How to Install Satellite TV in a Car
If you're on the road a lot in your car and need something to keep your passengers occupied, you can install satellite television in your car. Mobile satellite kits have been used for years on boats, RVs and other large vehicles. You ned to install both this kit and a TV set in the car. Self-installation is very much possible, but professional installation is highly recommended.
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Things You'll Need
- Mobile satellite kit
- Power drill with bits
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Audio/video cables
Instructions
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1
Install the dish antenna of a mobile satellite system onto the car. The dish often connects to mounting brackets with its own screws or fasteners, and then the bracket is drilled into the roof. Drill the holes into just the roof and not the headliner, then apply the bolts using the appropriate wrench or other tool as per the dish's instructions.
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2
Install a TV set in the car if you don't currently have one. The types of TVs for cars (and their installation instructions) vary, but the most common types include the ones mounted to the ceiling through the headliner or into the headrests of the front seats. The TV set must have audio/video input cables.
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3
Connect the antenna cable to the dish antenna and route it into the vehicle--remove the car's headliner, cut a hole in the roof with a hole saw and route the cable into the car. The installation kit may have mounting holes and backing plates to install within the holes and sealing boots for the antenna connection to protect everything from the elements.
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4
Choose a location within the car for the receiver. It needs to be somewhere dry, ventilated and away from heat sources with at least 2 inches of clearance space. The receiver's RV converter also needs a location 3 feet away from the receiver and other electronic devices, and should not be mounted behind a metal structure.
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5
Connect all cables to the receiver, which should include the antenna, RF converter, audio/video and DC power cables. Mount the receiver and its bracket to your chosen location with its mounting bolts. Connect the receiver's audio/video cables to the TV set.
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6
Wire the satellite receiver to the car's power source. With the car's negative battery cable disconnected, connect the positive (red) wire to the car's accessory power--usually on the wiring harness to the ignition switch--and connect the negative (black) cable to a metal ground, such as a chassis screw. If you haven't wired the TV, doing so is very similar.
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7
Call your satellite provider to activate the service for your satellite system.
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Tips & Warnings
Read all instructions that come with your mobile satellite kit and TV set for specifics that concern your kit.
Never watch TV while driving.
