One additional task that comes with having Direc TV or any other satellite television provider is needing to install the dish antenna itself. Most Direc TV subscription packages include free professional installation, so doing it yourself is rarely needed. If you choose to install the dish yourself, you must make sure it is in the right location, the mast is securely mounted and the cables are grounded.
Instructions
1. Find an appropriate location for the satellite dish to stand. An unobstructed view of the southern sky is the mot important factor, so make sure there are no large tree branches or other obstacles hanging directly in view of the the dish.
2. Connect the dish's reflector to the support arm, and the arm to the dish. The exact tools used can vary if the dish came with a metal, plastic or Sony reflector, but it generally involves placing bolts through holes in the reflector and arm and securing them with nuts. The dish should include a hardware kit that includes the exact bolts and nuts used.
3. Set the elevation of the dish so it will receive the best signal. The elevation should be set somewhere between 30 degrees (if you live in the north) and 60 degrees (for southern locations). If you have already connected the satellite receiver box to your TV set inside, you can access a menu on the screen that gives you the precise azimuth (or side direction) and elevation (vertical angle) coordinates for setting the dish.
4. Choose a spot to mount the dish's mast. You can mount it against wood, brick or cement, as long as you have the proper drill and bit for the particular material. Drill holes in the surface (3/16 inch for wood, 1/2 inch for brick/cement) that will line up with the mounting foot's four corner holes. Place the mast over the holes and secure it with 5/16-by-2 inch lag screws (for wood) or the enclosed machine screws (brick/cement).
5. Install the low noise block, the cylindrical device that attaches to the reflector. Run your coaxial cable up through the mast and LNB support arm and connect it to the LNB. Attach the LNB to its support arm and secure it with a Phillips-head screw and hex retaining nut.
6. Mount your grounding wire to the foot of the mast using the enclosed grounding bolt, nut and star washer. Find a location to mount the grounding block. Some good ground points include a cold water pipe within 5 feet of where it enters your building or an 8-foot-high grounding rod that is firmly planted in the ground. Connect the ground wire and coaxial cable to the block, then connect the block to your chosen grounding location with a Number 8 aluminum or Number 10 copper wire.
7. Connect another length of coaxial cable to the grounding block and the receiver box with the TV. You will likely need to drill a hole in your house for the cable to enter it.
Tags: brick cement, coaxial cable, grounding block, install dish, make sure