How to Aim A Hughes Net Satellite Dish The Easiest Way
Aiming a Hughes Net satellite dish can be a challenge, even for trained professionals. Here is a trick that will make the job much easier.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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These instructions are not for first time users but for those wishing to move their Hughes Net dish. If you have not installed a Hughes Net Dish or are not qualified do not attempt to do so. First you will need to download a program called PC-OPI. This program works like the hand held OPI meters, but works on a laptop. You can download the program for free from the site in the resources section below. Assuming you have your Hughes Net terminal correctly installed and all cables hooked up properly, you will want to connect a LAN cable from the terminal to your laptop. Use the network address that came with your system to log into the terminal using the Hughes Net Setup page. Follow the prompts, entering your zip code and forward to the page indicating the direction in degrees of the satellite you should connect to. Note the polarity number and inclination. You will need to adjust these three things.
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With the satellite dish mounted on a level surface, use a compass and point the dish in the direction indicated on the setup page. Next loosen the screws that hold the back of the dish to the mounting bracket and rotate the whole dish on it's axis to change the polarity to match the number on the setup page. A polarity gauge is stamped on the back of the dish. Tighten the screws.
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Next adjust the inclination of the dish to match that found on the setup page. Go back to your terminal, and exit the Hughes Net Setup page. Open the PC-OPI program. Turn up the sound on your computer. If you network cable is long enough take the laptop to where the dish is located. If it is not you can use two walkie-talkies to transmit the audio from the PC-OPI. The program will speak the signal strength number out loud. Place both walkie talkies on the same channel, depress and keep the talk button in the on position with a rubber band so that it is transmitting the audio from the PC-OPI program to the other walkie-talkie. Go outside and begin to move the dish side to side, in increasing swaths until you hear the signal number go up. Once you have found the satellite in this manner, begin to adjust the inclination up or down until you get a stronger signal. If the signal will not go over 29 you are on the wrong satellite. Try to get a signal of 75 or better. After you have locked in the satellite, tighten down all bolts and return to the terminal. Do a cross-pol check and if it passes exit the program and proceed with the Hughes Net Setup. If you don't pass cross poll return to the dish and adjust the polarity by rotating the dish on it's axis as described above, a few degrees either way and repeat the cross poll test.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure no obstacles block the satellite's view of the sky.
Never place your body in front of a Hughes Net dish since harmful EM waves are emitted.
Don't attempt Hughes Net satellite installation if you are not qualified.
