Inactive satellite dishes that are no longer in use can be recycled into efficient HDTV antennas for getting free over the air programming. With some simple materials and tools, anyone can make one at home and enjoy free local broadcast television stations without any distortion in full high definition. This is a comprehensive list of instructions for converting a satellite DISH NETWORK into a functioning HDTV antenna.
What You Need
- Old C-band satellite dish, ideally a dish that is at least 4-8 feet wide.
- Coaxial cable of at least 20 feet in length
- F-type coax connector
- Zip ties
- Waterproof silicone caulk
- Paint or primer spray paint (optional)
- Electric drill with set of drills
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pliers
- Sandpaper (200 grit)
- Measuring instrument/ measuring tool
- Pen or marker
Step 1: Get A Satellite Dish
First of all, one has to find an old satellite dish that is no longer functional but can be repurposed. Ask around in the area if someone is getting rid of an old C-band satellite dish that are the big ones more than 4 feet wide. The sizes help to capture a larger signal when the dish is larger than the other one. While the use of smaller dishes can be effective, a dish with a width of at least 8 feet will allow for optimal reception.
STEP 2: Identify where you will install it.
You will have to place your satellite dish antenna outside in an area that will provide clear view of local television broadcast stations. Think about how high the dish will have to be mounted, what surface is suitable for fixing, and point it approximately at the direction of the TV towers. Also, select an area with no disturbances such as trees or other structures that may get in the way.
The third and last step is to wash the outer surface of the dish.
First of all, wash the dish with cold water: it is critical for the next steps. The next step is to wash the car with water using a power hose to remove accumulated dirt or any rust formation. Let it fully dry. Sand the rusted areas of the dish gently with 200-grit paper until they are flat and remove debris. If the dish has worn paint then it is best to spray on a coat of primer paint for additional protection against the weather.
Step 4: Unscrew and unfasten all the components attached to the dish arm.
The backside of a satellite dish has a flat arm protruding from it where the LNB components and wiring used to be attached to. Remove and completely disconnect any remaining coax cables, brackets or converter boxes from this arm to reveal an opening. Apply a line of waterproof silicone caulk around the opening to make sure any cracks are taken care of.
Step 5: Connect the Coaxial Cable
Measure the distance from the spot you chose to install your dish antenna to the point where you want to take the coaxial cable inside your house to connect to your television. On the dish end, pass the cord through the open arm hole that you created in the above step. Cut off about 3 inches of the cable sheath until you see the interior copper wire. Spiral the strands of the wire tightly: To ensure that the wires do not get damaged by moisture, use some silicone caulk around the wire base.
Step 6: Connect Coax F-Type Plug
A F-type screw-on coax connector piece should then be connected to the coaxial cable that you have prepared through the use of pliers to ensure that the piece is tightly crimped in its place. Screw the connector another 1/4 turn with the pliers once connected slightly for a tight connection. The F-type plug must sit tightly over the full outer diameter of the coax copper wire and be clipped down as well.
Step 7: Finish the connection
Connect the plugged coax cable to the opening provided by the satellite arm. Place it centrally and orient it towards the centre of the dish in the direction of where the signals are expected to reflect from. Make sure to have a little bit of play in the cable so that it doesn’t get shaken out of alignment over time. Using a tube of clear silicone caulk, spread a thick layer of this compound around the edges of the plug and the arm opening to ensure that they will be tightly closed. This helps to safeguard the link against the formation of rust and other types of dampness.
Step 8: Mount The Dish Antenna
Depending on the area that you had planned to fix the dish antenna, mount it properly to the intended position. If used to be mounted on the wall or pole, then the screws or lag bolts should be properly screwed on the satellite dish mount brackets through the holes provided for that purpose. For the roof mount, align the dish base flat and join with screws that are exterior grade and screwed into a rafter. Make sure that the mounting is done in a proper way and that it is well fixed.
Step 9: Fine Tune Position
However, before you can complete the process of pointing the satellite dish antenna in the right direction, you need reception feedback from the connected TV. Ensure that the signal strength is monitored by another person while another person slowly adjusts the orientation of the antenna. After getting the peak signal all that remains is to tighten the screws on the dish mount.
Conclusion
Converting an old satellite dish into an HDTV antenna is very easy and can be done without necessarily having to employ the services of a professional technician. When properly mounted and pointed, your homemade high-powered antenna for cutting the cord will provide free over-the-air HDTV signals to any connected TV. Optimal reception enables you to have excellent sound quality from all the stations without any form of interference. Point the dish at your local TV transmitters and start getting free high definition programming to your home.
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