How to Set Azimuth on Satellite Dish

By Finn McCuhil

Use a compass to set the azimuth on your dish.
i Satellite TV image by Bryan Crowe from Fotolia.com

Setting the azimuth on your satellite dish simply means pointing the dish in the proper direction using a magnetic compass. Communications satellites maintain a geosynchronous orbit. By matching their orbital velocity to the speed of the earth's rotation, when observed from the earth's surface they appear not to move. Once you have successfully aimed your dish and tightened the setting bolts, you will not have to repeat the process.

Loosen the bolts on the dish's mounting collar with an adjustable wrench. The mounting collar connects the dish to the mounting pole.

Stand behind the dish and rotate your compass horizontally until the needle is aligned with the north and south readings on the dial.

Rotate the satellite dish to face the direction indicated by the degrees on the compass.

Tighten the bolts on the mounting collar with a wrench when the dish is in the correct position.

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