How to install a satellite dish system.

By Tim Wilson

Before we begin.

Installing a satellite dish system to a caravan, motorhome or boat is not as difficult as it may first seem.

I have been installing satellite systems for years and find that most systems are basically the same. If you understand the basics then you should feel confident to install your own satellite system.

The Dish

A standard automatic satellite dish is made up from several parts. The motor drive to move the dish, the dish its self, the L.N.B and L.N.B arm and the cables to power the motors and connect to the L.N.B.

Location

You will need to locate a suitable place on your roof where the weight of the dish is not going to be a problem. Furthermore, a place for the cables to enter the vehicle. (above a cupboard or locker is best.)

Standard Connections

Most satellite systems have everything you need to install the dish to your vehicle in the box. The dish is installed by either gluing the dish to the roof or gluing the dish to the roof then screwing it in place.

Look at the connections as some systems have a molded connector on the end and will require a bigger hold to be drilled. In addition, you should think about a cover for the hole once the cable is in. This is the most important part of the installation as this could cause your vehicle to leak. (not good, TRUST ME!)

Next take a look to see what connections you will need to make inside the vehicle. Most satellite DISH systems need a 12 volt supply and an ignition supply to fold the dish down when you forget to do it.

When you have located the supplies you will need to run cable to the cupboard or locker to mount the controll unit. As most satellite systems have a control box of some sorts.

TIP: The Camos Dome satellite system has only 1 cable to put through the roof. You could always remove the old status antenna that you will no longer need.

Connecting it all up.

• READ THE INSTRUCTIONS TWICE!!! I point this out now to avoid tears later.
• READ THE INSTRUCTIONS TWICE!!!! Just checking you got that last point.
• Endure that all cables are fused. GOOD.
• Now remove all th fuses before you install the unit.
• Connect the 12 volt and the ignition connection to the system and plug in the coax and the motor control wire from the roof.
• CHECK ALL CONNECTIONS ARE WIRED CORRECTLY.
  
• + is positive and usually red and - is negative and usually black. Do not take this as read as not all systems follow this Colour code. CHECK!!!! Do not forget the ignition. (you can get the system to work without it but remember to connect it.
  

Tip: The Camos Dome Satellite System does NOT need and ignition feed.

Ok, we are ready for the first test.

• Put fuses in.
• If they did not blow then proceed.
• If they did start again above and prey your system is not damaged.
• Turn on the motor control and select a satellite.
• Go on the roof and watch the system come up and go round a few times.
• OPTIONAL STEP - Get mates round to show off.
  

Second Test

• Turn system on and let it lock onto a satellite.
• Turn television on and ensure its working ok.
• Start the vehicle.
• Go back on the roof and make sure the dish parks correctly.

JOB DONE. Get beer and put dish up and down a few times until you get board, then get partner and show them. LOL

If this seems easy, then I may have been a little on the information.

Its not easy, if it was I would be out of a job. You CAN install your own satellite dish to your vehicle, but you must remember that if you do anything wrong, you only have yourself to blame and your dish will not be returnable.

However, you may want to have your satellite dish installed by a professional or at the very least be able to get some help from one if it goes wrong.

Did I mention that I was a satellite dish installer? Did I also mention that any equipment purchased from our online store comes with my mobile number?

Well, I don't do this for nothing you know. LOL