washington,
Oregon and California, but limited coverage may
extend past these areas. Contact DISH for additional
coverage questions (1-888-825-2557).
When the DuraSAT®D4 dome is blocked (example:
while going through a tunnel, under a bridge, by a
building, etc.) programming will not be available.
Once the block is removed, the programming will
return.
The DuraSAT®D4 antenna is designed to be maintenance free.
However, it is a good idea to clean the dome from time to
time with a soft cloth, water and dish soap.
Issue Possible Cause
The antenna does
not attempt to find a
satellite, or it never
moves.
Verify power source is providing +12VDC to
the antenna.
Ensure that the quick disconnect power connector
is fully seated and locked into the quick disconnect
socket.
The antenna
continuously searches
and eventually
stops without
ever acquiring any
satellites.
Verify the main coax cable from the antenna is
connected to the “Satellite In” port on the back of
the receiver.
Verify all coax cables are properly terminated and
that there are no loose connections.
Check to see if the southern sky is clear. Trees,
buildings, large signs or an overpass can block
the signal.
Rain, snow, or excessive dew on the dome can
interrupt the signal. Brush any snow or dew off
of the dome. If heavy rain or snowfall is blocking
the signal, it may be necessary to wait until the
weather clears.
With DIRECTV, the
dish will find the
alternate satellite
but not the primary
satellite.
Make sure that the switches on the electronics
control box are set for DIRECTV. See page 2. These
switches are found on the electronics box under
the dome.
I am not getting all
of the DISH channels
that I subscribed to.
Go to the Check Switch Menu on the receiver.
Make sure it is set for SW64. Both even and odd
transponders on satellite 110°, 119°, and 129°
should be listed.
Local programming may not be available outside
of your local coverage area.
I have switched
satellite service
providers. How do I
set my dish for my
new provider?
Remove the dome, and set switches to correct
provider. See switch settings on page 2.
My receiver appears
to be locked up and is
not responding.
DIRECTV users should reboot by one of the
following methods:
Press the red reset button on the inside of the small
door on the receiver, OR unplug the receiver from
AC outlet for 20 seconds, and plug back in.
DISH users should reboot by one of the
following methods:
Press and hold the power button on the receiver
for 15 seconds, and then release, OR unplug the
receiver from AC outlet for 20 seconds, and plug
back in.
The antenna appears
to lock onto signal,
but my receiver does
not show a picture or
signal reading.
Verify the switch settings are set correctly for the
desired provider. See switch settings on page 2.
DIRECTV users should verify the antenna type is
set to either 3 LNB “18 X 20” or 2 LNB oval.
(See pages 2-3)
DISH/Bell users should verify the “Check Switch”
installed in the receiver; DISH users should verify
this to be SW64, and Bell users should verify this
to be SW42. Note: a new receiver will initially have
an “Unknown Check Switch”, but the antenna will
still perform a search; however, it will not toggle to
alternate satellites. (See pages 3-4)