Hughes DirecPC Satellite Return User manual

Antenna Installation Guide
Model: Satellite Return
1030403-0001
Revision C
July 2, 2001

Copyright © 2000-2001 Hughes Network Systems, a Hughes Electronics Corporation company
All rights reserved. This publication and its contents are proprietary to Hughes Network Systems, a
Hughes Electronics Corporation company. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any means without the written permission of Hughes Network Systems, 11717 Exploration
Lane, Germantown, Maryland 20876.
Hughes Network Systems has made every effort to ensure the correctness and completeness of the
material in this document. Hughes Network Systems shall not be liable for errors contained herein.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Hughes Network Systems
makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Trademarks
All trademarks, marks, names, or product names referenced in this publication are the property of
their respective owners, and Hughes Network Systems neither endorses nor otherwise sponsors
any such products or services referred to herein.

iii
Table of Contents
Antenna Kit Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installing Software and Locating the Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Choosing Where to Install the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cable Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Selecting a Mounting Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installing The Mount on a Wooden Deck Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing the Mount on a Wood Roof Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the Mount on Concrete or Concrete Masonry walls . 18
Installing the Mount Onto a Metal Pole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing the Cap Onto the Satellite Antenna Dish . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing the Radio/Tria Assembly on the Tube Support Arm 24
Connecting the Feed Support Tube to the Antenna Dish . . . . . 25
Installing the Antenna/Cap Assembly Onto the Mast. . . . . . . . 26
Installing and Routing Interior Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Installing Exterior Cables and Connecting to Ground Block . 28
Connecting the Cables to the Radio and LNB . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Overview of Grounding the Satellite System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Grounding the Mast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Grounding Procedure for Metal Pole Mount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Attaching the Shroud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Pointing the Antenna and Connecting the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . 34

iv

1
ANTENNA KIT COMPONENTS
YOUR ANTENNA KIT SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
PARTS LIST
Your kit also contains assorted hardware, such as bolts, nuts, and other items.
PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR WARRANTY
DirecPC Model#____________________ DirecPC Serial#_____________________Radio Part#______________________
Radio Serial #: _____________________ LNB Part #:_____________________ ____LNB Serial #:_____________________
• Allen screws, M4, Qty: 4
• Lock washers, M4, Qty: 4 • Self-tapping screws, 5/16-18, Qty: 4 • Lag screws, 1/4-inch x 4-inch, Qty: 4
• Allen wrench, 3M, Qty: 1
• Allen wrench, 3/16, Qty: 1 • Lag screws, 3/8-inch x 4-inch, Qty: 4 • Lag screws, 3/8-inch x 2-inch, Qty: 2
• Red O-ring, Qty: 1
• Bolts, 5/16-18 x 1-3/4-inch, Qty: 2 • Lock washer, 1/4-inch, Qty: 1 • Flat washer, 5/16-inch, Qty: 1
• Wedge nut, 5/16-18, Qty: 1
• Hex-head bolt, 5/16-18 x 2-inch, Qty: 1 • Lock washers, 5/16-inch, Qty: 5 • Hex-head nuts, 5/16-18, Qty: 4
• Hex-head nut, 1/4-20, Qty: 1
• Galvanized washers, 3/8-inch Qty: 6 • Screws, 11/21-14 x 1-1/8-inch, Qty: 4 • Galvanized washers, 1/4-inch, Qty: 4
Antenna Dish Mast and Base
Plate Feed Support Tube
Azimuth/Elevation Cap Assembly Shroud Radio Cover
Radio/Tria
Assembly
Brace kit
Also included are items that are
necessary to install DirecPC on
your computer. See the Start
Here Installation Guide for
DirecPC for a complete list.

2
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS GUIDE
The following conventions are used throughout this guide to help you become familiar with possible safety and equipment hazards.
Note: A note presents additional information.
This safety alert symbol is used to alert about hazards or
hazardous situations that can result in personal injury. A
signalword,
DANGER, WARNING
,or
CAUTION
, is used
with the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and
potential severity of injury.
DANGER
Indicates an imminent hazard or unsafe practice which, if
not avoided, will result in death or severe personal injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazard or unsafe practice which, if not
avoided, could result in death or severe personal injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazard or unsafe practice which, if not
avoided, might result in moderate or minor personal injury.
CAUTION
When used without the alert symbol, indicates a hazard or
unsafe practice that might result in property damage.

3
INTRODUCTION
If you have not yet arranged for professional installation, con-
tact your DirecPC dealer, or call 1-800-DIRECPC (1-800-347-
3372), for information on having your system installed by an
authorized professional installer.
This Satellite Return Antenna Installation Guide provides
information required to assemble your antenna dish and estab-
lish contact with the satellite.
OTHER USEFUL GUIDES
The Start Here Installation Guide included with the software
gives an overview of the entire installation process, including
the modem and software installation.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SATELLITE BROADBAND SYS-
TEM
The satellite broadband system consists of several major com-
ponents:
• The satellite modem receiver
• The satellite modem transmitter
• The satellite antenna dish assembly that is installed outside
• Cables for attaching the satellite modem receiver and trans-
mitter to your computer
•Software
• This guide and the Start Here Installation Guide
This guide is intended for an installer experienced in perform-
ing the various installation tasks. The installer may be required
to:
• Use a power drill to drill holes into your house.
• Locate studs or rafters and drill holes in the exact center of
them.
• Determine whether there are water pipes, electrical wiring, or
gas lines hidden in the walls near where you will be drilling.
• Route coaxial cable through the foundation wall, under
floors, and through interior walls.
• Ground the antenna and coaxial cable as recommended in the
National Electrical Code (published by the National Fire Pro-
tection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
Contact your dealer, or call 1-800-DIRECPC (1-800-347-
3272), for information on having your system installed by an
authorized professional installer.
INSTALLATION AND YOUR HOME
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a rule
that generally forbids local governments and homeowners
associations from preventing installation of DBS dishes one
meter or smaller in size (in Alaska, the dish size limit does not
apply). For more information, please visit the FCC’s Web site
at www.fcc.gov. Use the site search engine to find the FCC
Fact Sheet on Placement of Antennas.
BASIC STEPS OF ANTENNA INSTALLATION
To install your antenna, follow these basic steps:
1. Install the software and satellite modems and determine
pointing parameters for your antenna
2. Choose an installation site
3. Select a mounting method
4. Install the mount
5. Assemble the antenna
6. Install the antenna on the mount
7. Run cable and ground wire to connect and ground the entire
assembly
8. Aim the antenna dish
DANGER
The Federal Communications Commission requires
professional installation of the Satellite Return antenna
assembly.
CAUTION
The Satellite Return antenna assembly must be installed
in a location or manner not readily accessible to children
and at least 5 feet above ground level.
CAUTION
• This device emits radio frequency energy when in the
transmit mode.
• To avoid injury, do not place head or other body parts
between the feed horn and antenna dish when system
is operational.
• Unplug indoor power connection before performing
maintenance or adding upgrades to any antenna com-
ponents.

4
INSTALLING SOFTWARE AND LOCATING THE SATELLITE
Before you can install the antenna, you must select an installation site. Before you can select an installation site, you must determine
the direction you will aim the antenna. You determine that direction by installing the software.
The satellite is located approximately 22,300 miles in geostationary orbit above the equator. The satellite travels above Earth’s equa-
tor from west to east at a speed matching that of Earth’s rotation, thus appearing stationary in relation to the Earth’s surface. To aim
the antenna at the satellite, you need to know the azimuth, elevation, and polarization angles. As shown in the figures below, you set
the antenna to the correct azimuth angle by turning it from side to side, and set the elevation by tilting the antenna up or down. You
set the polarization by rotating the antenna dish. The polarization setting rotates the antenna to the correct orientation for your geo-
graphic location. This varies from one part of the country to another and is different for different satellites. Antenna polarization is
positive in the eastern United States and negative in the western United States. Remember that it is important to pay attention to pos-
itive (+) and negative (-) signs when recording and using pointing parameters.
Before you install the antenna, the satellite modem receiver and software must be installed. To install the software, see the Start Here
installation guide for specific instructions. After you install the modem and software, run the software program. It will take you to an
Antenna Pointing screen, where you will be asked to enter your location or zip code. The software will provide the azimuth, eleva-
tion, and polarization angles. Write them below. The pictures below will help you visualize these terms.
Elevation: Azimuth: Polarization:
Elevation Down
Azimuth Left
Polarization
Negative
Elevation Up
Azimuth Right
Polarization
Positive

5
CHOOSING WHERE TO INSTALL THE ANTENNA
TOOLS NEEDED
• Hand-held magnetic compass
• Angle finder or protractor
• Carpenter’s level or straight edge
Perform the following steps to select the best site to install the
antenna:
1. Go to the location where you plan to install the antenna.
2. Face the south and hold the compass level so the needle can
rotate freely. When the needle stops rotating, it will be
pointing north. Carefully, so as not to disturb the needle,
rotate the body of the compass so that the 0° or Nmark
printed on the compass aligns with the painted end of the
needle. The compass is now aligned with magnetic north.
Note: Metal near the compass may affect your reading. If you are
standing near a metal structure, such as a shed or air conditioning
unit, move several feet away and repeat the measurement. Holding the
compass too close to a large metal belt buckle can have the same
effect.
3. Draw an imaginary line from the center of the compass to
the azimuth value you recorded on page 4. This is the direc-
tion to point the antenna. Use a rock or some other object to
mark the location where you are standing. Then pick a land-
mark in the distance that aligns with the magnetic azimuth
bearing, or mark the azimuth direction in some other way.
.
CAUTION
• People can trip, fall into or otherwise bump into the
antenna.
• Lacerations, bruises, or other impact injuries could
occur.
• Choose an antenna site away from where people are
likely to work, ride, or play.
Figure 1
0
330
300
270
240
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
N
W
S
E
NW
SW
SE
NE
Example 2
160° Azimuth
Example 1
225° Azimuth

6
CHOOSING WHERE TO INSTALL THE ANTENNA
(continued)
4. Using the angle finder and a carpenter’s level or straight
edge, verify that there is an unobstructed line-of-sight
toward the satellite as shown in the diagram below. To do
this, align the level along the azimuth bearing. Then, using
the angle finder, lift the front end of the straight edge to cor-
respond to the elevation angle you recorded on page 4. Sight
along the straight edge to verify that there are no obstruc-
tions (such as buildings or trees) blocking the view. Take
into account future tree growth; if you install during the fall
or winter, account for spring and summer leaf growth. Also,
avoid installing the antenna next to electrical equipment
such as air-conditioning units, because they can cause signal
interference.
Figure 2
Good View
(Clear line-of-sight, no
obstru tions in the way)
Poor View
(Obstru ted line-of-
sight, trees are blo k-
ing the signal)
123
2 1
90
45
0
45
90
45
0
45
123
2 1
90
45
0
45
90
45
0
45

7
CABLE SPECIFICATIONS
Note: Coaxial cables with copper clad steel center conductor are not recommended.
Note: Do not use splitters if you intend to upgrade to a Satellite Return System.
Note: Line amplifiers are required for Receive cable runs of more than 150 ft.
Use plenum grade cable only if the cable is to be run in plenum space which is carrying return air for the air circulation system, or
when local laws require it.
If the Receive cable run length is less than 150 ft., then no line amplifier is required. If the Receive cable run length is greater than
150 ft., but less than 300 ft., then install a line amplifier in the Receive cable only, at about 25 ft. from the LNB.
A line amplifier, if needed, can be installed only in the Receive cable, not in the Transmit cable. (There is no Transmit cable in the
Dial Return product.)
Line amplifier specification: Channel Master 5113 IFD or equivalent.
Recommended cable specifications for Satellite Return and Dial Return
Systems
Cable length from
antenna to computer Type of cable to be used
Receive Transmit
Up to 300 ft. RG6 with solid copper
center conductor
(CommScope 5729 or
equivalent)
RG6 with solid copper
center conductor
(CommScope 5729 or
equivalent)
300 ft. to 420 ft. RG6 with solid copper
center conductor
(CommScope 5729 or
equivalent)
RG6 with solid copper
center conductor and quad
shield (CommScope 5781
or equivalent)
Important: A higher grade of cable can be used for an installation where a lower grade is
specified. For example, an RG6 cable with solid copper center conductor and quad shield
can be used for installations where the cable length is less than 300 ft. Never use a lower
grade of cable than specified. Be sure to record the grade of the cable used for your
installation. The grade is printed on the cable every few feet. Never use a cable which
does not have the manufacturers name and its grade clearly printed on it!

8
SELECTING A MOUNTING OPTION
Based on the antenna installation site, decide on the best sur-
face for mounting your antenna. The base plate and mast
assembly that came with your antenna is called a universal
mount. Some mounting options require only the universal
mount. Other mounting options require that you also use the
two struts (called a brace kit) that came assembled with your
antenna kit. The struts slip over the mast and provide addition
support.
Note: If you plan to later upgrade your system to Satellite Return
(both receive and transmit signals via satellite), you must install the
satellite antenna dish in a location not readily accessible to children
and at least 5 feet above ground to avoid any risk of harm from radio
frequency energy emitted when transmitting signals tothe satellite.
Note: Professional installation of your Dial Return satellite dish
antenna is strongly recommended. If you do install the antenna your-
self, you must:
• Follow the instructions inthis manual precisely
• Install the satellite dish antenna no higher than 30 feet above
grade
• Install the satellite dish antenna only on approved surfaces, and
NOT on any other surfaces, whether or not they are listed in this
manual
• If necessary, be able to locate wood members from behind the
walls
• If necessary, install anchors in the center of wood members
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA ON A WOOD DECK POST
You can use the universal mount to install the satellite dish
antenna on a 6-inch x 6-inch Southern Pine wood deck post.
See “Installing The Mount on a Wooden Deck Post” on
page 10.
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA ON TYPICAL WOOD ROOF CON-
STRUCTION
You can use the universal mount and brace kit to install the sat-
ellite antenna dish on typical wood roof construction.
See “Installing the Mount on a Wood Roof Frame” on page 13.
CAUTION
• Before installing the universal mount brace kit, you
should obtain an analysis from a structural engineer to
confirm that the installation site is suitable for mounting
your satellite antenna dish using the brace kit.
• Failure to ensure that the installation site is capable of
supporting the weight of the antenna dish could result
in personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
The antenna should not be installed on a wood frame
house wall or roof unless the interior wall or roof is
unfinished so that placement of lag screws can be verified
and the wall reinforced if necessary.
Figure 3
Figure 4
G-218
12/18/

9
SELECTING A MOUNTING OPTION (CONTINUED)
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA ON CONCRETE OR CONCRETE
MASONRY WALLS
You can use the universal mount to install the satellite dish
antenna on concrete masonry or concrete walls. The brace kit
can also be installed for greater stability, but is not required.
See “Installing the Mount on Concrete or Concrete
Masonry walls” on page 18.
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA ON A METAL POLE
You can install the satellite antenna dish directly on an 9-foot
metal pole. If you choose this mount option you will not need
the universal mount or universal mount brace kit. Store them
for possible future use.
See “Installing the Mount Onto a Metal Pole” on page 21.
Figure 5 Figure 6

10
INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOODEN DECK POST
The satellite antenna dish can be installed on a 6-inch x 6-inch Southern Pine wood deck support post. The post can be no more than
8 feet tall. It must be adequately attached at top and bottom. Posts made of other species of wood may be used as long as their mate-
rial properties match or exceed those of Southern Pine. Posts made of other species of wood whose material properties do not match
or exceed those of Southern Pine require engineering evaluation and approval before being used. The satellite antenna dish may not
be installed on an unsupported wooden post.
PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED
•Lag screws, 3/8-inch x 4-inch, Qty: 6
•Washers, 3/8-inch, Qty: 6
•Silicone sealant
•Carpenter’s level
•Pencil
•Ruler
•Adjustable wrench
•Electric drill
•Drill bits, 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch
•Torque wrench (up to 18 ft-lbs)
•Ladder
Figure 7

11
INSTALLING THE MAST ONTO A WOODEN DECK POST (CONTINUED)
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Orient the mount assembly so the square hole in the base
plate is at the top as in Figure 9 before installation.
2. Loosen the adjustment nuts and swing the mast so that it is
oriented as in Figure 10).
3. Mark the centerline of the deck post.
4. With an assistant place the base plate on the centerline at the
spot you plan to install it (Figure 9).
5. Plumb the mast in two perpendicular directions (Figure 10).
If you successfully plumb the mast proceed to step 6. If you
cannot plumb the mast find another location to install the
antenna. Note: it is essential that the mast be plumb. If you
cannot make the mast plumb at this point, find another
installation site.
6. Mark the center of the base plate’s top center hole.
7. Drill a hole on the center mark in the manner described
below. Note: to avoid drilling too deeply, wrap a piece of
masking tape around the drill bit shank at the proper depth
so that you can see when you should stop drilling.
Drill a 1/8-inch pilot hole 2 inches deep.
Going into the pilot hole, drill a 1/4-inch hole 4 inches deep.
Going into the 1/4-inch hole, drill a 3/8-inch hole to a depth
equal to the unthreaded portion of the 3/8-inch x 4-inch lag
screw.
8. Apply silicone sealant the thickness of a bead to the entire
back side of the base plate. Apply enough so that it will
press out around the edges when you install it on the post
(see Figure 8). Doing this will help prevent water from
seeping into the wood.
DANGER
•If the antenna contacts electric power lines, you will be
killed or seriously injured.
•Before starting the installation procedure, make sure
there are no power lines nearby.
CAUTION
•The satellite antenna dish cannot be installed on an
unsupported wood post of any size.
•Install the satellite antenna dish only on a wooden
deck post.
•Install the satellite antenna dish only as described in
this manual.
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Sealant
Top left center Top
Bottom
Top center
Top right center
Bottom right
center
Bottom center
Bottom left center
All lag screws
3/8-inches x 4-inches Center line
G-21848
11/16/00
Mast
(top view)
Level
Mast
Plumb vial
Adjustment nut
(2 places)
Pivot bolt
Bubble must
be centered
between
marks
Carpenter's level
Bubble

12
INSTALLING THE MAST ONTO A WOODEN DECK POST (CONTINUED)
9. Install a 3/8-inch washer on a 3/8-inch x 4-inch lag screw.
Apply soap or some other lubricant to the screw.
10. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw
into the top center hole of the base plate (see Figure 11).
You may need to swing the mast out of the way temporarily.
Tighten the screw snugly so that the base plate can barely
move.
Do not pound the lag screws into the post with a hammer or mallet.
Doing so may split the wood and render the post unusable.
11. Replumb the mast in two perpendicular directions as you
did in step 5. You may need to make adjustments to the mast
and/or the base plate. If you adjust the base plate, do not
move the center of the bottom center hole off the centerline
more than 1/16-inch.
12. Tighten the lag screw snugly so that the base cannot move.
13. Tighten the adjustment nuts.
14. Replumb the mast. (Tightening the nuts can move the mast
off plumb.) Note: the mast must be plumb before proceed-
ing.
15. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to drill holes for the top left center, top
right center, bottom left center, and bottom right center
holes. See Figure 11. Note: You must mark the center of all
screw holes accurately so that you can plumb the mast. A
Stanley Jumbo Self Centering Nail Set or similar product
will produce the best results. A #6 washer can also be used
to guide your pencil as it marks the hole center.
Note: the base plate must not move when you drill the holes.
16. Install a 3/8-inch washer on each of the 3/8-inch x 4-inch
lag screws. Apply soap or some other lubricant to the
screws.
17. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw
into the four holes. Tighten the screws loosely.
18. Re-plumb the mast and snug down the four screws firmly.
19. Loosen the mast adjustment nuts and swing the mast down
so you have access to the bottom center hole.
20. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to drill holes for the bottom center
hole.
Note: the base plate must not move when you drill the hole.
21. Install a 3/8-inch washer on the final 3/8-inch x 4-inch lag
screw. Apply soap or some other lubricant to the screw.
22. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw
into the lower center hole. Tighten the screw loosely.
23. Re-plumb the mast and snug down the lag screw.
24. Use a torque wrench to sung down the mast adjustment nuts
to 18 ft.-lbs. Confirm the mast is plumb after torquing.
Note: The mast must be plumb before you can proceed. If you cannot
plumb the mast, repeat the installation or find another installation site.
Continue with section “Installing the Cap Onto the Satellite
Antenna Dish” on page 22.
Figure 11
Top left center Top
Bottom
Top center
Top right center
Bottom right
center
Bottom center
Bottom left center
All lag screws
3/8-inches x 4-inches Center line

13
INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME
You can install the satellite antenna dish onto a wooden roof. You must use the brace kit. The minimum size for roof truss members
is 2 inches x 4 inches. Roof rafters must be nominal 2x material (2x4, 2x6, etc.) Either size roof rafters or trusses must be16 to 24
inches on center. The roof surface must consist of relatively thin, resilient materials, such as asphalt or composite shingles, sheet
metal, or similar materials, over wood sheathing with a thickness of 3/4 inch or less. Antennas cannot be installed on flat roofs, slate
roofs, or Spanish tile roofing made of clay or other brittle materials. The roof pitch (or slope) must be between 3:12 and 12:12.
All center hole lag screws must be centered in the rafter or truss to which they are attached. For this reason, you must be able to
locate rafters and trusses and the center of rafters and trusses with a high degree of accuracy, which can be difficult to do. Home con-
struction varies a great deal. Construction styles, materials, and dimensions can all vary widely. In addition, stud finders are not com-
pletely reliable, and you need experience in home construction to be able to determine the exact location of rafters and trusses and
their centers. The antenna should not be installed on a wood frame roof unless the interior of the roof is unfinished so that placement
of lag screws can be verified and the rafters or trusses reinforced if necessary.
If you do not have the knowledge and experience to accurately locate rafters and trusses and the center of rafters and trusses with a
high degree of reliability, you should contact a professional satellite dish antenna installer for installation.
Large-timber roofs with frequent spacing of members are also permitted. These are constructed of wood members larger than the
nominal 2x sizes, and include post and beam structures with members from 4 inches x 4 inches and larger. The members cannot be
spaced more than 24 inches on center. Their physical properties must match or exceed those of Spruce-Pine-Fir #2.
PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED
•Lag screws, 3/8-inch x 4-inch, Qty: 2
•Lag screws, 1/4-inch x 4-inch, Qty: 4 (5/16-inch x
4-inch recommended if available)
•Lag screws, 3/8-inch x 2-inch, Qty: 4
•Washers, 3/8-inch, Qty: 6
•Washers, 1/4-inch, Qty: 4 (5/16-inch if needed)
•Silicone sealant
•Carpenter’s level
•Pencil or chalk
•Ruler
•Adjustable wrench
•Electric drill
•Drill bits, 3/8-, 1/4-, and 5/32-inch
•Torque wrench (up to 18 ft-lbs)
•Ladder
Figure 12

14
INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Before you begin, make sure the rafters or trusses (called mem-
bers) in your house are located 16 to 24 inches on center.
Remember that 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 inch members are actually
1-1/2 inches thick. Also, because small movements by the base
plate are amplified at the end of the mast, re-plumb when
directed to do so.
1. Orient the mount assembly so the square hole in the base
plate is at the top as in Figure 13 before installation.
2. Loosen the adjustment nuts and swing the mast so that it is
oriented as in Figure 14.
3. Mark the centerline of the deck post.
.
DANGER
•If the antenna contacts electric power lines, you will be
killed or seriously injured.
•Before starting the installation procedure, make sure
there are no power lines nearby.
CAUTION
•Rafters or trusses must be located 16 to 24 inches
apart on center, except for large-timber roofs, which
can be located no more than 24 inches apart on cen-
ter.
•The roof surface must consist of relatively thin, resilient
materials, such as asphalt or composite shingles,
sheet metal, or similar materials, over wood sheathing
with a thickness that must not exceed 3/4 inch.
•Antennas cannot be installed on slate roofs or Spanish
tile roofing made of clay or other brittle materials.
•The roof pitch (also called slope) must be between
3:12 and 12:12.
•The antenna cannot be installed on a flat roof.
•Center hole lag screws
must
be centered in the rafter
or truss.
•The antenna should not be installed on a wood frame
roof unless the interior wall is unfinished so that place-
ment of lag screws can be verified and the roof rein-
forced if necessary.
•Install the satellite antenna dish only as described in
this manual.
CAUTION
If you do not have the knowledge and experience to
accurately locate studs and the center of studs with a high
degree of reliability, you should contact a professional
satellite antenna dish installer for installation.
Figure 13
Figure 14
Corner holes
Corner holes
Top center hole
Bottom center hole
Centerline
Rafter or truss
Center hole lag
screws are 3/8 inches
by 4 inches
Corner lag screws
are 3/8 inches
by 2 inches
Mast
(top view)
Level
Mast
Plumb vial
Adjustment nut
(2 places)
Pivot bolt
Bubble must
be centered
between
marks
Carpenter's level
Bubble
T0
0

15
INSTALLING THE MAST ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME
4. With an assistant place the base plate on the centerline at the
spot you plan to install it (see Figure 15).
5. Plumb the mast in two perpendicular directions (Figure 16).
If you successfully plumb the mast proceed to step 6. If you
cannot plumb the mast find another location to install the
antenna. Note: it is essential that the mast be plumb. If you
cannot make the mast plumb at this point, find another
installation site.
6. Mark the center of the base plate’s top center hole
(Figure 15).
7. Drill a hole on the center mark in the manner described
below. Note: to avoid drilling too deeply, wrap a piece of
masking tape around the drill bit shank at the appropirate
depth so that you can see when you should stop drilling.
Drill a 1/8-inch pilot hole 2 inches deep.
Going into the pilot hole, drill a 1/4-inch hole 4 inches deep.
Going into the 1/4-inch hole, drill a 3/8-inch hole to a depth
equal to the unthreaded portion of the 3/8-inch x 4-inch lag
screw.
8. Apply silicone sealant the thickness of a bead to the entire
back side of the base plate. Apply enough so that it will
press out around the edges when you install it on the post
(see Figure 18). Doing this will help prevent water from
seeping into the wood.
9. Install a 3/8-inch washer on a 3/8-inch x 4-inch lag screw.
Apply soap or some other lubricant to the screw.
10. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw
into the top center hole of the base plate (see Figure 11).
You may need to swing the mast out of the way temporarily.
Tighten the screw snugly so that the base plate can barely
move.
Note: Do not pound the lag screws into the post with a hammer or
mallet. Doing so may split the wood and render the post unusable.
11. Replumb the mast in two perpendicular directions as you
did in step 5. You may need to make adjustments to the mast
and/or the base plate. If you adjust the base plate, do not
move the center of the bottom center hole off the centerline
more than 1/16-inch.
12. Tighten the screw snugly so that the base plate cannot move.
13. Tighten the adjustment nuts.
14. Replumb the mast. (Tightening the nuts can move the mast
off plumb.) Note: the mast must be plumb before proceed-
ing.
15. Adjusting the drilling depth for the 3/8-inch by 2-inch lag
screws, repeat steps 6 and 7 to drill holes for the four corner
holes. See Figure 16. Note: You must mark the center of all
screw holes accurately so that you can plumb the mast. A
Stanley Jumbo Self Centering Nail Set or similar product
will produce the best results. A #6 washer can also be used
to guide your pencil as it marks the hole center.
Note: the base plate must not move when you drill the holes.
Figure 15
Figure 16
Corner holes
Corner holes
Top center hole
Bottom center hole
Centerline
Rafter or truss
Center hole lag
screws are 3/8 inche
s
by 4 inches
Corner lag screws
are 3/8 inches
by 2 inches
Mast
(top view)
Level
Mast
Plumb vial
Adjustment nut
(2 places)
Pivot bolt
Bubble must
be centered
between
marks
Carpenter's level
Bubble
T0053
0

16
INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME
16. Install a 3/8-inch washer on each of the 3/8-inch x 2-inch
lag screws. Apply soap or some other lubricant to the
screws.
17. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw
into the four holes. Tighten the screws loosely.
18. Re-plumb the mast and snug down the four screws firmly.
19. Loosen the mast adjustment nuts and swing the mast down
so you have access to the bottom center hole.
20. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to drill holes for the bottom center
hole.
Note: the base plate must not move when you drill the hole.
21. Install a 3/8-inch washer on the 3/8-inch x 4-inch lag screw.
Apply soap or some other lubricant to the screw.
22. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw
into the lower center hole. Tighten the screw loosely.
23. Re-plumb the mast and snug down the lag screw.
24. Use a torque wrench to sung down the mast adjustment nuts
to 18 ft.-lbs. Confirm the mast is plumb after torquing.
Note: The mast must be plumb before you can proceed. If you cannot
plumb the mast, repeat the installation or find another installation site.
INSTALLING THE BRACE KIT
1. Slip the short 18-inch strut collar onto the mast as shown in
Figure 17.
2. Re-plumb the mast.
3. Apply silicone sealant to the bottom of the mounting plate.
4. Position the strut mounting plate above the mast and base
plate so the two screw holes are exactly in line vertically
with the mast base plate center holes (see Figure 18).
5. Mark the center of the top mounting plate screw hole (see
Figure 18).
6. Drill a hole on the center mark in the manner described
below. Note: to avoid drilling too deeply, wrap a piece of
masking tape around the drill bit shank at the appropirate
depth so that you can see when you should stop drilling.
Drill a 1/16-inch pilot hole 2 inches deep.
Going into the pilot hole, drill a 5/32-inch hole 4 inches
deep.
Going into the 5/32-inch hole, drill a 1/4-inch hole to a
depth equal to the unthreaded portion of the 1/4-inch x 4-
inch lag screw.
7. Install a 1/4-inch washer on the 1/4-inch x 4inch lag screw.
Apply soap or another lubricant to the screw.
8. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screws
into the mounting plate hole.
Note: Do not pound the lag screws into the stud with a hammer or
mallet. Doing so may split the wood and damage the stud.
9. Detach the strut from the mounting plate and repeat steps 5-
8 for the lower center hole. Reattach the strut when done.
Figure 17
Figure 18
Center line
Top center hole
Bottom center hole