How to install your FTA dish

- Free to Air Installation -

A satellite free to air installation can be accomplished by most people that have the patience to follow instructions and a moderate electronic knowledge. If this is not for you, it will be far easier for you to contact a local satellite installer in your area to assist you. This tutorial assumes you wish to receive multiple satellites using a dish mover or rotor. If you only wish to receive a single satellite, your task is much easier as you have but one satellite to locate and your dish will be fixed on the single location. For most broadcasts in the United States and Southern Canada, a dish size of  90cm - 1.2 Meters (35" - 48") is sufficient. Larger dish sizes may be required for more northern or out of footprint locations.

Determining the Elevation and Azimuth:

Compass: Rotate the compass until the painted tip of its needle is on the  zero or (N) mark on compass face for proper orientation. The EAST will be at the 90 degrees, the SOUTH will be at 180 degrees and the WEST at 270 degrees.
Azimuth (Magnetic): Move the dish left and right until the LNB arm is pointing to the magnetic azimuth value for your location.
Elevation: Move the dish up and down and set the elevation indicator on the value of the elevation value for your location.
Elevation Indicator: Be sure to locate the elevation indicator ( or equivalent , depending on your dish). Use this indicator to set the correct elevation of your location.

 
The satellites are "parked" approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. In reality, the satellites travel from west to east, but to us on Earth they appear stationary because they match the exact speed of the Earth's rotation. (This is a geostationary orbit.) If you stand up now, turn towards the southern hemisphere, and tilt your head up to the heavens, you'll be looking in the general direction of our satellite. To find out the azimuth and elevation angle for your location: (City and State), use the calculator on this page! For a quick estimate of the Azimuth and Elevation of your State or Province.
Now that you have your azimuth and elevation coordinates, what do you do with them?
First, survey the site to ensure an unobstructed view in the direction of the satellite. To receive broadcast signals, your satellite dish needs to be positioned correctly. Mount your satellite dish so that the base fits flush with the mounting surface (level if mounted on a flat beam or roof, or on an angle to match the pitch of your roof line). When you have securely mounted your satellite dish, adjust your dish so that the dish mast is plumb, that is, exactly perpendicular to level - this is best achieved using a carpenter's level. With your dish now mounted and properly set, you are now ready to aim your dish toward the satellites.
To set the dish to point up to the satellites, you'll first need to set the elevation. Then you'll point the dish in the proper left-to-right position, to set the azimuth. You'll need to refer to the installation manual for your system for detailed instructions, but here's the short course.
Setting the Elevation (UP), (DOWN):
You can set the proper elevation after the dish is securely mounted. First, loosen the nuts securing the two elevation bolts so that the dish easily moves up and down. Line up the elevation indicator
with the tick mark corresponding to your elevation number. Then tighten the bolts. You may need to readjust the elevation up or down slightly to get the best signal. See figure on top.
Setting the Azimuth (LEFT), (RIGHT):
Loosen the azimuth nuts on the LNB arm enough that the dish can be turned smoothly with little pressure. Set the azimuth by moving the dish left and right. Point the dish in the general direction of the satellite, in the southern hemisphere. By using a compass you can better pinpoint the direction with your azimuth number to correspond with the degrees on your compass. See figure on top.
Setting the LNBF. Polarization Tilt (Skew):

The LNBF and/or its bracket (s) are marked in degrees to indicate the polarization tilt or the (SKEW). The proper skew varies with location but within plus or minus 30 degrees in the USA except for Hawaii where the skew is minus 65 degrees.

The 30 degrees equals 5 minutes on the minutes scale of a regular clock. The 30 degrees also equals One Hour on the hours scale of a regular clock. The feed cable at the bottom of the LNBF is
usually used to indicate the 6 o'clock mark when it is vertical.

Generally the skew is zero if you are in Huston, Texas. At the West States like California  the skew could be as minus 30 degrees (clockwise rotation which equals to 7 O'Oclock of the feed cable when looking toward the Dish). In Maine the skew could be up to plus 30 degrees (counter clockwise rotation or 5 o'clock if looking to the Dish). Looking at the Satellite(reversing the looking direction) the skew for California will be 5 o'clock and for Maine it will be 7 o'clock. During the final tune up phase, the LNBF should be rotated in both directions to optimize the signals and/or the quality levels.

Acquiring the Signal:

Depending on your kind of digital receiver you will be able to see either the received signal level only or to see both the signal strength and the quality meter also.  
Now your dish will be in position to lock in on the satellite signal. You’ll need to 1) have your digital receiver connected to your television, with both turned on, and 2) have your antenna LNB to receiver cables connected, and 3) be viewing your Setup Antenna/Signal Strength display from your digital receiver's on-screen menu to measure the signal strength accurately.  To view the signal strength and quality (Satcruiser receivers Telstar 5 for example) press Menu, Installation, TP Configuration, select Telstar 5 and frequency 12152 or frequency 11898.
Ask a helper to watch the Signal Strength screen for indications you are receiving the signal, the upper meter is the signal strength, the lower meter is the signal quality. Please note that you will receive the signal ONLY when there is a signal on the lower meter (signal quality). Stand behind the dish, and holding its outer edges, slowly turn it a little to the right to adjust the azimuth. Pause a few seconds, giving the receiver enough time to lock in on the satellite signal. Continue turning the dish in this way until you have acquired the signal or until you have rotated the dish approximately 15 degrees from the starting point.
If you haven’t detected a signal yet, return to the starting point and move the dish to the left again. If you don’t acquire the signal after rotating the dish approximately 15 degrees to either side of the calculated azimuth angle, loosen the elevation bolts and tilt the dish upward so the elevation indicator moves halfway from the current tick mark to the next mark. Then tighten the elevation bolts.
If necessary, continue changing the elevation in half-tick-mark increments until you receive the signal. After tilting the dish upwards three tick marks beyond the original tick mark, return it to the
original tick mark and then tilt it down a half tick mark. Keep repeating this until you receive the signal.
Polarity can play an important role in whether you are able to receive the digital signal at all. Digital signals are not as forgiving as analog signals, it is either you receive it or you do not.
For the SatCruiser Receiver only, If the signal meter shows a high signal (over 85%), and you are still unable to receive the digital signal, then adjusting the SKEW will almost always help. For the Starcruiser Receiver adjusting the SKEW will maximize the signal level.
If the Signal still eludes you, check:
Check to make sure that the mount is 100% level. The portion that the dish mounts on must be straight up to the sky level. Otherwise you will not be able to find the signal.
That nothing - a tree, for example - obstructs the signal that the cables are connected properly to the receiver.
That you have the correct azimuth and elevation coordinates
Fine Tuning:
Now that you have received the satellite signal, it is important to fine tune the dish pointing to make sure you have the maximum possible signal strength. Maximizing the signal is important, in that, it reduces "rain fade" during inclement weather. Loosen the elevation bolts, then gently continue turning the dish a little in the same direction you were turning it when you began to receive the satellite signal. Pause for a few seconds each time after moving the dish. Turn the dish in this way until the signal quality strength reaches its highest reading and then begins to fall.
Then slowly turn the dish the opposite way until you again receive the highest reading on the Signal Strength screen. Important: The Signal Strength reading does not need to be "100." Lock in on the highest possible signal. Tighten the azimuth bolts. Loosen the elevation bolts. Slowly tilt the
dish up and down to improve the Signal Strength reading. When you are satisfied that you have the strongest signal, tighten the elevation bolts.

Definitions to Know

Elevation
This is the angle between the broadcast satellite above the horizon and your physical location on Earth, where your receiving satellite dish will be. This is the up/down adjustment on the satellite dish. All commercial satellites in geo-stationary orbit are located 22 300 miles above the Earth. The curvature of the Earth means that the farther you advance East or West from the satellite orbital location, the more you will need to adjust your elevation. For example, if the satellite orbital location is located directly over the state of Texas, your elevation in New York will be lower than that of someone living in Texas.


 

Azimuth This is the compass direction to your satellites location. This is the left/right adjustment on the satellite dish. For example, to find a satellite located at 101 degrees longitude, your azimuth in Los Angeles, California will be 137 degrees. Also, as there is a difference between true and magnetic North, to find a satellite, you may also need to compensate or correct your values for magnetic deviation. (See below image) For Los Angeles, the 137 degree azimuth must be corrected by subtracting 14 degrees, so the true compass direction is 123 degrees. This corrected value is known as your declination angle

Locations West of 0 need to subtract the value shown. Locations East of 0 need to add the value shown.

Polarization
This is the correction that compensates for curvature of the Earth relative to the satellite signal for linearly polarized satellites. This is also known as tilt or skew. Linearly polarized satellites use both vertical and horizontal polarization. To correctly receive signals on satellite transponders, your dish must be adjusted so as to receive the signals head on. Your polarization adjustment compensates for the curvature of the Earth by rotating the LNBF left or right. Note that some fixed dish configurations adjust the polarization by tilting the entire dish rather than the lnbf. A negative polarization is in a clockwise direction from vertical. A positive polarization is in a counterclockwise direction from vertical.

Step 1: Satellite Site Survey

The first step in a free to air installation is critical as it will determine your eligibility to receive satellite signals. Not all homes are capable of receiving signals as natural barriers such as trees, mountains and also man-made barriers such as buildings and other structures can block signals. Because the signal from the satellite is relatively weak, it must have an un-obstructed view of the satellite in order to receive a satisfactory signal. Also bear in mind, seasonal changes, in particular to homes with seasonal vegetation or shrubs, so you do not end up installing your satellite in a location that will be blocked when spring comes and leaves from trees obstruct your signal. Many areas will be able to receive some satellites, but possibly not others because of these barriers. If your site survey reveals that you are not able to receive the entire satellite belt, you will need to determine the best location for your dish to be able to receive the satellites of most importance to you. Bear in mind that if a particular location in your yard is not suitable, moving the location 100 feet or more can make a tremendous difference. Consult our Free to Air Satellite Channel Listing and pay particular attention to the satellites that you are interested in receiving. Each satellite will have an orbital slot, such as 119 degrees West. You should now choose the furthest Eastern satellite and note down the orbital location. Now choose the furthest Western satellite and note down the orbital location. The difference in the two locations is your ideal uncorrected satellite range that you will be aiming to receive. Note that your actual pointing direction will require correction due to the difference between true and magnetic North. You will now need to lookup your Eastern and Western satellite locations on our Satellite Pointing Page in order to receive your corrected values. Select the city nearest to you and select the far eastern satellite from the list. Your "Azimuth" or compass heading will be calculated, note it down. This is the precise compass direction that you will need to point to in order to receive that satellite. Now repeat the procedure for the far western satellite. The two locations are your corrected ideal range of view. Additionally, if there is a particular satellite of paramount importance to you, will will also want to note down the azimuth for it as well, as you will want to ensure that you can receive it, even if it means not being able to receive some others. Also make a note of the elevation of the satellite. The lower the elevation, the closer it is to the horizon. You will also need to bear in mind of your physical location. If you live near the East coast, the farthest western satellites will be much farther down on the horizon that the Eastern satellites. This will make it more likely that trees to buildings can block the signals. If you live near the West coast, the opposite is true. You will now need a good compass. Walk outside and locate your far eastern satellite azimuth on your compass. If the elevation for the satellite is low to the ground, such as 5-10 degrees, you will want to make sure that there are no tall trees or other obstacles in your path within 200-400 feet from you. Now slowly sweep your compass west until your reach your far western satellite azimuth. As well make sure there are no tall trees in the way. Are there any tall trees in between the two points? If so, you may want to try other areas of your yard to see if a better location is available. If there are some tall trees in your way and there is a particular satellite of interest to you, you will want to compromise so as to favor reception of that particular satellite over some less important ones. Once you have located an ideal location, ensure that you will be able to install a pole in the ground at that location and also that you will be able to bury the coaxial cable from the location to your house.

Step 2: Acquire and Install Mounting Pole

You will now need to determine the diameter of your mounting pole as well as the height of the pole. Most small Ku band dishes use a 1 5/8" diameter pole. Larger dishes will require a larger diameter of pole. If you already have your dish, consult the manual or measure the mounting bracket. Your pole should be a minimum of 5' above the ground and 18-24" below the ground. If you have some obstacles to overcome, you may wish to use a taller mounting pole. Your pole will need to be secured with numerous bags of concrete to prevent movement. A general rule of thumb is one bag for every foot of pole height. Stormy locations may require more. For best results, use a steel pole which can be obtained from most steel fabricators. You will also need a 4' level and a small torpedo level. Dig a hole 18-24" or more below the surface. Install the pole and fill the hole with concrete. You will also want to use a generous amount of concrete above the surface or you will need to bury the pole deeper. Assuming the cut on the top of the pole is a square 90 degree cut, place the torpedo level on the top of the pole and the 4' level on the sides of the pole. The pole must be both plumb (90 degrees vertically) and level (90 degrees horizontally). Check for plumb in three directions on the pole and also place some sort of brace against the pole, preventing movement while concrete is curing. You will need to check the pole for plumb several times in the first few hours to ensure no movement has occurred and correct it if it has. You also need to allow 24-48 hours to the concrete to harden before attempting to mount the dish. Once cured, the dish should be solidly mounted and should not move if shook. If movement occurs, you will need to further solidify the pole with additional concrete above the surface.

Step 3: Install Dish

Installation of standard stationary free to air satellite dish
A standard installation of a stationary satellite dish or several dishes connected to a DiSc switch is fairly straight forward. Many late model digital receivers come with an on-screen dish signal meter, however you may find it far easier to purchase a low cost satellite signal finder, available from most satellite retailers for under $25. The signal finder will allow you to locate Ku band satellite signals as well as fine tune them for optimum operation. Your first step will be to run your coaxial cable from your house and satellite receiver to your dish location, allowing for enough cable to secure it to your mounting pole and run through your dish and to your LNBF. It is always better to leave too much cable until your permanently mount your dish rather than too little. For best results, you should staple the cable to the side of your house and bury any exposed portion that runs across the ground to prevent damage. When stapling, ensure that your staple does not penetrate the cable or you will have a short which will prevent your system from operating. Assuming that you have a pole in the ground in in some cases a mounting bracket affixed to a solid surface and assuming that you have checked the mounting pole or bracket to insure that it is both plumb and level, you should assemble the dish and LNBF mounting arm assembly. At this time, you should have all your satellite locations as well as all your elevation and azimuth settings. As your dish will be fixed in one position in the sky, you will be limited to whatever programming is on the satellite of choice. Locate your chosen satellites elevation and set the elevation angle on your satellite dish, you will find the elevation reference points on the side of your dish. Bear in mind that you may still need to fine tune it after you have located your signal. Mount the dish to your mounting pole, run your coaxial cable to your LNBF, set your satellite dish polarization by adjusting or rotating the LNBF to the required setting and secure your LNBF to your dish. Most dish manufacturers include a polarization scale that you can use as a reference. You will still need to adjust this setting later, so tighten the LNBF just enough to prevent movement. If you are using an external signal finder, connect the LNBF end to the LNBF and the coaxial from your house to the receiver side of the finder.
Step 4: Free to Air Receiver Setup
You should now have your dish mounted temporarily outside and your coaxial cable connected to it. The dish should be set to the elevation and polarization that you calculated earlier. Connect the coaxial from your satellite dish to the receiver and connect the receiver to your television. Consult your receivers operating manual for the setup setting. Initial satellite setup varies from receiver to receiver, some are easier than others. Follow the setup procedure and setup the satellite from which you will be receiving programming from. Once you have this complete, you will want to return outside to your satellite dish in order to locate your desired satellite.

Step 5: Satellite Dish Alignment

Assuming that you have your elevation and polarization setting correct, and assuming that you have a signal finder connected to your dish, set your signal meters sensitivity to the half way point. Move the dish to the far left and slowly rotate it right until your signal meter picks up an active signal. One you have locked onto an active signal, you will need to adjust the signal finders sensitivity so that you can find the optimum signal strength. Once you have peaked the signal by adjusting the dishes azimuth, you should return inside to insure that you have locked onto the correct satellite. Peruse the available satellite channels and compare them to your satellite channel reference. If you are locked onto the wrong satellite, you need to return outside and continue searching for the correct satellite. Once you have the correct satellite, you now should return to the on screen dish tuning meter and return outside. Once again, ensure you have optimum signal by minutely adjusting the sign from left to right until you have peaked the signal. Once you have achieved the optimum signal, you should lock the dish into position by securing the azimuth adjustment bolts which secure it to your mounting pole. You now need to loosen the elevation bolts so that you can slowly adjust the dishes elevation for optimum signal strength. Once again, you may need to adjust your signal finders sensitivity to achieve this. Slowly move the dish up and down again until you have peaked the signal strength and lock the dish into position. The final setting is to fine tune the polarization setting. Some receivers have a separate meter for this, consult your manual for details on accessing this feature. You may find it easier to have a person on the inside watching the meter while you are adjusting the dish on the outside. Loosen the LNBF and slowly rotate it clockwise and counterclockwise until you have achieved the optimum signal. Once complete, disconnect the signal finder from the LNBF, measure the final coaxial cable length, allowing a short drip loop to hang from the bottom of the LNBF mounting arm and permanently secure the LNBF and all other mounting bolts. Your final signal strength should be in excess of 60% or more. If it is below that level, you will need to check for obstacles in the satellites path, such as trees. A low signal will cause outages in heavy rain or other weather. This is known as rain fade. If you have a tree in your way, you my find upgrading to a larger dish is necessary. This is also true of satellites that do not specifically target your area in their footprint. Once you have achieved a good signal, congratulations and enjoy your free to air system

How to install your FTA dish