How to Mount a Satellite Dish Indoors

Learn how to mount a satellite dish indoors.

If your neighbors object to you installing a satellite dish outside your residence on your roof or balcony, you may decide to install it indoors. To mount your satellite dish indoors, make sure you have a window that faces south and has an unobstructed view with no walls or trees in the way. The best location for an indoor satellite dish is next to a patio or balcony.

Things You'll Need

• Ultra thin satellite dish wire
• GPS
• Compass
• Signal meter
• Cinder blocks

Instructions

1. Insert coaxial wire into the bottom end of the pole that's attached to the dish. Run it up the pole toward the dish and then downward through the arm of the dish. Push the white round plastic end pieces onto the pole and the arm.

2. Connect the satellite dish to the tripod. Center the pole over the tripod, push down, and close the clips that surround the pole.

3. Attach a wire inside the electric box on your porch or balcony, and run it indoors through a window or door. Use thin satellite wire that will allow you to close your door or window. You can purchase this at any hardware store.

4. Orient your dish in the proper direction by using a GPS or a compass. Point the dish southward, and then turn on the signal meter to measure signal strength. Continue to turn and twist your dish until your meter shows a signal strength within the 70 to 80 range.

5. Ground the satellite dish by wrapping the bendable metal wire to one of the screws on the pole, then connecting the other end of the wire to any piece of metal on the building.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to secure the cables in a location where no one can trip on them.

• Renters and homeowners should check local and FCC regulations, which may deny or restrict installation of satellite dishes.

References

• Federal Communications Commission: FCC Fact Sheet on Placement of Satellites and Antennas