Satellite Dish Alignment

satellite-dish-alignment

The alignment of your satellite dish is important especially if you are set up to receive UK TV channels via Astra28E. Since March 2013 new satellites have been operating at 28E and the technology of these new satellites is such that the signal is more accurately focused on the UK so that people in France and other parts of Europe now receive a much weaker signal on certain channels. The systems affected mostly lose BBC 1 & 2 and Channel 4 & 5.

In November 2020 ITV rolled out regional HD channels and from that time an 80cm or bigger dish is required for reliable signal quality.

As of March 2023 BBC are updating their channels to HD so people with old standard definition satellite receivers may not be able to access BBC channels. The changeover is expected to finish in April 2024 so upgrade your old receiver before then to continue receiving BBC channels.

NOTE: People using Sagemcom DS81 boxes to receive both French and UK TV are unable to receive BBC channels since March 2023. No resolution has been found other than upgrading receiver to one which allows transponder editing.

Many things can affect the signal you receive:

  • Dish alignment
  • Dish distortion
  • Dish size
  • Water / corrosion
  • LNB problems
  • Receiver problems
  • Foliage

Satellite dish alignment

The satellite dish alignment is critical to receiving a good, reliable signal. For this the support bracket / pole must be upright and the elevation, azimuth and skew angles must be correct. This can only be achieved by using a professional satellite meter for optimum signal strength and quality.

Elevation is the angle above the horizon and this varies relative to your location.

Azimuth is the compass bearing and in the case of Astra28E it is 28.2° East of South.

Skew is a rotation angle for the LNB to compensate for the curvature of the Earth.

Dish distortion

Distortion of the dish can be caused by over zealous installation, high winds or flying debris etc. and causes the signal to be weakened.

Dish size

As mentioned above, due to the renewal of ageing satellites the signals from some are now weaker in parts of Europe so whereas your existing dish was more than capable of delivering a reliable signal in the past you may now need to increase the size of your dish to compensate for the loss of signal strength.

Water / corrosion

If the cable is not of the correct type or is not correctly installed water damage and corrosion may result in no signal or a degraded signal to a point where in certain conditions picture break up will render the system unusable.

There are various grades  of cable for indoor and outdoor use and of varying quality.

LNB problems

LNBs can develop faults due to age, corrosion due to moisture, etc.

Receiver problems

Receivers vary in quality and the strength of the signal required for optimal system reliability. It may be that your previously reliable box cannot cope with the current signal strength or quality.

Foliage

Trees and hedges grow so it may be that what was a clear line of sight to your desired satellite when it was installed is now interrupted by leaves and branches.