How to Position the AFN Satellite Dish

Satellite dishes are a crucial component of any working home satellite TV system. The dish is the instrument that actually tunes in the signal from the orbiting satellite and sends the signal to a satellite receiver where it can be converted into a format that is watchable on your TV. If you use a satellite dish like the Armed Forces Network dish to receive AFN programming, you can position the dish on your own.

Things You'll Need

• Magnetic compass

Instructions

1. Verify a clear line of sight between the dish and the sky. Make sure there are no tree limbs, buildings, poles or other obstructions. If the obstructions can be easily cleared, do so. If not, find another location to mount the dish.

2. Position the angle of the dish between 170 and 180 degrees azimuth from south. Use a magnetic compass to determine the angle from due south, which depends on your geographic location.

3. Position the elevation of the dish at an angle of 30 degrees from the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Southern locations require a more extreme elevation angle than 30 degrees, and Northern locations a more acute angle.

• If you have trouble determining the appropriate dish or elevation angle, ask your AFN service representative for the best angles to use given your location.

• It is always preferable to have a professional installer mount and position your satellite dish, both to minimize your risk of injury and to ensure the consistency of your satellite TV service.

References

• AFN Europe: Satellite System Setup for Novices