Before You Start

You’ll need:

  • A satellite dish (properly mounted on a wall or pole)
  • A Universal Ku-band LNB
  • A coaxial cable connected to your satellite receiver
  • A TV or signal meter
  • Our Dish Calculator open on your phone

Step 1: Find Your Coordinates

Open our Dish Calculator and tap “Use my location”. This uses your phone’s GPS to get your exact latitude and longitude.

Step 2: Select Your Target Satellite

Choose the satellite from the dropdown. For most MENA viewers, this will be Nilesat 7W or Arabsat 26E.

Step 3: Note the Three Numbers

The calculator gives you three values:

Azimuth (Compass Direction)

The horizontal angle from True North, measured clockwise. For example, 180° means due south, 225° means southwest.

Tip: Use a compass app, but remember to account for magnetic declination (the difference between magnetic north and true north).

Elevation (Vertical Angle)

The angle above the horizon. Point the dish up at this angle. Most dishes have an elevation scale on the mounting bracket.

LNB Skew (Rotation)

How much to rotate the LNB in its holder. Positive means clockwise (when facing the dish), negative means counter-clockwise.

Step 4: Rough Alignment

  1. Set the elevation first using the scale on the dish mount
  2. Set the LNB skew by rotating the LNB in its collar
  3. Point the dish in the approximate azimuth direction

Step 5: Fine-Tune

  1. Turn on your receiver and go to the signal strength/quality screen
  2. Select any known transponder for your target satellite
  3. Slowly sweep the dish left and right until you see signal
  4. Once you see signal, fine-tune by tiny movements for maximum quality
  5. Tighten all bolts firmly

Step 6: Verify

Scan for channels. If you see the expected channels (e.g., MBC, Al Jazeera for Nilesat), your alignment is correct.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong satellite — You might lock onto a neighboring satellite. Always verify by checking channel names.
  • Obstruction — Trees, buildings, or even a neighbor’s dish can block signal at low elevations.
  • Cable issues — A damaged or wet connector can kill your signal. Use F-type connectors with weather boots.
  • Magnetic vs True North — Compass apps often show magnetic north. Add your local declination.

Need Help?

Use TARDOD’s Dish Calculator for precise angles, or check our Dish Size Guide to make sure your dish is large enough.