ok so,

i've been using the same RG6 cable from the beginning and i'm pretty sure thats not the problem. The green light i was talking about is in the LNB itself. I've seen the Sony dishes you speak of Rob, and its not like those where the light blinks on the outside. Anyhow, i didn't actually see it flash, my GF did, while i was fidgiting with the dish.

the thing is, i either get the signal at 83, or nothing.
How well do those signal finders work?

thanks for the input fellas.