A number of satellite services offer high definition services in additional to their regular programming. They can install high definition satellite dishes as a part of their installation package. However, if you have the know-how and want to save a little money on costs, you can install a high definition satellite dish on the roof of your own home. The particulars may vary slightly depending on what model of dish you have, but the basics are pretty uniform.
Instructions
1. Choose a location for your satellite dish somewhere high up and free of any obstructions such as trees or rooftops. Your satellite company can tell you the precise direction to point your dish to receive signals.
2. Place the mast of your satellite dish on the position you've picked and use a carpenter's level to make sure it's parallel to the ground. Some high definition satellites have a level built in to their structure, in which case you won't require your own.
3. Bolt the mast into place with the bolts provided with your satellite dish, then tighten them to ensure it stays secure during a storm or a windy day.
4. Screw the LNB (low noise block) arm onto the dish, then set the dish on top of the mast. Keep the screws and bolts loose so you can adjust its precise position later.
5. Run a length of RG6 coaxial cable through the slot on the end of the LNB arm and through the hole in the dish itself.
6. Connect the end of the coaxial cable sticking out of the tip of the arm to the LNB array of the satellite, then connect the LNB array to the tip of the arm.
7. Point the satellite dish in the proper direction as indicated by your satellite company. Then attach a satellite signal meter to the free end of the coaxial cable. It should register the strength of the signal begin received. Maneuver the tilt and angle of the dish until the signal is as strong as you can make it, then tighten the screws and bolts on the dish to hold it into place.
8. Disconnect the signal meter and run the coaxial cable along the wall of your home until it reaches a point as close to your TV as you can reach. Staple the cable to the sides of the wall using an industrial staple gun to hold in position, taking care not to staple though the cable itself.
9. Connect a grounding block to the side of the wall near the end of the cable and attach the coaxial cable to it. Then connect the grounding wires from the grounding block to a nearby piece of grounded metal. Cold water pipes work well, but do not use gas or hot water pipes.
10. Drill a hole into the wall using a 3/8-inch bit and run the remainder of cable through the grounding block into the interior of the house.
11. Connect the cable to your high definition satellite receiver.
12. Seal the hole in the wall with caulk to keep water out.
13. Connect the satellite receiver to the TV and turn them both on, then program your receiver according to your owner's manual.
Tags: coaxial cable, satellite dish, your satellite dish, grounding block, high definition, cable through, definition satellite