How to Calibrate a HughesNet Satellite

HughesNet offers television, phone and Internet service via satellite. This allows residents in rural areas to get coverage that would not be available through their local infrastructure. You must calibrate your dish whenever you activate a new account, move into a new home or reposition the dish on your existing home. Calibrating the dish ensures that it is in the right position to receive the satellite's signal. You may also need to recalibrate the dish if your reception is poor.

Remove any debris from the area around the dish that could interfere with its reception. Cut down any tree branches hanging over the dish. Adjust the dish so it points south. Make sure the dish support is stable in the final position you choose.

Run a length of coaxial cable from the dish to the inside of the home and connect it to the ANT IN port on the back of the satellite receiver. Use an A/V component or HDMI cable to connect the receiver to your television.

Power on the television and satellite receiver. Choose the "Signal Meter Screen" option from the opening menu. It is easiest to calibrate the signal if you have someone to watch the screen while you adjust the dish.

Loosen nuts on the elevation bolts and move the dish up and down to adjust the frequency. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for the signal meter to stabliize before moving the dish to a new position. Loosen the nuts on the dish arm to adjust the azimuth. Move the dish left and right until the signal meter falls between 70 and 80. This indicates that the signal is at its strongest. Tighten all nuts to lock the dish into place once you are satisfied with its position.