Finally, installing the Dish Network satellite dish may sound quite complex, but it is easy and can be done by anyone since it does not require professional skills. To receive the best signal and as many channels as possible, it is important to have your Dish aligned correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you accurately align your Dish Network satellite dish:
Preparation
Before beginning, assemble all the necessary tools and supplies:
- Dish and mounting hardware: A Displaying Dish antenna, mast, brackets, cable, and grounding accessories. Ensure that each component is compatible with the others.
- Signal meter: One of the most important tools needed is a satellite signal strength meter to ensure that the dish is aligned properly. These can usually be rented.
- Wrench sets: When assembling mast sections and mounts, you will require several standard wrenches.
- Power drill: For driving lag screws into mounts and masts. Ensure you have the right drill bits for the job at hand.
- Clear view of the sky: Select a location that has a clear and open view of the southern sky, with no obstructions. Avoid trees and buildings.
- Satellite finder app: A mobile application for your phone or a website that displays the dish direction angles best suited for your address.
Select Mounting Location
The ideal mounting location will:
- Have a clear view of the bottom part of the sky. Find the south direction by downloading a compass app.
- Be mounted on a stable vertical surface that has adequate capacity to support the weight of the dish, bracket, and mast. This may be the side of your house, your garage, or even a pole mount if available.
- Let you get to the place for the installation and maintenance of the dish without any fear of being attacked. Ensure that you use the right ladders and all necessary safety gear and equipment.
- Make walls transparent so that cables can pass through the walls and into your house.
Install Mount
Depending on the type of surface where the solar panel is to be mounted (wall, roof, pole, etc.), the right mounting equipment has to be used and fixed properly and leveled as per the manufacturer’s instructions. There is always a risk of falling especially when working on roofs or ladders; ensure you wear a harness and have a tie-off.
Assemble Dish Components
Mount your satellite mast, brackets, dish antenna, and cabling in the manner that is described in the instructions. Tighten all connections and components using wrenches. Do not add more sections of mast than is necessary as it will only add more weight to the wind load and make the structure unstable. Run the coaxial cable down through the mast if possible. Tighten connections with your hand for now.
Determine Satellite Locations
You need to get precise coordinates for pointing your dish, so refer to your satellite company’s website or phone app. Plug in your address and it will give you azimuth, elevation, and tilt angles. Record these down for reference when ensuring they offer an alignment dish.
Coarse Antenna Adjustment
Initially adjust your assembled dish based on the provided angles:
- Position the dish according to your longitude and by aligning the mast tilt bracket to the required angle.
- Point the dish roughly east or west by setting the mast’s azimuth angle according to the information given.
- The elevation angle of the dish brackets should be set according to the angle provided.
Signal Meter and Fine-tuning
Now connect your signal meter per its instructions and power it on:
- Relax the screws holding the mast brackets and dish pole clamps so that dish alignment can still be achieved.
- Swirling the dish clockwise and anti-clockwise while observing the signal meter and stopping when the meter reaches the highest point. Tighten azimuth adjustment.
- The same should be done for the tilt angle, gradually increasing or decreasing until the signal spikes. Tighten tilt adjustment.
- Fine-tune dish elevation for maximum signal level and then secure the brackets.
Ideally, the signal strength meter should read 70+ on its scale when properly aligned. If the signal reduces to 50-60, compare alignment angles with the specifications given and fix them if they are off.
Securing Connections
After attaining the peak signal ensure that any pole mounts, the dish arm clamps, and brackets holding the dish are well tightened to minimize movement. To avoid settling for weak signals, perform a final signal check to ensure they are of good quality.
Next, ensure that all coaxial cable connectors from the pole to your house are tightened by hand. Avoid using pliers and over-tightening of connections as this may cause damage to the connections.
Grounding Dish
Last but not least, secure your satellite dish to the ground in compliance with the code to avoid lightning strikes. Secure a copper grounding wire to the mast, ensure it passes through the walls safely, and connect to a copper grounding rod which has to be buried into the ground at a distance of between 6-8 feet away from the dish.
And that's it! It is wise to keep all the user manuals within easy reach in case they will be needed again in the future. This means that even if the alignments are precise initially, do not worry too much about getting the fraction of a degree tilt or angles. The installation flexibility is supposed to allow consumers to tune the satellite as easily as possible. If the signal meter reading is above 70 percent, slight changes in the dish position will not have a bearing on the functionality of the system or channels. It is enough to set it up once a year and change it if necessary. And now you can enjoy all the great programming options that come with satellite TV. Merely making the first move to install your system will be fruitful for you!
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
