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How To Set Up Satellite Dish

By: Daniel Khalil

Break Studios Contributing Writer

The question how to set up satellite dish depends on a variety of things. For those who are new to the satellite dish scene, the alternative to cable TV has been around since 1976 (when a Soviet project called Ekran delivered direct-to-TV signals to households around the nation). In the United States, however, satellite never hit it big until the 90's, as television giants DIRECTV and Dish Network began their search for a share of the television market during this time period. Nowadays, satellite is poised to take even a larger portion of the market share than previously thought conceivable.

Back to the present, here is what you will need to set up satellite dish:

  • Your satellite dish receiver
  • Dish Network or DIRECTV (or an alternative) subscription
  • Power source (we will go over acceptable ones)
  • A reliable ladder to get atop your roof (if need be)
  • A friend to spot you
  1. Find out where you want to set up satellite dish around your house. More important than anything else, you need a place to put your satellite dish. Scout around for unobstructed areas on your roof, perhaps, or anywhere that doesn't prevent a clear signal.
  2. Buy a satellite. Come on now, hopefully buying a satellite dish didn't evade your oh-so-keen common sense. Only certain receivers are compatible with certain providers (i.e. DIRECTV has its own brands and Dish Network has its own). Radio Shack is a common store that sells dishes, along with other specialty shops. Make sure to get one with a stand for easy installation.
  3. Get a power source. One thing assuredly not to be forgotten is the power. Anything from a regular ol' car battery to a dedicated external source can do the trick. Obviously, if your television is going to be on for long periods of time (like the average American household), then go with another power source (such as a gas or electrical generator) for your satellite dish.
  4. Set up shop. The final step is to take action and put your satellite dish atop your specified, predetermined location. Utilize a ladder (with the supervision of another person who can save your life, like a friend) to help you mount the dish. Plug in the external power source and go set up satellite dish settings on your television.
Posted on: Aug. 22, 2010