Grounding the satellite system to the central building ground helps protect it and other components from lightning damage. Different brands of satellite systems may have special grounding requirements. However, dish installation should comply with local codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Refer to your satellite system’s user guides for any other additional grounding information. Grounding the satellite system is something you can probably do yourself. But if you’re not sure, you should contact a qualified electrician. Acceptable central building ground points

• Grounded interior metal cold water pipe within five feet of the point where it enters the building.
• Grounded metallic service raceway.
• Grounded electrical service equipment enclosure.
• Eight-foot grounding rod driven into the ground (only if bonded to the central building ground by #6 or heavier bonding wire).
• Other acceptable grounding electrodes that comply with sections 250 and 810 of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

***The United States National Electrical Code specifies that coaxial cable that is exposed to lightning shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as possible.

• Attach the grounding block to the side of your house close to the point you have chosen as the coaxial cable entry point. You may have to use anchors, togglers, or wood screws depending on the surface on which you are mounting the grounding block.
• Route the coaxial cable and messenger (ground) wire from the bottom of the mast to the grounding block.
• Make a 3"- 5" drip loop using cable clips at the grounding block. This will prevent water from running into the connection at the grounding block.
• Place some silicone grease on the connector and connect the coaxial cable to the grounding block.
• Secure the messenger (ground) wire to the grounding block.
• Locate the central building ground.
• Use a grounding wire (#10 copper or #8 aluminum) that will extend from the grounding block to the central building ground. Attach the grounding wire to the grounding block by placing it through the wire hole in the grounding block and tightening the screw.
• Route the grounding wire from the grounding block to the central building ground, and connect to the central building ground.

To get a signal, a satellite dish must be pointed directly at the satellite, with NO obstructions between the two.

This means NO trees and NO buildings

To determine where the satellite you are looking for is located,

use our satellite look angle and azimuth calculator.

Once you have obtained that information, use a compass to determine the location of the satellite from your property.

When you look for obstacles that may be in the path of the signal (according to the look angle and the azimuth of the satellite), take into consideration future tree growth, house remodeling or additions and new construction in your area.

Where are the satellites located anyway?

The satellites are located 22,000 miles above the equator.

In Canada, depending on where you live, the satellites highest above your head will have an elevation angle between 30 and 45 degrees and the most westerly and most easterly satellites will have an elevation angle between 15 and 10 degrees (vice-versa if you live on the West coast).

The small and fixed dishes we use today only point to a single satellite, so chances are that there is at least one location around your house where you will be able to install such a system.

Go outside and locate at least one site on your property that has a clear view to:

The South West for Canadians on the East coast,

The South East for Canadians on the West coast.
For a more exact site survey, use a compass in conjunction with the values obtained by our satellite look angle and azimuth calculator

Imagine you're pointing at the satellite, located 35 to 20 degrees above the horizon. Do you have at least one clear view to that direction?

Remember, no trees, leaves, buildings, or windows can be between the dish and the satellite.

If the answer is NO, your site may be unsuitable for installing an 18" or 24" Satellite System.

If the answer is YES, your site should be suitable for installing an 18" or 24" Satellite System.