Align DIRECTV satellite dish

Choose the wanted satellite geostationary orbit longitude position using the pull down menu. Click Go! or drag the map slightly to get the calculations redone and the new blue azimuth line drawn.

To put your site location in the middle, drag the map or enter your ZIP code or your town name.

To refine the accuracy, click on the plus sign in the navigation boxes at the upper left side of the map. The scale will magnify so that you can home in accurately on your location. Repeat. Choose the Map, or Satellite version to see the satellite photo image of the ground or even your house !

Dish pointing (Azimuth and elevation mount):

Set the dish elevation angle first. This is the up/down angle. Use the elevation scale on the back of the dish. Set the polarization or skew angle also. This involves either rotating the LNB or the entire dish assembly. There may be a polarization rotation scale on the feed throat or behind the dish. Face the satellite, clockwise is positive. Polarisation must be set to 1 deg accuracy for transmit dishes and this normally involves talking to the VSAT hub. For the azimuth bearing use a compass or just think where the sun is and the time of day and boldly swing the dish sideways. You should find the satellite on the first swing, then spend half an hour peaking up. Peaking up is really important for long term service quality and minimum outage time during rain fades.

Dish pointing (Polar mount):

Only your latitude matters. Set the main motor axis angle and the small downward tilt of the dish and with the motor central align the dish towards the due south satellite. Motor rotation angles to the east are positive, to the west negative.

Disclaimer and Safety Warning:

The results of this page may be in error. The latitude and longitude are not intended for the blind navigation of aircraft, ship or other vehicle purposes. Dish pointing angles may be wrong. Magnetic azimuth bearings are approximate or may not be available, particularly towards the polar regions.

Use is entirely at your own risk.

Apply common sense and don't believe every number that comes out of a computer system. Take care with satellite dish pointing to not injure others by dropping tools or hurting yourself by falling down. Latitude and longitude may not be accurate. Use GPS as an alternative.