How to Calculate Angles for Satellite Dishes
Satellites orbit directly over the equator at a speed and direction equal to the Earth's rotation, keeping them directly above specific longitudinal coordinates at all times. At the time of publication, 13 satellites carry programming for direct broadcast TV to homes with satellite dishes in the U.S. To access signals, you must subscribe to a satellite service provider who gives you dish angles to the specific satellite that carries their signal. To calculate the angles from any location, you must know the longitudinal bearing or name of the satellite from which you want to receive signals.
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Instructions
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Visit an online satellite finder or dish pointing site. Examples are DishPointer or Global/MonsterFM, but several are available.
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Enter your location in the space provided. DishPointer allows you to enter your exact address, ZIP code or city. Global/MonsterFM has a drop-down menu for major cities in North and South America.
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Satellites orbit the Earth directly above the equator. Enter the satellite to which you want to point your dish. DishPointer has a drop-down menu for all satellites accessible from the U.S. Click on the one you want. Global/MonsterFM has only a few selections for the most commonly used satellites in the Americas.
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Click on the activation button. DishPointer has a button labeled "Go!" and Global/MonsterFM uses "Calc. Look Angle." DishPointer give the azimuth angles in true and magnetic North. Global/MonsterFM only gives true North.
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Tips & Warnings
When using a compass to align a dish, use the magnetic North coordinate.
Some online dish pointer sites include satellite maps that show your azimuth angle with reference to local landmarks.
References
Resources
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