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October
22, 2002
By: Bob
Buckham
Dish satellite: Great tips for weather protection
More a
more people are making the switch from cable to dish
satellite TV, and why not? A dish satellite system can
deliver hundreds of TV and music channels digitally with
amazingly clear picture and sound quality. But how do you
set up and maintain a dish satellite? We'll discuss this
more below.
(If
you wish to skip dish satellite tips and go directly to
our website that has all the lowest prices and best
packages on the Internet, click
here)
Location
is critical! The dish satellite should have an
unobstructed line of sight to the satellites you wish to
view. If you live in a mountainous region, or in an
area with many large buildings or trees it may not be
possible to view the entire satellite arc. If you do
not have prior experience with satellite reception systems
it's a good idea to consult a professional in your area
before you decide to go ahead with self-installation. The
small-dish satellite systems for receiving programming are
usually professionally installed, often as part of a
package that includes the receiver, a dish antenna, and a
programming subscription. And that’s the way it should
be, because installing a satellite dish requires both
patience and skill.
During
winter weather your dish satellite should be properly
maintained. NEVER USE WATER, especially hot water, to melt
away snow and ice. In the cold weather, water can only do
one thing . . . freeze! Extreme temperature change from
using hot water could warp your dish. Not to mention,
water could ruin the electronics and motor on your dish,
especially from a high-powered hose. Many parts on your
dish are mechanical. Since oil and water don't mix, water
can cling to vital parts and cause friction. This can lead
to premature wear and, of course, the water will freeze
once the temperature drops again.
For
protection from the rain, you may need to waterproof your
dish satellite. Be sure to use a sealant that will not
harden when it dries. If the sealant hardens, it may
become brittle over time and crack. This will allow
moisture to enter those areas in which it may be damaging.
Applying an accordion sleeve on the actuator arm and a
weather cover over the feed horn will also help in
protecting your equipment from water damage. Drain holes
in the weather cover and drip loops can also be used as
extra protective measures.
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