if you test the coax line you need -22 to -55 dBm to set the reciever, the signal strength meter of the reciever is more of a reference for the customer, The birddog meter will let you look at the quality of the signal, ps Direct does insist that solid copper should be used, I figured it out, if you stay under 75 feet in the run then you do not need it, not enough loss in the voltage to the lnb.