Select your wanted satellite orbit position in the box above. Put your mouse arrow at your site location and double click or just drag the map. The map display will move so that the selected point is in the centre. The latitude and longitude of the centre of the map is then shown below the map, together with your satellite dish pointing azimuth, elevation and skew angles. To refine the accuracy, click on the plus sign at the left side of the map. The scale will change so that you can home in accurately on your location. Repeat. Choose the Satellite or Hybrid map version to see the satellite photo image of the ground !

Dish pointing (Azimuth and elevation mount):

Set the dish elevation angle first. This is the up/down angle and there may be a scale on the back. An inclinometer may be of use. Set the polarization or skew angle also. This involves either rotating the LNB or the entire dish assembly. The may be polarization rotation scale on the feed throat or behind the dish. Face the satellite, clockwise is positive. For the azimuth bearing use a compass or just think where the sun is and the time of day and boldly swing the dish sideways. You should find the satellite on the first swing, then spend half an hour peaking up. Peaking up the aiming is really important for long term service quality and minimum outage time during rain fades.

Dish pointing (Polar mount):

Only your latitude matters. Set the main polar mount motor axis angle and the small downward tilt of the dish and with the motor central align the dish towards the due south satellite. Motor rotation angles to the east are positive, to the west negative.

In northern Canada the use of magnetic compass bearing is unreliable and a true bearing will be shown. This occurs north of the 60 deg latitude line. To determine a true bearing reference find north with the pole star or use a hand held GPS. Walk in a straight line holding the GPS and it will tell you the true bearing of that direction of walking.

Disclaimer and Safety Warning:

The results of this page may be in error. 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 or may not be available, particularly towards the polar regions. 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 satellite dish pointing to not injure others by dropping tools or hurting yourself by falling down. Latitude and longitude may not be accurate.