Step by step instructions to install a satellite system yourself - DIYDish Network offer a Self Installation Kit which includes all necessary hardware normally needed to install one receiver, and a videotape to help you. It requires RG-6 coaxial cable with no splitters from the dish antenna to receiver. This makes most existing cable wirings incompatible with DISH Network because it can not carry an adequate signal.
There are six simple DIY steps to installing your own satellite dish:-
- Read the instructions supplied with your satellite dish
- Select a good location for your satellite dish
- If necessary, buy the necessary RG6 Cable and mounting hardware
- Install the satellite dish
- Run the coax cables
- Aim your satellite dish
1:- Read the Satellite Dish Installation Instructions
Before attempting to set up any satellite dish, read the set-up instructions that came with your satellite equipment. If you don't have your system yet, or if you are still considering whether or not to do it yourself, you can get a completely free installation including free equipment from Dish Network. If you do this you can stop reading now!
2:- Select a good location for your satellite dish
Once you've reviewed the instructions, you'll need to select a location for your dish. We recommend you determine your location ahead of time so you'll know how much cable and how many cable brackets you'll need to purchase.
The best location to install your base plate is on the side of your house. Contrary to popular belief, the roof is not the best place to install your satellite dish
The side of your house will usually offer a solid structure onto which you can mount the dish. The roof on the other hand will not offer a solid structure, unless you drive anchor bolts right into the support beams. You also take the risk that the roof may leak.
If the dish is on the side of your house, it will not be affected by winds and severe weather conditions as much as if it were on the roof.
The roof will not provide better reception of the satellite than the side of your house, as long as you have a clear line of sight to the satellite. Only consider the roof if you can not get a clear line of sight to the satellite from the side of your house!
Select a location with a clear unobstructed view of the sky. Trees and buildings can interfere with your reception. Next you'll want a secure location either to a brick wall, or a 6 to 10 foot high post in your yard. A 2" to 4" steel pipe makes a great mounting. Your dish is a precision piece of equipment and the quality of the signal will depend on choosing a good solid location so the satellite dish aim remains constant.
3:- Buy the necessary RG6 Cable, mountings, brackets and hardware dish
Before you install be sure to measure to see how much coaxial cable you'll need to install your system and make sure you have all the tools and mounting hardware you'll require. If you have a dual NB and two receivers, remember you'll be running two sets of Coaxial cable from your satellite dish. Remember the drill bits for feeding the coax cable into your home and drilling mounting bolt holes. You may need paint or varnish or plaster repair material or silicone or acrylic sealant for waterproofing.
DIY Satellite DISH installation kits are available which should provide you with all the cables, bolts, brackets and wiring necessary to install a basic satellite systems. Generally these DIY satellite dish packages are much more expensive than if you bought cable and the required materials separately. They are also generic kits so you may end up with too little or too much cable. You must buy RG6 coaxial cable - preferably a military spec cable. Remember safety is paramount. Also note that cable cannot cross doorways at floor level where they would cause a tripping hazard. Always isolate power points before making connections.
4:- Install your satellite Dish
The instructions in the manuals are normally very straightforward, just remember that regardless of location, make sure the dish is secure. If you are using bolts they should be galvanized or stainless steel. This is particularly so if they are exposed to a moist climate. Use a spirit level to ensure that the mast is plumb! Take time over your installation so that it looks good and is engineeringly sound.
5:- Run the cable or cables
Coax cable has an outer core with a shield of braided wire or foil or both underneath it. Do not cut through the braiding/foil as this acts as an earth. This outer braiding must not touch the central core wire at any connection point. Remember to use RG6 cable! Take your time and do a neat job. Glue cable down or fix it with proper brackets. Your DIY store will advise you what adhesives are suitable. Leave some slack in the cables to allow for thermal expansion and or alterations or repairs. Connect satellite receiver to a telephone jack (if located within 25 feet of receiver - please note that this is required to order special services and pay per view events)
6:- Aim your satellite dish
If running the cable is the toughest part, aiming the dish is the trickiest. Refer to your manual for the azimuth and elevation for your city. Remember that Azimuth is the left to right position of the dish and the elevation is the up and down. Recommended method is to set the elevation first then move the dish from right to left. Once you've found the satellite, you'll need to tweak the signal. Keep tweaking until you get a good signal strength.
Remember if you get stuck at the last step don't despair as many installers will come and "tweak" your dish for $20 to $60.
If you have difficulty with your install you can always find help on the internet where there are forums for helpful advice or search on the forums with the words "dish" and "install". You can always call Dish Networks customer service for assistance if you are stuck
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