How to Set Up a Satellite Dish
If you are tired of the same old channels on your TV, then it is time to set up a satellite dish to receive a variety of new, exciting channels. A satellite dish receives data from satellites orbiting Earth. Satellite dishes often sit on a roof or inside a garden and have a large plate with a small receiver box attached in front of the parabola. Some channels are provided free, while others require subscribers to pay a fee to unlock the encryption.
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Things You'll Need
- Satellite dish
- Wrench
- Low noise block down converter (LNB)
- Decoder
- Satellite coax cable
- Aerial plugs
Instructions
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1
Mount your satellite dish. Adjust the dish so that the dish mast is level. Use a carpenter's level.
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2
Attach the low noise block down converter (LNB) to the dish using the wrench at the end of the arm projecting from the satellite dish. Run a length of satellite coax cable to it.
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3
Aim your dish toward the satellites by adjusting the antenna reflector azimuth angle and the elevation-look angle to the position given by the manufacturer.
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4
Connect the digital receiver to your television and turn both on.
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5
Plug the receiver cables into the LNB. Check the signal strength display from the digital receiver's on-screen menu to measure the signal strength accurately. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to view the signal strength and quality.
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6
Connect the satellite dish to the television set and the TV to the decoder. Turn on the receiver and position it on a beacon channel. Beacon channels are used to tune your satellite dish.
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7
Begin tuning. Move the reflector slowly to the east in 1-degree increments for 3 degrees, then in the opposite direction. Monitor the receiver's signal strength throughout the process.
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8
Lock the antenna azimuth adjustment on the mount when you have finished maximizing the signal level.
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9
Fine-tune the channels once you finished setting up the satellite dish. Loosen the elevation bolts and turn the dish east and west. Stop for a moment each time after you have moved the dish to check signal strength on the TV screen. Move the dish up and down the same way to improve the signal-strength reading. When you are satisfied with the signal strength, tighten the elevation bolts and enjoy watching TV.
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Tips & Warnings
Use high-quality aerial plugs and coaxial cable to achieve the best channel quality.
Always have a helper when installing electrical equipment so that your friend can switch off the electricity in case you receive an electric shock.
References
- Photo Credit Satellite dish image by Scrivener from Fotolia.com
