How to Find a Signal for FTA Satellite

Installing a free-to-air or FTA satellite yourself requires that the dish be pointed in the correct direction. This is done by using a satellite signal finder, which allows you to check the signal while the dish is being pointed at a satellite. This provides you with the opportunity to adjust the dish once without having to make changes later if the dish is not receiving a strong enough signal from the satellite.

Things You'll Need

• Satellite signal finder
• Coaxial cable

Instructions

1. Verify that the satellite receiver for your FTA system is turned on. Press the "Power" button that is on the receiver or remote control.

2. Disconnect the coaxial cable from the LNB ("Low Noise Blocker") on the dish and connect it to the input port on the satellite signal finder.

3. Connect a shorter length of coaxial cable from the output port on the satellite signal finder to the LNB on the satellite dish.

4. Turn the knob for "DB" or "Level" clockwise until the reading on the display is between 1 and 2. Some models may need to have the level set to 5.

5. Adjust the position of the dish until the reading on the satellite signal finder increases to l0. You may hear a buzz or beep, depending on the model of satellite signal finder.

6. Turn the "DB" or "Level" knob counterclockwise to reduce the reading on the display to between 1 and 2 or 5.

7. Remove the coaxial cables from the satellite signal meter and the LNB. Connect the coaxial cable from the receiver back to the LNB.

References

• Ace Hardware: Installing Satellite Accessories
• Commerical Electronics: How to Use Satellite Signal Meters