How to Install a Multiswitch Satellite Dish

A satellite dish can receive multiple signals from the overhead satellite it is aimed toward. To download the multiple signals to a satellite receiver, a multiswitch combines the signals so a single coax cable can handle them. Installing a multiswitch as part of the satellite dish installation is straightforward and requires few tools. A few coaxial cables will be needed, as will a dual LNB satellite module that can take advantage of multiple satellite transmissions and convey them to the multiswitch.

Things You'll Need

• Compass
• Wood screws
• Phillips screwdriver
• Duct tape/plastic tie
• Dual LNB satellite module
• 2 coax cables, 3 feet
• Coaxial cable, 100 feet
• Satellite receiver

Instructions

1. Hold a compass to provide a point of reference. Place the satellite dish bracket against a wall that faces in the direction of the satellite that will provide the TV transmissions to the dish; the manual that comes with the satellite dish kit will provide this information, but you can also find it at the satellite TV provider's website. Screw the bracket into the wall with wood screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

2. Loosen the screws around the top of the bracket with the Phillips screwdriver. Insert the pole at the bottom of the satellite dish into the hole at the top of the bracket. Rotate the dish so it is facing in the direction of the satellite. Tighten the screws.

3. Loosen the screws on the front bottom of the dish with the Phillips screwdriver. Insert the blunt end of the lateral LNB support pole into the hole at the front bottom of the dish.

4. Rotate the lateral LNB support pole so the right-angled end is pointing straight up. Tighten the screws at the front bottom of the dish to secure the pole.

5. Hold the satellite multiswitch with the end that has the coax inputs facing up. Affix the multiswitch to the side of the bracket holding the satellite dish in position--use strips of duct tape or a plastic tie-wrap to hold the multiswitch onto the bracket.

6. Loosen the screws on the side of the dual LNB satellite module with the Phillips screwdriver. Place the dual LNB satellite module on the end of the pole and rotate its plastic front to face the dish. Tighten down the screws.

7. Screw an end of a 3 foot coax cable into one of the two coax outputs on the bottom of the dual LNB satellite module. Screw the other end of the coax cable into one of the coax inputs on the multiswitch. Repeat this procedure with another 3 foot coax cable, the other coax output on the LNB satellite module and a coax input on the multiswitch.

8. Screw an end of the 100 foot coaxial cable into a coax output on the multiswitch. Run the end of the coaxial cable into the home and over to the satellite receiver. Screw the end of the coaxial cable into the coax input on the back of the satellite receiver.

9. Turn the satellite receiver on from "Standby" using the included remote. Select "Point Dish" from the "System Setup" menu.

10. Loosen the two knobs on the side of the bracket. Raise and lower the satellite dish until the meter on the "Point Dish" screen reaches the highest number possible. Tighten the knob on the bracket so the dish remains in position.

11. Move the dish laterally back and forth until the meter on the "Point Dish" screen reaches the highest number possible. Tighten the knob on the bracket so the dish remains in position.

Tips & Warnings

• The satellite multi-switch must be compatible with the satellite providing the transmissions.

References

• Satellite TV Wiz: How Do I Install Dish Pro 500 Antenna (provided by Dish Network)?

Resources

• The History Of: The History Of Satellite TV