WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SATELLITE DISH: A GUIDE FOR PERFECT SIGNAL
Choosing a satellite dish is the first and most critical step to ensure your television viewing experience is uninterrupted and in high definition. The wrong choice leads to signal drops during rain (rain fade), pixelation, or the inability to receive certain transponders altogether.
Here is our step-by-step guide for choosing the right satellite dish, designed for everyone from beginners to enthusiasts.
1. Hardware and Structural Features: The Foundations of Physical Setup
When purchasing a dish, you aren’t just buying a “piece of metal”; you are buying a precision optical reflector that focuses electromagnetic waves.
- Dish Diameter (Size): Size depends on your location and the satellite’s “footprint.” For high-powered satellites like Astra (19.2°E) or Eutelsat Hotbird (13°E) in Europe, a 60-80 cm dish is often sufficient. However, for weaker signals or fringe coverage areas, you may need 120 cm or larger.
- Material Types: * Aluminum: The best choice for longevity. It is lightweight and naturally resistant to corrosion. If you live near the coast, aluminum is a must.
- Galvanized Steel: Cost-effective and sturdy, but prone to rust over time if the coating is scratched.
- The LNB Arm and Bracket: Ensure the arm holding the LNB is rigid. Any wobbling caused by wind will result in immediate signal loss.
- Build Quality: Look for “Offset” dishes for home use, as they are designed to prevent snow accumulation and are easier to mount on walls.
2. Software and Technical Configuration: Interface and Frequency Alignment
Once the dish is physically mounted, you must “handshake” with the invisible signals coming from space.
- LNB Selection (The “Eye”): The Low Noise Block downconverter (LNB) sits at the focal point. Look for a low noise figure (0.1 dB or 0.2 dB). The lower this number, the better it can pull a clean signal out of the background noise.
- Receiver Settings: Access your receiver’s installation menu. You must select the correct satellite (e.g., Intelsat or SES) and ensure the L.O. Frequency (usually Universal 9750/10600) is set correctly.
- Interface Login: If you are using a professional multiswitch system for multiple rooms, you must configure the DiSEqC settings (e.g., LNB 1 for Astra, LNB 2 for Hotbird) in the tuner menu.
3. Post-Installation: Performance Testing and Fine-Tuning
A mounted dish isn’t necessarily a finished dish. Follow these steps for maximum performance:
- Signal Meters (The Bar Check): Check your TV’s “Signal Quality” bar. Aim for at least 70%. Note that “Signal Strength” refers to the cable connection, while “Signal Quality” refers to the accuracy of the dish alignment.
- LNB Skew Adjustment: Do not just snap the LNB in. Rotate it slightly clockwise or counter-clockwise (the Skew angle) while watching the quality meter to find the “sweet spot.”
- Cable Quality: Use RG6 shielded coaxial cables. Pure copper cores are superior to copper-clad steel (CCS) for long cable runs to prevent voltage drops.
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