Home Satellite TV Antenna
(160-2508)                 Site Survey                Faxback Doc. # 31422

Choosing the location for your Radio Shack satellite dish can be the most
important step of the installation.  Nothing can compensate for the
problems caused by a poor dish location.  There are five factors to
consider in the site survey:

*  View of the Satellite Arc
*  Terrestrial Interference (TI)
*  Satellite Cable Route
*  Dish Movement
*  Local Zoning Codes

VIEW OF THE SATELLITE ARC

Determining the view of the satellite arc can be confusing because it
varies greatly from one location to another and the satellites are so far
away (22,300 miles) that they are impossible to see.  But, the exclusive
Radio Shack satellite finder and the supplied alignment data printout for
your location make the job very simple.

1.  Begin by transferring the azimuth angles from the alignment data 
    printout to the azimuth chart on the satellite finder.  Then, assemble
    the satellite finder following its attached instructions.  Don't forget
    to set the latitude gauge for the latitude listed on your alignment
    data printout.

2.  Determine the direction of "true" south from the desired dish location.

    To find true south, first find magnetic south using a simple magnetic
    compass.  Then, refer to "Magnetic Variation Map" (or on the back of
    the satellite finder)and add or subtract the indicated number of
    degrees for your location.

3.  Choose an object (a small bush or fence post) or drive a small wooden
    stake 12 feet or more away from your proposed location and in the 
    direction of true south.  You will use this reference during the site
    survey and during dish installation.

    Note:  You must determine a different reference for true south for
    each location you consider during your site survey.

4.  Stand at the proposed dish location and point the satellite finder 
    toward true south with the rectangular tube vertical (straight up and
    down).

5.  With your eye as close as possible to the finder pointer, site a line
    across the top of the pointer and over the azimuth angle dots you
    marked earlier.

CAUTION:  Be sure to keep the finder tube vertical while you are siting the
          satellites.

If there is an obstruction (a tree, a building, or a large post) in the 
line of sight for one of the satellites, reception from that satellite
will be poor.

Of course, an ideal location is one that allows a clear view of all the
satellites, and you should strive to find such a location in your yard.
But if compromises must be made, use a "Satellite Guide" to help you
decide which satellites are most important for your viewing needs.

TERRESTRIAL INTERFERENCE (TI)

As the name implies, "terrestrial interference" (TI) is caused by signal
sources on the earth that use similar frequencies to the satellite signals.
The most likely source of such interference is telephone microwave relay
towers.  Look for such towers in your area and/or call your local telephone
company for information about the locations of the towers.  If you find
such towers generally south of your home and pointed toward your location,
it is possible that you will have some terrestrial interference.  The
interference is more noticeable when the dish is aimed directly toward a
microwave tower.

If there is a solid object, such as a fence or building, between the dish
and the tower, and this object does not obstruct the dish's view of the
satellites, TI is blocked.  In most cases, TI interference is not a serious
problem, but you can add an optional TI filter to your satellite receiver
if necessary.  Contact your local Radio Shack store for more information.

THE SATELLITE CABLE ROUTE

The direct-buriable satellite cable supplied with you dish is 100 feet
long. So, one of the first considerations in this part of the site survey
is that the cable will reach from the dish location (outside) to the
satellite receiver (inside).  Fifty- and one hundred-foot cable extension
kits are available by special order to increase the total length of the
cable up to 350 feet.

CAUTION:  We do not recommend any other modifications to the supplied 
          cable - this could cause severe interference or signal loss
          problems.

Additional things to consider for cable path are other underground cables
or pipes - the telephone or electric company can usually provide
information about these.  Also, the point where you want the cable to
enter the house and the locations of sidewalks or driveways are important.

NOTE:  You should not actually run the cable into the house or bury the
       cable until you complete dish installation and find your first two
       satellites.  We will provide more specific instructions about cable
       routing at the appropriate time.

DISH MOTION

Because the dish turns from side to side as you aim it at different
satellites, there must be at least 5 1/2 feet of clearance in all
directions from the dish post.

LOCAL ZONING CODE

Local zoning codes can vary from nothing to very strict regulations
concerning size, type, location, wiring, and grounding of the dish.  Some
cities might also require a building permit.  It is best to check with
local authorities before you begin dish installation.


(CS 3/18/96)