Things You'll Need:
- Direct Satellite Systems
- Satellite Dish Self-installation Kits
- Satellite Internet Access
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Step 1
Ensure that your satellite antenna meets three conditions: The line-of-sight view to the particular satellite is free of obstacles and obstructions that will block the incoming signal to the antenna; the mast supporting the antenna is rigidly mounted and level; and the reflector part of the satellite antenna (the dish) is not warped.
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Step 2
Adjust the antenna reflector azimuth angle to the position given by the manufacturer for that particular satellite. This adjustment is the east-west movement of the reflector on the mount and is given in azimuth degrees.
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Step 3
Adjust the elevation-look angle to the position given by the manufacturer of the satellite of interest. This adjustment is from the horizon to the sky and is given as elevation in degrees from that point. These two degrees form the orbit degree slot or window of the satellite to be received by your antenna.
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Step 4
Ensure that the antenna signal line is connected to the receiver and the receiver is turned on and positioned on a beacon channel (a beacon channel is a channel being transmitted from the satellite to allow you to peak your antenna to it).
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Step 5
Begin tuning by slowly moving the reflector first to the east in one-degree increments for a total of three degrees, then in the opposite direction (west) while monitoring the receiver's signal meter.
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Step 6
Peak the signal to the highest scale at this point. Peaking the signal using a signal meter is most recommended due to the meter's signal sensitivity.
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Step 7
Snug the antenna azimuth adjustment slightly on the mount once the signal level is maximized.
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Step 8
Perform the same procedure as in steps 4 through 6, using the elevation adjustment first up and then down for peaking. Snug the antenna elevation at this point.
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Step 9
Ground the antenna and the signal line entrance into the residence to electrical code standards.
Comments
Parsimony said
on 6/8/2009 Good tips - this spring bad reception thought was new box - did all the reset and locating signal ideas - then noticed heavy pollen on cars - washed dish from ground with clear water - signal improved - again signal degraded but pollen still about - again washed dish from ground - and like magic signal back again and strong. Just a thought - simple solutions may be best.
liquidbinary said
on 3/4/2009 dont forget the "skew" of the LNB. look at other peoples dishes that have the same service you are trying to pick up. the skew is adjusted by twisting the lnb so the cable outlet points anywhere from out to the side to out to the other side. this will effect your signal HEAPS! when i was an installer you have no idea how many times i was paid to do a repair where all i did was twist the lnb to where i knew it should be pointing. the angle depends on the service and the brand of lnb... but generally speaking if i didnt know what skew to use i would try about 45 degrees each way till i got a reading then adjust it to peak signal after peaking and tightening up the rest of the dish.
jtgetty said
on 2/18/2009 We had some high winds recently and my dish went blank. Thanks to your instructions I was back up and running in a few hours and didn't miss any of the Tour of California on VS!
mitzim said
on 7/13/2008 The easiest way to do it is to throw out the signal meter (which I could not get working) and have a small TV with satellite receiver attached nearby if you can do it. Then you see "live" as you move the signal just how close you are. Once you've locked in a good signal, slowly move the dish up and then down in 3 degree increments until you get good quality.
One other tip I have, you can sometimes "eyeball" the basic direction by simply looking at where your neighbor is pointed. Sometimes you can get lucky.
Finally, have a good compass to help you out.
myiy said
on 6/28/2008 i have got agood signal but cannot get a quality , what i do , thanks