How to Use a Satellite Dish as an Antenna

Televisions made in 2010 are capable of receiving a digital signal that is now used for traditional broadcast signals. If you have a satellite dish mounted to the roof or the side of your house, it is able to be used as an external television antenna. This will allow you to receive digital broadcast television signals that are available in your area. You will first need to obtain an amplified clip-on antenna to attach to the dish.

Turn off all satellite receivers and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Set up a ladder, then take the antenna up to where the satellite dish is mounted.

Detach the antenna that is connected to the back notch on the mounting clamp. Place the antenna on the back of the dish. Center the circular housing of the antenna on the dish. Make sure that the logo on the antenna is facing outwards.

Position the clamps on the antenna, one at a time, over the top edge of the satellite dish. Reattach the antenna to the back notch on the mounting clamp.

Turn the screw on the clamp by hand to secure the antenna to the dish. If necessary, you may also tighten the screw with a pair of pliers.

Connect one end of a coaxial cable to the “Out” terminal on the antenna. Run the coaxial cable into the house and to the back of the satellite receiver. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the “Antenna In” terminal on the receiver.

Plug the power cord for the receiver back into the electrical outlet, but leave the receiver off.

Turn on the television and set it to “Antenna” mode. Run the auto-program mode on the television to set all of the local channels.