While it may seem complicated to install a Dish Network satellite dish on your own, it is quite easy if you follow some basic procedures. If equipped with patience, the right tools, and these tips, you will be on the right track to achieving the best Dish signal.
What You Need
Before getting started, ensure you have all the proper equipment:
- Dish antenna with integrated Low Noise Block Converter
- Installing hardware to fix it to your desired location
- RG6 coaxial cable to be used between the LNB and your Dish receiver
- To run and secure the cable, zip ties, and connectors are used
- A satellite dish finder or a signal meter to determine the signal intensity
- A clear view of the southern sky for pointing
- A friend or a ladder to help in climbing to the roof
- Measuring tape, stud finder, drill, wrenches, electrical tape, and safety gear if required
Choosing Your Install Location
Choose where you would like to install the dish with regards to how signals can be blocked in that area in case of any development in the future. Ideally, the bait should be placed at or near the center of the roofline where it cannot be easily spotted. Make sure there is a proper surface to install the dish base like studs or rafters inside. If you weren’t able to find the framing earlier, use a stud finder to locate it. Also, ensure that there is no obstruction and a clear view as the dish is oriented to face the southern sky.
Mounting the Dish Mount and Base
The process of installation can start with the fastening of the mounting equipment to the structure after the selection of the site. Ensure you abide by all the safety measures when operating power tools or when on your roof. Follow the instructions provided for the dish base installation; this is done by using at least four corresponding screws which should be drilled into the points of anchoring such as the studs or rafters. Once the base has been fixed properly, position the satellite dish pole into the mount and tighten it tightly to stabilize it properly. Do not over-tighten.
Connecting Coaxial Cabling
During this stage, you should have your satellite dish already mounted on a permanent location and is all set for wiring. Connect a length of RG6 coaxial cable from the LNB arm on the dish to the location where the Dish receiver will be situated. If any part of the cable run will be exposed to the elements, be sure to use an outdoor-rated coax. Make sure that there is enough spare cable cable length available and fasten it with zip ties to further exterior and interior structures. Loosen cables for the time being to enable dish adjustment to align later on. After the cabling has been laid down, make sure to weatherproof and tape all the connections that will be exposed.
Powering Up
Bring your Dish receiver close to your television and plug it into the coax cable that is coming from your dish. Connect the Dish receiver to power and turn it on. If there are any on-screen prompts, start the Dish detection sequence to scan for the satellites that are present in your geographical area. After connection to the satellites, your receiver will download the necessary guide data which will take several minutes to do. If everything goes well, you should see the signal bars of dish reception.
Pointing Your Dish
Next up is the process of accurately targeting and fine-tuning your dish! Check with Dish’s pointing angle chart for your location’s azimuth, elevation, and skew angles required. Begin with a coarse estimate of those alignments then very small directional adjustments checking signal between each move. It is important to be precise at this stage to have the highest signal possible. As you attempt to align the dish, ask your assistant to still the dish as you monitor the signal meter screen of the receiver. The best signal strength is usually when the majority of the signal bars display ‘solid’.
After properly positioning, all dish mounting and cables should be tightened well making sure that you do not change position. Perform a check of steady reception during a 15–20-minute period while observing for dropouts. If you now have a strong and steady signal as if you are at the peak then congratulations your dish is well aimed! Well, now you can just sit back and enjoy crystal clear Dish TV for years to come!
Additional Pointers
- Employ the Dish pointer app augmented reality view if there is one now available in your area for easier pointing.
- In windy conditions, your dish direction may be slightly off leading to intermittent loss of signal.
- This is because trees and structures that may be growing with time may at some time obscure the satellite line-of-sight.
- Applying white dielectric grease on connections ensures that there is no corrosion due to moisture which is detrimental to longevity.
- Check that all coax fittings are tightened using the correct tool for the best connection.
- Poor reception can lead to pixelation as well as audio drop at marginal installations especially during poor weather conditions.
- Boost the coax signal if your wiring run is more than 100 feet or has many splits
- You should once in a while make some checks to ascertain whether the dish is still well aligned and the signals strong.
- Call Dish for further assistance or professional advice for device adjustments.
I trust these dish-pointing steps will assist you in properly installing the Dish system and receiving quality services. Please, feel free to ask any other questions that you might have.
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.