How to Direct a Dish for Dish Network

While some rely on professionals to direct their new Dish Network dish, you can perform the installation of the device and the proper positioning without the aid of a dish technician and on your own time. With a friend to help, a couple common tools, and your Dish Network manual, you can direct your Dish Network dish and enjoy Dish Network television programming in short order, so long as you closely follow dish mounting and satellite receiver installation instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Hand-held level
• Satellite receiver
• A/V cables
• Television

Instructions

1. Decide upon an adequate place to mount your Dish Network dish. Before directing the dish, a place must be found that is safe and clear of any obstacles that could threaten either the stability of the Dish Network dish while mounted, or interfere with the dish's signal. Assure that the mounting area is flat and even. Ensure that this area also provides a clear path to the southern sky above.

2. Utilize a hand-held level while mounting your Dish Network dish. Make use of this tool by measuring along several points of the dish's mast. This will ensure the dish is not mounted askew and is secure.

3. Connect the Dish Network satellite receiver directly to your television. This is necessary to direct the dish later on. Locate the A/V cables. These cables are identified thanks to the three prongs on either end. A standard A/V cable has yellow, red and white prongs. There will be color-coordinated ports for each of these prongs both on the back/side/front of your TV (depending on model) and the back of the Dish Network receiver. Match each prong with its associated color on the TV's ports and on the Dish Network receiver's ports, respectively, and connect them.

4. Turn on the Dish Network receiver. This will pull up the menu. An option on the menu will indicate the signal meter screen. Select this option to bring on the signal meter screen on your television. Have someone stand by at the signal meter screen as you return to your Dish Network mounted dish outside.

5. Direct your Dish Network dish by pointing it to the southern sky. Then adjust the elevation of the dish. The elevation refers to the up/down (north/south) orientation of the Dish Network dish. Consult your Dish Network's satellite manual for the exact location of the elevation bolts on your dish's model, then take your wrench and loosen the nuts around the elevation bolts. Then, make slight up/down adjustments and wait for your friend's report from the signal meter screen inside, then make further adjustments.

6. Make adjustments to the Dish Network dish's azimuth. The azimuth refers to the left/right (east/west) orientation of the dish. Use your wrench again to loosen up the LNB dish arm nuts (again, refer to your manual for location information if necessary). Make small, left/right adjustments, and again wait for feedback from the signal meter screen. Once you receive a signal report of between 70 and 80, you have correctly directed your Dish Network dish.

References

• How to Mount Satellite Dish