Satellite TV (Victory!)

Last weekend a friend of mine ask me if somehow I can help his friend (the Earth is full of friendlies, I wonder why there is still war/s) make his satellite TV works, I think he wants this to be a hobby. I agreed to help knowing that I only knew some of the basics in the area of footprint, dish pointing and connecting the parts, I still don't even know how to check the set up if it is faulty, although I assume that his materials are all OK since it is all brand new.

It was 9:00 in the morning when we start, The whole set up was finished before lunch (Free! thats the pay and a few beers, Cheers!). Never did try to be expert but it seems simple or we're just lucky that day.

I'd say that most time consumed on the installation was mounting of the Satellite Dish, because of the drilling and screwing (of course the site where the dish is pointing is first considered), it is given. Once mounted, a few adjustment and walla! the bird (Agila 2 Satellite) is hit. Never even bother to check the compass to identify the location of the satellite, I just viewed the direction of the Sun. Well, I had an idea where it should be pointing, same as mine and the elevation of the dish were pattern also to my dish (there's a scale). The receiver is different (new model- I think) but work just fine.

Now I think I can set up a Satellite TV but only within my vicinity, cause I think Elevation and Azimuth doesn't change much. Of course LNB, receiver and cables should be in good condition otherwise I'm doomed (still don't know how to check if its functional). And no question or few should only be asked by the owner, because I can only answer few as of now but I think it will do. Just here to help (LOL!).

Sky high Terms

This is the best (in my opinion) visual explanation of what the Azimuth and Elevation relate to. They define location of an object in the sky to the origin (center of the illustration). Azimuth angle reference is the North (value is 0), for this one any working compass will do in locating Agila 2 ( its 146 E right!). Already checked it and its right! my satellite dish is facing that way. As for elevation from the dish scale, my satellite dish elevation actual setting is 55 but from calculation it's 56.83, hhmmm! not exact but close, but I think it will do, anyways my TV reception is good for me.
I've found another helpful site in getting the calculation for azimuth and elevation angle it is dishpointer.com, all you need to enter you location, and the satellite you want to pinpoint for free to air (FTA) and the values for dish set up will be given. It is an excellent reference for us.