Pointing a Dish Network dish in the correct manner takes a lot of small, precise adjustments. However, with the help of a handheld level tool, the satellite receiver and the signal meter screen the receiver provides, these adjustments in elevation and azimuth can be made correctly. Your Dish Network experience will then be enjoyable, error-free and consist of a strong signal for optimal satellite reception.
Step 1
Get your signal meter screen ready. The signal meter screen will be used to judge your signal, and it is a tool that will help you determine exactly how your Dish Network satellite must be pointed. To prepare the screen, ensure that the satellite receiver is correctly hooked up to your television. Make sure the A/V cables (the red, white and yellow cables) are plugged into the color-corresponding A/V sockets on both the back of the satellite receiver and the back of your television. Power on the receiver, and then allow it to initialize. The signal meter screen will appear. Have a friend stay by the screen as you go to the satellite dish.
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Step 2
Check over the site in which the Dish Network satellite dish has been mounted. Ensure that the dish has been mounted on a flat surface that is flush with the base of the dish. Also, use a handheld level to check to ensure the dish is level the way it currently sits. If not, fix these problems, as they will get in the way later as you attempt to point the satellite.
Step 3
Point the Dish Network satellite to the southern sky. The dish must be pointed to the southern sky, otherwise a satisfactory signal will never be received. Use a compass to aid you if necessary.
Step 4
Adjust the elevation of the Dish Network satellite. This is the up-down movement of the dish. Adjust it by first loosening the nuts around the elevation bolts. Then, make slight changes to the elevation of the dish, waiting for reports back from your friend at the signal meter screen, which will be able to guide you in adjusting the elevation further.
Step 5
Adjust the azimuth of the Dish Network satellite. This is the left-right movement of the dish. Adjust this aspect by loosening the nuts along the LNB arm of the dish. Make slight left-right movements, again waiting for reports from the signal meter screen. Continue making adjustments until a reading of between 70 and 80 is given, as this is considered ideal for most setups.
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