How to Find TV Satellite Locations

Homeowners who enjoy watching television know their satellite must function properly.  In some areas, homeowners can climb onto the roof and adjust it.  This can be difficult and even dangerous, especially if it happens on a regular basis.  Avoid the trouble and find a strong signal that works in any weather condition.

Find the Coordinates

1. Contact your satellite provider or manufacturer to get the coordinates of the satellite, or find it on your own from the “SYSTEM SET UP” option, located by pressing the "MENU” button on your satellite remote control.


2. Select “POINT DISH” option. 


3. Type the zip code of your home where the satellite is located.


4. Select “DONE.”  The correct coordinates will be displayed on your television screen.


5. Write down all three coordinates: azimuth, elevation and skew.  You should do this whether you found them yourself or had a satellite representative help you.

 Change the Satellite Dish

1. Take the coordinates and a compass with numbers to the location of your satellite.  Depending on the installation, the dish may be on the roof, side of the home or in the yard.


2. Find the azimuth coordinates by pointing the compass to the Southern sky.  Your dish should be pointed in this direction.


3. Set the elevation by tilting the dish up or down.  The numbers on the pole should match the numbers written down for elevation.


4. Turn the dish clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the arrow so it points to the skew number.  These numbers are located along the side of the dish.


5. Tighten bolts once the dish has been properly set.  You should have a strong signal that works, even when the weather is bad.