If you want to install an antenna or satellite dish on your roof, you need to be aware of certain precautions. These popular methods of connecting your T.V to expanded coverage gives each homeowner a lot of choices in what to watch on television. They can receive transmissions from miles away and not limit you to local T.V. programming. If you can install your own satellite dish or antenna, you will save a lot of money.

You have to consider a number of things before you even consider installing a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you read and understand the directions and all of the details of how to place the antenna or satellite on your roof, you will save yourself a lot of trouble later. If you don’t you may risk having to take it all down and start all over again. Installing a satellite dish or antenna will not take a lot of time and yet can save you a lot of money. The most important thing is to follow these few steps to make sure you do it right.

1-Make sure the installation site is a clear path for reception. This means a clear “line of sight” to the satellites that are transmitting, so no trees, roof lines or other barriers should be in the way.

2-You have to put the dish in a place that is not only clear from any encumbrances, such as electrical lines, but also easy to reach. You will be able to adjust or monitor it much easier if you can reach it.

3-Make sure you have the right equipment and power tools. There are normally only a handful of parts to connect on a satellite system: the dish or antenna, the coax cable for connection to the T.V., and the receiver that you plug into the T.V. Make sure you put the dish or antenna within a range that you can reach the T.V. Know the length of the cable so you can reach it. You may have to add additional cable if the distance is further than originally planned. Other equipment you may need is a drill to attach mountings and screws to put the antenna or dish in place.

4-Decide how you want to point your dish. If it is pointed wrong, it will not pick anything up. In general, you want the dish to point at an angle of between 25 to 50 degrees. You can use a compass to find this angle, and it will often come with the installation kit.

5- Think safety first. Before you go on the roof to install the antenna, consider any precautions you should take to prevent falls. Do not attempt this job if the roof is wet or icy. Be sure the ladder you use is strong and properly positioned. Have an assistant to hold the ladder and make sure your shoes as non-skid.

It all comes down to these few steps: plan where the dish or antenna should be, make sure nothing is in the way, have the equipment to install it properly, take safety precautions when you install it. This will mean that you will be able to enjoy your many T.V. stations for a long time.