Dish Antenna Direction

[Sitedrifter]

next week I have Dish Network coming out to install the Dish 500. I have checked the self installation manual on their website to read up on some things so maybe I can be a better customer.

According to Dish for my area, my settings are:

Azimuth is 245 degrees

Elevation is 28 degrees

Skew is 127


I am assuming these are starting points and if so, how much does it usually waiver in degrees to get the best signal? I was outside with my true north compass and found 245 degrees and judging from where i want the Dish, looks like no obstructions at 15 degree or higher elevations.

Also, do the degree measurements of elevation start from where your dish is mounted when it is referred to by Dish Network, or does it start from the ground?

I would assume if starting from the ground, you will lose some height for your line of sight

Am I off base on this or missing something. Any thoughts or suggestions would be great :)


Thanks

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[carl6]

First off, this is a Direct TV forum, not dish network.

However, having said that, I will try to answer your questions.

Typically, you should be very close to the recommended azimuth, elevation and tilt or skew. However, I believe both DirecTV and Dish provide their readings relative to True North, not magnetic, so you need to adjust your reading by whatever the declination is between true and magnetic north for your location. You will probably end up looking 10 to 20 degrees off of true. The exact amount, and which way, depend on your location.

For aligning the dish, elevation is relative to horizontal at the point the dish is mounted.

The tech that does the install will know exactly where to point the dish. He probably does 5 to 8 installs a day in your area, so what will happen is he will mount the mast, put the dish on it, point it at the correct place, hook a meter up and verify the signal, and lock the dish down in position, probably without having to adjust it much if at all.

Carl

[Sitedrifter]

Carl


Sorry for the post in the wrong area. But thank you for your help

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