Tips on Aligning Your Satellite Dish or Antenna for Better Reception

If your satellite TV or antenna reception periodically breaks up or your receiver keeps losing the signal and going into search mode, the first step is to check the dish or antenna alignment. Strong winds or heavy snow loads can knock your dish out of optimum position. Here are a few tips for checking and adjusting alignment of your satellite dish, which also work for antenna problems.

Using A Signal Strength Meter

By far, the easiest way to check your dish alignment is with a signal strength meter. A signal strength meter is an easy to use device that is connected between the dish and the satellite receiver. Satellite Signal Strength meters range in price from under $20 to nearly $400 for a professional meter. To use a satellite signal strength meter you need the meter, a short antenna stub cable, wrenches for the cable connectors and the dish alignment bolts and access to the dish.

The procedure is simple. Disconnect the antenna cable from the dish. Attach the stub cable between the dish and the meter connection labeled LNB IN or FROM LNB. Connect the cable from the receiver to the other side of the meter. Turn on the satellite TV system and tune to one of the stations you're having difficulty with. If your meter has a voltage display, it should read between 13 and 18 volts. If the signal strength reading is off the scale, adjust the input to a mid-range reading with the adjustment knob on the meter.

Satellite dishes are adjusted both vertically and horizontally. Loosen either the vertical or horizontal adjustment bolts. Adjust the dish for the maximum reading on the meter, then tighten the adjustment bolts. Repeat the procedure for the other direction. If the dish mount is not perfectly level it is advisable to repeat the alignment procedure several times to achieve the optimum adjustment. If you still have trouble with your picture, check for trees or other obstacles blocking the signal. Another cause of an erratic signal can come from a failing in-line filter that is used by some satellite TV providers.

Built In Strength Meters

Another procedure involves using the satellite receiver's built-in signal strength meters instead of an in-line meter. The receiver's meters can be accessed through its Setup or Info menus. This procedure is best performed with one or two assistants to watch the on-screen meters and relay information to the one doing the adjustments. Set up your access to the dish. Obtain the proper size wrenches to use on the dish alignment bolts. Turn on your satellite TV system. Access the receiver's built-in meters using the Setup or Info menus. Loosen the vertical or horizontal adjustment bolts. Adjust the dish position to achieve the highest signal level. Your assistant will have to relay this information from the ground. Tighten down the adjustment bolts. Repeat the procedure for the other direction. Again, if your dish mount is not perfectly level, it pays to repeat the entire process several times to ensure the best possible alignment.