Devices for setting up a satellite dish: how to choose and set up

A satellite TV antenna , regardless of size and model, requires precision in tuning for optimal performance of the entire satellite TV system. Even if everything is
set correctly , but there are some errors, this will affect the quality of the signal in bad weather conditions. To accurately tune a satellite dish, there are professional devices – satfinders. In this article, we will analyze what are the devices for setting up a satellite dish, what they are, as well as how to choose a device and set up a dish.

What is the name of the device for tuning satellite dishes? Such a device is called satfinder or Satellite Finder (SatFinder).

Why do I need a device for setting up a satellite dish and what is it

A device for tuning a satellite dish is also called a satellite finder or a satellite signal indicator. It is designed to quickly search for satellites within a radius of several meters and further configure them.
The Satfinder is designed to simplify and speed up the process of finding and setting up a satellite dish, since other devices will only help approximately determine the
direction, azimuth and tilt angle for equipment .

The essence of the device is that it determines the exact location of the satellite dish, which then transmits the signal to the receiver. A notification about the correctness / incorrectness of the location is displayed on the satfinder screen.

It’s important to know. All satellites are located at a specific longitude, to which the antenna should be directed. Therefore, the owners of satellite television, after purchasing the equipment, have to configure the set-top box to search for and further display channels.

Types of devices such as Satellite Finder

In terms of functionality, all satellite finders are the same, but in terms of cost and amount of information received, there are 3 main types. Let’s look at each of them in the table:

A kind of satfinder	Features, advantages and disadvantages	How much does a device for setting up a satellite dish cost
Home household models	For self-tuning, they use the simplest device – a pointer satfinder. This device is very affordable. Of the minuses, a low level of response to a change in the signal level is noted.	500 – 2000 rubles.
Semi-professional and amateur models	Externally, such devices are similar to household models, but they offer the user an LCD display and a wider range of output data. On the screen of semi-professional models is broadcast: frequency, polarization, symbol rate. This data allows you to make sure that the signal is tuned to the correct satellite.	From 2000 to 5000 rubles.
Professional Models	Such devices are designed for the work of professional installers of satellite dishes. They are a portable device with microprocessor control.	From 6000 rub. and higher.

You need to choose a device based on your own needs. For home use, inexpensive models that are equipped with a dial indicator are suitable for a person.

Powerful devices are used by those who often resort to setting up satellite dishes. For example, installers.

How to choose a quality instrument for measuring satellite signal

Demand for satellite finders has grown over the past few years, because without it, accurate alignment of satellite dishes is impossible. But equipment prices are dropping. This is due to the fact that the range of TV products on the Russian market is increasing, and competition is growing. Manufacturers are trying to produce high-quality models of devices at an affordable price. But even now there is a large amount of marriage on the market. If you purchase such a device and use it during setup, then you will not be able to achieve any result. To avoid mistakes, you must responsibly approach the choice of device. There are a number of recommendations:

1. Focus on your own needs. For home use, a pointer satellite finder is enough , while installers cannot do without an expensive satellite setup device that will quickly and accurately display data on an LCD display.
2. Pay attention to how long the device holds a charge .
3. When purchasing a device, you need to pay attention to the build quality , as well as the case material. If it is made of low-quality plastic, then it is likely that after a couple of days of intensive use the device will fail.
4. Satfinder functionality .
5. The presence of a sound signal greatly simplifies the work of setting up a satellite dish. Then you do not have to constantly look at the LCD display of the device;
6. Pay attention to screen size and brightness . The parameters should be convenient for work, because it is not always necessary to work in good lighting and favorable weather conditions.

The ideal device for setting up Satlink WS-6916 satellite dishes: https://youtu.be/Rm0FGw28dc8

How to set up a satellite dish using satellite finder

To use the device, it must be connected to a receiver and an antenna with an active
converter . It will determine which satellite the device is designed for, and also calculate the longitude.

A brief algorithm for setting up satellite TV using the device:

1. Connect the cable from the converter through the setup cable to the satellite finder.
2. Connect the satellite finder to the receiver.
3. Point the dish towards the desired satellite.
4. Select a working transponder in the set-top box menu.
5. Install the satellite dish in such a position that the signal scale on the device reaches its maximum position.
6. To check the result, you need to scan the transponder with the receiver.
7. Tighten the antenna fasteners.
8. Remove the setting tool from the circuit.

Please note that as the tuning accuracy improves, the audio level will increase. Additional values ​​may appear on the device screen depending on the model you purchased.

Upon completion of the work, the exact location of the satellite will be determined, as well as what maximum signal level is possible with the exact location of the antenna. A device for measuring the signal level and setting up satellite dishes Tricolor – video instructions for using the Satellite Finder: https://youtu.be/GChocdMDrDE

How to make a device with your own hands from improvised means

It is difficult, but possible, to assemble a device for setting up a satellite dish on your own. Without fail, before this, you need to study the configuration of the device.

Note! For self-assembly, it is recommended to choose simpler models. It is also important to remember that the device must be checked before use.

We recommend choosing an instrument with a built-in display for assembly. It is not so difficult to assemble and find the components for it. In addition, it has an increased level of accuracy when setting up a satellite dish.

• 12 volt battery;
• tuner with adapter;
• 4×3 inch car rear entry camera display;
• video cord.

The assembly process consists in attaching the components to each other using the wires that come with the kit. This option is considered the most affordable for assembly, but not the most convenient. Please note that the equipment requires electricity to operate, so more than one meter of electrical wire may be required. This is inconvenient, especially if you need to set up several satellite dishes per day. Another nuance: if a satellite dish is installed on the roof, then it will be problematic for a person to mount a TV there. A device for setting up satellite dishes with your own hands – SAT FINDER from a tuner phone and wi fi: https://youtu.be/dOeZ5BUxvLc the tuning result is checked on site.

Answers to common questions

Let’s turn to the most popular questions asked by inexperienced users who have never encountered setting up a satellite dish.

Question	Answer
Can the satfinder be replaced? If yes, then what?	There are various alternatives, such as a compass or a telephone, but they all have poor satellite signal accuracy. That is why it is recommended to use only satfinder for installation.
Will a cheap satellite finder accurately determine the correct installation of a satellite dish?	Yes, the owner can set up the equipment with a cheap satellite finder, only it will take longer if he purchases a more expensive device model.
Is it possible to set up a satellite dish without satellite finder.	Yes, but only professional installers can do this, who accurately determine the azimuth and location of the satellite in relation to the antenna .

Regardless of which device and whether it will be made by hand, with it the owner of a satellite dish can be sure that self-configuration will be successful.