locating the sky satellite

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.
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				Typical Compass Points to Magnetic North Not True North
				Typical Compass Points to Magnetic North Not True North