In satellite TV purview, knowing how to use a satellite finder is key to acquiring a good reception. Sure, you can use a compass too, but the margin for error is quite large, considering that you have to search for a tiny speck of the satellite in a space the breadth of Texas. On top of that, there’s a satellite positioned approximately every three degrees along the circle above the equator, so an error of just a few degrees will easily get you the wrong satellite.

A satellite TV finder will help you home in to the right satellite so you can do the final alignment with ultimate accuracy.

No more standing on your roof for hours yelling if signal is good

What a satellite finder does is beep whenever it detects a signal. To use, you simply need to wire the satellite finder between your dish and your receiver. You will need an extra RG-6 (a leftover RG-6 cable will do) to connect the satellite finder to the dish’s LNB. Connect the long cable running down to the receiver on the satellite finder’s other female F-connector.

Now, turn on your equipment and adjust your satellite dish until the meter indicates optimum signal strength.

There are two adjustments you have to make on the satellite dish: the azimuth and the elevation. In order to get the best possible reception, you need to adjust the dish’s azimuth and elevation using the satellite signal finder as gauge for signal strength. Remember, you judge the accuracy by the signal strength: the stronger the signal the louder the beeps or clicks the device will make.

As you can see, tuning a satellite TV dish is easy. Anyone can do it, even relative beginners to DiY. However, take note that both DirecTV and Dish Network offer professional installation, typically free for first-time subscribers. As I have said, it is not hard, but it can be a hassle. If you find yourself in a situation wherein you cannot get a good reception whatever you do, maybe its time to set aside a $100 fee and let a professional handle the task.