Installation Page

The Dish Network User's Resource

This page is intended for hints, tips, tricks, and other valuable information related to installing or upgrading EchoStar systems.

Beginning

• Some Installation Q & A
• What does a “basic” install include?
• What if I have trees in the way?
• Dish pointing angles, determining line of sight

The dish

• Dish Types
• Installing a pole mount
• Dish 500 correct install plus 5 degrees? NO!
• Can I Mix Dish and DirecTV LNBs on one Dish?
• Where can I get a good cheap LNB?
• What's this Twin LNBF I've heard about?
• Twas the night before Christmas - How to do a Newbie Dish 500 Install.

Switches

• Switch Selector Charts
• What are switches, and why do I need them?
• DishPro Switches
• Should I mount my switch in a watertight box?
• Where can I download switch wiring diagrams? (choose Product Type: Dish/LNBF, any dish or switch, “Go,” then expand menu on the left)
• DishPro Technology

Grounding

• Use of a “ground block”
• What is a Ground Loop?
• Where can I read more about grounding and Safety Issues?

Signal strength

• My signal strength is only 61 Will my picture improve if I can increase it?
• Why does my signal strength bar go up to 125 percent?

Non-permanent Installation

• How can I get a coax into my apartment without drilling holes?
• On The Road Page

Are there any cable length issues I need to consider?

Yes, with unpowered switches like the SW21 and SW42, the maximum overall length from the receiver to the LNB varies according to how far the switch is from the receiver. See: Recommended maximum cable lengths for use with SW21 and SW42 switches. Powered switches like the SW64 and the new SW44 have less stringent requirements and support much longer runs.

Where can I find additional documents to help me set up my EchoStar system?

• See EchoStar's document download page at http://www.dishnetwork.com/support/documents/receivers/default.aspx
• Dish Network's TechPortal, choose a receiver, then expand the Install menu on the left side

My Homeowner's Association won't let me put up a Dish, What can I do?

The FCC has established rules and procedures for this situation. See:

• http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html
• 1996 Rulings: http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1996_TXT/fcc96328.txt
• 1998 Rulings: http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/fcc98273.txt

Additional help and support can be found at the Homeowners consumer news group.
news://misc.consumers.house.homeowner-assn. A Google search of past posts might turn up helpful information.