You can check the American Digital Satellite website for different satellites by going to http://www. americandigitalsatellite. com/all_free_to_air_satellite_channels. html and scrolling down to the list of available satellites.
Type your city and state (e. g. , “Palo Alto, California”) into the “Your location” text box on the left side of the page. Select your satellite’s name from the drop-down box on the right side of the page. Click Search! Make sure that there is a green line indicating line-of-sight for your satellite. If this line is red, the satellite won’t work properly in your area.
Satellite dish — Used to receive the satellite’s signal. You’ll need an 8-foot dish for C-band channels or a 35-inch dish for KU-band channels. Satellite receiver — Used to receive the satellite dish’s input and translate it into channels for your TV. Satellite tuner — Used to fine-tune the satellite dish’s position. HDTV — Necessary for most FTA systems, as the receiver will generally require an HDMI input on the TV itself. Coaxial cable — Usually packaged with the satellite dish, but you may need to buy a longer or shorter cable depending on your satellite dish’s location.
You’ll also need to ensure that your satellite dish isn’t obstructed by trees, buildings, or other obstacles.
Many dish users route the cable along the side of the house and through a wall where necessary, but your cable setup may vary. If necessary, buy a new coaxial cable that will reach your dish from the receiver before proceeding.
It’s incredibly important to make sure that the dish is secured as tightly as possible so that it doesn’t become loose during a windstorm. If the dish is mounted on a wood roof, you can caulk around the base to make it waterproof.
You’ll most likely need a compass for this step.
Rotate the dish left or right. Listen for quicker beeping to ensure that you’re rotating the dish in the correct direction. Rotate the dish the other way if the spaces between beeps get longer.
You can use a staple gun to staple the coaxial cable to your house’s siding in order to prevent it from hanging freely. Depending on your house’s layout, you may need to drill a hole in the wall in order to thread your coaxial cable through to the receiver. If so, make sure not to drill through any pipes or wires.
You’ll also need to use the receiver’s power cable to connect to an electrical outlet.
For example, if you plugged your receiver into the “HDMI 1” slot, you’ll switch the input to the “HDMI 1” channel using your TV’s Input or Video menu.
If prompted to perform any actions during the setup, follow the on-screen instructions.
If you’re using a C-band network, you’ll select 5150 here instead.
If you’re using a C-band network, you’ll select 5150 here instead.
