How to Install a Satellite TV Dish
Satellite dishes used to be enormous pieces of equipment taking up a huge chunk of space. Modern technology has made them progressively smaller, however, and now most dishes measure about 18 inches. That means you can install them yourself if you have the right equipment, and while satellite companies will happily provide a professional installer for you, you can save yourself a bit of money if you don't need to call upon their services.
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Things You'll Need
- Satellite dish and receiver
- Satellite mount
- Satellite signal meter
- RG6 coaxial cable
- Plumbing level
- Grounding block
- Compass
- Drill
- 3/8-inch bit
- 7/16-inch nut driver bit
- Adjustable wrench
- 6 2-inch lag bolts (6)
- Staples
- Black tape
Instructions
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1
Call your satellite company and find out which part of the sky their satellite can be found. In some cases, the location may be listed in your satellite manual.
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2
Choose a location on your roof or somewhere else on your property with an unobstructed view in the direction your satellite company has indicated.
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3
Mount the satellite mast in your chosen location, using 6-inch lag bolts to keep it in place. Use a carpenter's level or similar device to ensure it is parallel to the ground.
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4
Attach the antenna to the dish array, sliding into place without bolting it into position. (You'll need to align it later on in the process.)
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5
Connect a grounding block to the ground near the spot where you intend to run the coaxial cable from the satellite dish to your TV.
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6
Run RG6 coaxial cable through the antenna array, down the side of your house to the grounding block and then into your receiver in your living room. If you need to drill a hole in the wall, use a 3/8-inch bit and choose a spot near your receiver where there are no wires or support beams in the wall.
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7
Connect the wire from the grounding block to the cable antenna and another piece of cold metal (such as a cold water pipe) on the outside of your house. This protects your system and home in the event of a lightning strike
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8
Attach the LNB (low noise blocker) to the end of your antenna and connect the end of the coaxial cable to it.
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9
Connect a satellite signal meter to the antenna and adjust its direction until it receives the strongest possible signal from the satellite. Most satellite dishes allow you to do this by hand, shifting the azimuth and elevation direction until it locks on to the signal.
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10
Check the receiver downstairs to make sure the signal is strong.
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11
Bolt the antenna into position and used staples to secure the coaxial cable to the side of your house.
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12
Turn on the receiver and follow any remaining instructions to complete your satellite set-up.
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Tips & Warnings
If you drill a hole into your house to let in the cable, make sure you seal it using caulk or some similar material. It will keep water out of your home.
Take care when securing the cable to the sides of the house. If you staple through the cable instead of around the cable, you may affect the signal to your TV.
