Free to Air Satellite Dish Installation

Definitions to Know

Elevation is the up/down angle	Azimuth is the side to side direction

Elevation: This is the angle between the broadcast satellite above the horizon and your physical location on Earth, where your receiving satellite dish will be. This is the up/down adjustment on the satellite dish. All commercial satellites in geo-stationary orbit are located 22 300 miles above the Earth. The curvature of the Earth means that the farther you advance East or West from the satellite orbital location, the more you will need to adjust your elevation. For example, if the satellite orbital location is located directly over the state of Texas, your elevation in New York will be lower than that of someone living in Texas.

Azimuth: This is the compass direction to your satellites location. This is the left/right adjustment on the satellite dish. For example, to find a satellite located at 101 degrees longitude , your azimuth in Los Angeles, California will be 137 degrees. Also, as there is a difference between true and magnetic North, to find a satellite, you may also need to compensate or correct your values for magnetic deviation. (See below image) For Los Angeles, the 137 degree azimuth must be corrected by subtracting 14 degrees, so the true compass direction is 123 degrees. This corrected value is known as your declination angle.
 

Locations West of 0 need to subtract the value shown. Locations East of 0 need to add the value shown.

If you would like to find out the coordinates for your site, you can access the U.S. Census Bureaus web site and search by either zip code or city name.

Please note however, the True Azimuth calculation is relative to the geographic North Pole. On the earths surface, a compass points to the magnetic North Pole rather than the geographic North Pole. The angular difference between these two directions is called Magnetic Declination.

If you don't account for magnetic declination in your azimuth setting, the azimuth calculation for your antenna location will be less precise. Use the following Magnetic Declination Map to find out the declination value for your site. You can also get the declination value can also be use the magnetic declination calculator on the National Geophysical Data Center website

Polarization: This is the correction that compensates for curvature of the Earth relative to the satellite signal for linearly polarized satellites. This is also known as tilt or skew. Linearly polarized satellites use both vertical and horizontal polarization. To correctly receive signals on satellite transponders, your dish must be adjusted so as to receive the signals head on. Your polarization adjustment compensates for the curvature of the Earth by rotating the LNBF left or right. Note that some fixed dish configurations adjust the polarization by tilting the entire dish rather than the lnbf. A negative polarization is in a clockwise direction from vertical. A positive polarization is in a counterclockwise direction from vertical.
 

Step 1: Satellite Site Survey

The first step in a free to air installation is critical as it will determine your eligibility to receive satellite signals. Not all homes are capable of receiving signals as natural barriers such as trees, mountains and also man-made barriers such as buildings and other structures can block signals. Because the signal from the satellite is relatively weak, it must have an un-obstructed view of the satellite in order to receive a satisfactory signal. Also bear in mind, seasonal changes, in particular to homes with seasonal vegetation or shrubs, so you do not end up installing your satellite in a location that will be blocked when spring comes and leaves from trees obstruct your signal.

Many areas will be able to receive some satellites, but possibly not others because of these barriers. If your site survey reveals that you are not able to receive the entire satellite belt, you will need to determine the best location for your dish to be able to receive the satellites of most importance to you. Bear in mind that if a particular location in your yard is not suitable, moving the location 100 feet or more can make a tremendous difference.

Consult our Free to Air Satellite Channel Listing and pay particular attention to the satellites that you are interested in receiving. Each satellite will have an orbital slot, such as 97 degrees West. You should now choose the furthest Eastern satellite and note down the orbital location. Now choose the furthest Western satellite and note down the orbital location. The difference in the two locations is your ideal uncorrected satellite range that you will be aiming to receive. Note that your actual pointing direction will require correction due to the difference between true and magnetic North. You will now need to lookup your Eastern and Western satellite locations on our Satellite Pointing Page in order to receive your corrected values. Select the city nearest to you and select the far eastern satellite from the list. Your "Azimuth" or compass heading will be calculated, note it down. This is the precise compass direction that you will need to point to in order to receive that satellite. Now repeat the procedure for the far western satellite.

The two locations are your corrected ideal range of view. Additionally, if there is a particular satellite of paramount importance to you, will will also want to note down the azimuth for it as well, as you will want to ensure that you can receive it, even if it means not being able to receive some others. Also make a note of the elevation of the satellite. The lower the elevation, the closer it is to the horizon. You will also need to bear in mind of your physical location. If you live near the East coast, the farthest western satellites will be much farther down on the horizon that the Eastern satellites. This will make it more likely that trees to buildings can block the signals. If you live near the West coast, the opposite is true.

You will now need a good compass. Walk outside and locate your far eastern satellite azimuth on your compass. If the elevation for the satellite is low to the ground, such as 5-10 degrees, you will want to make sure that there are no tall trees or other obstacles in your path within 200-400 feet from you. Now slowly sweep your compass west until your reach your far western satellite azimuth. As well make sure there are no tall trees in the way. Are there any tall trees in between the two points? If so, you may want to try other areas of your yard to see if a better location is available. If there are some tall trees in your way and there is a particular satellite of interest to you, you will want to compromise so as to favor reception of that particular satellite over some less important ones. Once you have located an ideal location, ensure that you will be able to install a pole in the ground at that location and also that you will be able to bury the coaxial cable from the location to your house.

Step 2: Install Mounting Pole

You will now need to determine the diameter of your mounting pole as well as the height of the pole. Most small Ku band dishes use a 1 5/8" diameter pole. Larger dishes will require a larger diameter of pole. If you already have your dish, consult the manual or measure the mounting bracket. Your pole should be a minimum of 5' above the ground and 18-24" below the ground. If you have some obstacles to overcome, you may wish to use a taller mounting pole. Your pole will need to be secured with numerous bags of concrete to prevent movement. A general rule of thumb is one bag for every foot of pole height. Stormy locations may require more. For best results, use a steel pole which can be obtained from most steel fabricators. You will also need a 4' level and a small torpedo level.

Dig a hole 18-24" or more below the surface. Install the pole and fill the hole with concrete. You will also want to use a generous amount of concrete above the surface or you will need to bury the pole deeper. Assuming the cut on the top of the pole is a square 90 degree cut, place the torpedo level on the top of the pole and the 4' level on the sides of the pole. The pole must be both plumb (90 degrees vertically) and level (90 degrees horizontally). Check for plumb in three directions on the pole and also place some sort of brace against the pole, preventing movement while concrete is curing. You will need to check the pole for plumb several times in the first few hours to ensure no movement has occurred and correct it if it has. You also need to allow 24-48 hours to the concrete to harden before attempting to mount the dish. Once cured, the dish should be solidly mounted and should not move if shook. If movement occurs, you will need to further solidify the pole with additional concrete above the surface.

Figure 1	Figure 2	Figure 3

Step 3: Install Dish

Installation of standard stationary free to air satellite dish

A standard installation of a stationary satellite dish or several dishes connected to a DiSEqc switch is fairly straight forward. Many late model digital receivers come with an on-screen dish signal meter, however you may find it far easier to purchase a low cost satellite signal finder, available from most satellite retailers for under $15. The signal finder will allow you to locate Ku band satellite signals as well as fine tune them for optimum operation.

Your first step will be to run your coaxial cable (RG-6) from your house and satellite receiver to your dish location, allowing for enough cable to secure it to your mounting pole and run through your dish and to your LNBF. It is always better to leave too much cable until your permanently mount your dish rather than too little. For best results, you should staple the cable to the side of your house and bury any exposed portion that runs across the ground to prevent damage. When stapling, ensure that your staple does not penetrate the cable or you will have a short which will prevent your system from operating.

Assuming that you have a pole in the ground in in some cases a mounting bracket affixed to a solid surface and assuming that you have checked the mounting pole or bracket to insure that it is both plumb and level, you should assemble the dish and LNBF mounting arm assembly. At this time, you should have all your satellite locations as well as all your elevation and azimuth settings. If you don't know the elevation angle and the azimuth compass bearing of where you live click here to consult our satellite calculator. 

As your dish will be fixed in one position in the sky, you will be limited to whatever programming is on the satellite of choice. Locate your chosen satellites elevation and set the elevation angle on your satellite dish, you will find the elevation reference points on the side of your dish. Bear in mind that you may still need to fine tune it after you have located your signal. Mount the dish to your mounting pole, run your coaxial cable to your LNBF, set your satellite dish polarization by adjusting or rotating the LNBF to the required setting and secure your LNBF to your dish. Most dish manufacturers include a polarization scale that you can use as a reference. You will still need to adjust this setting later, so tighten the LNBF just enough to prevent movement. If you are using an external signal finder, connect the LNBF end to the LNBF and the coaxial from your house to the receiver side of the finder.

Step 4: Free to Air Receiver Setup

You should now have your dish mounted temporarily outside and your coaxial cable connected to it. The dish should be set to the elevation and polarization that you calculated earlier. Connect the coaxial from your satellite dish to the receiver and connect the receiver to your television.

It is recommended that you place your satellite receiver and television set close to the dish during the dish alignment procedure. If that is not possible due to where the dish is located, a second person may be helpful to relay information seen on the screen of the TV when the dish is being aligned. Do not turn the power on until all the cable connections have been made. There are two options when connecting the receiver to your television or monitor. The receiver has both audio/video outputs as well as a regular coax output on either channel 3 or 4. Attach the appropriate cables according to the system you have. If you use the standard coax, channel 3 or 4 output, ensure that you select the channel, 3 or 4, that is not used in your area for local off-air broadcast television. Your television would have to be set to the channel you selected, 3 or 4, in order for you to receive the programming. If the audio/video outputs are used, your television typically would need to be switched to the "video" input mode.

Now turn on your receiver and television. Use the on screen menu to locate the signal strength meter on your television.

Consult your receivers operating manual for the setup setting. Initial satellite setup varies from receiver to receiver, some are easier than others. Follow the setup procedure and setup the satellite from which you will be receiving programming from. Once you have this complete, you will want to return outside to your satellite dish in order to locate your desired satellite.

Step 5: Satellite Dish Alignment

Assuming that you have your elevation and polarization setting correct, and assuming that you have a signal finder connected to your dish, set your signal meters sensitivity to the half way point. Move the dish to the far left and slowly rotate it right until your signal meter picks up an active signal. One you have locked onto an active signal, you will need to adjust the signal finders sensitivity so that you can find the optimum signal strength. Once you have peaked the signal by adjusting the dishes azimuth, you should return inside to insure that you have locked onto the correct satellite. Peruse the available satellite channels and compare them to your satellite channel reference. If you are locked onto the wrong satellite, you need to return outside and continue searching for the correct satellite. Once you have the correct satellite, you now should return to the on screen dish tuning meter and return outside. Once again, ensure you have optimum signal by minutely adjusting the sign from left to right until you have peaked the signal. Once you have achieved the optimum signal, you should lock the dish into position by securing the azimuth adjustment bolts which secure it to your mounting pole.

You now need to loosen the elevation bolts so that you can slowly adjust the dishes elevation for optimum signal strength. Once again, you may need to adjust your signal finders sensitivity to achieve this. Slowly move the dish up and down again until you have peaked the signal strength and lock the dish into position.

The final setting is to fine tune the polarization setting. Some receivers have a separate meter for this, consult your manual for details on accessing this feature. You may find it easier to have a person on the inside watching the meter while you are adjusting the dish on the outside. Loosen the LNBF and slowly rotate it clockwise and counterclockwise until you have achieved the optimum signal. Once complete, disconnect the signal finder from the LNBF, measure the final coaxial cable length, allowing a short drip loop to hang from the bottom of the LNBF mounting arm and permanently secure the LNBF and all other mounting bolts.

Your final signal strength should be in excess of 45% or more. If it is below that level, you will need to check for obstacles in the satellites path, such as trees. A low signal will cause outages in heavy rain or other weather. This is known as rain fade. If you have a tree in your way, you my find upgrading to a larger dish is necessary. This is also true of satellites that do not specifically target your area in their footprint.

Once you have achieved a good signal, congratulations and enjoy your free to air system.