Setting up a satellite dish converter. Setting up a Hotbird satellite dish

Now it's hard to imagine your life without television. It would seem that installing a satellite dish is a rather complex and time-consuming process. But this is not true at all. After reading this article, you will learn how to properly install and configure a satellite dish.

The satellite TV kit includes all the necessary materials. These include:

Receiver. It is also called a tuner or receiver. This is the most expensive and important piece of equipment. You need to choose it with special seriousness. There are two formats: mpeg 2 and mpeg4. The latter is better;
“Plate” is an antenna (mirror). A receiving beam is formed on it. The diameter of the plates varies from 0.7 to 1.2 meters. Its purpose is to form a beam that is sent to the focus. It is at the focus that the radio signal is received. Now the most popular are offset satellite dishes. The reflector has an oval shape. They have a shifted focus. Thanks to this, you can install an additional (second or third) converter to receive several satellites. This is good for hard-to-reach areas (in a gully, in a lowland);
A converter is something without which it will be impossible to register electromagnetic waves that are focused at one point. The converter is also called a head; it is on its irradiator that a narrow beam of radio signal falls. Available with circular and linear polarization. It is believed that it is better to purchase a universal converter with linear polarization. There must be one converter per satellite. But it is more desirable that the signal be received from several satellites. Accordingly, you will need several converters
Multifeeds are special mounts for converters. Usually there are two of them in one set;
The switch between converters is a disc. When using an offset satellite dish, that is, when there are several converters, the same number of switches are needed. Because one tuner can only receive a radio signal from one of its converters;
A coaxial cable with a resistance of 75 ohms is also a television cable. It is advisable to buy a cable with a reserve of approximately three to five meters;
And for three more satellites you will need eight connectors for connection (F-connectors);
To install the plate you will need a bracket and dowels (anchors) under it.

Installation steps

Of course, installing a satellite dish requires some time and special preparation. But after finding out the important technical features of installing and connecting the dish, this process will become easier for you.

So, the algorithm for installing a satellite dish is as follows:

Common mistake:

Incorrect position of the converter! It must meet the signal so that their orientations coincide; if the converter is turned horizontally, then we will get zero. Because the satellite does not hang strictly in the south (where the polarization vector is truly vertical), but shines on us from the southeast, then its emitter also tilted to the east (for us). Therefore, we must meet the electromagnetic wave by turning the converter east (counterclockwise) by 21 degrees.

How to set up an antenna for a satellite?

The last step before you start enjoying great satellite TV is setting up your satellite dish.

Now we will smoothly tilt the antenna up and down, right and left. You can spy on the direction of your neighbor (most often towards the south). The desired channel must be received. If this happens, a picture and sound will appear. In addition, the scales will also light up. These are the ones you need to navigate.
We scroll the converter clockwise and counterclockwise to enhance the signal quality. We get a result that you will like. We do this with every channel. After we are satisfied with the quality of one channel, we press exit and proceed to others. On info we check the signal reception level.

When everything is adjusted, tighten the antenna mounting bolts. Then we do the same with the converter mounting bolts. After this, you can adjust the converter a little more (by moving it in the multifeed).

We tighten the bolts evenly so that the signal does not disappear. If they are not tightened, the antenna may sway due to gusts of wind, and the signal may disappear.

Thus, we installed and configured the satellite dish.

It is not at all necessary to call a specialist to set up a regular satellite dish. In this case, you can save money. We will tell you how to independently configure the Tricolor TV antenna to a satellite. With these tips, you can do everything right. It's only a little more complicated than connecting a monitor to a computer.

By the way, you can ask the seller to assemble the antenna and bring it home assembled. This will save some time, but even self-assembly will not complicate this process. All you need to do at home is drill holes for the bracket (the plate is attached to it), and then follow the recommendations and actions in the instructions. The instructions themselves must be included with the purchase, so check the kit for its availability.

Tools and devices for tuning the "Tricolor TV" antenna

You will need the tools that are available in any home: strong electrical tape (where would you be without it), various screwdrivers (you may only need one screwdriver of a certain type), a hammer drill or drill, pliers, a knife, wrenches 8-13.

It is possible that you may need some additional tools (a ladder, a stepladder, special drills for a hammer drill, clips for securing the cable, etc.), because installation conditions always differ for different houses. Some have used it and even manage to improve the original design of the bracket and weld additional ribs to it.

The standard purchase package includes the antenna itself, a bracket, a receiver (set-top box), and a converter. Sometimes sellers have promotions and the package may include various bonuses, but this is rare.

Self-tuning of the "Tricolor TV" antenna in theory

The procedure itself looks like this (very generally): one person sits at home and looks at the TV screen, the other tries to point the antenna at the satellite and catch the signal. Using the remote control, you adjust the signal until the picture on the TV becomes clear.

It is worth noting that for different settlements, independent tuning of the Tricolor TV antenna to the satellite will be carried out slightly differently. For example, when setting up an antenna in Samara, you should point it in the direction where the sun is at 12:30. Then it needs to be slightly adjusted depending on how the picture on the TV screen changes. As soon as the adjuster sees that the picture has become clear, he gives a signal to the one who installs the antenna on the roof, and he, in turn, fixes it on the bracket in the desired position. That is, in the position in which the antenna catches the signal.

It is not difficult to catch a signal, because the Eutelsat 4 satellite (it is with its help that Tricolor TV broadcasts) covers a huge part of Russia and gives a strong signal.

Instructions for self-tuning the Tricolor TV antenna to a satellite

As stated above, Tricolor TV operates EUTELSATW4, which is located at 36 degrees east longitude. The installation is carried out in several stages, each of which we will describe sequentially below.

Determining the location for installing the antenna

The main criterion for such a place is a clear view in the direction from which the signal will come. There may be leaves and trees behind the antenna, it doesn’t matter, but the front side of the antenna should be clear. Depending on the city, the visual line connecting the satellite and the antenna is raised from the horizon by 27-30 degrees. If this visual line abuts any structure (a house, for example), then you should look for another place.

Experts recommend installing the antenna on the roof of the house, on the outside of the balcony, but not on the inside (because of the glass). Also, you cannot install the antenna on sloping roofs, because it will collect snow in winter, and this is an additional load for which the antenna is not designed.

If the store has not yet assembled the antenna for you, then you should assemble it yourself strictly in the order specified in the instructions. At the place you have chosen, we attach the bracket. Depending on the conditions (wall material, etc.), we select the correct fastening elements: drills, anchor bolts, screws, etc. It is important to take into account the possibility of precipitation, in particular snow. The antenna must be installed in a place so that snow cannot get on the converter.

Connecting the F connector

Next, we connect the cable to the converter using a special F-connector (it is included in the kit). Then we use zip ties or simple electrical tape to secure the cable to the envelope holder and be sure to seal the f-connector. The same electrical tape is ideal for sealing. Just wrap the joint in several layers. It is advisable to use silicone sealant in addition, but if you don’t have it, then it’s okay. Some users find another way: they use a regular plastic soda bottle. The bottom is cut off, the joint is placed in it, then both ends are wrapped with electrical tape. The technique, although primitive, works. Although ideally it should be silicone sealant and electrical tape.

The F-connector itself is easy to install: you expose the cable, insert it into the connector, and fix it. Everyone has dealt with a regular cable that connects to the TV. It's the same here. The photo below shows examples.

Now we place the plate itself on the bracket. To begin with, you don’t need to screw it tightly, but it shouldn’t dangle from the wind either. Tighten the adjusting nuts, but not too tightly, because you have to turn the plate left and right and up and down to find the ideal point.

Setting up the Tricolor TV satellite dish

First, sets the antenna rotation angle and azimuth. So far, approximately. Depending on the city, you need to display it differently. For example, the azimuth in Tolyatti is 197.49 degrees, the elevation angle is 27.884 degrees (you need to orient yourself to the south). A compass or city map will help with this.

The antenna must be installed so that it corresponds to an elevation angle of 26.6 degrees. This means that the plate itself should be tilted 3-4 degrees down. Then connect the cable that comes from the converter to the set-top box. It needs to be inserted into the LNB IN socket (the leftmost one in the picture below).

TV connection

The same F-connector is used here, so there should be no problems. Now we connect the TV to the receiver. Everything must be done in the order specified in the instructions. That is, first we connect the cable to the TV (we use the RF OUT socket on the receiver and the only socket for the antenna on the TV), turn off the TV. If the receiver is turned on for the first time, the LNB power supply may be turned off. In some cases this is exactly the case. The power turns on when you follow the start menu instructions. When turned on, the search is activated and must be checked by simply pressing the EXIT button.

Setting up the receiver on TV

Antenna - 1;
Frequency - 12226;
EutelsatW4-EutelsatSesat satellite;
FEC - 3/4;
Polarization - left;
Flow rate 27500.

There will be two indicators on the TV screen. The lower one shows the signal level, the upper one shows the quality. The person on the roof must move the antenna mirror slightly horizontally to find the position that will give the maximum signal strength (lower indicator). Then the plate should be moved up and down to search for the best signal quality (upper indicator). This is how the search for the desired point is carried out and the Tricolor TV antenna is tuned to the satellite. Once the point is found, the plate must be finally and firmly fixed in the desired position.

The influence of weather on tuning and searching for a signal

Signal strength is highly dependent on weather conditions. If there is rain or fog or cloudiness, then it is unlikely that you will be able to adjust the Tricolor TV antenna yourself. It is simply impossible to catch a strong signal level. This must be done on a clear day under ideal weather conditions.

Once all the described actions have been completed, you can search for channels. The instructions for the receiver will definitely tell you how to do this. But this is understandable even intuitively. Here we will not describe the process of searching for channels, but note that first we need to find only an information channel. In theory, only this should be accessible to the user after installing the antenna. Access to others after registering on the Tricolor TV website and activating the card.

Subtleties for self-installation and configuration of the "Tricolor TV" antenna

There are some unspoken rules and subtleties that you need to know about:

We look at the neighbors. There are almost always plates in nearby neighbors' houses. To begin with, we install our antenna in approximately the same way.
If it was not possible to catch the satellite within the first 20 minutes, then it is better to look for another location for installation.
When setting up the receiver, it is better to have a small monitor (TV) nearby so that you can immediately see how the picture changes when the antenna moves. Most often, people, trying to tune the Tricolor TV antenna to a satellite on their own, shout at each other or talk on the phone.
It is better not to change your PIN unless absolutely necessary. If you change the code and then forget it, there is no way to restore it. Although it is possible to re-flash the receiver, it is difficult and not accessible to everyone.
Once all channels have been found, you need to finally tighten the antenna to the maximum.
If suddenly the antenna tunes to another satellite (and this may happen), then there is no need to save the found channels. You will have to again configure the Tricolor TV satellite antenna yourself, rotating it horizontally and vertically in order to find the best signal point.
The bolts must be tightened carefully. Often, when tightening bolts, users lose the position and have to do everything again.
You need to register on the Tricolor TV website after setup, and not before. First, set up the antenna, and as soon as the info channel is displayed clearly, you can register on the company’s website. After receiving the smart card, all channels will become available after some time.

That's all. We can assume that you have configured the Tricolor TV antenna yourself. There is nothing complicated in the process itself, and any person who knows how to use a drill/hammer and knows how to connect the simplest F-cable to the receiver and converter can handle this. No specialized knowledge is required, so you don’t need to call a specialist if you don’t want to spend extra money.

Of course, this process is not described in as much detail as possible. It is likely that some difficulties may arise during installation that cannot be foreseen when writing the article.

The article will be primarily useful for everyone who wants to install and configure equipment for watching satellite channels with their own hands.

Many users prefer satellite TV. This is understandable: cable TV has a limited selection of channels.

Today, widescreen models of Full HD television receivers are designed to display high-definition images, something that could only be dreamed of in the era of analogue TV.

If you connect digital cable television, the choice of channels will not be large, but the capabilities of the dish are much wider. If you compare the cost, then the price of a cable receiver is practically no different from a satellite receiver.

But for owners of private houses and citizens living in the countryside, they simply do not have the opportunity to connect to cable television.

Selecting a satellite

Even before installing a satellite dish, the consumer must choose a satellite. Beginners need to understand this issue in more detail.

Satellite TV works as follows. First, signals from television channels arrive at a satellite, from which the signals are sent to subscribers to receiving devices or tuners.

Receivers process the signals, and decoding is performed for encrypted channels. After this, the signal goes to the TV.

Using a satellite, you can watch open or encrypted channels, which can be placed separately on the satellite or included in packages from different operators.

To collect a subscription fee, coding is done. Today, users are offered to purchase packages. This is convenient; if purchased, one payment is provided for viewing a large number of channels at once. To receive high-quality signals from a particular satellite, the antenna must be adjusted.

When satellites are in close proximity, it is possible to receive signals from them simultaneously.

If you want to watch at least 30 channels in Russian for free, then tune the dish to the Yamal 201 satellite. Tricolor TV is extremely popular among users, and the most channels are on NTV-Plus and Raduga-TV.

Free channels can be selected on Frocus.net. You can view paid satellite TV packages on websites on the Internet. To prevent interference, it is recommended to mount the antenna on the roof.

Components for connecting satellite TV

Tuner. The receiving device “decrypts” the signal coming from the space satellite, converts it and transmits it to the television receiver.

Plate. It is installed towards the satellite to receive a signal, which is subsequently redirected to the convector.

Head or convector. A device that receives antenna signals. After converting the signal, it is transmitted by the convector to the receiver.

Bracket. Special metal structure for attaching the antenna.

Cable. The connecting link between the convector and the receiver.

DiSEq. It will be needed when one tuner receives signals from several satellites at once.

F-ki. Connect cable and other equipment. These are the so-called connectors.

Cable connecting the receiver and television receiver. SCART, HDMI and tulips.

What should you consider when choosing equipment?

Choose an antenna D = 90 cm, then you will be able to receive signals from the maximum number of satellites. The choice of convector polarization also depends on the choice of satellite.

When two TVs or a TV with a computer are used for satellite TV, you will need to connect two receivers and a convector with two outputs.

The bracket is secured with anchors. The leg should allow the antenna to be freely rotated in different directions. A multifeed will be required when not one, but several convectors are attached to the antenna.

Self-installation of the plate

The Agsat.com.ua/satdirect service will help you find out where to point the antenna. Having indicated on the map the place where the dish will be installed using a flag, select the desired satellite from the column, and a direction indicator will appear.

Installation work begins with attaching the bracket to the wall.

Self-tuning of a satellite dish

An F-piece is screwed onto the ends of the cable. Cut the insulation from the TV cable by 1.5 cm, bend the screen braid, cut off the foil screen with an indentation of 0.9 cm from the edge, screw on the F-piece.

The cable is connected at one end to the convector, and the other to the receiver.

The next step is to set up the antenna for the satellite. We direct the dish according to the compass, and adjust it according to the signal level displayed in the receiver menu. Having achieved the desired result, tighten the nuts on the plate and secure the cable.

Setting up a satellite TV tuner

In the receiver menu, you must first select a language and check the firmware version. Set the time, time zone, and other settings using the dial.

Display signal quality information. Adjust the antenna based on this window.

After completing the settings, you need to scan the satellite. To open access to channels, insert a satellite operator card.

Photo examples of satellite dish installation

Satellite television is a good solution in country houses and low-rise buildings. Everywhere where cable TV and Internet television operators do not work. Satellite kits, including all the necessary equipment, can now be purchased even in supermarkets selling equipment and electronics. Once you have decided on the operator, the tariff and purchased the equipment, you must configure the satellite dish yourself or with the help of the operator’s technical specialist.

The essence of satellite TV technology is as follows:

The signal is transmitted from a satellite above the Earth, moving in orbit, but not changing its position relative to the Earth.
The satellite dish is pointed directly at the broadcasting satellite.
The satellite signal focused by the antenna is transmitted to a converter, which turns it into electrical signal and transmits it to the receiver.
The receiver can be external or built into the TV. All modern TVs are capable of receiving a signal from a converter without additional equipment.

The satellite antenna itself is universal and, with a sufficient diameter, is suitable for any operator. The only difference is in the equipment and its setup. The leading providers of satellite TV services in Russia are Tricolor and NTV+. They both broadcast from the same satellite, so their setup and installation will be similar.

Tricolor and NTV+ are paid and to access the found channels you need a special card, registration and payment for one of the types of subscriptions. But there are many satellites broadcasting free channels, including in Russian. You can choose and configure the antenna to one of them, or purchase several satellite dishes, or use the rotating mechanism for convenient reorientation.

Installation and configuration of a satellite dish for Tricolor and NTV+

Since Tricolor and NTV+ broadcast from the same satellite, the algorithm for installing, configuring and connecting the antenna to the TV will be the same:

To begin, purchase a satellite dish of sufficient diameter.
Buy equipment for receiving a signal from a dish:

receiver and access card (for NTV+), from 5,000 rubles.
if you have a TV with a CL+ connector, then you can purchase a special module and card (for NTV+), from 3,000 rubles.
digital two-tuner receiver (for Tricolor, from 7,800 rubles) or a ready-made kit together with a Tricolor dish with a TV module (8,300 rubles) or a receiver that allows you to later connect 2 TVs (17,800 rubles).
You can purchase any receiver yourself, having first checked its compatibility with the operator’s signal on the website or in the technical support service.

When all the equipment is ready, you can begin installation. For the European part of Russia, the satellite is located in the south, so the antenna must be installed on the southern part of the building.
There should be no obstacles on the signal reception line. Try to mount the plate higher.
Attach the bracket to the wall using anchor bolts. It should be screwed tightly and not wobble.
Assemble the plate according to the instructions for it and secure it to the bracket.
Place the converter on the special holder and attach the cable to it. It is better to install the converter with the connector down to avoid precipitation.
Now you need to connect the receiver to the converter and the TV. If you are using a module, then insert it into a special connector, and connect the cable from the antenna to the TV.
Turn on the TV and receiver. Antenna installation is complete. Next, you need to tune it exactly to the satellite and search for channels.

In the case of NTV+ and Tricolor, which broadcast from the same satellite, no additional equipment is required for setup. After installation in the south direction, make fine adjustments:

You can also use special tables that show the approximate location of the dish in angle and azimuth for different cities of Russia. Such tables are easy to find for Tricolor, NTV+, and, if desired, for other satellites.

Free satellite channels

In addition to Tricolor and NTV+, you can set up the antenna for other satellites that broadcast channels for free. To do this, you will need any receiver or TV with a built-in signal receiver. An access card and, accordingly, a module for the card are not needed, since you will tune in to unencrypted channels.

In Russia, you can connect the antenna to the following satellites:

Astra 4a 4.8°E;
AMOS 2/3 4°W;
HotBird 13°E;
ABS 1 /1A /1B, 75°E;
Intelsat 15 85.2°E;
Yamal 201 90°E.

The procedure for installation, configuration and connection is similar to that used with NTV+ and Tricolor. But in order to correctly point the antenna at the satellite, it is better to use a special program, for example Satellite Antenna Alignment.

Satellite Antenna Alignment can be downloaded free of charge for non-commercial use from the official website http://www.al-soft.com/saa/satinfo.shtml. Main characteristics and rules for using the program:

Launch the program and enter the coordinates of your location in the Site Location window. You can find out these coordinates on any smartphone or tablet with GPS or on special websites on the Internet.
A list of satellites with azimuth and tilt coordinates will be displayed on the left.
If the angle values are negative, it means that the satellite is below the horizon and communication with it is impossible.
Using the program data, you can easily set the antenna position without a compass. The “sun adjustment” function is designed for this:

Select the satellite you want to point the dish at.
Go to the Sun's Azimuth tab.
On the right side of the window you will see the current position of the sun. Here the program calculates on what day and time the position of the sun will coincide with the position of the satellite.
At the indicated time, simply point the antenna towards the sun.

By entering your satellite dish data in the Offset antenna tab, you can accurately determine the level of inclination you need.

Satellite Antenna Alignment - program window

After you have pointed the antenna to the desired satellite, you need to connect it to the TV and configure it as indicated above. To make it easier to tune to a strong signal, you can use a device such as a satellite finder. You can buy a simple switch for around 400–500 rubles, or you can buy a more expensive one with a display and various functions, their price starts from 2000 rubles. To use Satfinder:

Connect the satellite finder between the converter and the receiver approximately 1–1.5 meters from the converter. The cable from the converter is connected to the LNB connector, and the one that goes to the receiver is connected to the REC connector.
Go to the receiver’s “Signal Level” menu.
Proceed with fine tuning, following the movements of the arrow on the satellite finder. If the direction is correct, the arrow will move to higher values.

These are the basic rules that you need to follow in order to successfully install, connect and configure a satellite dish yourself. The procedure is simple, but it will save you the money that you would have paid for a specialist to visit you. The main thing is to handle the antenna carefully, securely fasten it in the correct position and follow all steps of the installation instructions. Share your ideas in the comments on how else you can simplify the process of installing and configuring a satellite dish in an apartment or house.

Before buying an antenna, you need to know exactly which satellites you want to receive signals from and whether such a technical possibility exists in your area. Decide in advance where you plan to install the plate. Please note that there should be no obstacles in the signal path, such as houses or trees.

If you live in your own home, the roof or wall of the house can serve as the installation location. The main problem with using a satellite dish in low-rise construction is the small height of the buildings, which can lead to the signal being blocked by various obstacles.

Residents of high-rise buildings can install plates on the balcony railing, on the outer wall of the building or on the roof. It should be remembered that when installing an antenna in an apartment building, you may need the consent of a meeting of homeowners. If you want to install an antenna on the roof, you will need to obtain permission from the building maintenance organization.

Installing a satellite dish

Remember - working at height, especially those involving the use of power tools, can be life-threatening. Be sure to follow safety regulations! It is advisable not to carry out installation alone and use a safety harness.

To install the antenna on a concrete or brick surface, you will need a fairly powerful hammer drill and strong anchors to attach the dish to the surface. Usually, antennas come with cheap, poor quality bolts. You should not skimp on fasteners, because the plate is subject to strong wind loads and can be torn off by a gust of wind.

Following the attached instructions, assemble the dish by attaching the bracket to the parabolic reflector. Attach the converter to the holder. If you want to receive signals from several satellites on one antenna, you will need a multifeed - a special bracket on which you can install additional converters. It is usually not included and must be purchased separately.

Having chosen a place for installation, attach the bracket to the surface and mark future holes. After drilling them with a hammer drill, secure the antenna with anchors.

The next step is connecting to the wire converters. To do this, they need to be cleaned, exposing the central core by a few millimeters. You need to put F-connectors on the ends of the cable, screwing them in until they stop. Route the wires to the hole leading into the apartment. They should be secured with plastic clips or electrical tape, otherwise they may be damaged by the wind. Connect the cables coming from the dish to the receiver.

After installing the antenna, you need to configure it. The best way is to arm yourself with a receiver and a compact TV. This will allow you to see the result during the setup process and immediately make adjustments. If this is not possible, you will need an assistant who will rotate the antenna while you are at home in front of the TV and control the setup via a walkie-talkie or telephone.

Now the main task is to catch a signal from the satellite. Choosing the exact direction depends on which one you plan to take. The antenna should be moved very carefully, because even a displacement of a few millimeters can lead to signal loss.
The adjustment is made in several planes. With the antenna perpendicular to the ground, begin tuning in the horizontal plane, carefully turning it along the horizon line. If the receiver indicates that a signal has been found, achieve its maximum value by catching the point at which it is strongest.

Proceed to the vertical adjustment. To do this, very carefully move the antenna up and down until the best reception quality is achieved. After this, you can make finer adjustments by rotating the converter around its axis. After pointing the antenna at the satellite, tighten all the screws, otherwise the adjustment will be lost and you will have to start all over again.