How To Fix Or Improve Signal Strength On DStv
Table of Contents
If you are experiencing a no signal found error on DStv, here are a few easy-to-follow steps to improve your signal strength.
- Step 1: Try rebooting the decoder.
- Step 2: Check for loose cable connections and tighten the F-connectors
- Step 3: Correct the LNB alignment and replace a faulty LNB
- Step 4: Check the satellite dish for rust and adjust the satellite dish alignment
- Step 5: Make sure there are no obstructions in front of the dish.
- Step 6: Look for professional assistance.
If you are still experiencing problems, look for help by contacting a professional DStv installer in your area.
What Is Signal Strength?
Signal strength is what shows how good your satellite dish alignment is with the satellite orbiting in space. It shows the strength of the signal reception of the satellite dish from the transmitter. It is a value between 0 and 100 where 100 signifies the best signal. A signal strength of either 0 or -1 shows there is no signal at all.
What Is Signal Quality?
Signal quality is what measures the amount of interference between your decoder and the satellite. Interferences that affect all signals are known as noise. Examples are reflections and weather elements such as clouds and rain. So, the lower the noise, the better the signal quality you will have. The best signal quality is shown by having a value of 100%. On the other hand, poor quality has a value of less than 50%.
How To Check Signal Strength and Quality On Your DStv
- First press the HELP button on the remote.
- Then select General Information.
- Select Tuner Status.
Understanding the signal values
At this point, you should be able to see the signal strength and quality values. These values should be above 50%. The recommended DStv signal strength and quality values for services such as DStv CatchUp, ShowMax, and BoxOffice are 75% or more.
Signal strength and quality values below 50% may cause the decoder to miss certain DStv channels and experience DStv signal pixelation issues. Furthermore, a signal strength and quality value of -1% indicates no signal transmission from the dish to the decoder. As a result, the decoder displays the no DStv signal E48-32 error code.
But, before we can focus on how you can boost your DStv signal, let’s look at the main causes of poor signal strength and quality.
What Causes Low Signal Strength And Quality?
The DStv signal strength depends on high-quality cables that are not broken and a perfectly aligned satellite dish. This ensures the optimum signal reception. Obstructions in front of the dish such as trees, roof overspills, and buildings, affect your signal strength negatively. Furthermore, bad weather elements can also result in a weak or no signal. So, there must be a clear direct path between the satellite and the dish to avoid signal loss.
Incorrect cable connections can also result in low signal strength. More importantly, F-connectors must be connected correctly to the coaxial cable to avoid electrical short circuits. Watch the video below on how to connect F-type connectors on your DStv coaxial cable.
A faulty LNB causes a poor signal. In addition, a rusty satellite dish can also cause poor signal reception. This is because shiny and smooth surfaces on a satellite dish reflect the signal better than rusty surfaces.
