FAQs
Guides
- How to align a satellite dish: a 10-step guide – Step-by-step guide to aligning a satellite dish: site survey, plumb mast, azimuth, elevation, LNB skew and fine-tuning – with reference angles for Astra 28.2°E.
- Setting the LNB skew: getting the rotation angle right – Understand and set the LNB skew angle: why the LNB is rotated, which way, and what value applies at your location – with a table for Astra 28.2° East.
- No satellite signal: finding the cause in order – TV not finding the satellite? Test the signal and narrow down the fault: reading the meter correctly, checking the chain backwards, F-connectors, alignment, rain and individual missing channels.
- Aligning a dish without a meter: using your phone – Align a satellite dish with a smartphone instead of a satellite meter: calculate the angles, check the line of sight with the AR camera, set elevation with the tilt sensor, azimuth with the compass.
- Why a phone compass misses the dish by degrees – Magnetic declination, steel at the mast and sensor drift: why the compass points wrong when aligning, how big the error is, and how to sidestep it using the sun.
- Aligning to Astra 28.2° East: the values for your city – Azimuth, elevation and LNB skew for Astra 28.2° East across British and Irish cities – as a table, with guidance on interpolating and mounting.
FAQ
How do I align the satellite dish?
To align the satellite dish, you will need a compass and a spirit level. Make sure the antenna mast is vertically aligned, and use the compass to find the correct orientation.
What is the difference between Azimuth and Elevation?
Azimuth is the compass direction the dish points to, measured in degrees from north (0°) through east (90°) and south (180°). Elevation is the angle above the horizon. Both depend on your location and the satellite's orbital position. Note that a compass shows magnetic north while azimuth refers to true north, and on an offset dish the elevation scale on the bracket is not the tilt of the reflector surface.
How can I adjust the skew of the LNB?
The skew of the LNB is given in degrees and should be set according to the satellite position. This helps optimize signal quality.
Which satellites can I set with this app?
The app supports a variety of satellites that can be selected from the list. By default, satellite 19.2° East is set, which is relevant for many European countries.
How can I enter my location?
You can enter your location either by typing a place or address into the corresponding field. The app will then calculate the optimal settings for the satellite dish.
Can the website be used offline?
Yes, the website can be used offline after being loaded once in the browser. For the best experience, however, an internet connection is recommended to access satellite data.
Is the SatFinder App a real app? How do I install it on my phone?
The SatFinder App (SatFinder.APP) is a free web app (PWA), not a meter: it runs directly in your browser – no Google Play or App Store needed. Open satfinder.app on your smartphone and choose “Add to Home Screen” in the browser menu: the app then appears with its own icon like a regular app, starts in fullscreen and even works offline. No download, no account and no updates required.
How can I check with the AR camera whether trees or buildings block the satellite?
The AR camera of the SatFinder App has two modes: in compass mode, the satellite is shown directly in the camera view. If your device's compass is inaccurate, switch to elevation mode: hold the phone in the direction of the dish – a line marks the exact height of the satellite above the horizon. If trees, roofs or buildings rise above the line, the line of sight is blocked and reception will suffer.