Antennas Bring More Channels To You
Rob Carlton
Antennas and satellite TV are the wave of the future when it comes to watching TV. Forget the 60 channels on your local cable service. Antennas and satellite dishes put a world of programming at your fingertips. You can install these items yourself, as long as you feel comfortable you can finish the job safely. These tips will walk you through the process and tell you what you need to know.
Choosing an Installation Site
Your antenna or satellite dish has to have a clear signal to give you the satellite TV you want. Therefore, figure out the direction the signal is coming from, and make sure that there are no obstructions - trees, chimneys, etc - blocking the signal from reaching your equipment.
You'll also want to find a place that is away from your electrical lines and that you can get to easily if you end up having a problem. You'll be glad you did if you have to climb up on the roof to make adjustments.
Get the Right Gear
There are three parts that you need to connect in order to get the antenna or satellite dish in working order. These are: the dish or antenna, the coaxial cable that connects the dish to your television, and a receiver that plugs into your television. When you are connecting, make sure that your dish or antenna is as close to your TV as possible. You'll also need to measure the length of the cable so you know that it will reach the dish or antenna from the inside of the house. A cable snake can be used if needed. You may also need a drill to mount the satellite or antenna and screws for the dish or antenna.
Pointing Problems
You won't receive a signal if your dish points the wrong way. Normally, dishes can be tilted at an angle of around twenty-five to fifty degrees. Use a compass for the most precise measurements.
Think Safety
You're going up on the roof here, all in the name of getting more TV channels, and you want to play it extra safe. Being up on the roof is nothing to mess around with. If you have never done it before, don't think that a satellite dish installation is a good introduction, because it involves lots of http://www.insidewoodworking.com/rout/router_table_top.html balancing and moving around. Make sure there is always someone on the ground spotting you and keeping an eye on things.
Naturally, you should never go out on the roof unless the weather is just right - strong winds and storms are a no-no, and if there is even the possibility there may be ice up there, stay on the ground.
Rob Carlton published especially for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , an online publication with information about project router table tops . You can see his http://www.insidewoodworking.com/rout/router_table_top.html contributions on router table tops over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com .
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