Determining the satellite and installing the Tricolor TV antenna

First of all, I advise you not to fuss. First, make sure that the channels or the operator are not carrying out maintenance work and that the problem is in the antenna or receiver, and not on the opposite end of the screen. Don't rush to reset the settings. If this is prevention, you just have to wait.

If you know for sure that the problem is not with the operator’s preventive maintenance, the satellite is in place, then make sure that you have paid for access services to the packages. How to determine a problem with payment: when the receiver shows “Scrambled channels”, but the info channel works. You can check your payment in your Tricolor TV account.

If everything is fine with the payment, then the third thing to do is reset the receiver settings to factory settings. To do this, simply disconnect the receiver from the network and then connect it again. After this, you will need to re-configure the Tricolor channels. Then you should just leave the receiver turned on on a coded Russian channel and wait until the keys arrive.

If this does not help, you need to check the receiver for physical malfunctions or out-of-date firmware.

So, if the channels do not work, then you need to:

Check with the operator for prevention;
Check balance. Are the services paid for?
Make sure that the signal is not affected by weather conditions (snow does not cover the converter);
Check if the antenna connection to the TV and receiver is broken;
Reset settings and register channels;
Check the serviceability of the receiver

Satellite frequencies Tricolor TV

Using satellites, you can get good quality TV viewing even in remote places where it is not possible to use terrestrial or cable television.

Any satellite TV works according to the following algorithm:

The television center transmits the signal to the satellite;
The satellite transmits the signal back to Earth using transponders - that's what special transmitters are called;
The signal is received by satellite dishes used by the company's subscribers;
The received signal is converted by devices - receivers, or receivers - and transmitted to the TV.

Names of satellites from which Tricolor TV broadcasts:

Eutelsat 36B;
Express-AMU1;
Express AT1.

The main parameters of the Tricolor TV antenna are the transponder frequency and polarization. At what transponder frequencies do Tricolor channels operate, and what polarization is used. Frequencies 11727-12054 MHz, polarization is mostly left-handed, only at a few frequencies is it right-handed. This data can be useful if you set the antenna settings manually.

Special device

Installing a satellite dish is quite simple, but setting it up is not. To do this, we will need many different tools and equipment, but often the antenna has to be placed in hard-to-reach places and it becomes inconvenient to use all this equipment. To do this, it is recommended to use a specialized device for a satellite dish. When using it, you do not need a TV or receiver.

One of the most popular and convenient devices is called Sat-Finder. Thanks to it, you can quickly and, most importantly, efficiently configure your antenna, which is why it is most often used. Connecting and further using the device is quite simple.

You need to install it between the receiver and the converter and connect it using an additional cable. Do not use a cable that is too long, the recommended length is up to 1.5 meters. Before connecting the cable, pay attention to the connector designations on the indicator body.
- LNB-connectable additional cable.

There is always voltage between the receiver and the converter. To avoid damage to one of the devices, you must connect and disconnect it only when the receiver's power is turned off from the network.

Be sure to connect the device behind the dish mirror to protect it from electromagnetic waves.

After connecting, go home, turn on the receiver and enter a valid transponder (you can select from the list provided).
We leave the receiver and return to the antenna and device. It is recommended to choose a transponder that broadcasts several channels.
Now you need to turn on the device and, using the sensitivity regulator, set the arrow to approximately the middle of the scale (4-5 divisions). If the device starts to squeak, you need to reduce the sensitivity until the sound stops.
Next, we point the antenna towards the satellite to which we are tuning, while changing the vertical position of the antenna so that the arrow deviates to the maximum.
If the arrow goes to the right, you need to reduce the sensitivity.
When you achieve this position, return to the receiver and scan the selected transborder, making sure that the settings have been made to the desired satellite. Once this has been confirmed, the device can be turned off. The setup is complete.

Choosing a location to install the Tricolor antenna

How to choose the right place to install the plate? Firstly, there should be no tall buildings or trees on the path from the antenna to the intended satellite location. Secondly, you cannot place the Tricolor TV dish in closed spaces such as balconies and attics, as well as under roof slopes (to prevent precipitation from draining). Thirdly, the direction of the antenna should be to the south, since the satellites are located there. Fourthly, the closer the dish is to the TV, the better the signal.

Now let's look in more detail at where exactly the antenna will have to be directed. On the Tricolor TV website there is a table with cities and corresponding elevation angles and azimuths https://www.tricolor.tv/help/connect/how-to-connect-and-configure-the/ustanovka-sputnikovoj-antenny/, and you can also use the interactive map https://www.tricolor78.ru/karta.html.

If the antenna is installed in a locality that is not listed in the table, the choice must be made between the nearest cities. Azimuth is the angle between the north direction and the satellite. This is the horizontal orientation. To determine it you will need a compass. To find what degree the elevation angle will be, you will need a protractor and a plumb line. Elevation angle is the vertical orientation. You can use the Satellite Antenna Alignment program. With its help, you can tune to any satellite, knowing the geographic coordinates of the location where the dish is installed.

How to install it yourself?

First of all, you need to assemble the antenna according to the attached instructions.
Next, using a hammer drill or drill, you need to drill holes in the wall. It is recommended to install the bracket on wedging anchor bolts. These are the most reliable and strong anchors; thanks to their opening petals, they provide reliable fastening. To prevent precipitation from getting on the converter, it must be installed with the connector facing down.
Using F-connectors, connect the cable to the converter. To do this you need: Using zip ties or tape, attach the cable to the converter holder arc.
The F-connector must be protected with sealant or insulating tape.
Install the dish on the bracket; the nuts should be tightened so that when moving the antenna vertically or horizontally, force is required.
To prevent the cable from dangling, secure it with zip ties or tape.
You need to leave 1 meter of cable near the antenna and also fix it.

Antenna assembly and installation

To simplify the procedure, you can purchase an already assembled antenna. But if you decide to assemble the satellite dish yourself, it is recommended that you read the included instructions. A complete set of equipment consists of an antenna, a converter (a receiving device located on the antenna feed), a receiver (a device that converts the signal for a TV) and a Tricolor TV smart card (it can also be built into the receiver).

Once the location has been chosen, you should proceed with the installation and installation of the antenna:

The brackets are securely attached to the wall. Materials for fastening are selected based on the material of the wall, as well as the strength of the wind.
A support is attached to the arc of the converter holder, and the antenna mirror (the dish itself) is attached to it.
The antenna is installed on the bracket, choosing the angle of inclination and azimuth that were found earlier. But it is located so that with effort you can adjust its position. After adjusting the signal level, you will need to secure it until it is completely stationary.
The converter is installed in the holder with the connector down;.
A cable is inserted into the converter connector, the ends of which must first be prepared. We prepare the ends of the cable using the f-connector as follows:
Bend the cable braid back, exposing the central core with insulation;
Cut off the internal insulation by 10 mm;
Screw on the f-connector;
Trim the central core so that it remains a maximum of 2 mm from the edge.
It is better to seal the inserted connector, for example, with silicone.
Secure the cable to the arc with ties or electrical tape and near the bracket, leaving a reserve of cord.
Connect the other end of the cable to the receiver.

When using a high-frequency cable, it must be connected to the input on the receiver LNB OUT, and a low-frequency cable to LNB IN

Now you will need to clarify the characteristics of the antenna through further configuration using the receiver and TV.

Installation of the connector (F-connector) on the cable.

To connect all components of satellite electronic equipment, a special connector is used that does not require soldering, but requires special cable cutting. This connector is called the F connector. The connectors have different diameters! The connector surface has a varying number of grooves. Select the diameter of the connector according to the cable you have; a discrepancy between the diameter of the connector and the cable is unacceptable. The connector is installed according to a specific diagram located here.

After connecting the satellite dish to the Tricolor TV satellite receiver, you can start searching for channels.

Antenna setup

The receiver panel may have several connectors depending on the model. You need to connect one of them to your TV. The optimal connection is via HDMI. If the kit comes with an external smart card (and not built into the receiver), you will need to insert it into the receiver.

After turning on the set-top box for the first time, a “Settings Wizard” will appear, in which some initial data is set using prompts: language, operator and region of use. Next, the signal strength and quality levels will appear. In order to adjust the orientation of the Tricolor dish yourself, you need to find a position of the antenna at which these levels reach the maximum value (at least 70%).

To adjust the antenna to the position of the satellite, you need to sequentially move the dish alternately in azimuth and elevation. In this case, you will need to monitor the signal levels. You need to move the antenna in increments of 1-2 cm. After each movement, wait a few seconds. The change should appear on the screen.

The antenna should be tuned in good clear weather, as then the signal quality will be best

After adjusting the plate, you need to fix its position. And you can start looking for channels.

What tool will you need?

To work you need:

Drill with perforation;
Wrenches of the 8, 10, 13 type;
Screwdriver;
Open-end wrench 10;
Pliers;
Compass;
Knife;
Insulating tape;
Screeds;
Heat-shrinkable tubing or silicone-based sealant;
Metal washers d=30-50 mm;
13mm head screws 6 - 8 cm long.

Minimum tool for tuning the antenna
To secure the antenna base, you will need fasteners. It should be fixed to a wooden surface using so-called plumbing “capercaillies”. On concrete surfaces, 10X100 mm anchor bolts should be used.

To connect the antenna to the TV, you must use a cable with an internal main conductor made of copper and double braid. The cable laying distance should not exceed 100 meters. Otherwise, you will have to use some kind of signal amplifiers.

Receiver registration

You can register a new Tricolor subscriber in 3 ways:

Independently on the official website tricolor.tv.
Via the hotline with the help of the provider's employees.
At the place of purchase of receiving equipment or at the company office.

During registration you must provide the following information:

Personal data (series, passport number and contact information).
Receiver model (located on the back of the device).
Unique ID number (written in the subscription agreement and in the receiver menu).

Installation of a television connector

To connect the TV connector to the converter, repeat the following steps:

Strip the top layer of the cable. It is enough to process 15 mm.
Unfold the braid along the wire.
Turn out the foil that is on top of the cover.
Remove 1 centimeter of conductor insulation.
Install the prepared cable into the F-connector.
Leave the protruding part of the central conductor no more than two millimeters long, and cut off the rest.
Seal the area to be treated using heat shrink tubing or two layers of electrical tape. Cover it with silicone sealant.
Secure the cable with plastic ties.
Connect the other end of the wire to the receiving device.

How to connect the receiver to the TV?

First way:

Using a high frequency antenna cable. Connect to the antenna socket on your TV. After turning on the device, “Boot” and a channel marker will appear.

If, when you click on channel search, information about the absence of a signal appears, this indicates normal operation of the receiver.

Second way:

Using a low frequency cable with a connector. After connecting and turning on the equipment, “Boot” will be displayed on the screen.

Press the "A/B" key on the remote control. The phrase “No Signal” should appear.

To ensure that the image is of high quality

Before the signal search stage, you need to carry out several actions in the satellite television settings themselves:

On the receiver's remote control, press the "Menu" button.
In the “Installation” column, click “OK”.
Enter "0000".
In the pop-up window, click “OK”.
Select “Antenna installation” and click “OK”.

In the “Antenna installation” column we find two scales “Signal quality” and “Signal strength”, showing the level of the received information flow. The optimal transmission rate should be at least 70%.

Reasons for low signal levels may be improper equipment assembly or inaccurate antenna position. If the cable is connected correctly, then you need to adjust the value of the incoming signal by changing the position of the plate itself.

We begin to move the antenna 1-2 mm, stopping each step for a few seconds so as not to miss the signal. The mirror of the Tricolor TV dish should be directed as high as possible.

Important! When setting up the antenna, make sure that your body does not become an obstacle to the search for communication.

We continue to rotate the Tricolor TV plate to the desired value for filling the scales on the TV screen. Filling one scale indicates that the device is not communicating with a satellite. Therefore, we continue the search. After filling the scales to the desired value, the image will appear on the monitor. When the setup is complete, tighten the bracket mounting bolts until they stop.

Setting up the Tricolor TV device yourself does not take much time and does not require any special skills or abilities. In general, it will take no more than 3 hours to put satellite television into use. The final stage of setup is to register the satellite receiver itself.

How to update Tricolor: some nuances

The next time you turn on satellite TV, an information message may appear indicating the need to update. This is necessary to guarantee high-quality and stable broadcasting.

This practice is considered standard for the operator, as it is due to the following factors:

changing broadcast frequencies;
adding new or removing irrelevant channels;
introduction of new service packages.

You must perform the procedure yourself, following the detailed instructions.

Software Update

If the receiver is in working condition, it should be rebooted, if not, turn it on,
On the TV, activate the “Tricolor TV” mode.
Since the process is fully automated, after starting the tuner, a notification will appear on the TV screen indicating the availability of a new version of the software.
You will need to go to the update menu and agree to install the new software version.
By clicking the “Yes” button, you can start the process, which can be observed on the television screen.
After the process is completed, the receiver will automatically restart, that is, it will turn off and on again.

To avoid errors and malfunctions in broadcasting channels, the user will need to make sure that the update was successful. To do this, he needs to visit the company’s website, go to the updates section and check the installed version with the one available on the website.

Channel update

Tricolor TV subscribers are recommended to periodically update not only the software, but also the list of broadcast channels. Over time, old channels cease to exist, and they are replaced by new, no less interesting and relevant ones. Typically, the operator monitors such changes and performs updates independently. However, sometimes the user, turning on the TV receiver, may not find his favorite program. You can restore the old list or get new channels, even if you have a package of the old ones, if you listen to the recommendations of experts.

For those who are faced with the need to independently configure and update for the first time, a simple and convenient option for performing the procedure can be the algorithm used during the initial setup of programs. To do this, you need to use the receiver menu or remote control.

To make the search easier, it is advisable to select the automatic configuration mode. This will eliminate the need to make unnecessary movements and allow you to update the list: existing channels will be preserved, but new ones will be added.

Update via receiver panel

To start the process directly in this way, you will need to open the menu, go to the “Channel setup” section and select the “Automatic search” option.

From the remote control

You can start scanning from the remote control in a slightly different way. To do this you will need:

Click the "Menu" button.
In the window that opens, select the “Search” option and click “OK.”
The system will prompt you to find updates.
Using the left arrow, select the positive option and confirm the action by pressing the “Ok” button.

The channel list will be generated automatically, all you have to do is wait until the operation is completed.

Via PC

There is another method, however, due to the need to use a computer and the complexity of implementation, it is rarely used. In addition, it is not always possible to perform it at home. The essence of the method is to change the receiver program. To successfully implement the task, you will need a clearly defined list of Tricolor programs with all the necessary parameters.

Additional Information

At the end of the presented material, it is worth giving a number of tips that will simplify the installation of the equipment set:

Do I need a special device to set up satellite dishes? The answer is no, because there is no need for it. The presence of such a device will simplify the process of searching for a satellite signal.
To configure the equipment, you will need the azimuth and elevation angle where the antenna will be installed.

The installation process of Tricolor TV equipment does not present any difficulties even for people without experience in this matter. You should follow the instructions and prepare in advance for the event.