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HOWTO: FreeSat satellite TV - a DIY installation guide for FreeSat

HOWTO: FreeSat satellite TV - a DIY installation guide

Synopsis

A straightforward introduction for the DIY enthusiast to assist with understanding how to receive FreeSat TV channels (a subscription free digital TV service in the UK). The aim of this guide is to provide information about the FreeSat digital TV service and more importantly has been written to give a starting point for learning about how to install FreeSat yourself. Fitting Freesat is within the reach of anyone with basic DIY skills, so we hope this guide will help get you started.

About FreeSat

FreeSat is a subscription free digital satellite TV service available in the UK. There is no monthly subscription charge for receiving FreeSat. FreeSat is the name used by a collaboration between the BBC and ITV, and confusingly is also the same name used by Sky (BSkyB) for their subscription free digital TV service.

FreesatfromSky is the name given to the ability to receive Free To Air (FTA) channels with a Sky satellite receiver. If you have a satellite dish and a Sky receiver it is possible to receive most of the FTA channels for free without a Sky viewing card. For a one of fee of £20 you can obtain a viewing card from Sky that additionally allows you to watch Channel 4, Five and Sky Three. Sky receivers can be purchased very cheaply second hand through eBay and elsewhere.

In May 2008 the BBC & ITV launched a new digital TV service also called Freesat, which offers all of the channels available on the terrestrial Freeview TV service (available with an aerial), with the added bonus of High Definition TV channels from the BBC and ITV (an HD receiver is required to watch the High Definition channels). No subscription or viewing card is required for the BBC/ITV FreeSat service.

Both the FreesatfromSky and the BBC/ITV Freesat service are transmitted from the same Astra 2/Eurobird group of satellites (located at the same position in the sky - 28.2º East of due South), so if you have a satellite dish setup for one of these services you can just swap between receivers without having to change the position of the dish.

Introduction

Installing a FreeSat dish and cabling is normally a relatively easy job for anyone who is happy with basic DIY jobs around the house. No technical experience is required. The most difficult part is likely to be physically mounting the dish on the building. Initially it can be a bit tricky to get the dish aligned to receive the correct signal, but with a bit of patience, a compass and a satellite finder it can be completed without any specialist knowledge.

Installation Steps

Below is a brief summary of the main tasks involved when setting up a FreeSat TV system:

1) Locate a suitable position for the satellite dish - the dish needs a clear ‘line of sight' view of the south eastern horizon with the minimum of obstructions from buildings, trees, etc.
2) Run high quality coaxial cable between the dish and the satellite receiver, and fit F type connectors at each end - ideally the cable run should be continuous without joints, as any break in the cable will introduce signal loss.
3) Attach the satellite dish to the building (see the section below for options when mounting the dish).
4) Align the satellite dish to point at the Astra 2/Eurobird group of satellites (28.2º East) - a compass and satellite finder is handy for this. It may also be useful to have someone inside checking the signal at the receiver to ensure you have got the right satellite!
5) Finally, sit back and enjoy a cold beer while you and your family enjoy High Definition TV for free!

Choosing a Dish Mounting Site

Finding a suitable satellite dish mounting location and actually fixing the dish to the building can be the toughest part of the installation. As mentioned above the dish needs to be mounted in a location with a clear view of the south eastern horizon. Any buildings, trees or other obstructions in the way between the dish and the satellites signal will cause interference or loss of signal. Normally the higher the dish is mounted on the building the less obstructions to the signal.

If the view of the horizon is obstructed by trees, bear in mind that trees move when the wind blows and have different levels of leaf coverage during the year. Moving trees and increased leaf growth can cause havoc with a satellite signal.

Satellite Dish Mounting Options

There is a choice when it comes to satellite dish mounting methods. Below is a brief summary of the available options:

Built-in wall mounts - the standard Sky/FreeSat 44cm and 60cm mini-dish comes with a built-in wall mount that can be bolted securely to external walls. The mount features a swinging arm that can be used to point the dish in the right horizontal direction. This is the simplest and easiest way to mount a satellite dish.

Pole mounted -

Pointing the Dish at the Correct Satellite

Assuming the dish is fixed to a mount and that you have run coaxial cable between dish and Freesat receiver, the final step is to align the dish so that it is pointing at the correct satellite group.

There are number of satellites in orbit over the Equator in Africa that are transmitting over Europe, but to receive a Freesat signal you need to find the Astra group of satellites located at 28.2º East from due South. From that group of satellites we are particularly interested in the signal from Astra 2D, which is aimed directly over the UK and parts of Ireland. Interestingly the Astra group is currently the first satellite group you will find as you swing a dish from East to South, which makes it a little easier to find.

Also located at 28.2º East is the Eurobird 1 satellite, which transmits the FreeSat Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and the software for Freesat receivers.

In addition the dish needs adjusting to point at the correct elevation in the Sky. In other words the dish needs to point at the right height in the sky so that it collects a signal from the correct satellite. The standard FreeSat or Sky mini-dish is actually an offset focus type dish, which means that the dish reflects the signal down towards the LNB. This offset focus design means the dish is normally mounted in an upright vertical position for most locations in the UK, rather than being pointed up into the sky.

Steps for Aligning a Satellite Dish

Below are some simple steps that should help make it easier to align a satellite dish:

Step 1

Ensure the satellite feed cable is connected to the satellite receiver at one end and connected to the LNB on your mounted dish at the other end - you may want to connect a satellite meter inline on the cable to assist with location and fine tuning of the best signal (a short patch lead with F connectors at each end will be handy for connecting up a satellite meter inline to the satellite feed cable in this way).

Important Note: Don't turn on the satellite receiver until you have connected up the coaxial cable. Satellite receivers supply a small voltage (18V) up the satellite feed cable for controlling the LNB, so make sure you connect everything up before turning the satellite receiver on, otherwise you could damage your receiver.

Step 2

Turn on the Freesat receiver, press Menu on the remote control and choose the Information option. You will see values for Network ID, Transport Stream, Signal Strength and Signal Quality. We are initially interested in Network ID and Transport Stream as these will help identify what satellite we are receiving a signal from - we are looking for Network ID 003b and Transport Stream 090b. Before the dish is aligned these values will be zero.

Step 3

Go back to the dish with a compass and point the dish so that it is aimed directly South. If you are in the UK and it's a standard FreeSat/Sky mini-dish ensure the rim of the dish is vertical, i.e. the rim is standing upright (see the diagram below). Next VERY slowly move the dish to the East until your satellite meter indicates a strong signal and the Network ID on the TV shows 003b and the Transport Stream is reading 090b. It's likely you will find a number of strong signals with other values before you get to the 28.2º East group of satellites.

This step is easiest with the help of someone indoors who can confirm the Network ID and Transport Stream values, but can be accomplished by finding a strong signal with a satellite finding meter and then going to check the values on the TV yourself.

Step 4

Once you have the receiver locked on to the correct satellite the final step is to fine tune the position of the dish to obtain the best signal strength. Move the dish on the mount in very small increments first left and right horizontally and then up and down vertically to get the best possible signal strength.

This is where the satellite meter becomes especially useful as you can fine tune to your heart's content. Otherwise you will need to rely on the Signal Strength and Signal Quality values displayed on the TV screen, which obviously requires two people.

Troubleshooting Dish Alignment

If you are not able to locate a signal with Network ID 003b and Transport Stream 090b then it's likely you are pointing the dish in the wrong direction, either horizontally or vertically. You may also be moving the dish too fast and moving it straight past the signal before the satellite receiver gets chance to lock on.

An alternative method of finding the correct Astra 2D signal is to start the swing of the dish from as far East as the dish will point. Sweep the dish towards the South until you find the first strong satellite signal. The Astra satellite group at 28.2º East is currently the first signal you should find. This may be easier than starting the sweep from due South.

A satellite meter is especially useful if you are working alone as you can first find a signal, make small adjustments to get a good signal and then go and check on the TV screen to see if the satellite receiver is locked onto the correct satellite.

Example FreeSat Kit List

FreeSat Digital Satellite Receiver
Satellite Dish & LNB - a 44cm dish is big enough for most of the UK (larger dishes are required in northern Scotland and mainland Europe)
Dish Mounting Kit - see Dish Mounting section for options with mounting the dish
WF100, WC100 or WD100 high quality coaxial cable
Cable Clips for 6mm cable
Flexible Rubber Boot - for protecting LNB connectors
Self Amalgamating Tape - for sealing LNB connectors and any other external connections
Silicone Grease - for protecting connectors, rubber boot, bolts, etc.
F Type Connectors - for LNB connection, satellite receiver connection and any joins (either twist-on, crimp-on, compression or Snap ‘N Seal)
Cable & Connector Preparation Tools - optional (required for crimp, compression or Snap ‘N Seal - provide more professional connections)
Compass and Satellite Finder Meter - optional (makes it easier for initially finding the signal and then fine tuning to get the best signal)

You will also need tools for cutting and stripping cable, mounting and aligning the dish, etc., e.g. a sharp craft knife (Stanley Knife), cable cutters, power drill, screwdrivers and spanners.

Coaxial Cabling Options

We strongly recommend using good quality coaxial cable. If you are taking the trouble to install a new multi-room TV system or digital TV system then it really is worth making the effort to install a minimum of WF100 or WC100 double shielded coaxial cable, and if possible we recommend HD100 triple screened cable. The modern home is full of devices emitting electro-magnetic (EM) radiation, so the better the quality cable you fit the higher the quality of signal you will be feeding into your equipment.

Cheap and widely available ‘low loss' coax cable you might find at DIY stores and other retail outlets is susceptible to EM interference and is a false economy. At a minimum look for cable that is CAI approved - this has been tested for suitability in digital TV systems.

F Connectors

As with cable, your choice of connector and how well it's fitted can make a big difference to signal quality. Below are some of the options when fitting F type connectors to cable:

Screw-On F Connector

In the bargain basement you will find the screw-on F connector, which can be fitted without any tools and is very cheap. The screw-on F connector offers no water proof capability, needs careful fitting and plenty of silicone grease to make a reliable connection.

Crimp F Connector

Next up we have the crimp-on F connector that is fitted to coaxial cable with the help of a crimp tool. Crimp connectors can optionally come fitted with an O ring to help prevent ingress of water into the coax cable. Fitting crimp connectors can take a bit of practise and may take some time to get right. Many professional TV installation engineers use crimp connectors.

Compression F Connector

The compression F connector is fitted with the assistance of a specialist tool that attaches the connector securely to the cable. Compression connectors offer a water-tight seal, to prevent moisture from travelling into the cable through the connector.

Snap ‘N Seal F Connector

The Snap 'N Seal F connector requires a compression tool to fit and also often optionally has a matching cable preparation tool (to strip back the outer layers ready for fitting the connector). Snap ‘N Seal connectors seal the cable from the ingress of moisture, which means the cable will last longer and will protect your equipment from moisture working it's way along the cable via capillary action. Fitting a Snap ‘N Seal connector is relatively easy compared with fitting crimp connectors and requires very little experience to complete successfully.

Important Safety Notes

If your satellite dish needs to be mounted at some distance from the ground then please be careful and ensure you follow good safety practice.

If you need to use a ladder please read the Government Health & Safety Executive leaflet Top Tips For Ladder Safety (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg405.pdf) before starting work.