When setting up satellite television, it is important to accurately determine the direction of the antenna. Fine tuning will allow you to receive a stable and high-quality signal. To watch satellite channels, the tuning must be done with virtually no error.
In order to correctly install a satellite dish and get a high-quality, clean signal, you need to calculate several important parameters; doing this without special programs is very difficult, having an application at hand - even a beginner can do it
The use of smartphones and computers is almost ubiquitous. Special programs have become widespread that allow you to determine the azimuth, direction and elevation angle in accordance with which the satellite dish should be installed depending on the location of the subscriber.
Calculation of elevation and azimuth when installing a satellite dish
In practice, a specialist in installing and configuring satellite television uses specialized equipment for such setup. However, it is not always possible to resort to the services of appropriate specialists. A program for a smartphone or computer will allow you to configure satellite TV yourself.
Such applications will help you find the direction to the desired satellite and tell you how to make the necessary adjustments if it changes. Accuracy is affected by calculation errors and magnetic fields of instruments located in close proximity.
Using special programs, you can determine the azimuth, altitude and inclination angle of the direction of the satellite antenna to the satellite
What types of programs exist
The applications used to configure satellite equipment are designed to accurately indicate the direction to the satellite. If the antenna is installed in the right direction, then the user is guaranteed a high-quality picture.
Different types of programs provide adjustments taking into account the use of different types of antennas. Some applications work only with the most common plate designs - offset and direct focus.
However, there are programs that work with more complex types of antennas. In most cases, tuning is performed only for one signal source, but there are programs that allow simultaneous tuning for several satellites.
SatFinder - types and main features
SatFinder is a signal indicator. With its help, the satellite dish is directed to the desired satellite, and the adjustment is extremely accurate.
To carry out the setup, the device is connected to the converter via a cable. After which the scale present on the device displays the accuracy of the specified parameters.
Currently, a wide range of devices is available for high-quality setup of Tricolor TV. Budget solutions display the signal level using a scale. More expensive options are equipped with a special digital screen, which shows not only the signal, but also the level of operation of a particular transponder.
Programs for tuning antennas
Fine adjustments can be made using the user’s existing smartphone or from a computer or laptop. To do this, you need to download and install one of the specialized programs.
Program for setting up a satellite dish using a computer
To configure satellite equipment, you can use the Fast Satfinder program.
The program can be downloaded from the link https://www.fastsatfinder.com/download.html.
There are only minimal requirements to install and run. To operate, you will need 256 megabytes of RAM, as well as the operating system Windows XP or later.
To configure, you need to connect the satellite dish to your computer or laptop through the appropriate converter.
The program is paid, but during the first seven days the user can use it for free.
The setup is done as follows:
- Before starting work, the necessary equipment must be connected. After starting the application, a list of available devices will be shown in the corresponding section. You need to select the one you want and click.
- The program will automatically search for available satellites.
- You need to select a satellite, a transponder and everything that is necessary for work. The exact values of the corresponding parameters will appear on the screen.
The free version allows you to fully configure the equipment. In the paid version, the user can additionally get the ability to remotely control the equipment.
Satfindr - a program for setting up a satellite TV antenna for Android
One of the most famous programs of this kind is SatFinder. It allows you to accurately determine the direction and angle of the antenna to receive a high-quality signal from the satellite. When using it, you can use the following functionality:
- Here is a list of all satellites that broadcast television.
- A list of channels is available from which you can select the appropriate ones.
- During the setup process, the results obtained can be displayed numerically or shown on a map
- You can see the azimuth direction to the desired satellite.
- Good speed even on low-power gadgets.
- The height and angle of the converter setting will be specified using the data
Clark Belt - location of satellites on the Satfindr interface
To download the application, you need to perform the following steps:
- Go to Google Play.
- In the search bar, type the name of the program “SatFinder”.
- In the list of search results you need to go to the program page.
- You need to click on the “Install” button. After this, the program will be downloaded to your smartphone and installed.
You can download the program via a direct link to Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esys.satfinder
This program does not have a Russian translation of the interface, but the interface is simple enough to use it correctly. For it to work, you need Android version 4.0 or newer.
To use the application, your smartphone must have: Internet access, a built-in compass, a connected GPS, and a working camera. If any of the above is missing, then you will not be able to use some of the program’s functions.
SatFinder requests permission to use GPS
Dishpointer is another convenient app for setting dishes
Dishpointer – this program is similar in functionality to SatFinder. One of its advantages is the high accuracy of determining the position of satellites. When determining the necessary data, it can use not only the GPS signal, but also data from mobile operators.
Although the latter can help in some cases, the data obtained with their help will be less accurate. The general fee and relatively high cost of the program can be considered as a disadvantage.
You can download the Dishpointer program for setting up a satellite dish for free at https://apkpure.com/ru/satellite-finder-dishpointer-pro/satfinder.satellitedish.apps.satdetector.
Multifeed for setting up multifeed for offset and direct focus satellite dishes
The Multifeed application is capable of working with satellite antenna models of non-standard configurations. This feature is rarely found in such programs. The setup process is based only on the GPS data received by the gadget. To obtain information, there is no need to have a video camera on the gadget. This makes it possible to configure even on fairly old smartphones.
Using this program you can configure one antenna for several satellites. The program performs settings using special operating principles, which makes it a little unusual for users. You can download the program at https://trashbox.ru/topics/18034/multifid-2.1.
The disadvantage of the program is its rather complex and cumbersome interface. To successfully work with the application, you need to have a good understanding of its operation. The program is paid, but the price can be considered moderate.
Application for setting up satellite dishes for a smartphone:
How to set up a satellite dish using an iPhone
There is a version of the famous SatFinder program that can be used on the iPhone (https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/satfinder/id397993104).
SatFinder on iPhone
This program is available in the AppStore. You can find it using search by entering the name of the application. In terms of its functionality, it does not differ in basic respects from the version that was created for Android smartphones.
How to properly use a mechanical SatFinder
It is extremely easy to pick up a signal using a mechanical device. All you need to do is connect the converter and receiver to it. The corresponding connectors are provided for this:
- LNB input – for connection to a divider on the receiving equipment.
- REC output – cable is supplied from the set-top box.
After making all the connections, connect the receiver to the power supply. You will also need to enter the coordinates of the required satellite into SatFinder.
Key points for setting up an indicator
You start the receiver, 18 volt power is sent from it to the antenna through the converter, and with its help the indicator will start. To continue with setup, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Set the arrow reading to five scale divisions using the regulator. If the device beeps, you will need to spin the wheel further.
- We turn the dish in the direction of the satellite, adjust the angle and position of the equipment until the arrow shows the maximum deviation.
- We securely fix satellite equipment.
- We return to the set-top box and check if everything is configured correctly.
- If everything is normal, turn off SatFinder.
The cost of a mechanical device is unusually low; anyone can afford it. Moreover, it has a compact size, you can easily put it in your pocket and easily reach the Tricolor antenna.
How to set up a signal using the example of one popular program
Working with the SatFinder program is carried out as follows:
- Once launched, you will be asked for permission to access GPS data, to which you will need to answer in the affirmative. The signal must be strong enough for the program to accurately determine the location coordinates. In some cases, this will require you to leave the building and go outside. SatFinder requests permission to use GPS
- At the top of the screen you need to click on the icon with a magnifying glass. By typing the name of the one you need, you need to start the search.
- The program will automatically display the required azimuth and inclination angle. The direction to the satellite will be indicated on the map as a red line. The green line will indicate the direction of the equipment being configured. If they match, it means the setup is complete.
The user must check the received direction and install the antenna as required. You can also open the map by clicking on the book icon. For convenience, it can be rotated in a more convenient way.
Details about setting up equipment through the SatFindr application interface:
Satfinder dish setup
The main menu of the program has several sections that are intended for the following:
- If you go to “Show AR” , the direction to the satellite will be combined with the camera. This will help you see exactly the right direction and make sure there are no obstacles to receiving the signal.
- The “Geocoder” option makes it possible to obtain the data necessary for configuration at another point. Not where the user is currently located. To do this, you need to open Google maps and long press on the point for which you need to get information.
- “Settings” allows you to change some characteristics of the program. For example, you can make north on a map always point upward on the screen.
- This program also has a paid version. In order to go to it, you need to open the “Go Pro” .
- In Channels, the user can go to sites that provide lists of satellites that broadcast.
Since the program is supplied in English, in the “Help” section you can find a description of the program in this language.
Help section
The user can supplement the official lists of satellites with his own data. You can create your own lists as text files, in which each line consists of a code and coordinates, separated by commas.
Application for setting up MTS satellite antennas:
Another popular program for installing and configuring satellite dishes is Satellite Antenna Alignment (download the latest version installation file for free from the link https://satellite-antenna-alignment.ru.uptodown.com/windows/download):
