Properly Installing a Satellite Dish

A satellite dish install may sometimes be above a do-it yourselfer, in which case a professional installer should be considered. Some satellite retailers offer free installation for new subscriptions. For those who choose to install the satellite antenna themselves.

Satellite technology has made leaps and bounds over the last decade, introducing the world to a whole new era of television entertainment. But have you ever wondered just how a satellite dish works? So did us.

Satellite TV is a round, concave dish-shaped antenna used in telecommunication systems and astronomy; an uplink antenna is used to send electronic signals to a communications satellite or other spacecraft.

The good news is that you can usually find this information with the help of your satellite provider. DISH Network for example features a Point Dish/Signal option in their on-screen menu to assist you in the adjustment of your TV satellite dish. Using your zip code, you can determine the azimuth, elevation and skew. Pointing your dish is normally part of the installation process so plan to do your install when you have time to follow through.

Start by locating a suitable place for the install. The selected location should have a clear line of site facing the direction as determined by your zip code. Line of sight is a must, for any interference will not allow for adequate signal strength. Another important task while installing the satellite dish is to bolt the mast firmly and ensure it is plumb in all directions. Depending on the location of the satellite dish, you may use the provided foot / mast assembly. Many installers prefer a satellite tripod or other alternatives, depending on the situation. DStv installations Faerie glen

Next, the dish must be secured on the mast, but do not tighten the bolts yet. Pull the coax cable through the dish arm and then properly connect the coax cable. Be sure to then secure the LNB to the satellite dish. Do not over tighten the bolts. Now consult the satellite system manual for guidance on the correct elevation and skew, then raise the dish accordingly. The user manual should provide measurements based on the zip code in which the satellite dish is being installed. Most include tick marks to accurately set the measurements.

Connect the coax cable to the satellite signal finder and also consider using the television for signal confirmation. Once you set the satellite dish to the measurements outlined in the user manual and then check the satellite signal finder until the signal is located. Make slight horizontal and vertical adjustments to the reflector as needed to peak the signal. After achieving an optimum satellite signal, secure the bolts on the dish.

To provide you with that quality satellite programming you enjoy so much, your satellite dish must receive a signal from the appropriate source. Man-made satellites orbit around the Earth at just about 20,000 miles into the sky. These satellites receive digital signals from your programming provider, encrypt them and then send them back out to subscribers.

In order to enjoy maximum results from your TV satellite dish, you need to be sure it's receiving the best possible signal. Where you point your satellite then becomes an all-important step in getting great reception. But how does one point a satellite dish?
 
This article, dated October 25, 2019, provides a basic guide for self-installing a satellite dish, explaining the core principles of satellite TV technology and offering practical steps for installation. It also acknowledges when professional help might be necessary.


Satellite Dish Installation: A DIY Guide​

The article acknowledges that while satellite dish installation can sometimes be a task for a professional installer (with some retailers offering free installation for new subscriptions), it is also a feasible do-it-yourself project for those willing to undertake it.

How Satellite TV Works​

The piece briefly explains the fundamental concept behind satellite TV, noting that "Satellite technology has made leaps and bounds over the last decade." It defines a satellite TV dish as a "round, concave dish-shaped antenna used in telecommunication systems and astronomy," serving as an "uplink antenna... to send electronic signals to a communications satellite or other spacecraft." It clarifies that man-made satellites orbit about 20,000 miles above Earth, receiving digital signals from programming providers, encrypting them, and then transmitting them back to subscribers. The article underscores that for optimal viewing, a TV satellite dish needs to receive the "best possible signal" from the appropriate source, making accurate pointing a crucial step.


Step-by-Step Installation Process​

The article outlines a practical, multi-step process for self-installation:

  1. Information Gathering: The first step involves consulting the satellite provider (e.g., DISH Network's "Point Dish/Signal" option) to determine the correct "azimuth, elevation and skew" using your zip code. This information is critical for accurate dish alignment.
  2. Location Selection: A suitable installation spot must be found, ensuring a "clear line of site facing the direction as determined by your zip code." Any interference will compromise signal strength.
  3. Mast Installation: The mast, which supports the dish, must be "bolted firmly and ensure it is plumb in all directions." The choice of mounting (e.g., provided foot/mast assembly, satellite tripod) depends on the specific situation. The mention of "DStv installations Faerie glen" seems like an irrelevant insertion or a leftover from a different context.
  4. Dish Assembly (Initial): The dish is secured onto the mast, but bolts should not be tightened initially. The coax cable is pulled through the dish arm and properly connected. The LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter) is then secured to the dish, again without overtightening.
  5. Elevation and Skew Adjustment: The user manual is essential here for guiding the correct "elevation and skew" settings based on the zip code. Tick marks on the dish components often assist in accurate measurement.
  6. Signal Acquisition and Fine-Tuning: The coax cable is connected to a "satellite signal finder," and the television can also be used for confirmation. After setting initial measurements, slight "horizontal and vertical adjustments to the reflector" are made to "peak the signal." Once an optimum signal is achieved, the bolts on the dish are securely tightened.
The article effectively explains the technical aspects of satellite dish installation in an accessible manner, emphasizing the importance of precise alignment for optimal signal reception.
 
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