Setting Up a DiSEqC Motor for Multi-Satellite Viewing
A DiSEqC motor turns one dish into a whole-arc system. Setting it up takes patience, but once aligned it works for years. Here is the process.
Before You Start
- The pole must be perfectly vertical.
- The mount must point due south (northern hemisphere).
- You know your latitude and longitude.
Fit the Motor and Dish
Bolt the motor to the pole, then the dish to the motor. Set the declination offset on the motor scale for your latitude.
Enter Your Location
In the receiver, choose USALS mode and enter your latitude and longitude. Select a reference satellite due south (for central Europe, Astra 19.2°E).
Peak the Reference Satellite
Move the motor to the reference satellite. Now manually adjust the dish elevation and the motor's south pointing until that satellite is perfectly peaked. This is the critical step.
Test East and West
Command the motor to satellites 10° east and 10° west. If both lock easily, the mount is calibrated. If only the south works, the pole is not vertical or the mount is not due south — go back.
Store Positions (DiSEqC 1.2)
If you are not using USALS, move the motor to each satellite, peak it, and store the position in the receiver. Repeat for each satellite you want.
Run a Scan on Each Satellite
Once the motor moves correctly, scan each satellite. The receiver should remember the position for next time.
Common Problems
- Side satellites weak: pole not vertical.
- Motor hums but does not move: insufficient power or a jam.
- Dish drifts: bolts not locked after alignment.
A motorised setup lives or dies on the pole being vertical and the mount being due south. Get those right and the rest is easy.
