map-2d
Use the fine-tune control
Zoom in, enable the fine-tune control, and pan the map until the crosshair sits on the planned mount point.
Product help
DishPointer Pro 2
Plan the installation with DishPointer Pro 2 before you start—then point your iPhone or iPad toward the sky and align your dish with confidence.
Start here
Choose a location and target, then understand the calculated pointing values.
Getting started with DishPointer Pro 2
A short workflow from location selection to final signal verification.
Choose and refine the dish location
Use automatic, searched, saved, or map-selected coordinates and refine them with the fine-tune control.
Select the correct satellite
Find a satellite by name or orbital slot.
Understand azimuth, elevation and skew
Interpret the numbers in the result panel and apply the correct reference at the dish.
Maps and AR view
Use the available map and camera views without mistaking visualizations for measurements.
Accuracy and safety
Understand the limits of calculated and sensor-based guidance and complete installations safely.
Quick tips
heading-ar
Step away from metal
Check heading away from the dish, motor, mast, vehicle and tools. Also remove your device from a case with magnetic closure buttons.
installation
Start with a plumb mast
A mast that is not plumb makes elevation scales misleading and prevents a motorized dish from following the geostationary arc correctly.
signal-peaking
Make very small adjustments
Move one axis at a time and wait for the receiver or meter to respond before deciding whether quality improved.
maintenance
Adjust compass with map inset
Correct any compass error with the map inset in AR View. Line up the map with your physical viewing direction.
Glossary
Plain-language definitions for terms used throughout DishPointer Pro 2.
Azimuth (true)
The horizontal pointing direction of the dish measured clockwise from true North (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West)
Azimuth (magnetic)
The horizontal pointing direction of the dish measured clockwise from magnetic North (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West)
True north
The direction pointing directly to the Earth's geographic North Pole (used in map view).
Magnetic north
The direction pointing to the Earth's magnetic North Pole (as indicated by a physical compass).
Magnetic declination
The angle difference between True North and Magnetic North. When using a physical compass, always use the magnetic values provided by DishPointer Pro 2.
Elevation
The up-and-down angle towards the satellite. Set this value on the dish scale. A standard offset dish will appear lower than the actual elevation.
LNB skew
The rotation of the LNB to match the angle (polarization) of the satellite signal. Use this to maximize the signal quality
Geostationary orbit
The orbit above the equator where the satellites match Earth's rotation and appear fixed in the sky.
Inclined Satellite orbit
The orbit is tilted relative to the Earth's equator. The satellite, instead of sitting still, slowly drifts up and down in a daily figure-8 pattern.
Orbital slot
The fixed spot over the equator where a specific satellite is intended to operate (labeled by its longitude, like 101°W).
Geostationary arc
The geostationary satellites appear along this arc in the sky. Inclined satellites move up and down across the arc in a figure-8 pattern.
Line of sight
A clear, direct view from the dish to the satellite with no trees, buildings, or obstacles in the way. Without a clear line of sight the signal will be blocked.
LNB
Low-noise block downconverter, mounted on the front of the dish to receive the satellite signal and convert into a signal the coaxial cable can carry to the receiver.
Offset dish
A dish designed so the arm sits at the bottom instead of the middle. Because of this shape, the dish face looks like it is pointing lower than the actual signal in the sky.
Footprint
The geographic region in which a satellite beam is intended to provide a specified level of coverage.
Signal quality
How clean the signal is from interference. A higher quality means fewer errors and better reception.