If you don’t want to pay someone to install a satellite dish, here’s how to do it. First, get these utilities and equipment ready.
Required Tools and Materials
6” magnetic level
Dish
Drill
1/2" nut driver bit
Six 2” lag bolts
RG6 coax cable
Compass
Screw clips
Staples or zip ties
Satellite signal meter
7/16" wrench
Receiver’s manual
Step 1
Mount the dish so that there’s an unobstructed line of sight. The direction is usually the southwest. Take a look at how other satellite dishes are setup in your area.
Step 2
Secure the mast with the bolts. Use the level and be certain the mast is plumb. Double check just to be sure, as this is very important. When you’re certain, fasten all the bolts.
Step 3
The next step to install a satellite dish is to put the dish antenna onto the mast. Don’t fasten the bolts.
Step 4
Get the coax cable and run it through the dish. It should go out the LNBF or the eye. Join the cable to the LNBF. Join the LNBF to the dish. You should use the screws that come with your dish. When securing in the screws, make sure they are fit but not too tight.
Step 5
Look at the manual to determine the proper elevation and skew configuration setup. Make the proper adjustments. Others just use the settings used by their neighbor’s; it’s up to you.
Step 6
Join the end of the coax cable to the meter. If there isn’t one, you can get it at any electronics store. But you don’t really need one to install a satellite dish. You can employ the TV to determine the signal. Refer to the manual for other information.
Step 7
Turn the meter on (if you have one). Sweep the dish until the meter informs you a satellite has been found. The meter will light or make a sound (check the manual). If you don’t have a meter, look at the signal strength on the TV.
Step 8
Sweep the dish right and left. When you get the strongest signal, fasten in all the bolts. If using the meter, turn it on while fastening the bolts.
Step 9
If after you install a satellite dish there are problems with the vertical, loosen the elevation screws a bit. If necessary, move the reflector in an up and down motion to get the best signal. Tighten the bolts when you get the best signal.
Step 10
Run the coax cable from the dish to your receiver. You can use the zip ties and / or clips to join the cable to the dish.
Step 11
Drill a 3/8” hole in the wall and get the cable through your house. Link the cable to the receiver. This port will usually state “in from satellite”. Connect the receiver to the TV.
After you install a satellite dish, check the manual for information on how to run any other tests. Afterwards, you can start watching TV.
