How to Install FREESAT (Or any Satellite TV system)

Kit & Design Details for installing FREESAT

So if you are having problems with FREEVIEW (TV via an Aerial) FREESAT is the solution normally, Live broadcast TV, with Smart Extras, from the newer FREESAT BOXES, and the good news is we sell it all. FREESAT DIY KIT

How to install a UK satellite-TV system at home — step-by-step (single TV, standard house)

Want a clear, single-TV satellite setup so you can watch Freesat / Sky channels? Below is a practical, safety-first blog-style guide that walks you through everything: the parts & tools you’ll likely need, and a numbered installation procedure you can follow. I’ll also flag common pitfalls and safety/legal notes.

Quick reality check: most UK TV over satellite (Sky / Freesat) comes from the Astra 2 satellites at 28.2°E, so this guide assumes you’re aiming a dish at that orbital position. (Satbeams Web and Mobile, lyngsat.com)

What you’ll need (parts & materials)

Main parts

  • Satellite dish (Sky / Zone-1 style ≈ 45 cm is usually fine across much of the UK; in far north / Scotland / fringe locations a larger dish (≈65 cm) may be preferable). For areas outside the main footprint check Satbeams we sell up to 80cm (Zone 3)

  • We recommend a UNIVERSIAL LNB for maximum compatibility but Hybrid if you want to be able to record more than 2 channels

  • Coaxial cable: 75 Ω RG-6 (satellite grade) (sufficient length from dish to TV). (for dual cable its often called SHOTGUN style

  • F-type connectors (screw-on or crimp) for the satellite cable (F connectors are standard for satellite). 

  • Satellite receiver / set-top box (only needed if your TV does not have a built-in DVB-S2 satellite tuner). Freesat boxes are available if your TV lacks a tuner.

  • Wall/chimney mounting bracket (dish mounting kit) and stainless steel fixings (bolts, washers, wall plugs appropriate for your wall type).

  • Weatherproofing supplies: silicone sealant, self-amalgamating tape or UV-stable tape, and a small outdoor F-connector weather cap (or adhesive-lined heat shrink).

  • Optional but recommended: small satellite finder / meter or smartphone app (DishPointer / SatFinder) to get approximate azimuth/elevation for 28.2°E for your location.

Want to make it easy? Try our KITS

Tools

  • Cordless drill + appropriate masonry/wood bits (e.g., 6–10mm depending on fixings).

  • Adjustable spanner, socket set or ratchet.

  • Small screwdriver set (flat + Phillips).

  • Coax stripping tool + crimper OR screwdriver for screw-on F connectors.

  • Spirit level and tape measure.

  • Ladder (appropriate for your roof height) and personal fall-protection if working on a pitched roof (see safety).

  • Marker pen, masking tape, and cable clips or trunking for neat cable runs.

Step-by-step installation

Safety first: If you are not entirely confident working at height or with tools, hire a professional. Working on ladders/roofs is dangerous — follow HSE guidance for working at height. (HSE)

1) Plan the position

  • Pick a mounting location with a clear line of sight to the southern sky (Astra 28.2°E sits over the equator to the south from the UK). Avoid trees, roof ridges, neighboring buildings or other obstructions.

  • Mount as low as practical (wall or chimney) to avoid unnecessary ladder/roof work and wind exposure. 

2) Choose the right dish size & LNB

  • For a single TV in most of the UK, a standard Sky/Zone-1 dish (≈43 cm) with a single universal LNB is usually sufficient; use a larger dish (≈60 cm) only if you’re in a weak-signal / fringe area. 

3) Fit the mounting bracket

  • Mark drill positions, drill holes for wall plugs or chimney straps, and fix the stainless steel bracket firmly. Use a spirit level so the dish can be aligned accurately. Use fixings appropriate for the wall material (masonry, brick, or timber).

4) Assemble dish + LNB (on the ground)

  • Attach the dish to its arm, fit the LNB to the feed arm, and loosely fit the clamp bolts so the dish can be adjusted later. Attach the F-connector to the LNB output but leave final tightening until after alignment.

5) Run the coax cable

  • Run the RG-6 coax from the LNB down to the intended TV/receptor position. Use cable clips or trunking, and avoid running the cable near high-power mains wiring. Leave a little service loop at both ends.

6) Make the cable ends

  • Strip and terminate the coax with F-type connectors (crimp or screw type) or use a pre-made satellite lead. Check connectors for solid contact and no stray braid touching the center conductor. See our YouTube cannel for help

7) Rough-aim the dish

  • Use an online azimuth/elevation calculator or smartphone app (enter your postcode and set satellite to Astra 28.2°E) to get approximate azimuth, elevation and LNB skew for your address. Mount the dish using those starting values. [Sat finder pro will help]

8) Fine-tune alignment (two ways)

  • With a receiver: Connect the coax to your satellite receiver (or smart TV if it has a satellite tuner), open the receiver’s signal/installation menu and select Astra/28.2°E. Slowly move the dish left/right (azimuth) and up/down (elevation) until the signal strength / quality peaks, then slowly rotate the LNB (skew) for best quality. Tighten bolts once you achieve the best lock.

  • With a satellite finder: Connect a satellite finder between LNB and receiver to get quicker, more sensitive feedback while adjusting; when maximised, recheck on receiver.

  • Small movements matter — go slowly and tighten securely once you have the best reading.

9) Weatherproof all external connections

  • Apply silicone around wall cable entry, use self-amalgamating tape or heat-shrink over the F-connector to prevent water ingress, and use outdoor rated clips/trunking for neatness.

10) Final checks & secure

  • Verify stable picture and channel list on the receiver/TV. Check at different times (cloudy vs bright) if you suspect marginal signal. Secure all bolts with lock-washers and ensure bracket is tight.

11) Cable tidy & documentation

  • Label the coax near the back of the TV, and leave a simple note for later (satellite position, LNB skew, dish type) — handy if you need to remount later.

12) Test an everyday watch & troubleshoot

  • If you lose channels, check: F-connectors (tightness, water damage), coax damage, LNB failure, dish moved by wind, or a new obstruction (tree growth). If signal is marginal, try a slightly larger dish or a better-quality LNB.

Troubleshooting quick-list

  • No signal / no lock — check F connectors, ensure receiver set to the correct satellite (Astra 28.2°E), check coax continuity, verify LNB has power (receiver usually supplies it).

  • Intermittent picture — moisture in connectors, loose fittings or marginal signal (consider resealing connectors or larger dish).

  • Poor quality on certain transponders — try fine LNB skew adjustments and check cable length/quality (long runs increase loss).

Safety & permissions

  • Work at height: ladders and roof work are hazardous. Use proper ladder technique and, for roof work, consider roof ladders or harnesses. Follow HSE guidance for working at height. If unsure — get a pro. (HSE)

  • Permissions: if you rent, check with your landlord/agent before drilling into external walls or chimney. If you live in a conservation area or your property is listed, permissions may be required.

Short parts checklist you can print

  • Satellite dish (≈43 cm) + mount

  • Single-output universal LNB

  • RG-6 satellite coax (75 Ω) — length as required

  • F-type connectors (or pre-made lead)

  • Wall plugs / stainless bolts / washers

  • Drill + bits, spanner set, spirit level, ladder

  • Coax stripper/crimper (or screw-on F connectors)

  • Silicone sealant, tape, cable clips

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Final notes

  • If your TV has a satellite tuner already, you may be able to connect coax straight to the TV and scan for channels (Freesat uses DVB-S / DVB-S2 free-to-air transmissions from Astra 28.2°E). If not, use a Freesat receiver box. (lyngsat.com)

  • If you prefer not to climb or deal with alignment, a qualified satellite installer can do the job quickly and will usually guarantee alignment and signal strength.

 

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