How to Change the Frequency of a Satellite Dish

Increase your satellite dish signal frequency for maximum reception.

Before consulting a satellite technician, refer to the owner's manual for your satellite dish for tips on how to receive a stronger signal frequency. Use a compass to establish the best angle for better reception.Regardless of your satellite dish model, you will need to make adjustments to the dish elevation as well as the azimuth located on the dish. The signal meter will help ensure you have reached the strongest frequency. You should have some experience with satellite dishes before attempting this project.

Things You'll Need

• Compass
• Owner's manual

Instructions

1. Check the azimuth and elevation settings on the satellite dish. Make sure the elevation indicator is aligned. Use a compass to ensure the azimuth is set to the proper position.

2. Bring up the "Dish Pointing" menu for your satellite dish with your remote control. Use the signal meter to verify the strength of the signal frequency.

3. Adjust the azimuth incrementally. Point the LNB arm of the dish to the exact azimuth direction according to the compass.

4. Adjust the dish by lining the edge of the bracket up with the tick marks located on the top of the mast.

5. Tighten the support sleeve nuts to prevent left-to-right movement after you have received a strong enough signal frequency. Then loosen the elevation nuts of the support arm to move the dish.

6. Adjust the elevation of the dish upward and downward until you receive the highest possible frequency. Pause for up to five seconds between each movement. Use the tick marks as a guide.

7. Tighten the elevation nuts on the support arm when the signal frequency is established.

Tips & Warnings

• The LNB support arm is marked with a label indicating the polarization tilt of the satellite unit. Your local LNB polarity offset information will vary according to your location. Your local elevation will affect the reception of the signal when you are adjusting the dish.

• When making adjustments, avoid lining dish points directly with the satellite. Try to point the dish 15 or more degrees lower than the receiving window.

• Do not connect cable coming from the dish to the "In from Antenna" port. Be sure to connect the cable to the "In from Dish, Digital In, or LNB In" port.

References

• Direct TV Online Catalog: Dish Pointer Tips
• Sadoun Satellite Online Catalog: Dish Pointing Tips