Astra 2E beam coverage : UK Ku band beam

Instructions for people pointing Ku band antennas at Astra 2E satellite at 28.2 deg east orbit position.

Satellite long	deg
Beam center long	deg
Beam centre lat	deg
Beam dia (-3dB)	deg

In the Europe map, put your mouse cursor to your location and then double click or simply drag the map.  The map image will move so that the chosen point is in the centre. The latitude and longitude of the dot at the centre of the map is then displayed below the map, together with your satellite dish pointing angles: azimuth, elevation and polarisation or skew angle. To improve accuracy, click on the plus sign at the top left side of the map.  The scale changes so that you can home in accurately on your location.  Repeat several times.  Select Map or Satellite view options and see the satellite photo image of the ground or even a view of your own house as seen from space !

The green contour line of this steerable Ka band spot beam shows the normal approximate limit of operation with a standard size dish. Larger dishes are recommended outside this contour.

Dish pointing

1. In the case of Astra, the polarisation is linear, so rotational adjustment amount of the feed system is required. Face towards the satellite in the sky. Clockwise is positive. It is assumed that the polarisation as it leave the satellite is parallel to the earth's axis. This may not be correct.

2. Set the beam elevation angle (up/down) using the up/down scale on the bracket behind the dish.  You may find that it helps to initially set the elevation a couple of  degrees higher than calculated to allow for sagging of the dish until everything is tight.

3. For the azimuth angle (sideways) use a magnetic compass or the blue line relative to your house wall, roof edge or garden wall or some local landmark to find the approximate bearing and then swing the dish boldly sideways to find the satellite on the first swing.  Then spend half an hour peaking up.

Peaking up is really important for long term service quality and minimum outage time during rain fades.

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Safety Warning:  The results of this page may be in error,  The beam centres and beam shapes and sizes are approximate. 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.  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 Astra satellite dish install and pointing not to injure others by dropping tools or hurting yourself by falling down.