Satellite finder

Satellite Finder App: Align Your Dish with Precision Using AR and Compass Tools

The Satellite finder app is a specialized mobile tool designed to eliminate the guesswork from aligning a satellite dish. It provides precise azimuth, elevation, and LNB skew angles for your exact GPS location. Users turn to Satellite finder because it combines a comprehensive satellite database with an intuitive Augmented Reality (AR) viewer, making it possible to visually align a dish with the sky. This professional-grade utility is essential for anyone installing or realigning a satellite dish for television or internet services, ensuring a strong signal by accurately pointing the antenna.

Selecting a Satellite from the Global List

The initial step in using Satellite finder is choosing your target satellite. The app contains a detailed list of available satellites. Users scroll or search this database to find their specific service provider, such as DirecTV or Dish Network. Upon selection, Satellite finder immediately calculates and displays the three critical alignment angles—azimuth, elevation, and LNB skew—tailored to the user’s current geographical coordinates. This data forms the foundation for the entire physical setup process.

Finding Azimuth Direction with the Integrated Compass

Once a satellite is selected, users employ the Satellite finder compass tool to find the correct horizontal direction, or azimuth. The app’s interface displays a compass overlay on a map. Users physically rotate their mobile device, which must have a magnetometer, until the on-screen needle aligns with the calculated azimuth degree. This action pinpoints the exact compass bearing toward the satellite from the user's location. The Satellite finder app provides both visual and numerical feedback to guide this rotation accurately.

Aligning the Dish Using the AR Camera Viewer

The most advanced feature of Satellite finder is its AR camera mode. After selecting a satellite, users activate this function. They then point their device’s camera toward the sky where the dish will be mounted. The app superimposes a directional arrow and target indicator onto the live camera feed. Users physically adjust the position of their satellite dish until it aligns with the projected AR graphic. Satellite finder provides a real-time signal quality readout, showing "perfect" when the dish is optimally positioned.

Setting the Precise Elevation and LNB Skew Angles

Beyond horizontal direction, a dish must be tilted at a specific vertical angle (elevation) and its LNB must be rotated (skew). The Satellite finder app displays these exact numerical values for the chosen satellite. Users manually adjust their dish’s mount to match the specified elevation degree, using a physical inclinometer or the app’s guidance. They then rotate the LNB to the calculated skew angle. Satellite finder ensures all three alignment parameters are correct for maximizing signal strength.

Accessing the Offline Satellite Channel Frequency Database

The Satellite finder app also functions as a extensive reference library. It includes a searchable, offline database of television channel frequencies. Users can browse this database by satellite, country, or channel name. Tapping on a channel reveals detailed transmission information, including polarization, symbol rate, and modulation. This Satellite finder feature is used to properly configure a satellite receiver with the correct settings before finalizing the dish alignment, ensuring all intended channels are decodable.

Verifying Location Accuracy via GPS Map

The accuracy of all calculations in Satellite finder is entirely dependent on precise location data. The app features a map view that displays the user’s current GPS coordinates. Before beginning alignment, users must ensure their device has a strong GPS signal, ideally by standing outdoors. The Satellite finder app uses this location to pull the correct orbital data for its calculations. Users can verify their pinpoints on the map, confirming the app has the right data for a successful setup.