DISH Network & DirecTV dish pointing by ZIP code

How to point a DISH or DirecTV dish

1. Elevation first. Set the up/down angle on the dish's elevation scale to the elevation in the table.
2. Then skew. DISH and DirecTV dishes have their own skew (DirecTV: "tilt") scale on the back of the dish, and the receiver's pointing or installation screen shows the number to set for your address. The LNB skew in the table is the geometric polarization angle, useful for linear LNBs and as a cross-check.
3. Then azimuth. Stand behind the dish, face the compass azimuth and sweep slowly a few degrees either side while someone watches the receiver's signal screen.
4. Lock it down. Tighten the bolts a little at a time so the dish does not move off the peak.

Questions

Which direction do I point my DISH Network dish?

DISH Network satellites sit over the equator, south of the United States. The main slots are 110°W and 119°W (Western Arc) and 61.5°W and 72.7°W (Eastern Arc). Enter your ZIP code to get the compass direction (azimuth), the up/down angle (elevation) and the skew for each slot from your area.

Where do I point a DirecTV dish?

DirecTV dishes are aimed at 101°W. A Slimline dish lined up on 101°W also receives 99°W and 103°W, so you only line up the one slot. Enter your ZIP code for the azimuth, elevation and skew from your area.

Should I use the true or the compass azimuth?

A magnetic compass points to magnetic north, which in the US is up to about 20° away from true north (about 15° in the lower 48). The compass column already corrects for that using NOAA's World Magnetic Model, so read it straight off a handheld compass. Use the true column with a map, or with a phone compass set to true north.

My roof was replaced and the dish lost signal. Can I re-aim it myself?

Often, yes. Roofers usually unbolt the dish and put it back roughly where it was, and a degree or two is enough to lose a DISH or DirecTV signal. If the mount is solid and the cable is undamaged, re-aiming with the angles for your ZIP code often brings the picture back before a technician can come out. If the mount or cable is damaged, call your provider.

ZIP code locations: US Census Bureau ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (public domain). Need another satellite or a non-US address? Use the dish alignment calculator.