A Dish Network HD satellite dish installation might sound difficult but in reality, it is not very complicated at all provided you follow the following guidelines. When you get the right tools, materials, sites, and necessary safety measures you can easily install your Dish Network HD satellite system. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Select Your Site
The first step is to locate an installation site that provides a clear and unobstructed view of the southern sky to your satellite dish. Ideally, it is recommended to install the solar water heaters on the southern side roof of your home or building where there is a clear view. In particular, be sure that there are no trees buildings hills, or any other obstacles that could hinder the view of where the satellites are located. You also do not want to settle in areas that could in the future be occupied by developing buildings or trees, for instance.
Check For Existing Cabling
When preparing to mount your dish, determine whether there is existing exterior cabling you can incorporate. This will help in avoiding as much as possible the drilling or running cables externally on your home. Pre-existing DirecTV or Bell satellite wiring usually suffices. If there is no cabling, you will have to decide how the cables will run from the dish right into your house and connect to the satellite receiver.
Gather Your Materials
Make sure you have all the materials needed for installing your Dish Network HD satellite:
- Dish Network HD Satellite Dish – Typically commonly a slimline type dish, that has 2 feeds for linking 2 satellite devices.
Mounting Pole & Bracket - Satellite Dish Signal Meter – This gadget is useful in the process of aligning the dish when installing it on the RV.
- Coaxial Cables – RG6 Cables long enough to reach satellite receivers
- F-Type Compression Connectors – These are the connectors used in joining coax cables.
- Cable Staples & Zip Ties – As cable clamps to surfaces
- Silicone Caulk/Sealant – For sealing penetrations in the external envelope
- Electric Drill & Drill Bits
- Wrenches & Screwdrivers
- Optional: Pipe, Ground Screws, Pole Mount Kit – For freestanding pole installation
Follow Safety Precautions
When working on your roof or climbing ladders to access your install site, be sure to follow important safety measures:
- Have someone else bring things to you and hold the ladder still
- Tidy the working environment and remove any unnecessary items and obstacles
- Wear slip-resistant shoes and, if necessary, strap yourself in.
- Set up safety cones and barriers if necessary
- Do not attempt to do dish installs during very hot, cold, windy, or rainy weather
Install Dish Mounting Pole
Once you have identified your install site and made all the necessary preparations, you will need to erect your satellite dish mounting pole. In roof installs, it requires a penetration point, and silicone caulk around the base should be used. Make sure you fasten the pole mount tightly to the roof with at least 3-4 screws into the roof rafters. Align the J-hook mount and the dish pole, making sure that all the angles are accurate and vertical.
Dial for ground installs and if possible pour cement into your hole or dig a proper footing. Insert the ground sleeve and ensure the correct positioning and level before the cement hardens. Insert the pole and fasten it to the ground mount using screws. As neatly as possible, run the cable against the mounting pole using zip ties and staples.
Position Your Dish
With your dish mount in place, proceed to install your Dish Network satellite dish according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For slimline models, point the dish roughly south. The level indicators are integrated into the tripod and you coarsely adjust towards the elevation angle of your satellites with the help of a smartphone compass. It is not time to fasten it down firmly, as there are further adjustments in the context of fine-tuning will be made.
Peak Satellite Signal Strength
Here begins the fine-tuning using the satellite signal strength meter that you have with you. Follow the instructions in the meter and connect it to two outputs of Dish HD satellite dish at a time. Now, slowly rotate the dish left and right with your eyes on the signal strength meter until it reaches its highest point. Adjust both outputs to their highest level and then secure the dish position with the adjustment screws.
Connect the cable to the power inserter.
Run your line coaxial cable thick enough not to cause signal loss for example RG6 from the dish outputs to a power inserter. This supplies voltage to the LNB receivers in the dish itself power. Find a convenient power outlet and connect the power inserter to it close to your satellite receiver. Tie cables as neatly as possible in parallel with other cables and utilize cable management accessories.
Connect to Satellite Receiver
You’re almost done! The last cable you should install is between the power inserter and the Dish receiver. For a Dish Dish with two outputs, connect the splitter before the receivers if you are using two TVs. Insert the battery of the receiver and switch it on, and follow the initial steps in pointing the dish towards the satellites as demonstrated by the on-screen guide. Check the Dish account to see if the particular receiver is an active one or not, and if not, then switch on the receiver.
Seal Penetrations and Inspect Caulking
The final thing you should do after checking the connection to your satellite receiver is to use silicone to seal around any cables that enter your home. This helps to keep out moisture or pests from getting into the house. Also, any caulk around the dish mount that has cracked or deteriorated should be checked and replaced.
And that sums up a professional installation of a satellite dish! After completing the steps of preparing the location, safely installing your equipment, using the appropriate settings for the best signal reception, connecting cables, and covering everything up, you can have your Dish Network HD satellite system set up with optimal signal strength. Take time to service your system regularly and you will be able to have your satellite TV programs for several years. It’s time to grab some snacks and get comfortable – the binge-watching is about to begin!
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.
