Dish Antenna Alignment

I Now the dish antenna could be aligned to acquire the satellite, monitoring for required programme transmissions on the TV set, by first tuning the TV set and the RECEIVER to required CHANNELIFREQUENCY settings. Set the TV to the output channel available in the receiver usually CH 3 or 4. Now set the receiver tuning or remote control, with automated receivers, to tune in the required frequency in the 950 to 1450 MHz band to receive the satellite transmission, after conversion from the 3700 to 4200 MHz frequency by the LNB. The actual frequency to be set would be known from the receiver supplier, for the particular satellite programmes of interest.

For alignment, of the antenna position to acquire the satellite you will need help. As one person adjusts the position of the dish, another person will have to watch the TV screen and give directions as to picture being received on the screen and its quality. Set the dish to point in the angle of elevation for the satellite, as you have already set it in the required azimuth angle for your location. Check your antenna installation guide or consult your dealer for the data or information. India being in the Northern Hemisphere, the dish will have to point towards SOUTH, as the EQUATOR is to the South and hence all G Sats., will be towards the South, for locations in the northern hemisphere. The strength of the signal received could also be checked with a signal strength meter, if your dealer could loan one (or with more sophisticated, expensive equipment called SPECTRUM ANALYSERS). Simplest is however to adjust for the best quality of picture on the TV set, Slowly turn the dish on either side of the azimuth setting to get the best picture quality.

If you do not get any picture check the azimuth and elevation settings, whether they are correct for your location and the satellite you are trying to access, and whether the dish is actually set for those angles. Recheck and recalculate if needed. Check also whether the satellite is actually transmitting in those channels at that time. Check that the TV and receivers are functioning, the cable connection is O.K and DC power does go from the receiver to the LNB. (It is presumed that the LNB do not generally go faulty, easily, and is functioning O.K). You should also slightly change the elevation angle on either side of the setting and see whether a signal is received with the change. Once the signal is obtained you obtain the best quality signal/peak for maximum signal, if you are using a signal strength meter, by fine adjustment to the dish AZ/EL settings. The dish is now aligned to receive the satellite transmissions. When the antenna has motorised tracking facility you carry out the adjustments using the remote control unit available for the motor operation in the AZ/EL operations, and set the dish for the best signal.