How to Pre-Program a Satellite on a Receiver

Pre-programming a satellite on a receiver requires a lot of estimation and some slight adjustments. But with the proper installation of the receiver and careful adjustments to the angle and elevation of the satellite dish, the satellite will deliver a strong signal and, with a little luck, few headaches.

Things You'll Need

• Satellite dish
• Handheld level
• Satellite receiver

Instructions

1. Ensure that the satellite dish is correctly mounted. Its base must be flush with the mounting surface. Use a handheld level to ensure the dish is level.

2. Securely hook up the satellite receiver to the power outlet. Run the A/V (audio/video) cables from the satellite receiver to the television. The cables and sockets are color-coordinated -- red, white and yellow -- to avoid confusion. Secure each cable within its corresponding socket.

3. Turn on the satellite receiver and television. The receiver menu will be displayed on the screen. Use the remote control to select the signal meter screen. The signal meter screen is used to calibrate the receiver. Have someone stay by the signal meter screen.

4. Adjust the elevation of the satellite dish by loosening the nuts attached to the elevation bolts (see your dish instruction manual for exact location) and moving the dish slightly up and down. Wait for updates from the person observing the signal meter screen.

5. Adjust the angle of the dish by loosening the nuts at the LNB arm and moving the dish slightly left to right. Once the signal strength on the signal meter screen is between 70 and 80, the signal is ideal and pre-programming is finished.