How to install a Fixed Satellite Dish
Choosing The Site for Dish Installation
The first thing you need to do is choose the installation site. The
area must have a clear "line of sight" to the satellite. This means
there can be no obstruction between the dish and the satellite. This
includes building, tree branches, mountain, etc. In order to receive a
good signal, select an outdoor site with a clear, unobstructed view of
the South, Southeast, or Southwest. If you install the dish in the
winter, leaves that are normally on the branches may not be present. A
problem with reception may occur when the leaves grow back in the spring
and summer.
Dish Pointing Basic's
To receive broadcast signals for Astra 2 or any satellite, your dish
must be positioned correctly. The exact direction that your antenna will
have to be pointed is dependent upon your location. The elevation angle
is the angle relative to the horizon, that the antenna must be raised
in order to be able to receive signals from a particular satellite. The
azimuth compass bearing is the compass bearing, left to right, that the
antenna must be pointed toward in order to receive the satellite signal.
Those two angles will help you determine if the location you have
selected for placement of your antenna will permit unimpeded satellite
reception. If you don't know the elevation angle and the azimuth compass
bearing of where you live type in your address here www.dishpointer.com/
To calculate the elevation and the azimuth, you need to know the
satellite degree and your GPS co-ordinates. For example: Astra 1 is at
19.2east, Hotbird is at 13east, and Hispasat is at 30west. If you are
not familiar with the orientation of the location where you would like
to place the antenna, a directional compass will be very helpful.
1. Hold the compass horizontally in your hand in front of you.
2. Ensure that you are at an adequate distance away from any metal
object that may give you a false compass indication. As you hold the
compass, allow the compass needle to stop moving. Once it has
stabilized, the arrow or red end of the compass needle should point
toward the North.
3. Gently rotate the compass such that the 0-degree mark on the
compass scale sits under the arrow, or red end of the needle, pointing
toward the North .
4. Since 0 degrees on the compass denotes North you can now locate the
compass azimuth bearing on the compass scale. You will probably note
that the direction of the satellite, as indicated on the angle
calculation or data sheet, is somewhat towards the South. That direction
is the physical direction that the dish will have to be pointed.
5. Once you have oriented yourself in that direction, consider the
elevation angle. Now, make a judgment based on the elevation angle of
where you live. Keep in mind that 45 degrees is halfway between 0
degrees and the horizon while 90 degrees is straight up. If while
looking in that direction, given both the compass azimuth and elevation
for your location, you do not see any obstacles, that location should be
adequate for the placement and installation of your dish-antenna.
Dish Aiming Procedure
1. With the dish facing South and an unobstructed view of the sky,
place the compass on the ground 10' to 20' behind the dish to avoid
magnetic interference. Turn the compass until the compass needle aligns
exactly with magnetic North (or make sure the color needle points north
at 0 degrees). Use a straight object such as a stick or rod between the
compass and the dish to match the Azimuth angle of your location. Move
the whole dish to face the same direction as the stick or rod.
2. Set your basic elevation angle. Refer to the elevation scale
located on the elevation plate at the back of your dish. To set the
correct elevation angle, loosen the bolts that connects the elevation
plate to the triangle base just enough so that the reflector can move up
or down without binding. Carefully set the elevation to the angle value
of your area. You can get you elevation and azimuth readings by typing
in your address here http://www.dishpointer.com/
Dish Alignment
If you do not have a Satellite TV Meter follow the directions below.
Before the actual dish alignment can be done, it is necessary to
connect a coax cable between the LNBF, attached to the dish and your
receiver. Both connections use the standard coaxial F-connector. Now
your dish will be in position to lock in on the satellite signal. You
will need to have your receiver connected to your television.
It is recommended that you place your satellite receiver and
television set close to the dish during the dish alignment procedure. If
that is not possible due to where the dish is located, a second person
may be helpful to relay information seen on the screen of the TV when
the dish is being aligned. Do not turn the power on until all the cable
connections have been made. There are two options when connecting the
receiver to your television or monitor. The receiver has both
audio/video outputs as well as a regular coax output. Attach the
appropriate cables according to the system you have. If you use the
standard coax, UHF output, ensure that you select the channel, that is
not used in your area for local off-air broadcast television. Your
television would have to be set to the channel you selected, in order
for you to receive the programming. If the audio/video/SCART outputs are
used, your television typically would need to be switched to the
"video" input mode.
Now turn on your receiver and television. Use the on screen menu to locate the signal strength meter on your television.
Ask a helper to watch the signal strength screen for indications you
are receiving the signal. Stand behind the dish, and holding its outer
edges, slowly turn it a little to the left or right about 3 or 4 mm at a
time to adjust the azimuth. Pause 4 or 5 seconds, giving the receiver
enough time to lock in on the satellite signal. Continue turning the
dish in this way until you have acquired the signal then adjust the
elevation for maximum signal quality.
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