This section describes how to point the antenna reflector at the satellite. Alignment is critical to the operation of the DirecPC system. When the reflector is pointed directly at the satellite, the adapter receives a strong signal. If the reflector is not positioned properly the signal may be weak with errors resulting during data transfers. This signal quality would become worse on cloudy, windy, or rainy days.

The elevation value calculated by the Antenna Pointing software is accurate enough to allow you to acquire the satellite on the first try if the antenna mast is plumb. If the mast is not perfectly vertical see the note below.

Important Note (only if your mast is not vertical): If your mast is not perfectly vertical you can still find the satellite but it is more difficult. Use a level or plumb bob to estimate how many degrees you are out of plumb in the direction of the satellite. Subtract this amount from the elevation calculated by the software and then subtract an additional two degrees for margin. Use this value as your initial elevation setting in step 3. If you reach step 10 without having detected the satellite, adjust the elevation up one degree and return to Step 5. Repeat, adding one degree of elevation on each pass.

You will be making three adjustment on your antenna: polarization (rotation of the antenna), elevation (pointing up or down), and azimuth (pointing side to side).