Satellite Dish Installation

Many satellite dish companies will come out to your home and install the dish for you at no extra cost. The only caveat is that they typically require you to either be upgrading a current satellite dish contract or starting a new one. If this is you then, by all means, take them up on their free installation by a professional. If, however, you are purchasing a satellite dish to pick up free signals or you're upgrading without going through your company then you'll have to install the satellite dish yourself and this article will show you how.

If you're south of the equator then your dish will be pointing north; if you're north of the equator then you will face the satellite dish south. Choose an area with no obstructed view. This means that houses, trees and poles should not be in the way of the dish. The best location is usually on the side of your home or apartment. You need a strong area to place the satellite so avoid using the roof.

Step 1 - Attaching the Satellite to the House

Find a spot on the house where it can easily be installed and gotten to in order to fix or remove. Start with the mast arm of the satellite and bolt it flush to the house. Be certain to use the level often to make sure it is level in every direction. When you are sure it is plumb you can tighten the bolts. Now, place the actual dish on to the mast arm but do not tighten the bolts. Next, snake the coaxial cable through the mast arm and to the satellite dish and attach it to the LNBF. Make the screws tight but do not over do it. Attach the other end of the coaxial cable to the signal meter.

Step 2 - Finding the Satellite

The meter tests the strength of the signal coming down from the orbiting satellite based on the position of your dish but you still have to find a satellite. There are markings on the satellite you installed where the mast arm connects to the dish. There is also a bolt that allows you to move the dish up and down. Start at the lowest notch and check the meter. Move the dish left to right in a sweeping motion. The meter will let you know when you find a satellite. When you do, start moving the dish up slowly until you find a strong signal then tighten the bolt. Go over the entire assembly and tighten all the bolts you come across.

Step 3 - Connecting to the TV

With a strong signal you can remove the meter and run the coaxial cable inside the home. You can run it under a window or drill a hole through the concrete, window or door frame. Attach the cable directly to the television's cable jack or to your satellite receiver's input.