Aiming the Multistar
MS-85 Multi-Satellite Dish
Proper installation of
the MS-85 requires diligence and exactness. To ensure that maximum satellite
signals are received by each LNBF, the mast must be level and plumb before the
dish is lowered onto it. As well, the dish should be set to the proper
elevation and tilt (skew) for the location (city, zip code or global position).
The MS-85 will
accommodate up to five LNBF. The best way to install the MS-85 is to use your
center satellite LNBF as your guide. Let's say you are looking for these five
satellites:
#1 91 West
#2 97 West
#3 101 West
#4 110 West
#5 119 West
Obviously, 101W is your
center satellite and #3 will be your guide LNBF.
So, to expedite matters,
just proceed accordingly:
1. Download the program
at Swedish Microwave.
Then, open the program to the page below.
2. Look at the hints
(in red) on the chart
above. You will input your location and the satellite location into the top
three fields on the page. ** Note - West longitude is always expressed as a
negative number in this program. The program will compute the bottom four
fields so that you will know where to aim the center LNBF on your satellite
dish. As well, the Polarization angle is also the same as the amount of 'tilt'
you should set your dish to (see the dial on the back of your dish mount).
**Note - If your polarization angle is a positive number, you will (while
looking at the back of your dish) turn your dish 'tilt' dial to the right
(clockwise) to the corresponding degree mark. If your polarization angle is a
negative number, you will turn your dish 'tilt' dial to the left
(counter-clockwise).
Helpful hint: If you do not know the
latitude and longitude for your location, download and open the
satellite finder
program. Enter your city and state into the fields at the top left of the page
and click on the COMPUTE icon at bottom left. Your longitude and latitude will
be shown in the POSITION field.
3. Once you are receiving signal
quality on your middle LNBF for the satellite you WANT to be your center
satellite, tighten the dish mount bolts to secure the dish position. Now you
should be ready to add more LNBF (as many as five total).
4. For up to (4) LNBF on your new
multisatellite dish, connect each to the LNB 1, 2, 3 and 4 positions on your 4
X 1 DiSEqC switch. For more than (4) LNBF, use the diagram
here for
a guide.
5. For each satellite desired, add the corresponding LNBF
to the mounting bar on the MS-85. Knowing that your center LNBF is looking at
the 101W satellite (AMC-4), you know that your #2 satellite is at 97W, which is
four degrees of longitude east. Using the factory markings present on the
mounting bar, place your #2 LNBF four degrees to the left (while looking at the
front of the dish) of the center LNBF. Now, add the #1 LNBF, which should be
ten degrees to the left (101W minus 91W equals ten) of the center LNBF. As
well, add the LNBF for your #4 and #5 satellite to the area to the right of the
center LNBF. Adjust accordingly until you receive signal quality.
6. Your dish is aimed. If you have problems, start from
square one again. Make sure your mast is level and plumb. When you get your
mast straight, you can have success!
