This guide shows you how to setup a Sky Satellite dish and talks you through the full Sky Dish Installation / Freesat Dish Installation 

SKY DIGITAL, FREESAT

• Satellite Meter -Meters and Tools  
• Amalgamating tape 
• Satellite dish - at least 43cm Zone 1 - Zone 1 Sky Mini-Dish
• LNB 
• Hammer Drill. 
• Sharp Knive for cutting tape. 
• Spanner for dish adjustments 
• Compas 

Check below for our:-

Full Freesat system with Sky Mini-Dish and LNB

SET-UP GUIDE

DIRECTION AND ANGLE OF RECEPTION

The position of the Astra 2 satellite is 28 degrees east of South. A compass will quickly allow you to see if there are any immediate obstructions in that direction, for example other buildings or large trees. The angle at which the signal hits the dish varies depending on how far South you are, this is because all satellites are positioned above the Southern equator so the farther south you travel the higher the angle for reception is. 

Typically in the UK this angle varies from 20 degrees in the North to 30 degrees in the South.

Siting your dish should take into account both direction and angle of reception -especially if there are buildings, or trees nearby.

Satellite dishes perform much better when they have a clear line of sight with the selected satellite, in this case; the Astra satellite at 28.2 degrees East. Clear line of sight means the whole face of the dish has an unblocked view of the satellite. This does not mean you will not pick up this particular satellite, it means your picture will not be as sharp as the person who has their satellite dish installed properly and they have full and clear line of sight. 

DISH ALIGNMENT

We always advise that some sort of signal meter is used for alignment of the dish - although lots of people carry out this function using the digibox's signal level indicator. This can be done with at least 2 people , a mobile phone, TV and a ton of patience!

Using a meter will allow you to align the dish more accurately to the point at which a slight flex of the dish in any direction shows a reduction in signal. Using a satellite meter means you can carry out the alignment at the dish itself.

CONFIRMING YOU HAVE ALIGNED YOUR DISH ON THE CORRECT SATELLITE

Once you have aligned your dish your Digibox should display the following details in the Signal Test screen. If it does not, you have aligned your dish on the wrong satellite. (there are a few satellites within the vicinity of ASTRA 2 so please check your satellite receiver and TV to confirm this)

SIGNAL STRENGTH - Should be around half way or above

SIGNAL QUALITY - Should be around half way or above

LOCK INDICATOR - Should say OK

NETWORK ID - Should say 0002

Also check this new cool app on the iPhone that allows you to check where relevant satellite dishes are in the sky!

Dishpointer App for iPhone