How do I Install a Satellite TV System?

Step 1

Connect the satellite receiver to your television using an RCA cable. Match the yellow, white and red cables to the colored connectors on the receiver and your television.

Step 2

Turn on your television and the receiver and navigate to the satellite installation menu.

Step 3

Select the style of satellite dish you have and enter your zip code using the satellite receiver remote when prompted.

Step 4

Record the azimuth, elevation and tilt readings the receiver suggests to use for your location.

Step 5

Determine the mounting location for your satellite. You must mount the satellite in an area where it has a clear view of the southern sky. Use a compass to help you determine which direction is south.

Step 6

Drill the three mounting holes for the mast with a drill equipped with a 1/2-inch bit in the location recorded in Step 5.

Step 7

Secure the mast in place with the three mounting screws that were included with the dish using a 7/16-inch nut driver.

Step 8

Attach the LNB arm to the satellite dish with a 7/16-inch nut driver.

Step 9

Loosen the bolt holding the tilt location of the satellite in place and move it to the tilt that was recorded in Step 4. Tighten the bolt back down to prevent further adjustment of the tilt setting.

Step 10

Loosen the elevation bolts located on either side of the satellite dish. Set the elevation to the number recorded in Step 4. Tighten the elevation bolts once you reach the setting.

Step 11

Place the satellite on the mast that you mounted in Step 7 until it reaches its pivot point. Tighten the satellite mounting bolts using a 7/16-inch nut driver tight enough so the satellite will only move to the left and right.

Step 12

Connect the RG-6 cable to the coaxial connection on the LNB arm installed in Step 9 and route it to the satellite receiver.

Step 13

Connect one end of the ground wire to the ground screw on the mast and the other to an existing grounding point.

Step 14

Access the on-screen signal strength meter using the satellite receiver remote.

Step 15

Loosen the azimuth bolt that is on the mast and set it to the azimuth reading that you recorded in Step 4.

Step 16

Watch the signal strength meter while moving the azimuth reading 2 to 3 degrees at a time. Be sure to pause for at least 5 seconds between adjustments. Once you have reached the strongest signal strength, tighten the azimuth adjustment bolt to secure the dish into position.

Step 17

Contact the satellite company that provided the antenna to activate your receiver and begin receiving programming.