How to Set Up an FTA Satellite Dish

Setting up an FTA satellite dish allows for satellite signal reception in your home. It is a task many incorrectly ascribe only to professional satellite installers, but it is a process that can in reality be achieved by anyone -- even if you don't have any experience with satellite dishes. With some patient adjustments and the help of a friend, you can set up an FTA satellite dish on your own time and begin enjoying satellite programming.

Things You'll Need

• Satellite receiver
• A/V cables

Instructions

1. Check around the mounting area for the FTA satellite dish and make sure it provides for a secure mounting area, or one that has a flat surface for mounting. If the dish ends up askew it could affect later adjustments. Also, make sure there are no trees or similar obstructions that may obstruct the dish when pointing it.

2. Aim the satellite to the southern sector of the sky. Do not worry about making further adjustments yet -- aim simply in a southern direction.

3. Hook your television up to the FTA satellite dish receiver. Notice that there are red, yellow and white ports on the back of the TV and the back of the receiver. Note also that the A/V cables that shipped with the satellite receiver have two sets of prongs, with each set having a red, yellow and white colored prong. Plug these prongs into the color-matching connectors.

4. Connect the coaxial cable that runs from the FTA satellite dish outside to the back of the receiver inside. The correct port to plug the cable into is the "ANT IN" port.

5. Power on the TV and the receiver and allow the menu to appear. Choose the "signal meter screen" option from the menu. Go outside to the FTA satellite dish and have a buddy stay with the signal meter screen on the TV.

6. Set up the elevation (up/down orientation) of the FTA satellite dish. This is achieved by making incremental up/down changes to the dish and then waiting five to seven seconds to hear back from the signal meter screen, which will instruct your friend as to how close you are to aiming the dish correctly toward the satellite above. Continue making adjustments as necessary.

7. Set up the azimuth (left/right orientation) of the FTA satellite dish. This is achieved by making incremental left/right changes to the dish and waiting five to seven seconds for further signal meter screen suggestions. Once the meter screen shows an overall reading of 70 to 80, your task is complete and the FTA satellite dish is set up.

References

• Satellite Dish Set Up