Pointing the Antenna

This section describes how to accurately point the antenna reflector at the satellite.   Alignment is critical to the operation of the DirecPC system.  When the reflector is pointed directly at the satellite, the adapter receives a strong signal.   If the reflector is not positioned properly, the signal may be weak resulting in data transmission errors.  

Preparing the Antenna for Alignment

  1. Loosen the four polarization nuts and set the polarization to the polarization value calculated during AutoSetup.   Tighten the polarization nuts.
  2. Loosen the clamp bolts on the Azimuth capmount assembly that secures it to the mast tube.  Loosen these bolts just enough to allow the antenna to move smoothly on the mast.
  3. Loosen the two elevation pivot bolts to allow smooth movement of the mount assembly during the elevation adjustment.

Pointing Using the Box Method

The easiest way to find the satellite signal is by scanning the sky in the general direction that the satellite is located.  While you could possibly achieve this by trail and error, you should be able to find the signal in a few minutes using the "box" method.  What you are effectively doing is scanning the sky in a pattern similar to the way a farmer plows a field.

Box Method

Pointing Procedure

  1. Set the elevation to the elevation value calculated during AutoSetup.  Mark this point and then mark 5 degrees below this mark and 5 degrees above this mark.  Tighten the elevation nuts.
  2. Set the azimuth to the azimuth value calculated during AutoSetup.  Mark this point and then mark 5 degrees to the left of this mark and 5 degrees to the right of this mark.
  3. If you are receiving a signal, go to step X.  Otherwise, grasp the antenna reflector and adjust the azimuth by slowly rotating the antenna from the -5 (left most) azimuth mark to +5 (right most) azimuth mark.  As you slowly rotate the antenna reflector, pause at each degree for at least 10 seconds to determine if the signal is acquired.  
  4. If signal is still not acquired, loosen the elevation nuts and increase elevation by 1 degree.  Tighten the elevation nuts and then repeat step 3.  If signal is still not acquired, continue increasing the elevation one degree at a time and re-sweeping the azimuth until you increased the elevation by 5 degrees.
  5. If signal is still not acquired, loosen the elevation nuts and decrease the elevation by 1 degree (from the initial elevation value), tighten the elevation nuts, and repeat step 3.  If signal is still not acquired, continue decreasing the elevation one degree at a time and re-sweeping the azimuth until you decreased the elevation by 5 degrees.
  6. Once a signal is acquired, you should fine tune the disk orientation (azimuth and elevation) for maximum signal strength.  To fine tune, make small adjustments to the azimuth and elevation to maximize signal strength.
  7. Once the maximum signal strength is obtained by adjusting the azimuth and elevation, try fine tuning the polarization value to maximize signal strength.

DirecPC is a product and service of Hughes Network Systems, a Hughes Electronics (GMH) company. Hughes Network Systems also manufactures DirecDuo and HNS Brand DIRECTV System.

Copyright 2000, Hughes Network Systems, Inc. , a Hughes Electronics Corporation company. DirecPC® is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, Inc. Turbo Internet, Turbo Webcast, and Package Delivery are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.