How to Fix and Find Your Satellite Dish Signal
Satellite dishes or digital terrestrial antennas are not elements that require continuous preservation. However, you may find your signal will suffer after long periods of time without proper satellite maintenance. In extreme cases, the antenna can become completely obscured after strong winds, heavy rain and snow. Satellite dish maintenance may seem daunting especially if you have never done it before. However, it is definitely worth doing to fix and find your satellite signal when needed!
There are a few different things that can go wrong with your antenna, many of which you can fix yourself! However, if you suspect it to be an electronic fault you may have to call on a specialist technician.
Luckily, we have compiled a guide on how to maintain your satellite dish, allowing you to fix most common problems. Remember, it is important to follow safety guidelines and wear any necessary protective gear since antenna and satellite dishes are often placed on roofs and balconies.
Things you will need
Step 1
Loosen the Satellite Dish’s Nuts
One of the biggest problems your satellite antenna may face is heavy winds, this can often blow the dish causing it to lose its correct orientation. This can mean that it can no longer provide the decoder with any signal. However, there is no need to panic because this has an easy fix.
So to fix satellite signal, start by loosening the nuts that attach the dish and support pole together. Next, reorient the dish; the easiest way to do this is to ask someone to watch the TV and direct you to the best angle for good signal.
You may find it difficult when loosening the bolts of the satellite dish, as continuous exposure to external agents could have blocked them. In this case, use WD-40® Specialist Fast Release Penetrant Spray, which will quickly penetrate and free the bolts.
Step 2
Re-centre the Satellite Dish to Improve Satellite Signal
Once the nuts and bolts have been loosened, you should re-centre the dish. Once you are happy with the position, firmly lock the bolts into place. One great way to protect your bolts from future damage is to coat them with WD-40® Multi-Use Product, reducing any further corrosion.
Another great preventative tip is to disconnect the cable connector that starts from the illuminator (i.e. the LNB Converter) and treat it with the WD–40® Specialist Fast Drying Contact Cleaner. Check online for the correct angle to set this at for your location.
Step 3
Check the Satellite Connections
You may find that sometimes heavy rain or melting snow can draw water into the antenna’s connectors. Since you won’t have the special instruments to check if these connections are the source of the problem, you should check the connectors to check if it is the cause. Start by loosening and removing the connectors.
If they appear oxidized, they will need to be replaced with new ones of identical size and diameter. The end of the cables must be peeled and prepared correctly (making sure the central conductor doesn’t touch the outer layer!) and then you can put the connectors back.
Before connecting them to the relative insertion terminals, treat them with WD-40® Specialist Fast Drying Contact Cleaner, which eliminates any moisture and condensation on electronic equipment. It will quickly penetrate hard-to-reach areas and restore the electrical conductivity. Repeat the same step on the wall connector, where the cable that reaches the television starts.
So, there you have it!
And there you have it - easy steps to fix satellite signal! Now you can enjoy your favourite shows in perfect viewing quality. If you found this handy guide useful, and would like to find out how else WD-40® can help you, why not check out our other blogs here? You’ll discover plenty of other WD-40® uses like cleaning roof tiles, removing bath sealant and more!
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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