Satellite systems can be an excellent way of getting a TV signal. The digital dishes offered by Dish Network connect directly to one of its satellites, receiving high-quality digital signals that offer a large selection of channels and movies. If you live in a rural area without cable TV, satellite may be your only option, but it can be competitive with cable even in the city. For the system to work, the dish must be pointed in the direction of the satellite. Getting the correct coordinates from the receiver is quick and simple.
Step 1
Connect your Dish Network receiver to your television using the included coaxial or composite cables.
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Step 2
Turn on the TV and the receiver.
Step 3
Press "Menu" then "6-1-1" on your remote to display the "Point Dish" menu.
Step 4
Use the remote to select "Peak Angles."
Step 5
Select the type of dish you have from the pop-up menu.
Step 6
Enter the ZIP code for the building on which the dish is mounted. The menu will display the azimuth, elevation, and skew co-ordinates needed to point your dish. The azimuth angle will give you the general direction in which to point the dish, while elevation and skew will allow you to fine-tune the dish's aim. To use these co-ordinates, you will need a compass with degree markings (360 degrees around the circle). The azimuth number will tell you how many degrees away from North you need to point the dish. The other two numbers can be set using the dish itself, which will have bolts you can loosen on round tracks marked with degree lines. Adjust the dish so that the bolts line up with the number of degrees of tilt (vertical) and skew (horizontal) given to you by the television menu.
Step 7
Look up the azimuth, skew, and elevation figures for your ZIP code using PDF tables. You can do this if there are problems with your receiver's system. The tables are available on the Dish Network website (see References).
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