Altitude & Elevation to 129 from Nashville

[Nashcat]

Could someone kindly provide me with this info? I've got azielevation.zip, but it doesn't include 129.

My Zip is 37214

N36
W86
Elev 600'

Thanks

[FTA Michael]

Elevation 29.1 degrees

ACTUAL azimuth 236.1 degrees

APPARENT azimuth should be around 239 degrees

[Nashcat]

Thanks a lot! One more question... I'm not familiar with the term "apparent azimuth." What is that?

[FTA Michael]

True, actual azimuth is the honest, precise direction to use. But standing in your back yard, how are you going to know the difference between 236 degrees and, say, 246 degrees? The odds are overwhelming that you'll use a compass. A magnetic compass. And there's where "apparent" comes in.

The earth's magnetic field is really handy for giving a decent clue which way is north, but it doesn't line up with true polar north. The result is that, depending on where you are, you need to add or subtract a magnetic declination factor to get what compass reading matches what direction. By an amazing coincidence (I amaze easily), the add/subtract line runs very close to the Mississippi River. Out west, you have to subtract from the true azimuth to get the apparent azimuth. In the east, you add to the true to get the apparent. So if you're in Nashville, on the roof or in your back yard, point the dish in the direction that your compass says is 239 degrees.

The main reason I made a point of it at all is that you said you were using Dish's fine little Zip Code-based aiming program. Its azimuth reading is always the apparent reading, not the actual direction.

[Nashcat]

As an aviator, I'm more accustomed to the terms "true" and "magnetic."

Thanks for your help, Carload.

BTW - how did you arrive at your answer?

[FTA Michael]

BTW - how did you arrive at your answer?Still my favorite: http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Installation/Satellite-Heading-Calculator.htm