Satellite TV dish pointing calculator, for people in Alaska

Choose longitude: Choose satellite:

Instructions for dish pointing in Alaska

Select your wanted satellite or geo-orbit position in the box below the map. Direct TV 7S at 119 deg is an example. Put your cursor on the map and drag the map so your wanted location is in the middle. The map display will move so that the selected point is in the centre. The latitude and longitude of the centre of the map is then shown below the map, together with your satellite dish pointing azimuth, elevation and skew angles.

To refine the accuracy, click on the plus sign in the map scale boxes on the left. The scale will magnify so that you can home in accurately on your location. Repeat.

This web page is presently set to display Mapbox/OpenStreetMap images. I used to have Google maps but it was too expensive.

When choosing your wanted satellite, note that Alaska is significantly to the north and thus the sideways range of satellite longitudes visible above the equator is limited. From Anchorage, for a minimum elevation angle of about 10 deg, the range is approx +/- 50 deg either way along the geo orbit from Anchorage's longitude of -150 deg west.

Dish pointing (Azimuth and elevation mount):

Set the dish elevation angle first. This is the up/down angle. Use the elevation scale at the back of the dish on the mount mechanism. Set the polarization or skew angle also. This involves either rotating the LNB in its yoke, or the entire dish assembly. There may be a polarization rotation scale on the feed throat clamp or behind the dish. Facing towards the satellite in the sky, clockwise is positive. Polarisation must be set to 1 deg accuracy for transmit dishes and this normally involves talking to the VSAT hub. For the azimuth bearing (sideways) use a compass to get a rough idea of the direction across nearby properties. Swing the dish boldly sideways. You should find the satellite on the first swing, then spend half an hour peaking up. DISH satellite TV is available from Satellite TV service in Anchorage, Alaska

Finding your azimuth bearing angle in polar regions

If further north, or south, than 60 deg latitude the output disk azimuth bearing is shown in deg true bearing (not magnetic compass). If in the northern hemisphere, use the pole star as a guide. Alternatively use the sun to get a general idea of the direction. You may also try walking with a hand held GPS in a straight line for 50 yards and so also get a true bearing reference. Peaking up your satellite dish pointing is really important for long term service quality and minimum outage time during rain fades.

Dish pointing (Polar mount):

Only your latitude matters. Set the main motor axis angle and the small downward tilt of the dish and with the motor central align the dish towards the due south satellite. Motor rotation angles to the east are positive, to the west negative. This page does not display the polar mount set up angles. Go to satellite tv dish pointing in USA for this extra information.

Disclaimer and Safety Warning:

The results of this page may be in error, The latitude and longitude are not intended for the blind navigation of aircraft, ship or other vehicle purposes. Dish pointing angles may be wrong. Magnetic azimuth bearings are approximate or may not be available, particularly towards the polar regions.

Use is entirely at your own risk.

Apply common sense and don't believe every number that comes out of a computer system. Take care with satellite dish pointing to not injure others by dropping tools or hurting yourself by falling down. Latitude and longitude may not be accurate. Use GPS as an alternative.

Please send comments to me: eric@satsig.net , also feedback on technical errors or problems with this page. If you notice that any of the satellites listed in the pull down menu list are in the wrong place, with wrong name etc or you want additions or deletions please say. Thanks.

Page started 24 April 2011, 28 July 2023. last updated 27 Oct 2021 to Mapbox version 2.5.1 for IOS15 compatibility.