Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter satellites and/or transponders into the meter?
How do I copy a satellite in the Global list to the User list?
I can't see the new list I just loaded.
Can I quickly move to other satellites?
Can the meter be reset to factory default?
Why does the meter have 2 F connectors?
My meter doesn't show any West satellites, what can I do?
Ok, I've found my Longitude and Latitude.  How do I enter them?
What is LO and how do I find it?
How do I set Vertical or Horizontal?
How do I know when to turn the 22KHz on?
How do I align DirecTv dishes using SL3-S and SL5-S LNBFs?
How can I power multi-head LNBFs?
How do you align Starchoice (Shaw direct) for 111.1 and 107.3?

How can I understand the meter settings?
How do I find the Longitude and Latitude of my location?
How do I copy a satellite in the Global list to the User list?
How do I set Vertical or Horizontal?
How do I know when to turn the 22KHz on?

How do I find the Longitude and Latitude of my location?
Ok, I've found my Longitude and Latitude.  How do I enter them?
How can I know if I'm E or W, N or S?

I've heard the FS1 is much faster than any other meter.  Is that true?
What signals can I get?
Does the meter identify each satellite you are on?
What accessories come with my meter?
Do I need to register my meter?
Where can I find the users manual?
Does the battery require special care?
How can I understand the meter settings?
Is the meter pre-programmed?
What satellites are in the meter?
Can I quickly move to other satellites?
How do I copy a satellite in the Global list to the User list?
Why do I need the User list if all the satellites are in the Global list?
Where can I find the transponder information? (the parameters)
Can your meter be used in the USA? or Europe?
Does your meter require a authorization code after being reset?
Why does the meter have 2 F connectors?
How do I find the Longitude and Latitude of my location?
My meter doesn't show any West satellites, what can I do?
How can I know if I'm E or W, N or S?
What is LO and how do I find it?
Can the meter test the LNBF? 
Can satellites in the Global Database be moved to User Database?
My receiver reads different signal level than my meter?
I can't see the new list I just loaded.
Can I quickly move to other satellites?
I'm not receiving emails from First Strike Meters
What is the difference between your FS1 and the copy meter?
What is proprietary software?

Can my K series meter be upgraded to L series?
The screen looks scratched
What is LO and how do I find it?
What signals can I get?
Dish 500+ tips and tricks
Dish 1000+ tips and tricks
Dish 1000.2 tips and tricks
Dish 1000.2 Dish Pro Plus tips and tricks
Dish 1000.4 tips and tricks
How do I align DirecTv dishes using SL3-S and SL5-S LNBFs?
How can I power multi-head LNBFs?
How do you align Starchoice (Shaw direct) for 111.1 and 107.3?
I can't see the new list I just loaded.
How to replace the speaker

Proprietary software is software that we can not or don't wish to give out publicly. Software that has been developed for our First Strike meters that could be used by the copiers in their meters, thus eliminating their own costs of developing or modifying their own software or even our older software which they have been using.

Registered owners can gain access to our proprietary software by requesting a username and password. Make your request here. Help us to process your request quickly by providing the requested information.

Yes, we can upgrade your meter.  Upgrading consists of installing a new improved L series LCD, modifying your meter to be L series and loading the L series software.  Contact us for the details.

You get:

Yes, you should register your new meter within 10 days of purchase.

You will get a users manual with your new meter.  
It's also posted here on line.  It's a PDF file so you can view it, print it, or even save it to your computer.  See the User Manual here.

Yes, proper maintenance of your battery is critical.

• Your meter uses a Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) battery. Li-Ion batteries are light and the most powerful battery available. They have no 'memory' and with proper care can last a long time. Li-Ion batteries require chargers with circuitry to protect the battery from over charging or dis-charging.
• Use the charger that came with your meter. The chargers have a micro-processor that matches the battery. Use of any other charger voids your warranty and may damage your battery and/or your meter.
• Before you use your new meter, charge the battery until it is full. For best results, batteries should be charged at room temperature for no more than 8 hours.
• DO NOT charge the battery for over 12 hours.
• DO NOT over charge your battery. Over charging can damage your battery.
• DO NOT leave your meter in a vehicle where the temperatures reach extreme highs or lows.
• DO NOT short the battery leads.
• DO NOT disassemble or deform the battery in any way.
• Avoid excessive physical shock or vibration.
• If you are not using your meter on a regular basis, remember to charge your battery at least 1 time per month.
• If you store your meter, store it in a cool dry place with a 30% to 60% charge. It is a good idea to unplug the battery from the meter.
• Never let your battery go completely dead as it may damage the circuitry in the battery and keep the battery from charging.
• If you plan to air ship your meter with the battery, the battery should be charged 30% to no more than 60%. You should not air ship a fully charged battery. You are required to notify the carrier that you are shipping a Lithium Ion battery or a device containing a Lithium Ion battery.

Yes, the meter has a global database which is pre-installed in the meter.  Global database allows for up to 300 satellites.  Meter also allows for 100 user entered satellites.

Please note that the meter will show ONLY the satellites that are viewable from your location determined by the LONG and LAT that you have entered into the meter. If you are not seeing your satellites, check the LONG and LAT settings.

We have packed 227 satellites in the Global Database.  Every satellite from 177W to 180E is in this list.  That is just about every satellite from around the world.

Please note that the meter will show ONLY the satellites that are viewable from your location determined by the LONG and LAT that you have entered into the meter. If you are not seeing your satellites, check the LONG and LAT settings.

You can view the list, print the list or download the list to your computer.
Global Database List

Yes, the meter has a 'jump' feature that allows you to hold down any number (except '0') for 3 seconds and the meter will jump. If you hold down the 1 key, the meter jumps to 10. If you hold down the 5 key, the meter jumps to 50. This makes it possible for you to quickly find the number you are looking for.

Yes, you can enter satellites or transponders "ON THE FLY".  If you find out you need a different satellite or a different transponder, simply use the keypad to enter the information into the meter.  If you want to keep it for later use, simply press the "SAVE" button.

Yes, the meter can be used around the world. We supply a universal power supply/charger that can work anywhere you need it.  

The meter screen has a protective film on it to protect it during manufacturing and packing.  Once you remove the film the screen will be very clear.  

Yes, simply type in "9876" immediately after the meter is powered on and booted up.  In 5 seconds or less the meter will turn off and on restart and will be reset to factory default.  
PLEASE NOTE:  All saved and modified information will be lost.  

NO, your meter will restart and work as normal.  You do not need to enter any secret codes to make it work.  

Our meter has a unique feature that allows the satellite receiver to power the meter in case the battery is low.  Have you ever been on a install job and your meter needs charging?  Well, we've covered that for you.  Simply loop through the satellite receiver and the satellite receiver will power the meter allowing you to finish your install.

You can find Longitude and Latitude down the border of most road maps.  There are lots of websites that can give you the information.  There are also several software programs that will calculate it for you.  The best way is to simply go to our Satellite Locater page or on Maps of World.  Put in your location and the satellite you are looking for.  ALL the needed information will show up at the bottom of the map.  Depending on your connection speed it might take a few seconds to load.

If you live in the USA, check out Satellite Finder Online.  Thanks to Mr. Paul Lutus you can easily find the information you need.  

Enter your Longitude and Latitude.   The meter will show the satellites viewable from your location.  The best way to find your Longitude and Latitude is to go to our Satellite Locater page.

First using the "Option/Local" key, move the cursor to the channel number zone.  Make sure the measurement zone is blank.  If it is not, press any number key to quit the measurement mode.  Then hold the "0" key for 3 seconds and the cursor will move to the longitude and latitude setting zone.  Use the "Option/Local" key to move between "LONG" and "LAT" and the number key to enter the correct numbers.  Use the arrow keys to move between the numbers.  Change the "E" or "W" on "LONG" by pressing the "0" key.  Change the "N" or "S" on the "LAT" by pressing the "0" key.

NOTE: Round your longitude and latitude numbers to the closest digit.

Latitude gives the location of a place North or South of the equator.
The equator divides the planet into a Northern Hemisphere, a Southern Hemisphere and has a latitude of 0°.

Longitude is given as an angular measurement ranging from 0° at the Prime Meridian to +180° eastward and -180° westward. Used to denote the location of a place east or west of the Prime Meridian.

The Prime Meridian is the meridian (line of longitude) at which the longitude is defined to be 0°.

The Prime Meridian and its opposite the 180th meridian (at 180° longitude), which the International Date Line generally follows, form a great circle that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

If you live in the USA, check out Satellite Finder Online.  Thanks to Mr. Paul Lutus you can easily find the information you need.  

LO stands for Local Oscillator.  It is the oscillator used by your LNB or LNBF.  It MUST match in your meter, so enter the same LO information from your LNB into your meter in the 'LO' field.  Most LNBs have the LO printed on the label.  
Common LO's are:

• Ku Universal LNBF:  09750 & 10600
• Ku US LNBF:  10750
• DSS LNBF:  11250
• C band LNBF:  5150

LNBFs with 2 LOs use 22 KHz for switch between them.  If you don't know how to use the 22KHz switching see:  How do I know when to turn the 22KHz on?

Hold the "Option/Local" key unit the meter shows you are in the Global list.  Use the arrow keys to select the satellite you want.  Press the "Load/dB" key and that satellite will be loaded to the user list.

One very good reason is that you don't have to search through a hundred or more satellites each time to find the one you want.  Think of the User list as your Favorites list.  Store the satellites you commonly use there for easy access.  

13 on the meter is Vertical (or RH if you are using circular)
18 on the meter is Horizontal (or LH if you are using circular)

Yes, when you connect to a LNBF the meter will detect amplified noise from the LNBF and it will show signal strength.  This is a good indicator that the LNBF is in working condition.

Yes, it is extremely faster than other digital meters because of our exclusive "Fast Sweep" technology.  This means you can swing your dish faster while trying to find signal.  This makes dish alignment much easier and much faster.

Yes.  It's a simple operation explained in the users manual marked 4.6.  
In the default channel plan mode, select the desired satellite.  Press the "Load" key.  "SAVE" will be displayed in the lower right of the display.  The information has been copied to the User channel plan where you can now modify it.  The original information is still in the default channel plan.

The FS1 is made for MPEG2 signals but has the ability to detect other signals.  See the chart below.  

• MPEG2 SD        Signal / Quality / Lock
• MPEG2 HD        Signal / Quality / Lock
• MPEG4 SD        Signal / Quality
• MPEG4 HD        Signal / Quality
• Digicipher          Signal / Quality
• Digicipher 8psk  Signal / Quality

This is from our testing.  Your results may be different depending on the transponder you choose.

No, it does not.  This is not a good method.  Our meter finds only the satellite you are looking for.  This saves the installer time by avoiding going from satellite to satellite until you find the satellite you are looking for.  With our meter, you simply select the satellite you want and the meter shows only that satellite.  Our exclusive "fast sweep" technology allows you to quickly find the satellite.

The primary purpose of our meters is to find the satellite very quickly, give you the best possible signal indicators for peaking the dish, and let you finish the install or realign faster than with any other meter.  

Satellites are found by identifying a unique transponder.  

There are several sources, one of the most popular is Lyngsat.com.  Registered users can request our satellite/transponder list.  Our list is normally updated once per month.  This list includes satellites and transponders from around the world.  Lists are about 100 pages or more.  

Take a look at the First Time Use page.  This gives a good explanation of the settings.  

Mr. Anthony Dunnett of JayX satellite in New Zealand has provided a nice article for our use.  Take a look at Understanding and Using the FS1 to get a better understanding of the meter.

Dish 500+

• Read Quick Facts, Dish 500+ for more information

Taken from "Quick_Facts_-_DISH_500+_and_DISH_1000+.pdf"

Dish 1000+

• Read Quick Facts, Dish 1000+ for more information

Taken from "Quick_Facts_-_DISH_500+_and_DISH_1000+.pdf"

Dish 1000.2

• Read Quick Facts, Dish 1000.2 for more information.

Taken from "Quick Facts, Dish 1000.2"

Dish 1000.2 Dish Pro Plus

• Read the Installation Guide
  

Taken from "DISH_1000.2_Installation_Guide_(_151255).pdf"

Dish 1000.4

• Connect your peaking meter to PORT 2 on the LNBF, to peak on 72.7°W. After maximizing the signal received from 72.7°W confirm signal on 61.5°W.
• Connect a receiver to PORT 1 of the LNBF to power the LNBF while peaking.
• Cables must be routed on the outside of the mast, as the azimuth plate completely covers the mast opening.

Taken from "Quick Facts, Dish 1000.4"

SL3-S and SL5-S SWM Slimline LNBFs require the use of a ASL-1 to properly deliver the signal to your meter.

Using a high frequency splitter, you can easily power high current LNBFs.

It's really pretty simple.  Just choose a transponder with unique parameters for each satellite.  To help you, I've made a side by side transponder comparison list.  It makes it very easy to find the transponder you want to use.  
View it, print it, or download it here.

Check your email settings.  If you are not accepting emails from us, there is nothing we can do on our end to correct it.

---

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Mail Delivery Problem
Date:	Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:38:05 EDT
From:	Mail Delivery Subsystem <MAILER-DAEMON@aol.com>
To:	<sales@firststrikemeters.com>

Your mail to the following recipients could not be delivered because they are not accepting mail from sales@firststrikemeters.com:

*******@aol.com

22KHz is used to switch between LO's on 2 LO (universal) LNBFs.  Take a look at any spec sheet and it should tell you the LO frequencies and the output frequency.  For example see the spec sheet on the famous Spitfire Elite LNBF.  You will see the low band LO is 9.75 GHz and it covers 10.7 to 11.7 GHz.  The high band LO is 10.6 GHz and it covers 11.7 to 12.75 GHz.  So, the transponder frequency you are looking for determines which LO you should use.  
When the 22KHz is blank it is OFF and selecting the low band frequency, 10.7 to 11.7 GHz (10700 to 11700 MHz).
When the 22KHz is ON it is selecting the high band frequency, 11.7 to 12.75 GHz (11700 to 12750 MHz).  
In the USA the common frequency range is 11.7 to 12.2 GHz.  If you are using a universal LNBF, set the LO to 10600 and the 22KHz to ON.  

Frequency	LO	22KHz
10700 ~ 11700	09750	OFF
11700 ~ 12750	10600	ON

So, the rule of thumb for universal LNBFs is; 22KHz OFF selects LO 09750. 22KHz ON selects LO 10600.

First Strike Meter readings are very accurate.  You will see the meter gives readings measured in dBuV, dBmV, or dBm.  Your receiver gives readings that vary from 0% to 100% of the meter.  These readings are used only to find the highest signal and have very little to do with actual measurements.  So while your receiver may show that you have 80% signal and meter shows you have 60 dBuV, keep in mind, there is nothing to compare.  The First Strike meter will always give you accurate useful readings using units of measure.  Your satellite receiver will give you a relative reading using only percentage.

After loading your meter you must reset your meter to make the newly loaded list appear.  Do this by turning your meter off, turn your meter back on and within 5 seconds after it has booted, enter 9876 on the key pad.  You meter will then reset and turn off. Turn your meter on and you should see your newly loaded list of satellites. Remember to set your LONG and LAT. The meter will only show satellites that are visible from your LONG and LAT settings.