Satellite TV Tips for Dish Network
Pointing the Satellite Dish
How the dish is pointed is one
of the most critical elements of how your home dish satellite TV will
work. Just 1/8 of an inch out of proper alignment can cause problems, especially
during rain and cloudy sky conditions. The following satellite dish pointing tips
are the most common mistakes made when installing the outside dish.
Make adjustments in very small increments. Do not make large movements of the dish or
you will have a very hard time getting the best possible signal strength.
You must use a compass if you are going to point the dish correctly. Do not
even attempt if you do not have a compass or do not understand how to shoot an
azimuth.
This previous link is for RV satellite installations, it is very
descriptive and applies to permanent installations.
Ensure that the top part of the satellite dish
mast is absolutely vertical. Verify this with a bubble level. Take measurements
at 90 degree intervals around the top of the mast. If this vertical alignment is off even just a
few degrees, it can be virtually impossible to find satellite signals.
Set the angles in the following order. Skew -
once set do not make fine adjustments. Elevation and then the Azimuth. Remember
to follow all instructions of the owners manual.
Resetting Satellite Systems
Most issues can be
resolved by simply resetting the system. Hold the power button on the
receiver for a few seconds or unplug the unit from the wall. Sounds too
easy, but you will be surprised at how many times this will do the trick.
Cleaning Satellite Systems
Keep all
electronics clean. Get a can of air duster (made for electronics) to
periodically blow out
your satellite receiver at least once a month. More if you live in
a dusty area. Remember that dust is electronics worst enemy. Unplug the
satellite tv receiver and wait 30 seconds before cleaning.
GENTLY wipe off your dish (the outside round
thing) with a clean dry cloth. Be careful not to knock the dish out of
alignment. Do not apply cleaners to anything on the outside satellite dish.
We will say it one more time, DUST
IS YOUR WORST ENEMY. This applies to anything electronic. We have seen so
many computers completely ruined by dust. The new DVR receivers have
hard drives just like computers.
Cleaning is OK, but never
attempt to service any satellite equipment yourself. You will void the
warranty.
Updating Dish Network DVR System
With the
newer Dish Network DVR receivers, be sure to have it setup to perform automatic updates
and hard disk checks.
Run check switch function to update the TV guide.
DVR Caller ID
If you have
a newer Dish Network DVR receiver (like the 522) and you have caller ID service
with your home phone - turn the caller ID function "on" in the system setup and
see caller ID on your TV. On our system, it would only work through the S-video
cable connection. The RG-6 connection would not show the caller ID box.
Definitely worth the time and effort to run a S-video cable, plus you will get a
better quality picture with that type of connection.
Surge protection
Do not attempt to run your
satellite TV without a surge protector. Get a good one. We recommend a high
end one from Radio Shack. Make sure the surge protector has inputs for
the coax cable and telephone jack as well. Do not forget to protect any antenna inputs you
might have coming in to your receiver. Do not think that you can get by
without this. Sooner or later it will come back to haunt you and cost
you money that will not be covered under warranty.
Avoid Sudden Shock With DVR receivers, think about
where you put the unit. Make sure it is stable and will not get wet,
hit, knocked off, etc. As said before, there are hard drives in them,
which must be handled with extreme care. If you have to move a satellite TV DVR, unplug it and wait for at least 30
seconds before moving.
Ventilation
Just like computers, the
newer DVR receivers have fans and need to maintain certain temperatures.
Be careful when placing them in cabinets. Must have proper
ventilation. Do not place your receiver on top of or below other
electronics components. Electronics Cold Dangers
Do not store your satellite TV receiver in a cold environment (below 40° F).
When it warms back up, moisture can form inside and damage the electronics
inside. If it is cold to the touch, let it set at room temperature unplugged for
at least 45 minutes.
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