Satellite Antenna Installation

More recently, the soaring prices of Cable TV has compelled users to shift to Satellite TV, which seems to be a much more viable option as far as financial part is concerned. Satellite TV gives you the same channels, but with a better picture quality at a lower price. Many people believe that satellite antenna installation is one of the most tedious task when it comes to Satellite TVs. However, that is not really the case. If you follow the correct procedure of satellite dish antenna installation properly, you can do it in a jiffy.

How to Install a Satellite Antenna?

Satellite dish antenna is an important component of a dish network Satellite TV, as it receives signal from the satellite orbiting the Earth. Taking that into consideration, it is very important to install the dish antenna properly. Given below is the process of satellite antenna installation step by step.

Ideal Installation Site: Where to Fix the Satellite Antenna
The foremost thing to do when installing a satellite dish is to find the right place. The satellite is located along the Equator, which means your dish antenna should face south if you live in northern hemisphere, and face north if you live in southern hemisphere. The tilt of the antenna will depend on the region you reside in. Normally, the satellite is located anywhere between 30 and 60 degrees. For northern states in the US the elevation would be 30 degrees, while the same for the southern states would be 60 degrees. Trees and man-made structures can obstruct the signals, and hence you will have to install your dish antenna at such a place wherein there would be no such obstructions.

Pointing Coordinates: Finding the Right Direction
Yet another important aspect of satellite antenna installation is finding the pointing coordinates for the dish. This can be done by connecting the receiver to the TV, and checking the menu. The coordinates will be reflected on your screen in form of some numbers. These numbers basically depict the required elevation (up-down tilt) and azimuth (left-right setting). Make a note of these numbers, and continue with the satellite dish installation part. The next step is to go to the installation site you have chosen, and find the coordinates using a compass. Make sure that you are holding the compass correctly, and find the direction corresponding to the azimuth number. This will be the direction in which your satellite dish should be ideally facing.

Mounting the Mast
You will fix the dish antenna over a metal mount available with the system. You can mount the mast on solid wood, brick/concrete wall, a pole or the roof. Mounting the mast on the roof, though, should be the last option. The equipment you require to secure the mast would depend on where you choose to mount it. For instance, you can use lag-screws to fix the mast to solid wood, but when fixing it the mast to concrete wall you will require double expansion anchors and machine screws. You will also have to level the mast from side to side, if you are mounting it on a vertical surface, and front to back, if you are mounting it on a horizontal surface. You need to make sure that your mount is sturdy, as it has to bear the weight of the dish, which will be fixed over it.

Attaching the Dish
Place the dish-LNB arm assembly at the top of the mast, and start connecting the cable. The coaxial cable has to be routed through the mast, and connected to the LNB. In order to do this, you will have to make sure that you have 2 feet of extra cable after pulling it through the mast. Pass this cable through the LNB support arm, and take it to the LNB. Put some silicone grease on the LNB and connect the coaxial cable to it. It is recommended to ground the system, as grounding will ensure that the system is safe from lightning damage. Now you are done with satellite antenna installation, and the next thing to do is to connect the cable to the receiver by locating the 'Satellite In' jack at the back of the receiver. The last step is to fine-tune the signal. The rule of the thumb is more the signal, less are the chances of encountering problem during a bad weather. Although the maximum signal you can achieve is 100, it is unlikely that you will get the same. Signal ranging from 60 to 90 is ideal for better quality picture.

Following the simple steps given in this satellite antenna installation guide will help you in executing this task with ease, and basic knowledge of working with electronic devices will come handy when you would require to join the cable to the LNB. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you shouldn't be toying around with these electronic devices, if you are not sure of what you are doing. In such a scenario, it is better off to resort to professional help, rather than trying things on your own.