RCA DIRECTV, Installer'S Manual

Page: 8 / 48

Preparing for Installation
6 Chapter 1
The Satellite Locations
The main DIRECTV satellites are located 22,000 miles above the equator at
approximately 101˚ and 119˚ west longitude. This means if you live in Miami, you must
have a clear line of sight to the southwest; if you live in San Francisco, you must have
a clear line of sight to the south/southeast. (The satellite located at 110˚ west isn’t
shown in the illustration. If services from this satellite are offered in your local area,
you’ll be notified.)
N
S
E W
N
S
E W
N
S
E W
San Francisco, CA
look Southeast
Miami, FL
look Southwest
Indianapolis, IN
look Southwest
Satellite at 101
°
longitude
Satellite at 119
°
longitude
NO
60
°
30
°
MAYBE
60
°
30
°
YES
60
°
30
°
90
°
0
°
30
°
60
°
How High Up in the Sky Are the Satellites?
Depending on where you live, the satellites will be at an elevation angle between 30
and 60 degrees. Southern states point more upward toward 60 degrees; northern
states point more downward toward 30 degrees.
Finding a Clear Line of Sight
1. Go outside and locate at least one site on your property that has a clear view to
the satellite. You should be reasonably certain you are pointing toward Texas
(unless you’re in Texas, in which case you should be looking due south). You
may want to use a map.
2. Imagine an arc ranging from 30 to 60 degrees above the horizon.
3. Do you have at least one clear view to the satellite? Remember, no trees, leaves,
buildings, or windows can be between the DIRECTV satellite dish and the
satellite.
If the answer is no , your site may be unsuitable for installing the satellite system.
If the answer is maybe , you may want to contact your local DIRECTV dealer for
information about having a professional installer conduct a thorough site survey.
If the answer is yes , your site should be suitable for installing the system.
Continue with the following page.