Satellite Look Angle Calculator: Azimuth and Elevation

True north is the direction of the geographic North Pole; magnetic north is where a compass needle points. The angle between them is the magnetic declination, and it depends on where you are (from almost zero in some places to 20° or more in others, and it slowly changes over the years).

• East declination: subtract it from the true azimuth to get the compass bearing. With a true azimuth of 145° and 3° E declination, aim the compass at 142°.
• West declination: add it. With a true azimuth of 145° and 3° W declination, aim the compass at 148°.

Phone compass apps may show true or magnetic north depending on their settings, so check which one yours uses. Take compass readings a few metres away from the dish, mast and other metal, which pull the needle.

Elevation is the angle between the horizon and the line to the satellite. The geostationary satellites sit above the equator, so elevation is highest for a satellite on your own longitude and falls for satellites further east or west, and as you move further from the equator.

Most home dishes are offset dishes: the beam leaves at an angle to the dish face, so the reflector looks more upright than the elevation suggests. Set the elevation on the scale on the dish mount (with the pole plumb) rather than measuring the dish face. The scale is only a starting point; finish by peaking the signal on your receiver.

Below about 5° the calculator marks a satellite as not visible: it is at or under the horizon, or so low that terrain, buildings and the atmosphere make reception unreliable. Whatever the elevation, check that nothing blocks the line of sight along the azimuth at that elevation, such as trees, walls or neighbouring buildings.