Most satellite TV providers offer specials to sign up (oftentimes on contract) with free installation; however, there can be problems after the free installation, and the satellite companies often will charge hefty fees for service calls if your dish gets knocked out of alignment. Many issues can be resolved through the onscreen menus, but sometimes you'll have to go old school and wrench on the little 18-inch wonder yourself. If you do, you'll need to arm yourself with some information before you climb up on the roof.
Instructions
1. Determine the elevation and azimuth for your area by visiting DirecTV's online calculator (see Resources section). The elevation is the up-and-down angle, while the azimuth is the side-to-side position. You can also find these settings in the onscreen menus of your DirecTV receiver.
2. Check the orientation of the mast to ensure that it is level, both front to back and side to side. Make adjustments using your level until you get a good reading.
3. Loosen the support sleeve nuts on the mounting bracket. This allows you to rotate the dish from side to side. Using a compass, dial in the correct setting according to your location and then tighten the nuts securely.
4. Loosen the elevation nut on the side of the dish mount. This allows you to tilt the dish up and down. There is a handy, mounted protractor to guide you to the correct angle. Always align the leftmost mark (not the nut) with the desired number on the protractor. Secure the nut and check to see that it didn't sag.
5. Check your signal strength using the onscreen guide for your receiver; make small adjustments as necessary.
Tags: free installation, onscreen menus, side side, This allows
