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FINDING THE SATELLITES
Before you can decide on the mounting location for the antenna, you must determine the
approximate location of the satellites. Then you must find a mounting site that provides an
unobstructed signal path from the satellites to the antenna.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
ࡗ Compass
ࡗ Recorder with built-in satellite receiver, connected to a TV
DETERMINING THE DIRECTION TO THE SATELLITES
You must determine the direction to the satellites from your location, to help you determine
where to mount the antenna. You must have a clear line of sight from the antenna location
to the satellites. Use the following procedure to find the best location for the antenna, while
keeping in mind the considerations discussed in Discussion of Potential Mounting Sites on
page 6-13.
After you finish mounting the antenna, you must aim the dish to get the strongest signal.
See Aiming the Antenna for the Strongest Signal on page 7-12 for this procedure.
WHERE ARE THEY?
You must know where the satellites are to choose a good location to mount the antenna. The
satellites orbit the Earth together, over the equator. For everyone in the United States, this
means that the satellites are south of your location.
The satellites are approximately 22,300 miles up from the surface of the Earth. They are in
what is called a "geosynchronous orbit." This means that the satellites stay aligned over
one place on the surface of the Earth. If you could see them, they would seem to hang in
one spot in the sky.
Because the satellites do not move in relation to the surface of the Earth, it is easy to main-
tain the signal. Once you aim the antenna at the satellites, you will not have to reposition
the antenna to follow the satellites.
The satellites are located over the equator, due south of Reno, Nevada, at 119˚ West.
Starting Your Installation
Finding the Satellites
6