How to Set Up a Satellite TV for a Tailgate Party

Learn how to set up a television for your tailgate party.

The idea of tailgating takes attending a football game or other sporting event to a whole new level. Like many social traditions, tailgate parties continue to evolve to include more and more bells and whistles, such as satellite TV, so that your friends and family can watch the pre-game show from the parking lot. You can watch the show even if it's not carried on a regular local broadcast channel.

Things You'll Need

• Satellite TV subscription
• 12-volt television
• Satellite TV receiver
• Satellite dish
• 2-port cigarette lighter adapter
• Coaxial cable to connect satellite dish to receiver (if not included)
• Patch cord to connect TV to satellite receiver (if not included with satellite system)
• Table (optional)
• Compass

Instructions

1. Determine where you want the television set up for the tailgate party. Popular options are to set the TV atop a folding table, or to place it in the back of a flatbed truck or inside the tailgate of an SUV. If you are expecting inclement weather, be sure to keep the television and satellite receiver protected.

2. Connect the satellite dish to the satellite receiver (coaxial cable should be provided), then connect the satellite receiver to your 12-volt television. Usually, you have a choice of connection methods for the latter: a coaxial cable, audio-visual tricolor patch cord, or an S-video cable. These options should be included with the satellite system you rent or purchase, which will come with an instruction manual. The connectivity options on the 12-volt TV will be similar to those for home equipment, and if you are familiar with the setup process at home, you will recognize those cords.

3. Plug the corresponding power cords for the television and satellite receiver into the two-port cigarette lighter adapter, then plug the adapter cord into the cigarette lighter on the vehicle. Make sure the receiver and TV power are both off.

4. Turn on the satellite receiver and TV, and aim the satellite dish. The direction will vary depending on your satellite service provider and location. The best thing to do is to contact the satellite service company and give them the city where the tailgate party will be held. You may also be able to look this information up on the company website. Be sure to have a clear path to the satellite, avoiding trees, buildings and other obstructions. The signal-strength meter displayed on the TV screen will help guide you through the process. You may have to use the setup menu to access this function.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider purchasing an adjustable television stand for your tailgating experience. That way you can raise the height of the TV so that more people can see the set.

• If you have more than one cigarette lighter, you do not need the two-port adapter. You can plug the television into one and the satellite receiver into the other.

References

• Tailgating Ideas
• High Tech Tailgating
• Sadoun: Satellite Angle Look-Up

Resources

• Tailgating Reviews
• Crutchfield: Direct TV Hook-up