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Orders Tel:
01225 709991
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Locating the Satellite |
There are 2 sets of criteria for
lining up a satellite dish
1) Finding the bearing of the satellite (The Azimuth)
2) Adjusting the elevation
It sounds simple enough, however, the bearing normally shown on most
instruction leaflets rarely refers to the compass bearing and the
required elevation is not the angle of the dish face or the LNB arm. A
full explanation is provided below, once you have read and understood
this we have also provided a very useful link to Satsig, this shows the
compass bearing and dish elevation required for most satellites
throughout the world. |
Elevation (Offset dish explained)
To achieve the correct elevation it is worthwhile taking note of how
a satellite dish is designed. Most domestic satellite dishes have an
offset design so that the dish (When aligned) will be reasonably flush
with the wall.
Neither the dish face nor the LNB arm will point directly towards the
satellite, the offset varies between dish manufactures, typical offsets are
usually between 22 to 26 degrees. The diagram on the right shows a 26
degree offset dish. IE: If you intend to locate a satellite at 26
degrees elevation, the dish face would need to be set vertical, the
incoming satellite signal would then reflect from the dish face and onto
the LNB.
This seems to be one of the main areas of confusion when aligning the
satellite dish. We have found that a large number of people try to point
the dish face or LNB arm at the satellite, as you can see this elevation
would be too high. You can of course rely on the elevation markings on
the back bracket, this is fine providing the pole to which it is mounted
on is vertical.
The above is intended to give some understanding as to how a dish is
designed, the majority of popular satellites in Europe require an
elevation of approximately 20 to 30 degrees. If you need to find one of
these satellites with a typical 25 degree offset dish please remember
the dish face will be approximately vertical.
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Bearing (Azimuth)
When purchasing a satellite dish there may be a leaflet
enclosed showing the true bearing of the required satellite for most
locations throughout Europe. NB: This is not the compass bearing,
compasses point to magnetic North which can be as much as 5 degrees out
for locations within the UK. This is commonly known as magnetic
variation or declination.
To find the correct elevation and compass bearing for a number of
satellites we have included a very useful link below, simply select your
worldwide location, select which satellite you need to locate and zoom
in for accurate results. Good luck!
Satsig.net
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Typical Compass
Points to Magnetic North
Not True North
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