How To Aim Satellite Dish

So you need to know how to aim a satellite dish. You've purchased a new dish and are uncertain of how to deal with this issue. This article should be able to guide you into the realm of happy viewing.

To aim a satellite dish, you will need:

• A satellite dish, connected
• A pole or mounting stand
• A compass

1. Find your coordinates. The first thing to do is figure out the coordinates of the actual satellite. You can obtain this information by calling your service provider. These coordinates can also be found in the documentation that came with your satellite dish. You will have to aim the dish at the exact coordinates to ensure trouble-free viewing.
2. Elevation and azimuth. These two terms are the key to successfully aiming your dish. First, set your elevation by loosening the brackets that hold the dish and moving the dish to the number given for the elevation; there will be numbers on the dish to guide you. Tighten the brackets again and move on to azimuth. Here is where your compass comes in. Setting the compass to north, aim the dish so that it is set at the point given.
3. Test and re-test. Check your television set and see how the reception is. If reception is good, you've managed to successfully aim your satellite dish. If it is aimed poorly or one of the coordinates is not done right, reception will be spotty or possibly nonexistent. Once you've made certain that your aim is true, return to the dish and make sure the mounting brackets are completely tightened.

Sit back and enjoy your new satellite dish!