Do-it-yourself satellite dish installation: detailed instructions for installing and configuring a satellite dish

In recent years, satellite dishes have somewhat lost their importance for society. The reason is the appearance of digital TV set-top boxes on sale.Nevertheless, this equipment remains in demand, especially if the population lives outside the urban area.

Purchasing equipment is not a problem, but installing a satellite dish can become a serious task if you approach the installation yourself. However, the task can be greatly simplified if you have basic knowledge. We will talk about how the installation is carried out using the example of the popular Tricolor system.

Basic concepts of a potential master

Even if we are dealing with a traditional television antenna, and in such cases, installation requires at least minimal knowledge and skills. Satellite equipment is much more complex in comparison with conventional TV reception.

If for conventional equipment there are two main concepts - cable and plug, a system where satellite reception is carried out has a number of technical concepts:

1. TV satellite.
2. Satellite antenna.
3. Converter.
4. Multi-feed holder.
5. Bracket.
6. Receiver.

Let's take a closer look at each of the components of satellite equipment.

TV satellite — the source of the signal that the antenna needs to receive. Accordingly, in order to receive a constant signal, it is necessary to constantly point the antenna towards the satellite.

A device in geostationary orbit of the Earth is, in fact, a standard space satellite, but the main functionality of such a device is broadcasting a television signal

There are different satellites and different antenna designs, but the tuning principle is almost the same for all.

For this television reception technology, a satellite antenna is used, which is a disk “dish” of different diameters, equipped with a conversion device - converter.

Part of the equipment is an antenna that ensures reliable reception of a television receiver signal from a satellite. Considering the frequency of the transmitted signal, the antenna looks slightly different than traditional reception designs

This is a module of small geometric dimensions, usually cylindrical in shape, attached directly to the “front” part of the satellite antenna.

The disk antenna has a special design that allows you not only to receive a television signal, but to additionally concentrate it and direct it to one point - namely to the converter. It is, in fact, a primary signal amplifier, from which the signal is sent via cable to the receiver.

One of the components of a satellite dish that needs to be given special attention during installation, ensuring a high degree of tightness of the structure

A special rod holder is used to secure the module. A device called "multifed holder" - this is the same rod-holder, only slightly modified. Allows you to place several converters to work with different satellites.

The bracket is, in fact, a mechanical structure that is assembled from component parts and fixed in the intended installation location of the satellite dish. As a rule, such a place is the wall of the building, less often the roof truss system.

The so-called “multifed” is, in simple words, an extended rod. This is a holder for several converters at once, designed to receive signals from different satellites

The electronic module for processing the received television signal, with subsequent display of information on the screen of the television receiver, is called receiver.

There are various designs of receivers depending on the manufacturer. However, a specific manufacturer, as a rule, completes the equipment taking into account the matching of the antenna and the device.

The design of the bracket involves more than just a conventional stationary mount. The mechanical part has a simple but quite effective vertical and horizontal shift system

Therefore, it is quite problematic to coordinate any receiver (receiver) with any “non-native” antenna. This point should be taken into account before installing and installing in your home with your own hands. setting up a satellite dish under a modern TV.

The receiving module is also a “receiver” of the signal, which does not need to be installed like a satellite dish, but requires some settings on the part of the end user

Choosing a suitable location for equipment

First of all, you should choose the optimal location for the satellite dish. What should be understood by the term “optimal”? Of course, a completely free area in the direction of the transmitting satellite.

That is, in a given direction the presence of any objects such as:

• buildings;
• trees;
• advertising posters, etc.

It is also recommended to ensure that the remaining equipment (receiver, TV) is placed as close as possible to the installation point of the satellite dish. These are not critical requirements, but fulfilling these requirements will help simplify the setup of the equipment.

Tuning antenna diagram: 1 – direction “north”; 2 – direction “south”; 3 – azimuthal direction; 4, 7 – angle at the installation site relative to the satellite location; 5 – television satellite; 6 – satellite signal

Traditionally, “plates” are placed on the wall of a building next to a window opening, or installation is done on the side of the wall that is part of the balcony (loggia) structure.

The instructions prohibit installation directly inside the balcony area, especially a glazed one. The equipment should also be installed at points where there is no possible fall of precipitation in the form of snow and ice from the roof.

Step-by-step instructions for installing the plate

You must first assemble the satellite antenna structure as described in the attached instructions. As a rule, antennas are supplied disassembled. Therefore, the structure should be assembled using the accessories supplied.

Next, we will consider the step-by-step installation of a satellite dish.

Step #1 - attaching the antenna holder bracket

Again, taking into account working with a branded product, where all installation elements and components are designed for the appropriate load, work is being done to install anchor bolts in the wall of the building.

One of the options for antenna brackets that are used for reliable, strong installation of a satellite dish. Initially, a support pipe is attached to the wall, and the antenna bracket is directly attached to the pipe.

This work is done in a standard way, using a tool for working with concrete. After introducing the anchors, a support rod is attached to the installed anchors, and a metal bracket is attached to the rod.

Step #2 - installation of the antenna converter

Installation of the pre-signal amplifier - converter is carried out strictly according to the instructions, where all the details of the placement of this component are noted.

The converter itself should be secured in the support ring so that the device is perfectly sealed. Even a small penetration of moisture inside threatens to disrupt the operation of the device.

Step #3 - connecting the cable to the converter

At the current stage, the cable, which is usually also included in the kit, is connected to the converter module. The connection is made using the special “F” connector included in the delivery package.

An example of a well-connected cable on the converter side. The successfully sealed connection area is clearly visible, which will ensure stable operation of the amplifier for a long period of time.

The connection area must be carefully sealed, for example, with silicone sealant. The cable from the switching point is pulled carefully and without unnecessary effort along the body of the converter holder rod. It is fixed at regular intervals with plastic ties or other means.

Step #4 - securing the satellite dish

The prepared “plate” is installed on the bracket, while the adjusting screws are not tightened all the way - they are left loose.

This approach is necessary for the simple reason that further (after installation) the procedure for fine tuning to the satellite will follow. Accordingly, the “plate” will have to be moved both vertically and horizontally.

An installed, fully customized household “dish”, ready to reward its master with a high-quality television picture received from a satellite

Separately, it is worthwhile to provide instructions on installing the F-connector on a coaxial cable. This operation has its own characteristics. The final area of ​​the cable (approximately 15 mm long) must be freed from the first insulating layer.

But the insulation must be removed taking into account maintaining the integrity of the screen braid present under the insulation layer. Then the second layer of insulation is removed at a length of about 10 mm. This frees the central copper core. Next, screw the connector onto the stripped end switch until it stops, passing the copper conductor into the corresponding hole.

How to configure the installed antenna?

Typically, the installation instructions for the “dish” contain a table that indicates information on azimuth and angle - setting parameters in direction. The parameters are indicated, as a rule, for areas where large populated areas are located.

You should select the nearby territory from the list and take the angle and azimuth parameters for adjustment. Next, set the antenna mirror using these parameters, moving the “dish” in the vertical and horizontal planes.

This will be a "rough" setting. After which the antenna cable is connected to the receiver, and the receiver, accordingly (also via a connecting cable) to the television receiver.Next, all that remains is to adjust the angle and azimuth parameters, achieving the highest quality picture on the TV screen.

Tuning table based on the location of large settlements, which indicates the preferred angle and azimuth parameter for the direction of the antenna

Any receiver by default has a service for monitoring the level of the received signal. Using this functionality, you can configure the equipment with high accuracy. However, weather conditions can make adjustments to the settings. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out adjustment activities under clear, cloudless sky conditions.

Having achieved the appearance of a stable, sufficiently strong control signal on the TV screen, the nuts securing the mirror on the bracket are screwed in until it stops. The equipment here is considered installed and configured.

Then they move on to regular user viewing using access cards or through free available channels. How tune the tuner, select channels and open access - all this is in the user manual.

If a dish is installed in a country house to regularly watch TV programs, most often the signal received by the antenna requires improvement due to the significant distance of the repeater. It will help in this situation antenna amplifier, the rules for choosing which will be introduced in our recommended article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Below is a video where a home master explains from personal experience all the intricacies of installing the “plate”.

Accordingly, the entire process is filmed on a video camera, so the reader is clearly shown how to install a satellite dish with his own hands:

Despite the visible and invisible difficulties that appear during the installation of a satellite dish, it is quite possible to cope with such work with your own hands. The main point is the scrupulous collection, processing of relevant information and, of course, careful study of the accompanying instructions.

Would you like to talk about how you installed and configured a satellite dish with your own hands? Do you have information on the topic of the article that is worth sharing with site visitors? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions, post photographs.