RCA Satellite TV Antenna User Manual
SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA
SELF-INSTALLER’S GUIDE
Safety Information
DANGER! Avoid Powerlines! When following the instructions in this guide to install and connect
the satellite antenna and connections, take extreme care to avoid
contact with overhead power lines, lights and power circuits.
Contact with power lines, lights, and power circuits may be fatal.
CAUTION Before connecting the DSS® receiver, read the Safety Information
that came packed with the DSS® receiver.
Outdoor Dish The outdoor dish antenna used to receive satellite signals and the
Antenna Grounding cable used to connect the outdoor dish antenna to the indoor
receiving unit are required to comply with local installation codes
and the appropriate sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC),
especially Articles 250, 810 and 820. These codes require proper
grounding of the metal structure of the outdoor dish antenna and
grounding of the connecting cable at a point where it enters the
house (or other building). If you are having a professional installer
make the installation, the installer must observe installation codes
in making the installation. The DSS® System Self-Installer’s Kit
contains instructions on how to make the installation in compliance
with the National Electrical Code (NEC). If additional local
installation codes apply, contact local inspection authorities.
Compliance with Before installing the DSS® System, check the electrical code
National Electrical Code guidelines in your area.
Restrictions Before installing your dish, check the zoning codes, covenants and
community restrictions in your area. Some rules prohibit installing
large satellite dishes, but may allow small ones. Also, there may be
restrictions in your area that limit the mounting height of dishes.
If you encounter homeowner or community restrictions, call 1-800679-4776. Personnel at this number can provide information that
may be helpful when attempting to obtain permission to install a
DSS® system on your property.
DSS® is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc, a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp.
Universal Accessories
D940EXP 2nd Room Kit
With one digital satellite system, use the D940EXP 2nd Room Kit to view the same
programming in another room. And, control your receiver with the Universal Remote
included in the kit. Easy to install, your kit includes all the necessary hardware:
Signal Sender System - Converts infrared (line of sight) signal
into radio frequency (goes through walls).
Digital Satellite System Universal Remote - Keep your original
remote with your Digital Satellite Receiver and use this remote
in the 2nd Room. Preprogrammed to work your receiver and 4
additional components.
100 ft. Coaxial Cable - Used to run from your Digital Satellite
Receiver to your 2nd Room TV.
$
99
$
49
$
79
$
24
95
95
95
95
3 ft. Coaxial Cable and Two-Way Splitter - Used to connect your
primary and secondary TVs to your receiver.
ANT200 Amplified TV Antenna
Connect your Digital Satellite System Receiver to the ANT200 Amplified Antenna
and begin receiving your local network stations. The built in A/B switch makes it
easy to switch between satellite stations and your local programs. With its unique
design, you can boost your UHF/VHF TV signals for improved broadcast reception.
D916 Wireless Phone Jack System
This handy device lets you turn any electrical outlet into a phone jack instantly. Use
it to make the telephone connection to your Digital Satellite System Receiver. Easy
to install in just minutes!
D903 In-Line Amplifier
Amplifies incoming signal for best picture when installation requires long coaxial
cable runs. (For Indoor Use Only)
$
22
$
59
95
95
D915 CHIMNEY MOUNT
Made of durable steel, the D915 Chimney Mount allows you to mount your Digital
Satellite System to any size chimney.
D940 REMOTE CONTROL SIGNAL SENDER
Control your Digital Satellite Receiver from any room. Just plug it in! The Remote
Control Signal Sender transmits your remote control signal from one room to another
- through walls and floors. Extends the range of your remote control up to 140 feet.
Also works most VCRs and Laserdisc Players from anywhere in your home. Contains
one base unit and one extension unit. Each unit is only four inches tall. Additional
extension units are available (Model #D935).
Accessory Order Form
To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the
directions below to order by telephone or by direct mail.
To place your order by phone, have your VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card ready and call the tollfree number listed below between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm (EST), Monday thru Friday, or 9:00 am
and 5:00 pm (EST), Saturday. USE THIS number only to place an order for the accessories listed on
this order form.
To place an order by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information,
check or money order (in U.S currency), made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., to
the following address.
DESCRIPTION PART NO. PRICE QTY. TOTAL
1-800-338-0376
Video Accessories
P.O. Box 8419
Ronks, PA 17573
2nd Room Kit D940EXP 99.95
Chimney Mount D915 22.95
Amplified Antenna ANT200 49.95
Wireless Phone Jack System D916 79.95
In-Line Amplifier D903 24.95
Remote Control Signal Sender D940 59.95
Remote Control Signal Sender
Extension Unit D935 39.95
TOTAL MERCHANDISE
SALES TAX
We are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax for each individual
state, country, and locality to which the merchandise is being sent.
SHIPPING AND HANDLING 5.00
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Please Allow 4 - 6 Weeks For Delivery
Use VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card. Money Order or check must be in U.S currency only. No
COD or cash.
✄
Detach Here
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________ Zip Code: _____________________________________
❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ Discover
Credit Card Number: _______________________________ Expiration Date:____________________
Signature: (Required for Credit Card Orders)_______________________________________________
Table Of Content s
Preparing for Installation ................................................ 3
Installation Overview ................................................................... 4
The Big Question: Should I Do This Myself? ................................ 5
General Site Survey ...................................................................... 5
Finding a Clear Line of Sight ................................................................... 6
Where Is The Satellite, Anyway? .............................................................. 6
How High Up in the Sky is the Satellite? .................................................. 6
Finding the Dish Pointing Coordinates ........................................ 7
Connecting the Receiver to a TV ............................................................. 7
Using the Dish Pointing Menu Screen ...................................................... 8
Precise Site Survey ....................................................................... 9
A Final Site Survey ................................................................................ 10
Connections and Setup
Estimating Cable Requirements ................................................. 11
Cable Estimate Procedure...................................................................... 12
Dish Assembly Overview ........................................................... 13
Partial Dish Assembly ................................................................ 14
Setting the Elevation on the Dish............................................... 14
Mounting the Mast ........................................................ 15
Mounting The Mast On Solid Wood Or Lap Siding ...................... 16
Important Considerations: .................................................................... 16
Mounting Instructions........................................................................... 17
Installing a Spacer.................................................................................18
Mounting the Mast on Brick or Poured Concrete ....................... 19
IMPORTANT Considerations .................................................................. 19
Mounting Instructions........................................................................... 19
Mounting the Mast on a Hollow or Cinder Block Wall ................ 20
IMPORTANT Considerations .................................................................. 20
Mounting Instructions........................................................................... 21
Mounting Instructions........................................................................... 23
Mounting the Dish On A Pole ..................................................... 23
Mounting the Mast on a Roof ..................................................... 25
Step-by-step Instructions for Mounting the Mast on a Roof ................... 25
1
Table of Contents
Final Installation ........................................................... 27
Leveling the Mast ....................................................................... 28
Leveling Side-to-Side ............................................................................. 28
Leveling Front-to-Back .......................................................................... 29
Final Dish Assembly .................................................................. 29
Routing and Grounding the Cables ............................................ 31
A Few Words About Grounding
the System ................................................................................. 31
Running Cable Into the House ................................................... 33
Making the Final Connections .................................................... 34
Acquiring and Fine Tuning the Signal ........................................ 35
Adjusting the Azimuth and Elevation Settings ....................................... 36
Ordering Programming .............................................................. 37
Troubleshooting ......................................................................... 38
Can’t Pick Up the Satellite Signal ........................................................... 38
Temporary Satellite Signal Loss ............................................................. 39
You Hear Sound While Talking on the Phone.......................................... 39
Digital Satellite System Installer's Reference ............................ 40
Support Line ......................................................................................... 40
Program Providers ................................................................................ 40
Digital Satellite System Publications ...................................................... 40
Index .......................................................................................... 41
2
Preparing for Installation
There are a few tasks you need to complete before you
will be ready to mount the satellite dish, the most
important of which is to make sure you have a clear
line of sight to the satellite.
3
Installation Overview
Installation Overview
The manual is organized into steps that need to be performed in the order
presented.
Preparing for Installation
• Complete a General Site Survey – Visually survey your location to make sure
it is suitable.
• Obtain Dish Pointing Coordinates – Use the on-screen menu system to
obtain the exact coordinates (azimuth and elevation) for pointing the dish.
Directions for using on-screen menus can be found in your receiver manual.
• Select the Precise Mounting Site – Use the dish pointing coordinates to
conduct a precise site survey to determine the exact mounting site.
• Estimate Cable Requirements – Based on your mounting site, you will decide
where you want the cable to enter your house, and measure how many feet of
cables you need to complete the connection.
• Begin Dish Assembly – Attach the reflector to the support arm so that you
can preset the correct elevation.
• Set the Elevation on Dish – This is an important step. Making sure that your
elevation setting is correct will help you to more easily obtain the signal later
on.
Mounting the Mast
• Mount the Mast – Step-by-Step mounting instructions for each mounting
option.
Completing the Final Installation
• Level the Mast – The mast must be level to obtain the signal.
• Complete the Dish Assembly – Place the dish on the mast and connect the
RG-6 coaxial cable to the LNB, and attach the LNB to the support arm.
• Route the Cables to the Grounding Block – Attach a grounding block to the
house and route the cables from the dish to the grounding block. Also, route
grounding wire from the grounding block to the central building ground.
• Run the Cables from Grounding Block into the House – Run the RG-6 cable
from the grounding block into the house and to the back of the receiver.
• Make the Final Connections to the Receiver – Connect the RG-6 to the
satellite input on the receiver, and make the phone line connection.
• Acquire and Fine-Tune the Satellite Signal – Use the on-screen signal meter
to check for a signal. Once the signal is obtained, adjust dish pointing to
achieve maximum signal strength for your location.
• Order Satellite Programming – Call the service providers to order satellite
programming.
4 Preparing for Installation
The Big Question: Should I Do This Myself?
While the installation is not difficult, it does require that you have some
experience in electrical wiring and minor construction techniques. Also,
you may have to climb a ladder, so you’ll want to be comfortable working
with heights.
Question: Have you installed any of these home products or completed
tasks similar to them?
• TV antenna outside your house
• ceiling fan
• basketball goal
• dimmer switch
• garage door opener
If the answer is YES, then you can be reasonably confident that you can
install the Digital Satellite System yourself.
General Site Survey
If the answer is NO, then this is probably not the time to learn. Consider
contacting your local authorized DSS® retailer to recommend a
professional installer.
General Site Survey
To get a signal, the satellite dish must be pointed directly at the satellite,
with NO obstructions between the two. This means NO trees and NO
buildings. Take into consideration future tree growth, house remodeling
or additions and new construction in your area.
The satellite signal WILL NOT PASS through leaves or branches.
The satellite signal WILL NOT PASS through glass; don’t try to install your
dish indoors!
Preparing for Installation 5
General Site Survey
60° 30°
Where I s The Satellite, Anyway?
The satellite is always located south of Texas. That means if you live
in Miami, you must have a clear line of sight to the southwest; if you
live in San Francisco, you must have a clear line to the southeast.
How High Up in the Sky is the Satellite?
Depending on where you live, the satellite will be at an elevation
angle between 30 and 60 degrees. Southern states point more toward
60 degrees; northern states point more toward 30 degrees.
Indianapolis, IN
look southwest
San Francisco, CA
look southeast
N
EW
S
N
EW
S
90°
60°
30°
N
EW
Miami, FL
S
look southwest
Satellite is here
Finding a Clear Line of Sight
1. Go outside and locate at least one site on your property that
has a clear view to the satellite. You should be reasonably
certain you are pointing toward Texas (unless you’re in
Texas, in which case you should be looking due south). You
may want to use a map.
2. Imagine an arc ranging from 30 to 60 degrees above
the horizon.
3. Do you have at least one clear view to the satellite?
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 the satellite system.
If the answer is MAYBE, you may want to contact a your
local digital satellite dealer for information about having a
professional installer conduct a thorough site survey.
0°
NO
MAYBE
YES!
60° 30°
60° 30°
If the answer is YES, your site should be suitable for
installing the system. Go ahead to the next section in this
manual.
6 Preparing for Installation
Finding the Dish Pointing Coordinates
Finding the Dis h Pointing Coordinates
You need to connect the satellite receiver to your TV and use the
on-screen menu system to find the dish pointing coordinates for
your location.
Connecting the Receiver to a TV
For this task, you use the most basic connection to save time.
After you have installed your system, you may want to consult
the instruction manual that accompanies the receiver for more
advanced connection options.
1. Connect a coaxial cable to the OUT TO TV jack on the
satellite receiver, and to the antenna IN jack on your TV.
TV
IN
SATELLITE
RECEIVER
IN FROM ANT
OUT TO TV
CH 4
CH 3
Additional
Information
This example shows a basic
connection. Refer to the
manual that accompanies
the receiver for additional
connection options.
NOTE
Make sure that you are
connecting to the OUT TO TV
jack on the receiver. Some
models may have the outputs
in different positions than
shown in the diagram to
the left.
CH3/CH4 switch
2. Make sure that the TV and the satellite receiver are both
plugged into an AC power outlet.
3. Turn on the TV and the satellite receiver.
4. If the satellite receiver has a CH3/CH4 switch on the back,
tune your TV to channel 3 or 4. If the satellite receiver does
not have a CH3/CH4 switch, tune to UHF channel 14, or cable
channel 65.
CAUTION
Do not stack electronic
components on top of
the digital satellite
receiver.
Preparing for Installation 7
Finding the Dish Pointing Coordinates
Using the Dish Pointing Menu Screen
The satellite receiver has an on-screen menu feature for obtaining the
precise dish pointing coordinates for your location. You can use the
buttons on the front panel of the receiver to navigate through the
menu system, or you can use the remote control. If you have not
already inserted batteries into the remote, you can do that now.
Directions for using on-screen menus can be found in your receiver
manual.
When you’ve obtained the coordinates, record the elevation and
azimuth numbers below.
Elevation ______________ Azimuth ________________
Elevation is the up/down angle
that the dish is pointed
8 Preparing for Installation
Azimuth is side to side direction
that the dish is pointed
Preci se Site Survey
Precise Site Survey
Based on your general site survey, you probably already know
where you want to mount your dish, but it’s a good idea to follow
the procedures outlined in this section in order to make sure that
your site selection is a good one.
1. Go outside to your install site and hold a compass flat in the
palm of your hand. Hold your hand still until the needle stops
moving (the dark or colored half of the compass needle always
points north).
2. Rotate the compass so that the “N” (for north) is directly under
the dark part of the compass needle. Your compass is now
aligned with north. The tick marks around the edge of the
compass represent azimuth degrees.
3. Locate the tick mark on the compass that corresponds to the
azimuth number you wrote down. This is the direction of your
azimuth setting (the direction the dish will need to be pointed
to receive signals from the satellite).
Rotate until N lines up with
the dark half of the arrow
If you live in
San Francisco,
the satellite will be
to the southeast
If you live in Miami,
the satellite will be
to the southwest
Tip
You may want to review the
section “Mounting the Mast”
and consider the mounting
options before completing
your precise site survey.
Tip
Try to keep the compass
away from any metal
objects. Metal objects can
cause inaccurate compass
readings.
4. Raise your arm to approximately the elevation angle recorded
earlier to make sure that there are no obstructions in the signal
path.
90°
60°
30°
0°
5. Repeat this survey in several places on your property if
necessary until you find the best mounting location.
WARNING
Do NOT install the dish
near power lines,
electric lights or power
circuits. Contact with
power lines, lights or
power circuits may be
fatal. It is recommended
that the dish be located
more than 20 feet from
overhead power lines.
Preparing for Installation 9
A Final Site Survey
Now that you’ve conducted a precise site survey using the dish pointing
coordinates for your location, you should double-check one more time
to make sure you have a clear view to the satellite.
60° 30°
NO
I Don’t have a clear view to the satellite.
If you don’t have a clear view to the satellite, then your site may not be
suitable for installing the satellite system. A professional installer may
have an alternative solution—consider contacting your satellite system
dealer to find the name of an authorized satellite system installer.
60° 30°
MAYBE
I’m Not sure If I have a Clear View
If you’re not certain whether you have a clear view to the satellite, you
have two choices :
• Continue with the installation and determine whether you have a
clear view to the satellite by testing the system.
• Contact your satellite system dealer to find the name of an
authorized satellite system installer who can help you verify that
your property is suitable for installation.
I Have A Clear View to the Satellite
Your site should be suitable for installing the satellite system.
Continue with the installation.
10 Preparing for Installation
Estimating Cable Requir ement s
Now that you’ve decided on the exact mounting site, you need to
decide where you want the cable to enter the house, and then figure
out approximately how much cable you are going to need.
The diagram below shows you a “typical” installation scheme,
outlining the cables that are needed. The information on the following
page takes you through the cable estimating process step-by-step.
Grounding block
Messenger (ground) wire
grounded to block
Cable entry into house
Estimating Cable Requirements
RG-6 coaxial cable #1
with messenger wire
#10 Copper or #8 Aluminum
Grounding wire goes to
Central Building Ground
RG-6 coaxial cable #2
(no messenger wire)
Messenger (ground) wire
attached to the mounting foot
DSS receiver
TV
A Few Words About
Grounding the
System
Grounding the satellite
system to the central
building ground helps
protect it and other
components from lightning
damage. Dish installation
should comply with local
codes and the National
Electrical Code (NEC).
Grounding the satellite
system is something you can
probably do yourself. But if
you’re not sure, you should
contact a qualified
electrician.
Preparing for Installation 11
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