Things You'll Need:
- Satellite dish
- Hand-held level
- Dish receiver
- Television
- Power drill
- Wrench
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Step 1
Observe the area where you would like to put the satellite dish. Only a few areas meet the necessary criteria; otherwise, you risk incorrect installation. Before using any tools, ensure that the area is free of debris; provides an even and flat mounting surface; and doesn't have any obstructions, such as tree limbs, that can block your satellite signal.
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Step 2
Use a hand-held level tool to aid in satellite dish mounting. Use the level tool at different points along the dish to get multiple readings and avoid an incorrect measurement. Ensure that the dish mast is in an orientation that is perpendicular to level.
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Step 3
Locate the satellite receiver. This is connected to your television using AV cables. Configurations may vary depending on your TV, although the standard array of these cables are a red, white and yellow three-pronged cable. These will plug into the matching ports on the back or side of your television---these ports will also be red, yellow and white. With this connection made, plug the receiver into the power outlet with its power cable, and also, ensure the satellite-to-receiver wires are run from the satellite to the receiver in a direct line (not using splitters). Use of a power drill tool can make small holes in key areas so as to allow these wires to be run in a direct line from outside to inside.
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Step 4
Boot up the receiver. Under the Menu options, pull up the signal meter screen, which is used for setup. Have a friend or family member observe this screen, which will appear on your TV, as you make your way back outside to the satellite.
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Step 5
Utilize a wrench to make adjustments to the satellite. First, aim the satellite in the general direction of the southern sky. Then, use the wrench to loosen the nuts near the elevation bolts on the satellite. Once loosened, the satellite's elevation (up/down movement) can be adjusted slightly. After each slight adjustment, the signal meter screen should be consulted.
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Step 6
Use a wrench again to make azimuth (left/right) adjustments. Take the wrench and loosen the nuts near the LNB dish arm (satellites differ slightly in where their parts are located depending on model, but yours should have an illustrated guide for further consultation). Make slight adjustments in a similar fashion as before.
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Step 7
Loosen the nuts with the wrench and make elevation and azimuth changes until the signal meter screen provides an optimum reading of between 70 and 80.
