How to Determine the Best Location for Your Satellite Antenna

More consumers are becoming involved in installing and positioning their own satellite antennas. Following a few simple steps can help make sure you get it right the first time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Direct Satellite Systems
• Satellite Dish Self-installation Kits

1. Determine which satellite carries your most frequently viewed programs, and figure out its location on the solar arc. You can find this information at the OnSat Web site (onsat.com).

2. Locate the area outside your home that is nearest to your television set.

3. Turn and face south - or north if you are located south of the equator.

4. Look from east to west, following an arc that mimics the sun's path across the sky.

5. Observe any obstacles, such as trees or buildings, that may obscure the line of sight along the arc. This is the most critical step prior to installation. If this proves to be difficult, use an instrument called a Target:Sat, which can be found at the Alien Works Web site (alienworksltd.com).

6. Choose a method of installation that allows your system to withstand the elements year-round and still remain perfectly level and rigidly mounted.

7. Seal all outdoor electrical connections with weatherproof sealant, and bury the incoming receiving line below the frost line level.

8. Ground the unit and the incoming receiving line following national electrical code standards.

Tips & Warnings

• Always choose a location that is away from utility lines.
• Typical installation types are: pipe in ground (the antenna is attached to a pipe that is placed in concrete), antenna tower (the antenna is attached to an existing tower used for ground-based TV reception), and outside wall (the antenna is attached to a wall with fasteners that are designed to permanently embed themselves in the wall).
• The majority of today's satellite receivers give out the particular satellite's orbit slot and the azimuth (the location of a satellite along the east/west arc) to view that spacecraft.
• Satellite positions are given in orbit slot degree coordinates and are true, not magnetic locations. These slots will be based on an azimuth heading that must be viewed as true rather than a compass position. Since a compass will have a magnetic variation, ask your local airport for that variation. To read true azimuth, turn in the opposite direction of the variation the number of degrees the airport gives (e.g. 3 degrees west will turn back the compass dial 3 degrees east for you to base your azimuth reading from).
• Ensure your system is well-mounted - system movement can reduce signal reception to the point of complete loss.
• Make sure that the growth of new foliage does not impede your system.