| Antennas and satellite TV are the wave of the | | | | that your dish or antenna is as close to your TV |
| future when it comes to watching TV. Forget the | | | | as possible. You'll also need to measure the length |
| 60 channels on your local cable service. Antennas | | | | of the cable so you know that it will reach the |
| and satellite dishes put a world of programming at | | | | dish or antenna from the inside of the house. A |
| your fingertips. You can install these items | | | | cable snake can be used if needed. You may also |
| yourself, as long as you feel comfortable you can | | | | need a drill to mount the satellite or antenna and |
| finish the job safely. These tips will walk you | | | | screws for the dish or antenna. |
| through the process and tell you what you need | | | | Pointing Problems |
| to know. | | | | You won't receive a signal if your dish points the |
| Choosing an Installation Site | | | | wrong way. Normally, dishes can be tilted at an |
| Your antenna or satellite dish has to have a clear | | | | angle of around twenty-five to fifty degrees. Use |
| signal to give you the satellite TV you want. | | | | a compass for the most precise measurements. |
| Therefore, figure out the direction the signal is | | | | Think Safety |
| coming from, and make sure that there are no | | | | You're going up on the roof here, all in the name |
| obstructions - trees, chimneys, etc - blocking the | | | | of getting more TV channels, and you want to |
| signal from reaching your equipment. | | | | play it extra safe. Being up on the roof is nothing |
| You'll also want to find a place that is away from | | | | to mess around with. If you have never done it |
| your electrical lines and that you can get to easily | | | | before, don't think that a satellite dish installation is |
| if you end up having a problem. You'll be glad you | | | | a good introduction, because it involves lots of |
| did if you have to climb up on the roof to make | | | | balancing and moving around. Make sure there is |
| adjustments. | | | | always someone on the ground spotting you and |
| Get the Right Gear | | | | keeping an eye on things. |
| There are three parts that you need to connect | | | | Naturally, you should never go out on the roof |
| in order to get the antenna or satellite dish in | | | | unless the weather is just right - strong winds and |
| working order. These are: the dish or antenna, the | | | | storms are a no-no, and if there is even the |
| coaxial cable that connects the dish to your | | | | possibility there may be ice up there, stay on the |
| television, and a receiver that plugs into your | | | | ground. |
| television. When you are connecting, make sure | | | | |