Setting up a satellite dish online. Installing a satellite dish

Setting up a satellite dish online. Installing a satellite dish

If you think that the antenna can be hung anywhere or on any side of the house, and in each case it will be able to receive a signal from the satellite, then you are greatly mistaken.

Which side are the satellites...

All satellites fly over the equator, that is, from the South, Southeast or Southwest. Therefore, the antennas must be directed to the South.

There are no television satellites in the direction of the north, and people hang antennas on the north side for fun.

Attention, this news is shocking to many, but television satellites always "hang" in one place. Yes, yes, always: today, tomorrow, and yesterday. Satellites do not fly anywhere and do not move anywhere. Such is the technology for transmitting a signal from space to satellite dishes.

You have a goal...

Now that you know that the satellite is in the same year after year in the same place, and even from the south side, it's time to find out exactly where and where to direct the antenna.

01 | HOW TO DETERMINE THE DIRECTION TO THE SATELLITE METHOD #1

A quick and easy way...

What does this data mean...

Azimuth is the angle between north and the desired direction. Azimuth is measured in clockwise direction. The figure shows the direction to the satellite with an azimuth of 190°. That is, from the north we count 190 ° clockwise. Blue line - direction satellite dish.

Converter rotation. If you look at the converter the way the plate looks at it, then you need to turn it at a positive value - clockwise, at a negative value - against. For Tricolor and NTV +, the converter does not need to be turned.


Tilt angle- the angle by which you need to raise or lower the antenna vertically. At negative angles, the antenna looks at the ground, which is quite normal. inferior in the accuracy of calculating the angle of inclination.

elevation angle is the angle between the horizon and the direction to the satellite. At negative and close to zero values, reception of a signal from the satellite is not possible.

02 | HOW DETERMINE DIRECTION TO SATELLITE METHOD #2

  • The program will indicate whether a tree or a house will interfere with confident signal reception;
  • Calculates the time at which the satellite and the sun are in the same direction;
  • The most accurate calculation of the angle of inclination of the antenna.

In the first tab program, you must enter: 1) the name of the satellite to which you want to tune the antenna 2) the latitude of the place 3) the longitude of the place. It is easy to find out the latitude and longitude for your city: for example, I enter the query "latitude and longitude of Mogilev" in a search engine, and already in the first link I find the result.

The article covers the issues of assembling, configuring and adjusting the Tricolor antenna with your own hands.

Having bought a Tricolor antenna, everyone can do their own tuning, subject to certain rules.

Set for installation of satellite TV Tricolor.

For work you will need:

To fix the base, you need to select fasteners. It should be fixed on a wooden surface with the help of plumbing "grouse". In other situations, 10x100 anchor bolts will do.

The cable used to connect the antenna and the TV must contain a thick copper core and a double braid. The cable length is not more than 100 m. If it is required to lay more than this length, signal amplifiers are additionally located.

Choosing a place to install the antenna

Since the dish receives a signal from the satellite, the main criteria for choosing a place are:


Following the criteria will ensure the elimination of errors in independent work.

Antenna assembly

The assembly instructions are attached to the equipment, following which you can complete everything quickly. The design for receiving a signal is formed by the elements:


Assembly diagram:


Assembly work completed.

Antenna adjustment

Adjustment should be carried out in good weather (no snowfall, rain, dense clouds). The stage involves the creation of a certain position of the equipment for the clarity of the broadcast. They depend on the elevation angle and the azimuth angle. To calculate the elevation angle, you should draw a horizontal line from the installed dish in the direction of the satellite and measure the angle formed by this line and the signal receiving line (the vertical angle formed by turning the mirror up and down).

Azimuth is the angle of the horizontal plane between the north guide line and the dish-to-satellite guide line (horizontal angle corresponding to left-right rotation of the dish).

There is a table that shows the angle of elevation and azimuth for different cities. If the plate is not installed in the city, then you need to focus on the nearby city.

The azimuth angle is set by the compass. To determine the elevation angle, you can use a protractor and a plumb line. The plumb line is located at the zero point of the protractor and serves as a conditional horizon line. The required size of the angle is plotted on the protractor scale.

Different manufacturers design the antenna at different tilt angles. Supral's products are characterized by an accurate vertical position of the antenna at an angle of 26.5°. When the equipment is located with such an angle in Moscow or Kaliningrad, it is not required to change the elevation angle. For other cities, it will be necessary to tilt the structure forward or backward so that the angle matches the required value.

TV jack installation

The TV connector is connected to the converter in accordance with the diagram:


With regard to the antenna wire used, there are two ways to install the receiver to the TV:

  • High-frequency antenna cable (HF) - plugs into the antenna socket on the TV and into the inlet of the RF Out receiver. After switching on, the combination “BOOT” and the channel number appear on the TV screen. When the channel search function is turned on, the notification "No signal" is displayed, which implies the normal functioning of the receiver.
  • Low-frequency cable with a connector (LF) - similar to HF. When connected, the inscription “BOOT” appears on the TV screen. After that, you need to press the “A / B” button on the console surface of the receiver. As a result, the notification "No signal" should light up. The appearance of other information indicates the incorrect assembly of the equipment.

After the above steps, you can start setting up channels.

Adjusting the signal strength of the TV show

The adjustment must be carried out by changing the position of the antenna and monitoring the signal level on the television screen. First, open the Antenna Installation menu:


After displaying two scales “Signal” and “Quality”, the equipment location should be adjusted:


Look at the TV, analyzing the content of the scales:

Pre-setting ends with fine tuning, when when the plate is changed left-right and up-down, both scales are filled at the level of 80%. Such values ​​will help to transmit an accurate signal in bad weather (rain, snowfall, cloudiness).

After fine tuning TV show should be tightly fixed equipment on the street and exit the installation menu by pressing twice "Exit" on the remote control.

Receiver Registration

The reception of a television picture occurs after the registration of the equipment. Registration is carried out in one of the following ways:

  • On the Tricolor website;
  • At the sales office or authorized center (usually after the purchase at specialized points of sale, the receiver is registered);
  • Through department technical support when there is a subscription agreement in hand.

When registering, the user must specify the receiver model, unique number for identification (ID), personal data. You can see the model name on the front panel of the equipment.

The identification number is a sequence of 10-12 digits. The number is on the package sticker or on the receiver body sticker. On some packages and cases there is no inscription, so you need to go to the receiver menu. When clicking on the "Status" submenu, the user will see the ID.

To conclude an agreement, it is required to provide the user's personal data (full name, passport, date of birth, installation location, contact information).

Registration actions end with confirmation of the equipment by telephone conversation with the Tricolor service. You should indicate the purpose of the appeal, full name, identification number.

Questions from subscribers

“Do I need a special device to tune satellite dishes?”

A do-it-yourself tool is not required, but it can make it easier to find satellite signal.

"What parameters to use to set up a satellite dish?"

Azimuth and elevation.

The article reveals the main methods of how to determine the azimuth using a magnetic compass and the place of its possible application. The use of azimuth is common in satellite television.

In the modern world, saturated with gadgets and technologies, only a few can independently find the direction of interest with the help of a compass and a map. The ability to find the azimuth can be useful and help out in any business.

True (geographic) azimuth is a dihedral angle counted clockwise (from 0 to 360 degrees) from the north geographic meridian to the direction line.

Magnetic azimuth is the angle formed by the magnetic meridian and the given direction of the landmark line. The countdown is clockwise (from 0 to 360 degrees). Angle search can be done using compasses, compasses. The magnetic azimuth is not accurate, as the compass needle points to a magnetic meridian that is subject to yearly changes.

Magnetic declination is the angle of difference between the true and magnetic meridian, which was mentioned earlier. It can be positive if the compass needle deviates from the true meridian to the right, or negative if it is to the left. On maps, magnetic declination is indicated relative to the year of printing. Each subsequent year of operation, the data provided are subject to adjustment.

Naturally, the magnetic declination for each region and area of ​​\u200b\u200blocation varies.

A topographic map of an area is used for various purposes. It is a universal map, with the presence of the maximum amount of information about a particular region. The topographic map is divided by parallels (horizontal lines) and meridians (vertical lines). The map is useful for compass orientation. Geographic location data contains information about the terrain, soils, waters, roads, and other terrain features.

Finding values ​​and working with acquired parameters

  1. Plan for determining the true azimuth (using a magnetic compass):
  • The compass aligns horizontally to the ground, allowing the magnetic needle to point north;
  • The desired object is determined, on which the reference point is taken;
  • Without changing the position, the compass bulb is adjusted to the arrow, so that the letter N (C) is clearly opposite the magnetic indicator;
  • The degree is counted according to the compass divisions, from zero to the given line of the direction of the object (clockwise);
  • Result - obtained magnetic azimuth;
  • The magnetic declination of the given region is added or subtracted to the found degree;
  • And so, the true azimuth is found.
  1. Calculation of azimuth on the map:
  • The desired landmark is selected and marked on the map with a dot;
  • Further, from the intended landmark, a solid line is drawn from the starting point to the marked area;
  • From the starting point, a parallel straight line is projected relative to the geographic meridian;
  • Having two lines drawn, the protractor finds an angle that will be equal to the true azimuth.

Calculation by coordinates is similar to the process of finding the azimuth on the map. Instead of the marked landmark on the map, the coordinates of the point are taken, and the direction is built.

  1. Back azimuth.

The desired direction determined by the compass or map changes by one hundred and eighty degrees, receiving a reverse calculation.

Benefits of the acquired information:

  • One way to get mirror data from the opposite direction point.
  • The ability to make a precise turn and follow the return path.

Application of azimuth data in the field of satellite dishes

A correctly calculated azimuth, whether using a map or a compass, will not only tell you the way back home, but will also help with setting up a satellite dish.

The main guidance parameters will be considered angular coordinates orientation of the antenna beam axis in elevation and, of course, azimuth. Before installing the antenna, you need to decide from which satellite the signal will be caught. The coordinates of various satellites can be found on thematic sites or in the antenna purchase store. Knowing the orbital position of the satellite, you can calculate the azimuth and elevation.

The elevation angle is a degree value in the vertical plane that characterizes the angle between the horizontal and the direction to the satellite.

The calculation of this value is carried out using a special protractor, or devices based on the work of the accelerometer. Also, if you have a modern smartphone, you can download from the Internet software performing data measurements. This will definitely help the user to adjust the antenna to the chosen angle.

The direction of the satellite dish in the vertical plane can be built thanks to the compass by calculating with the found angle and getting the true azimuth (the description of the process is described earlier). Or in a more accurate way - calculation on the map.

The theoretical part of finding the azimuth and elevation angle can be expressed in three formulas:

Az - azimuth in degrees;

El is the angle of inclination in degrees;

Lo ES - geographic longitude of the area (northern hemisphere sign - "+", southern - "-")

Lo SAT - geographic latitude of the area (eastern hemisphere - "+", western - "-")

La ES - longitude of the satellite position (eastern hemisphere - "+", western - "-")

After determining the correct position of the parabolic mirror of the dish, at the installation site you need to make sure that there are no direct obstacles that interrupt the reception of information (roofs, houses, trees). For example, if the elevation angle of a satellite dish is twenty degrees, obstacles are fifty degrees, we can conclude that such placement is unsuitable, since the receiving lines are blocked and the signal from the satellite will not pass. It is logical that during installation it is necessary to choose the right side of the house where the plate will be placed, because the “view” sector of the parabolic mirror mounted on the wall does not exceed one hundred and eighty degrees. And it is important that the azimuth and elevation of the satellite are included in this zone.

A common option for placing a satellite dish on the roof of a building. This a good choice terrain, as there is good review dishes. The minus is the great windiness and the impossibility of quick adjustment of the antenna, in contrast to the wall dishes adjacent to the balconies.

By correctly installing the antenna and providing good guidance to the satellite, you can achieve high definition broadcasting of your favorite TV channels.

When determining the azimuth, it is worth:

  1. You can only rely on high-quality and serviceable compasses, cheap Chinese counterparts can give an error of up to twenty degrees.
  2. Have a compass of two types:
  • "Finger" magnetic compass.

Pros: ease of orientation in the area, resistance to shaking. Cons: not convenient when working on the map.

  • Tablet magnetic compass.

Pros: accurate calculation of the direction on the map (due to the built-in ruler), the presence of a magnifying glass.

Cons: inconvenience of use on the ground.

  1. The article discusses antennas with azimuth-elevation suspension (receiving reception from one satellite) and their possible do-it-yourself localization. To adjust the polar suspension, it is necessary to invite classified specialists. Do not undertake the installation without prior experience.
  2. Do not overtighten the bolts when installing the antenna mirror to the grid. Distorting the shape of the parabolic mirror will disrupt the transmission signal, and calculating with a map with a compass will not be as effective.
  3. Satellites located on the same line near the dish being installed have a ready-made attitude. Having a compass, countable programs on your smartphone and special tools, you can measure the angle of inclination and azimuth of the dish (according to the converter holder bar) by copying it to your sample.
  4. Achieve maximum positioning effect satellite dish maybe a SAT Finder signal meter. It determines the most advantageous rotation of the antenna to millimeter accuracy.

Independent calculation of the installation of a satellite dish Satellite Antenna Alignment.

Satellite dish, installation and calculation of direction angles to the satellite.

To make everything easier, we suggest you consider and use a good free program Satellite Antenna Alignment.

The angle of rotation of a satellite dish is, simply put, two angles. Horizontal angle (azimuth (bearing)), and vertical angle (elevation). Azimuth is the angle measured from north in a clockwise direction. Due to the peculiarities of the satellite antenna fasteners and the accuracy of the calculations, preliminary targeting is carried out first. It will be discussed first.

The easiest way to determine antenna angles is to go outside and see where other users' antennas are pointing. satellite television. Naturally, given which satellite they are targeting (from advertising on dishes, or from a conversation with neighbors). Minus - accuracy, and such that the first time you can generally catch another satellite.

The first thing that will become clear is whether trees and buildings interfere with the reception. If they interfere, then you need to determine another attachment point, but it is highly desirable that the cable be no more than 10, maximum 20 meters long (signal attenuation (almost 2 times) otherwise it will reduce all your success in installing the antenna to a mediocre result).

A completely different question is how to direct the antenna exactly at these angles.

If you have a compass (however, metal on the roof and balcony cannot be avoided, as well as fictitious declination), it will still be possible to roughly install the antenna, and then you can adjust it manually. In the Russian Federation, sometimes maps with the location of houses and objects relative to the north pole (N true) and even a view of the church (the cross on a normal church is oriented strictly to the North) help. Along the vertical angle, a little easier - along a plumb line and a protractor.

If there is nothing, then according to the zenith of the sun (the highest point above the horizon). We did not specifically indicate the time (in our country this is a separate issue). Let's say - around 14 o'clock today. This is the South, and it is from it that we count the direction to the satellite exactly by eye, by successive division along the horizontal (90/2 \u003d 45, 45/2 \u003d 22, 5, etc.) Simple, but it works.

Similarly - you can estimate the angle of the antenna during installation - by successive visual division along the vertical (90/2 \u003d 45, 45/2 \u003d 22, 5, 22, 5/2 \u003d 11.25, etc.) Simple, but it works.

What accuracy is needed in calculations? Without going into an excursion into the dependence of the satellite location range and accuracy, let's say that 2 degrees for the Russian Federation (for most satellites) is the limit, for the average value during calculations and installation. We also take into account the accuracy of fasteners, mounting deviations and deformation of the antenna, which should be immediately reduced and provided for.

Satellite Antenna Alignment - a program for calculating the angles required when installing a satellite dish. The program is free and works from XP to windows 7. It is available in Russian, which makes it easier to work.

The program "Satellite Antenna Alignment" is designed to calculate the angles required when installing a satellite dish. The azimuth and elevation (elevation) for each satellite are calculated. The main difference from similar programs- the ability to calculate immediately for all satellites. Thus, a clear picture is formed about which satellites are physically visible from the antenna installation site, and which are not.

It should be remembered that in this program the calculation is purely theoretical, according to formulas, and in real conditions, when installing the antenna, many more factors must be taken into account, such as various obstacles (buildings, trees), terrain, altitude, transponder directivity, polarization and so on.

Additionally, the program implements the calculation of the azimuth to the sun, and now you can do without a compass!

This program will allow you to estimate the position quite accurately. The resulting calculation can be saved in text file, copy to the Windows clipboard, or output directly to the printer. Export to MS Excel, MS Word, HTML and CSV files. It is possible to remember the list of places for which the calculation was made. The program has a multilingual interface (English, Russian, Ukrainian, German, Lithuanian, Dutch, Romanian, Polish, French).

The latest versions can be downloaded from the site - http://www.al-soft.com/saa/satinfo-ru.shtml

Perhaps you will be asked to take a small survey, or an antivirus will squeal, but usually not everything is so bad, it's just that the program is free and the company somehow makes money. There are also older versions on the Internet without ads and surveys (as well as without antivirus warnings).

You need to start working with the program by entering the geographical coordinates of your satellite dish installation point. Enter your coordinates in the "Antenna location coordinates" section. North latitude is "N", south latitude is "S". Similarly, east longitude is "E", west longitude is "W". After the coordinates are entered, on the left side of the table you will receive the calculation of the angles for all satellites at once.

The azimuth and elevation angle of the antenna (elevation angle) is calculated. The resulting azimuth is the direction to the satellite in degrees from north in a clockwise direction. The elevation angle is the angle (in degrees) between the direction of the satellite signal and the tangent plane to the ground at your point of reception. If the elevation angle is negative, then the satellite is hidden behind the horizon and reception of a signal from it is basically impossible. Thus, from your point of view, satellites are theoretically visible, for which the elevation angle is a positive value. Knowing the azimuth, you can quickly navigate and determine the direction to the satellite, determine the obstacles in the way of the antenna direction (neighboring houses, trees).

As mentioned above, the program operates with absolute values ​​and calculates everything according to formulas. Thus, the resulting azimuth is the angle relative to the absolute north, and not from what your compass can show, because. a compass is a very unstable thing, especially in urban areas. It is better to navigate by the sun)

Additionally, the program implements the calculation of the azimuth to the sun, and now you can do without a compass! The calculation is made for the point whose geographic coordinates you specified to calculate the azimuth to the satellites. Altitude above sea level is considered to be 0 meters. You can specify a date (default is The current date) and calculate the motion of the sun with a resolution of one minute. The calculation results are displayed in the table on the left side. For the sun, both azimuth and elevation are calculated at the current time. Thus, this gives you the opportunity to do without a compass at all when installing an antenna. First, determine the azimuth to the satellite you need. Then calculate the azimuth to the sun on the day you plan to install the antenna. Find in the table the azimuth of the sun that is most equal to the azimuth to the satellite, and you will get the time (and date) when the sun will be in the same direction as the satellite. At the right time, we turn the antenna directly to the sun, the azimuth of the sun at this moment coincides with the azimuth of the satellite. Or just mark this position, turn the antenna later. When calculating, do not forget to indicate your time zone (Moscow +3 hours from Greenwich Mean Time). Additionally, the program calculates the azimuth of sunrise and sunset, as well as the time and elevation when the sun is due south.

The program does not take into account the transition to summer time! Therefore, for summer time, you need to add +2 hours to the results of calculating the azimuth to the sun.

The program draws a simple sketch showing the sides of the horizon. The yellow sector indicates daylight hours, the eastern part of it is sunrise, the western part is sunset. On the same diagram, you can schematically display the direction to the satellite you need. Select a satellite in the drop-down list, the direction to it (azimuth) is drawn with a red line. If the elevation angle to the satellite is negative, then the red line is not drawn (the satellite is not visible).

Currently, offset satellite dishes are widely used. Such an antenna, standing strictly vertically, already has a certain elevation angle (~ 20-25 degrees). You can enter the dimensions of your offset antenna (height and width) and the software will calculate the exact angle of elevation for that antenna. The calculation is made only for antennas whose height is greater than the width. Enter the dimensions of the antenna in millimeters. It will also show the angle of elevation to the satellite you have chosen, and the angle at which you really need to install the antenna (in degrees from the ground plane)

There are ready-made calculations for the main cities of the Russian Federation

http://www.al-soft.com/saa/webreports/

For example, for St. Petersburg, the calculated angles for each satellite will help you when installing a satellite dish for satellite Internet or satellite television NTV-Plus, Tricolor TV, Raduga TV, HD Platform, Continent TV.

Azimuth and elevation to satellites for Sankt-Peterburg -

[Latitude: 59°55"N, Longitude: 30°15"E]

Satellite

Azimuth

elevation angle

On this stage, we need to determine the approximate slope of the mirror of our satellite dish in the vertical plane.

Of course, you can not calculate this parameter. But, knowing the correct tilt of the satellite dish will save the beginner, in case of an unsuccessful signal search, from unnecessary assumptions " is the antenna in the correct position?"?". For example, if during tuning, you deflect the antenna mirror to the top (or to the bottom) quite strongly. After all, you will already have a visual idea of ​​​​how it should stand, and in any case, return satellite dish mirror to the initial state, after which, continuing the search.

Although, of course, this will not get rid of manual setting, but still, it will significantly facilitate the whole process satellite dish settings(saving you time as well).

Now let's calculate what slope the offset mirror will have. satellite dish.

Satellite Dish Tilt - Tilt Angle Calculation

Unfortunately, since satellite dish tilt, directly depends on its diameter and shape, in order to calculate this slope, alas ... you need to do the calculation using special formulas.

I don't want to overload your head with enough information already. Therefore, here I will offer three ways:

First way. Do not do any calculations now. When adjusting the vertical position of the antenna, first put it in a vertical position. Then, gradually lower the mirror down (or raise) until a signal from the satellite appears. In principle, this is what all experienced tuners do.

Second way. Emphasize on angle of inclination of satellite dishes installed in the neighborhood, for example, on the same house, or balconies and roofs of neighboring buildings.

Third way. To do calculation of the angle of inclination of a satellite dish To do this, use any computer program.

To make it more clear, to determine the tilt of the antenna, I will use the same program "Satellite Antenna Alignment".

To do this, run this program, and go to the tab " offset antenna».

Determining the tilt of a satellite dish.

In the satellite selection window, set the one to which the satellite dish will be tuned. In this case, I chose the Express AM 22 satellite (Photo 2).

Photo 2. Select the satellite to which the satellite dish will be tuned.

Let's set the dimensions of the mirror of your antenna, in the cells "Antenna Width", and "Antenna Height".


We indicate the dimensions of the offset mirror of the satellite dish.

As soon as we enter the dimensions of the antenna, next to the image below, the numerical indicator "Antenna Tilt Required" will change its value. In my case it was 73.20°.


The tilt of the satellite dish.

Being at the antenna installation site, based on the fact that we will insert the initial position only visually, it is easier to measure the tilt of the satellite dish mirror not from the horizontal, as is done in the program, but from the vertical. In more correct terms, this will be the declination angle - that is, the angle of inclination of the satellite dish mirror.


The tilt of a satellite dish, or declination angle.

Therefore, to make it more convenient for us, we will make simple calculations. Since a right angle is 90 degrees:

That is, if we put the satellite dish strictly vertically, then from this position, the antenna mirror must be tilted by 16.80 degrees.

In principle, since we will be setting up the satellite dish manually (without any "special tools"), we do not need such accuracy. Therefore, take a sheet of paper, draw this angle, and just visually remember its slope.

It turns out ... to start setting up a satellite dish, on the Express AM 22 satellite, you must initially put it at 16.80 ° from the vertical position. These values ​​naturally apply to my case. Do the calculations, and for your option, and just remember these two parameters.

No matter what exact data the Satellite Antenna Alignmen program gives us, we will not be able to take full advantage of this accuracy, since we don’t seem to have anything to bind to for measurement. After all, we will only have to imagine all the planes necessary for reference, which means that we will measure degrees only in our thoughts, with our internal "degree meter". But, all this is quite enough for our purposes.

And so, we know the coverage area of ​​the chain of satellites visible from the installation site of the satellite dish, we also know the vertical tilt of the antenna mirror. In principle, you can start preparing satellite equipment. But before that, let's digress a bit. I would like to clarify some points regarding the vertical alignment of a satellite dish, which you may also encounter.

Satellite dish tilt - setting

(description of some points related to the vertical alignment of a satellite dish)

In the design of a satellite dish, the suspension is designed in such a way that the antenna mirror can be equally raised and lowered to the same maximum angle.

Suspension of a satellite dish, with an equivalent angle of vertical rotation.

But in my practice, there were satellite antenna suspensions, in the design of which, the vertical rotation of the antenna itself was carried out, as it were, with an inclination to one of the sides. Therefore, with this design, it is important to assemble it correctly, in accordance with your geographical location, and more precisely, depending on your latitude, and the remoteness of the satellite.

Since I am at a latitude of 63°, the tilt of the satellite dish will be 16.80° from the vertical, and if you mount the antenna, which has a suspension with a slope priority in one direction, then you need a U-shaped element, position it as in Photo 2, (it shown with a red arrow).

At the same time, in the angle of travel of the mirror of the satellite dish, it just fits into the slope of "16.80 °", (Fig. 1). In this case, it seems that the antenna itself looks a little into the ground.

If my location would be closer to the equator, for example, at 40 degrees north latitude, then in this case, the satellite dish mirror will rise, and the angle of travel should be as in Fig. 2.

In this case, the U-shaped element should be placed the other way around, as in Photo 3, (here I apologize, I just turned this photo vertically).

The next point also concerns the adjustment of the inclination of the satellite dish, or rather, the installation of a suspension with a slope in one direction, on a vertical support.

When using a satellite dish mount with a bias priority to one side, if your location is more distant from the equator, it must be installed on a mount, as in Photo 4 and Photo 5.

Satellite dish, the suspension of which has a slope in one direction

Installed satellite dish.

Since in this case, the satellite dish will have a certain angle of inclination to the bottom. Therefore, the L-shaped suspension element, at one end of which the converter is fixed, must have some free space in the lower part of the structure, which allows changing this antenna tilt angle.

In order to explain more clearly the essence of this problem, which you may also encounter, let's try to mentally install the already tuned satellite dish shown in Photo 4 on a vertical support (Photo 6 and Photo 7).

Homemade vertical satellite tower

Homemade vertical support for installing a satellite dish on a horizontal surface.

Comparing these two images (Photo 8), we will see that the corner of the L-shaped suspension element (Photo 9) rests against the wall of the vertical pipe, and the place of the suspension fastening, at the same time, does not even reach this pipe.

Naturally, if we nevertheless fix this suspension by pulling it to the pipe itself, the angle of inclination of the satellite dish will change, thereby making further vertical adjustment impossible.

Of course, this option for installing such a suspension, shown in Photo 7, on a vertical support, is quite suitable for those whose antenna mirror will be almost vertical or higher. For the rest, when purchasing a satellite dish, you will have to take into account the problem described above.

Since the satellite dish itself, as a rule, comes with its regular suspension, it is better to purchase a support for it, depending on the coordinates of the place where this antenna will be installed.

Based on this, when buying a satellite dish and support, it is already desirable to know the angle of inclination of the antenna for your area, or rather, the range of this angle of inclination.

To find out the tilt range of a satellite dish, let's again use the Satellite Antenna Alignment program. To explain, as always, I will be based on my own example.

Equipment for setting up a satellite dish

The satellite dish is in its place, connectors are installed on the cable, and all preliminary settings are made in the receiver. In order for us to be able to make further adjustments, it is necessary to have free access to the back of the already suspended satellite dish.

To position the satellite dish on the selected satellite, we will need the following equipment for tuning:

  • 1. A small or portable TV that supports the same outputs as your receiver.
  • 3. A piece of coaxial cable, for connecting the receiver to the converter, approximately 1.5 ... 2 meters long, with connectors installed at both ends (this cable is used only during setup).

  • 4. Connecting cable (LF or HF) corresponding to the connection of the satellite receiver and TV.
  • 5. Spanners and screwdrivers corresponding to the fastening of the converter and the suspension of the satellite dish.

If you do not have a small portable TV, then, of course, it makes no sense to buy it specifically for setting up a satellite dish. To do without unnecessary costs, it will be possible to purchase a relatively inexpensive device called "Sat Finder". It is designed specifically for setting up satellite dishes in the home. At the time of writing this page, the cost of such a device was in the range of 400 ... 700 rubles, which is much cheaper compared to the cost of a portable TV. It certainly has its advantages, and unfortunately, it also has its drawbacks. You can read about what kind of device it is and how to work with it. If you are setting up a satellite dish for the first time, then nevertheless, I would recommend that you use the option with a receiver and a portable TV. I think it will be easier and more reliable for you.

Based on the fact that I will explain the installation and configuration of a satellite dish using my own example, I will use the following equipment and tools:

Digital satellite receiver (in this case, an FTA receiver designed to view open channels is suitable for us).

Looking at back panel, you can see that this receiver can be connected to a TV, as in high frequency, from the output of the HF modulator, and on the low one, through the audio-video connectors of the tulip type.

Portable TV. In principle, any small-sized TV will do here. The main thing is that it supports the outputs that are present on your satellite receiver.
Looking at the back panel this TV, you can see that it can also be connected both to the high-frequency input and to the low-frequency audio-video input.

If you have a receiver with an RF modulator, then there is no need for low-frequency audio-video connectors, but in this case, the TV must support the UHF radio frequency range (although I do not exclude the possibility that the RF modulators of some receivers, or older TVs, can only work in the meter wave range, in the MW range).
If you have a receiver without an RF modulator, then low-frequency audio-video connectors on the TV itself are required.

Piece of coaxial cable(for connection with a converter), approximately 1.5 ... 2 meters long, and with "connector-connectors" installed on this cable at both ends.

LF (low frequency) audio-video cable tulip type, for connecting to a TV via a low-frequency output and input.

Radio frequency (RF) cable, another name for high-frequency cable (HF). For the option of connecting to a TV via a radio frequency antenna input (only if there is an RF modulator in the receiver).

In view of the presence of an audio-video input on the TV, I will not use this cable.

Wrenches and screwdrivers, to tighten the gimbal fasteners and converter fasteners appropriate for your satellite dish kit.
Also, to tighten the connector connector on the satellite converter, you will need an open-end wrench for 11.

And so, the equipment for setting up a satellite dish and the tool are ready. Finally, we need some network extension cable to guide you to the tuning point (to an already installed satellite dish), mains voltage 220 volt. On the extension cord, there should be two sockets for connecting a satellite receiver and a portable TV.

Also, to set up a satellite dish in a horizontal plane, we will need, compass.

Connecting equipment for setting up a satellite dish

Now, you can transfer the tuning equipment and tools to the installation site of the satellite dish. General scheme connection of equipment, for subsequent configuration, is shown in Fig. 1.


Rice. 1 General scheme for connecting equipment for setting up a satellite dish.

For convenience, I placed a satellite receiver with a TV on a small chair (Photo 1). The TV itself, it is desirable to position it so that when setting up a satellite dish, you can adjust the direction of its mirror with your hands, and look at the TV screen, almost simultaneously.

Photo 1 Connected equipment for setting up a satellite dish.

At the time the photos for this page were taken, it was early winter. Therefore, the temperature outside reached minus 7...10 degrees. Under such conditions, it is not advisable to use electronic devices that are designed to operate at room temperature. But this means that the satellite dish setup will have to be transferred to a warmer time, which, of course, did not suit me. Therefore, I continued this setup anyway, but ... following some rules, and these are:

1. As soon as the equipment is outside, you must immediately apply power to it. This means that it is necessary not only to turn it on to the network, but also to bring it out of standby mode (take it out of "standby" mode by pressing the "Power" button, for example, on remote control), that is, bring it into full working mode. This is necessary so that the radio elements of the equipment are heated by their own thermal radiation. For optimal operation of the device, such heating, of course, is not enough, but this will not allow it to cool quickly enough.


2. If any device has been moved back into the heat, before turning it on, it is necessary to wait at least 30...40 minutes at room temperature. This also applies to, if necessary, taking it back to the street.


3. It is not advisable to tune a satellite dish at temperatures below 10..12 degrees.

4. Carry out adjustment work as soon as possible.

5. If the satellite receiver starts to react badly to any commands, freezes, or behaves as usual. Turn it off immediately, and bring it into a warm room for 30-40 minutes. And only after that, continue any work with him.

Although, by and large, I would certainly not recommend operating the equipment in such extreme conditions for it. In any case, you will do this under your own responsibility, that is, at your own peril and risk.

When installing satellite equipment in the cold season, it is strongly recommended: all the adjustment of electronic equipment that can be carried out without being near the satellite dish structure (for example, presetting receiver), to produce it in a warm room, and only after that transfer it to the very place of installation and configuration of the satellite dish.

As for the satellite converter itself, it was initially, by the manufacturer, designed to work in both normal and reduced temperature conditions(but, I do not exclude that there are models of converters designed to work in hot countries). Here, the only thing I want to warn is that if the satellite converter was moved back to the heat, it is also advisable to wait at least 30 ... 40 minutes before taking it out to the cold again ....

Now, let's connect the setup coaxial cable, with connectors installed on it, to the receiver and converter (Photo 2 and Photo 3). Position it so that, if possible, it does not interfere with various manipulations with the satellite dish. When you screw the connector, do it only by hand, since this cable is only a tuning one, then, when you connect the permanent one, screw the connector with a key (usually with a key by 11), but do not overdo it, although it is metal, but , quite brittle.


Connecting a cable for setting up a satellite dish.

Coaxial cable connection

Connecting the coaxial cable to the receiver.

Connecting a coaxial cable to a satellite dish converter.

Connecting a satellite receiver to a TV

Connect the satellite receiver and portable TV, (Photo 4). If your TV does not have a low-frequency input, then connect through. But as I already mentioned, for this the receiver must have an RF modulator. Also, in this case, you need to tune your TV to the radio signal coming from the receiver. The principle of setting up the TV itself will be the same as when receiving on-air programs, the only difference is that instead of an on-air antenna, you will connect a radio frequency cable coming from a satellite receiver.


Photo 4. Connecting the receiver to a TV.


Connecting the receiver to the TV, for setting up a satellite dish, via a low-frequency audio-video cable tulip.

Connecting the receiver to a TV, to set up a satellite dish, via a coaxial high-frequency (radio frequency) cable.

Below on Photo 5, indicates which main connectors may be needed for connection.

Photo 5. Connectors for connecting a satellite dish and TV.

Connect the mains plugs of the TV and satellite receiver to the extension cable, and also turn on both devices in full power mode. If they are connected via an audio-video cable, then switch the TV to receive a video signal (A / V mode), if through an RF modulator, tune your portable TV to the modulator frequency (it is better to do this in advance, in a warm room). In general, make sure that on the TV screen there is a stable image transmitted from a satellite receiver.

Setting up a satellite dish to a satellite

Press the button on the receiver Menu", and go to the transponder editing submenu. Select the satellite of interest, and just in case, check the parameters of the desired transponder(s), which we entered earlier.

Also, if desired, here you can immediately edit the name of this satellite. Please note that usually in the names, you can only enter a certain amount of letters, so if the word does not fit, you have to shorten it. I usually try to write the name of the satellite and its position in degrees. Since the number of letters is limited, the satellite is "Express AM 22" 53°E, I have abbreviated it as "Exp 22-53". In principle, the function of renaming satellites is made only for convenience, and there is no special need for it (that is, the name of the satellite does not affect any important parameter). But, if in the future you plan to put a motor on a satellite dish, knowing the name and position of the satellite, it will be easier to navigate when choosing television and radio channels.

Your transponder editing menu may differ significantly from the one I suggested, but the basic principle will remain the same.

Now let's take a closer look at the transponder editing menu using the example of receiver No. 1. Such a menu will be our main tool, with the subsequent setting up a satellite dish to a satellite(Photo 1).

On the previous pages, in order to reduce the download time of pages, I had to crop all the images of the "menu", while showing only the necessary ones on this moment, plots. Now let's look at it in its entirety. In the image, I highlighted two areas needed for the subsequent setup of the satellite dish.

Photo 1. Menu for editing satellite transponders and signal indicator.

In the first section, there are parameters of one of the transponders of the selected satellite. Namely: frequency, symbol rate, and type of polarization. If necessary, we can adjust these parameters.

In the second section, an indicator of the level and quality of the signal is displayed. This indicator, as a rule, has two indicators, calculated as a percentage (%). One indicates its level, it can also be designated as - Strength, Level, L, etc. Other, displays quality this signal, may also be designated as - Quality, Q, etc. It is by this indicator of the level and quality of the signal that we will "catch" the satellite we need.

Each satellite receiver, of course, has its own original interface displaying appearance such an indicator. But, in principle, they are very similar. To make it easier for you to understand how this indicator will look in your receiver, consider three of their options.

In receiver No. 1, the satellite signal indicator appears only when there is a signal at the receiver’s input that matches the transponder parameters, as evidenced by yellow bars (Photo 2 and Photo 3). That is, it has, as it were, two states, there is no signal, or its presence, which, as a rule, is displayed as a percentage.

Receiver #2 has three states of the satellite signal indicator. The first state (Photo 4) shows no signal. The second (Photo 5) shows that this signal is present, but the parameters do not match the selected transponder, (perhaps satellite antenna already tuned, but to another satellite), in this state, the signal strength indicator turns red.

Well, the third state of the satellite signal indicator (Photo 6) shows the presence of this signal, while changing the length and color of the strips of the indicator itself.


Photo 6 There is a signal.

The third type of indicator of the presence of a signal from a satellite, I took, at that time, from the well-known satellite receiver "DRE 4000" (or DRE 5000). Such a receiver allows you to view the software package of the Russian project, Tricolor-TV, which is broadcast in DRE Crypt encoding (DRE crypt). In this satellite receiver, instead of stripes (as in previous versions), the signal is displayed in the form of dots (Photo 7 and Photo 8).

What will be more quantity points of such an indicator, and, accordingly, the percentage value, the better will be the characteristics of the signal from this satellite (from this transponder of this satellite).

Now, I hope you will understand your indicator without any problems.

And so, the current transponder is entered, you can proceed to the mechanical part of setting up a satellite dish. In principle, if you judge like that, this is what this entire section was created for.

Satellite tuning

At this point, let's remember what we did when we determined the horizontal direction to the selected satellite, and repeat these steps, but apply this to the satellite dish setup itself. That is, at this stage, we will first set the mirror of our satellite dish in a given direction (in the direction of the selected satellite).

Pre-horizontal adjustment of the satellite dish

Taking the compass in hand, from the place of installation of the satellite dish, we will determine again, based on the azimuth, the direction to the selected satellite (Fig. 1).


Rice. 1. Determining the azimuth of the direction to the satellite.

Let's set the compass sight, in accordance with the azimuth of the selected satellite. Looking through this sight, we will find a landmark on the surface of the earth, which is located in the same direction as the satellite itself.

That is, the direction of the plane of the mirror of the satellite dish of the landmark and the satellite will be on the same line.

Landmark selection- as a landmark, you can take a tree on the ground, an electric pole, a window of a house, and so on ... This landmark will be for us, as it were, a beacon, in the direction of which, we will initially set the plane of the satellite dish mirror along the horizon (Fig. .2).


Rice. 2. Tuning a satellite dish to a satellite using a landmark.

The presence of a landmark will make it much easier for you to search for a signal from the satellite, without letting us take the mirror of the satellite dish in the wrong direction. It is more convenient to look at the landmark itself at the bottom of the antenna structure itself, along the L-shaped converter holder (as if aiming) .

Alas, no matter how hard we try, it is almost impossible to put a satellite dish immediately strictly in accordance with the azimuth (although in practice this has happened). Therefore, our next task will be to expand the range of the estimated location of the satellite.

For example, let's take this option. Two houses located not far from each other, and a tree standing almost between them will be a reference point (Fig. 3).


Rice. 3. Setting the direction of the satellite dish, choosing a landmark.

The figure shows, let's say, the ideal option. In practice, of course, all this can be completely different, but, for an example, I think this option will be enough

Since, we have determined only the approximate direction to the satellite, and we cannot say that our landmark is exactly on one vertical line with the satellite itself, then we will have to slightly expand the search range (Fig. 4).


Rice. 4.

That is, we need to expand the search range as little as possible, but at the same time, be sure that the satellite itself is in this range, the limit of which will be two extreme landmarks. In this case, two extreme landmarks, we will have the edges of two houses adjacent to our tree.

Now, let's look at another option. Where the tree itself, in the direction of which the satellite we need hangs approximately, stands closer to one of the houses. Here, the range can be taken from the second from the edge of the window of one house, and the edge of the corner of another house (Fig. 5).

Rice. 5 Selecting the tuning range of the satellite dish to the satellite.

Satellite Angle

(presetting the initial tilt of the satellite dish)

With the horizontal range of the search, we have decided. Now, let's deal with the vertical initial position of the satellite dish, that is, with its inclination.

I have already talked about how to determine the tilt of a satellite dish.

Based on my location coordinates, the tilt of the satellite dish will be 73.20° from the horizontal plane, or if measured by the declination angle, then 16.80° from the vertical plane (Fig. 1).


Rice. 1

Since it is not possible to immediately establish the exact tilt of the satellite dish mirror (there is no place to take a reference point from), we, in principle, do not need to know the exact data of this angle at all. I gave all the explanations and drawings so that you can roughly imagine in what vertical position your satellite dish should be. This is useful if, for example, you tilted the antenna mirror too much (or raised it), then you immediately realized that the antenna should be pulled back.

Now, we need to set the initial tilt angle of the satellite dish mirror, from which we will start the vertical adjustment. In my case, I will set the antenna mirror above the desired angle, about half (Fig. 2).


Rice. 2

After that, when setting up a satellite dish, I will lower its mirror in small steps until a signal appears. You, perhaps, may have a question, why exactly did I initially raise the antenna, and when setting it up, lower its mirror down, and not vice versa? The point here is that the satellite dish itself, under its own weight, tends to lower its mirror down. And if we gradually raise it, and not lower it, then due to the play in the bolted connections, the antenna will come back a little, thereby making it difficult for us to set up later.

Decide in what vertical position your satellite dish will stand, and apply the above to your case.

If you don't know what the tilt of your satellite dish mirror will be, then you can put it in a vertical position, and in the same way, gradually lower the mirror (or if you live close enough to the equator, raise it) until a signal from the satellite appears. But again, this will increase the setup time.

Well, I think now it's time to go directly to the search for a satellite, that is, to step by step setup horizontal and vertical position of our satellite dish...

Before you start setting up a satellite dish, that is, before searching for a signal from a satellite, check all cable connections. Do not forget to check if you have connected the coaxial cable from the converter to the receiver correctly. It must be connected to the connector, with the inscription - IN(Photo 1), that is, " entrance". In this case LNB IN- converter input (LNB - converter designation).

Photo 1. The cable must be connected to the connector, with the initials - IN.

Attention! Since there is a difference voltage between the converter and the receiver (even in the off state), in order to avoid their failure, connect and disconnect the coaxial cable only when the receiver is powered off (while the plug is touching the connector, a discharge spark may slip through).

After connecting all the cables, turn on the receiver, and then go to the menu, which displays the indicator of the signal level and quality of the selected transponder. Since the satellite dish has not yet been tuned, the indicator readings will be at zero (indicators of some receivers may show a small signal level, that is, the level of the receiver's or converter's own noise).

The fasteners on the suspension device, that is, those fasteners that are responsible for the horizontal and vertical movement (Photos 2 and 3), should be slightly tightened. We will do this so that in the future, with a little effort, we can move our satellite dish.

satellite dish brackets

Mounting bolts for satellite antenna suspension (option No. 1).

Mounting bolts for satellite antenna suspension (option No. 2).

Next, let's go to the very design of the satellite dish, and stand so that you can simultaneously move the antenna mirror and look at the TV screen. As I explained earlier, we need to observe the indications of the signal level and quality indicator, as in the example of receiver No. 1, (Photo 4 and Photo 5).

Preparing to set up a satellite dish

Before proceeding with setting up a satellite dish to a satellite, I think it would not be out of place to clarify one more point regarding the input of existing transponders into the satellite receiver.

Satellite coverage map

Let's imagine such an example. The satellite receiver is correctly configured for the configuration of the satellite dish (the correct parameters of the converter installed on the antenna are entered), and the actual values ​​​​are written in the parameters of the entered transponders of the selected satellite. Further, when you try to tune a satellite dish to a signal from this satellite, no matter how you twist it, the mirror of this antenna, there was no signal, and no. Why?

The point here is that any satellite also has such a parameter as the satellite signal coverage area, which I mentioned earlier, that is, this signal can cover only a certain part of the earth's surface. And if we introduce even real transponders into the satellite receiver, then the signal from the selected satellite may simply not cover the area of ​​​​the earth's surface where exactly your settlement is located. Well, of course, there can be no talk of any signal reception from this satellite.

So, before setting up a satellite dish for the selected satellite, be sure to check whether not only the current transponders are entered, but also check on the coverage map of the selected satellite whether your locality is included in this coverage area. That is, whether the selected satellite, with its beam, covers your geographic coordinates.

Satellite coverage map Express AM 22 53.0 ° E from the site www.unionsat.ru

According to the table, we find the diameter of the satellite dish, which corresponds to a given power. It is equal to 0.95 meters. I took 1.1 meters, that is, a little with a margin.

At the next, quite important stage, we have to tune the satellite dish to the signal from the selected satellite. By this, a little about life ...

Alas, no matter how much one would like to talk about it, but as practice has shown, it is at this stage of setting up a satellite dish, after several unsuccessful attempts, that novice tuners lose all interest in the setting itself. Here, don't get me wrong, I'm not talking specifically about you.
But still, if this happened, by no means despair, because even an experienced tuner can make the simplest mistake. Be sure to check all cable connections, and the settings you entered into the satellite receiver. And of course, be sure to try again.
It happened more than once that I heard something like this: “... what am I ...”, “it turns out there, it was all that was ...” and so on.
Remember, to tune a satellite dish, you do not need to have any "steam-normal" abilities, or any special gift from nature. All this can be done by YOU!

Searching for a satellite signal

Now, as I explained earlier, the direction of the satellite dish mirror, horizontally, should be in one of the extreme positions of the range of intended landmarks, for example, in the left. On Fig. 1, a red vertical line is drawn in this direction.


Rice. 1 Start searching for a satellite signal.

If you have not determined the horizontal range in which the desired satellite is exactly located (for example, you have not found landmarks), deflect the satellite dish mirror based on the compass readings, plus a small margin. For my case, this is the position I have indicated in Fig. 2. Primordial horizontal position antennas, I indicated with a green arrow. This example, of course, is suitable for my location, since in your case, the direction to the satellite may be different.

Rice. 2 Initial horizontal direction of the mirror satellite dish.

Vertically, as I explained before, before searching for a satellite signal, the satellite dish must be tilted, about half the angle of inclination to your area (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3

If you also do not know the slope of your antenna, then put it in a strictly vertical position (Fig. 4).

Rice. 4 Tilt the satellite dish before searching for a signal.

The general principle of this satellite dish setting is to scan a certain part of the sky with the antenna mirror, although it sounds strange, but in fact, it is exactly so. To be more precise, we need to scan that part of the sky in which we are sure that the desired satellite is located there.

We will start the search for a satellite by rotating the mirror of the satellite dish in a given search range in the horizontal plane, while starting the movement of this mirror from one landmark and ending with another. On Fig. 5, the edges of the search range, I indicated with blue arrows.


Rice. 5

If you have not decided on the search range, then, guided by the compass readings, start the horizontal search for a signal from the satellite, from the position that I showed on the previous page (in Fig. 3), to approximately the same position (as if in mirror reflection), on the other hand (Fig. 6). This method is usually used by more experienced installers.


Rice. 6

But be that as it may, in either case, you must be sure that the satellite is in the search area. If there is no certainty in this, then be sure to expand it.

Since our satellite dish looks with the plane of its mirror towards the extreme position of the selected range, we begin to slowly rotate it around the support pipe, from right to left (Fig. 7). You can, and vice versa, start from the other side of the search area, as you wish.

Rice. 7 Let's start slowly rotating the satellite dish mirror around the support pipe.

Here, I want to clarify something important point, associated with this stage of setting up a satellite dish.

Each satellite receiver, when a signal appears at its input, has such a drawback as inertia, that is, it needs time to process the data stream from the satellite. Therefore, if you move the satellite dish mirror too fast (!), the receiver will not have time to process it, and you will miss the desired point. Keep this in mind when setting up your satellite dish at this stage.

Searching for a signal from a satellite (end)

Having reached the edge of the satellite signal search area, lower the satellite dish mirror by about one degree, and move in the other direction in the same way. And again, we reached the edge, lowered the antenna mirror ... etc. Do not forget, when doing these manipulations, look at the indicator of the signal level and quality. So continue until the signal itself appears. The trajectory of the satellite dish mirror, I schematically depicted below in the figure (Fig. 8).


Rice. 8 The order of searching for a satellite signal.

If, with such actions, you do not get to the very center of the satellite signal stream (Fig. 9), then your satellite receiver will still show some level of this signal.

Rice. 9 The order of the search for a satellite signal, the possible location of the satellite.

It usually goes like this. During the movement of the mirror of the satellite dish, at some point, the receiver abruptly shows the signal level, and this signal disappears again. In this case, move the antenna even more quietly, but in the opposite direction, until a stable satellite signal level appears.

If, after scanning the entire area, you still do not have a satellite signal, then return the antenna to its original position and repeat the whole procedure again.

At this stage of setting up a satellite dish, very common mistakes are:

  • They move the satellite dish mirror too fast, and the receiver itself simply does not have time to process the signal from the satellite (that is, the data that this signal carries).
  • Lowering the satellite dish mirror in too large steps. In this case, the proverb is well suited here - "You drive more quietly, you will continue."

If, when searching for a satellite signal, you made several attempts, and the signal still did not appear ... Then below, I will list possible mistakes and troubles:

  1. The transponder entered in the receiver settings is not valid.
  2. The signal coming from the satellite you have chosen does not cover the coordinates of your settlement. That is, the map of the selected satellite coverage area has not been checked.
  3. The polarization of the satellite signal is incorrectly set in the receiver settings.
  4. There is no line of sight between the satellite and the satellite dish. For example, a neighboring house or a tree standing next to your house can be a hindrance.
  5. The coaxial cable is not properly connected to the receiver (in the wrong jack).
  6. A converter is installed on the satellite dish, which is not suitable for frequency range, or the type of polarization.
  7. The diameter of the satellite dish is too small to receive a signal from this satellite.
  8. In the connecting "connector-connector" of the coaxial cable, a short circuit (a hair of the cable braid fell on the middle core).
  9. Incorrect search area selected (incorrect direction selected).
  10. The converter, on its holder, is crooked (turned around the axis of the "L-shaped" holder to the side). In principle, in this position, reception is possible, but if the signal power from this transponder is weak enough (for reception at the diameter of your antenna), then it will be difficult to catch it. The position of the converter around the axis of the holder is critical enough to receive a signal in horizontal and vertical polarization . Converter with circular polarization, in principle, such a setting is not needed, and it will be enough to put it just vertically.
  11. The satellite converter or receiver may be defective.

In my experience, as well as the experience of my friends, a malfunction of a satellite receiver or converter is a very rare occurrence. There were cases when, for example, the converter issued weak signal, or after rain it stopped working normally (marriage in the tightness of the case). In principle, about the malfunction of the equipment, think last. Be sure to check and double-check everything, and once again check and double-check everything, and only then, sin on the equipment.

Further, I will assume that you caught the signal from the selected satellite, and on the signal level and quality indicator, both the level and quality appeared. Below in the images, I have provided photos of the indicators satellite receivers with the presence of a signal, which I have already shown earlier.

Now, we need to more accurately adjust the mirror of the satellite dish to the maximum signal level. To do this, constantly watching the TV screen, that is, on the indicator div class \u003d op of the level and quality of the signal, reject the mirror satellite dish right and left, up and down. At the same time, ensure that the indicator readings are as high as possible.

The order of tightening the bolts and nuts of the suspension of the satellite dish

As soon as the signal level is at its maximum, we need to tighten the fixing screws. This must be done with caution, so as not to knock down the previously carried out satellite dish setup. The desired tightening order for nuts and bolts, I indicated in Photo 1 and Photo 2.

It is advisable to tighten the fasteners (nuts, bolts) that press the suspension itself to the support pipe at the same time. Since it is almost impossible to do this at the same time, we do it this way. They turned the first nut or bolt one, half a turn, then the second, and so on.

In the first version (Photo 1), in more detail, the order of tightening the nuts is as follows - we tighten it by one, or half a turn 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, then again 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 ... and so on until you press the suspension against support with sufficient rigidity. Bolts, or screws with nuts for the vertical travel of the suspension (5), will be tightened last (also alternately by one, half a turn).

In the second option (Photo 2), after tightening the suspension fasteners to the support, first we screw in the screw with nut 2 until it stops (which stops the vertical travel of the suspension), and only then 3.

While tightening the nuts, constantly monitor the signal indicator readings, if the level drops slightly, slowly unscrew the nut that was being turned at that time, and start slowly tightening the other one in the same way. In general, ensure that when the gimbal is securely fastened, the signal level remains at the same maximum level as it was before the nuts were pulled.

And so, the adjustment of the satellite dish mirror to the desired satellite is completed!

Next, in order to squeeze the maximum signal level out of the diameter of our satellite dish, it's time to start adjusting the position of the satellite converter ...