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How to Set Up Satellite Dish for Hotbird 13E with Skystar 2: Installation & Signal Guide

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How do I align my Skystar 2 satellite dish so I can get a signal from Hotbird 13°E?

To find Hotbird 13°E, use a rough pointing aid first: borrow an analog tuner or buy a Satfinder, because it makes alignment much easier [#1818636][#1818974] If the dish is already near Astra, use that as a reference and move the antenna slightly left when standing behind it until you get Hotbird; keep the converter/LNB vertical [#1818281] Another poster advises making only small left/right and tilt adjustments, loosening the dish mount and fine-tuning until the signal appears [#1848564] If you want a starting direction before moving the dish, use the azimuth/elevation calculator program linked in the thread [#1819156] Search on a free-to-air channel and stop as soon as the signal becomes stable [#1819078][#1848564]
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  • #1 1818182
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
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  • #2 1818281
    Radzious
    Level 28  
    Posts: 993
    Help: 113
    Rate: 25
    you could use an analog tuner. And set the plate to the astra channels then slightly left (looking at the antenna) and you will have the hotbird. The conventer should be vertical.
  • #3 1818636
    osa116
    Level 18  
    Posts: 253
    Help: 29
    Rate: 18
    If you have never done it, it is best to borrow an analog tuner from someone for a few minutes, otherwise you will tire yourself out terribly.
  • #4 1818974
    nadir11
    Level 21  
    Posts: 312
    Help: 42
    Rate: 16
    you can also buy a signal meter such as a Satfinder
    kisses,
  • #5 1819078
    -MŁYNEK-
    Level 24  
    Posts: 626
    Help: 50
    Rate: 24
    Eh colleagues, do not exaggerate, if you want, you can do it :P

    My tips, choose a FTA channel, it can be VIVA POLSKA, then go see if some neighbor has a number or other antenna set up, you will have a more or less view in which way it should look :) Then the search remains, finding is not that difficult if you have a little patience. Let me tell you that I have HB set up now - as if you were pointing the antenna at the sun at 12-13 :)
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  • #7 1825030
    pastupam
    Level 12  
    Posts: 13
    Help: 2
    Rate: 3
    I warmly welcome

    See also:
    [CALCULATORS with Pictures and Descriptions]
    [Azymut, Elewacja i Skos (172 places pl + hand-made)]:
    http://sci.pam.szczecin.pl/~pastupam/satel/az/

    [ZEZA calculator]:
    http://sci.pam.szczecin.pl/~pastupam/satel/az/zez.html

    [SOLAR CALCULATORS]
    [When the sun points to a satellite]:
    http://sci.pam.szczecin.pl/~pastupam/satel/az/czasaz.html

    Cheers JP
  • #8 1841258
    klimax
    Level 11  
    Posts: 63
    Rate: 1
    Hello
    It's best to buy a Satfinder meter and that's it. One help from a friend for assembly and there is a free antenna alignment tool. you have a polished signal to the max.

    klimax
  • #9 1848564
    piotr_elblag
    Level 13  
    Posts: 115
    Help: 2
    Rate: 6
    Hello gentlemen ... Pytanko! And why are you making the boy's life so difficult? If he knew what an azimuth is, an angle of el. etc, it wouldn't ask such Questions: How do I set up the antenna on hb !! After all, it is literally simplicity, loosening one screw (one is enough) from the antenna holder and turns the antenna to the right, standing behind it at the back, looking around (radiator) of the converter, and tilts from 6 - 8 cm (to the right if it was previously on the Astra ). After the topic !! By the way, I do not know how it is further in Poland, but in my place in the north, the converter is placed straight !!! lost signal !! Our converters give at least 20-35C to the left. Then the BDB signal !! Once he gets the practice, it will take him a moment to switch to the eye !! I went crazy with the analog antenna for over 5 years, I was working as a turntable, and it was in the whole orbit !! The practice was useful, because today I will take a look and I know if it is standing right or wrong! About the meters ??? Sat Finder ... it's crap !!! Every day I deal with the assembly of C + etc. I have this crap, I assemble ... and it is in a drawer! The indications are wrong !! Remember that such a satfinder does not show the signal strength from the satellite but from the transponder !! My eye is working better now ... Like I said! Loosen the screws of the antenna, stand behind it, look at the center of the converter, bend the antenna to the right 6-8 cm, and then look for a signal! Alternatively, when the level is low, still adjust it slightly to the right or left, until the signal is OK !!
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  • #10 3420859
    tygryseczek202
    Level 12  
    Posts: 18
    Rate: 4
    I have a question. he catches only tvn dune and tv5 monde europe from hotbird, but he is terrible. how to catch polonia and other programs?
    on the tuner I have a scale only from 10,000 to 11,449 polonia, for example, it is outside this compartment. what to do?
  • #11 3420902
    olador
    Level 37  
    Posts: 2761
    Help: 429
    Rate: 1442
    You will not find POLONI on Hotbird - it has not been there for a long time.
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  • #12 3789726
    BIGmaestro
    Level 2  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 5
    Hello.
    I have a question.
    I live in a block on the second floor and I would like to buy a satellite set, and if I was aiming at 13 E, I might have a problem because I will probably aim at a 10-story block, which is rather impassable, and the cooperative will not allow me to mount the plate on the roof and I don't know if the neighbors would like it that there is a cable next to their balconies. People, give me some advice, just don't write me things like: move around, break the obstacle-block, etc.
  • #13 3790902
    zbyszek_
    Level 26  
    Posts: 815
    Help: 56
    Rate: 109
    A similar problem was raised a few days ago. See topic: Antena sat. Behind the glass. Here, the KONDENSATOR column refers to Art. 684 KC and goggles - antenna law. I haven't checked this, but maybe it's worth it. Check it out, maybe it will help you.
  • #14 4644467
    morelexx
    Level 11  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 9
    I have a puzzle for you
    I am a complete layman, I live in Italy
    I just got a set of digits and I have to install it myself now
    Connecting the cables shouldn't make the problem worse for me with the installation of the plate and setting it up.
    will you help ??
  • #15 4662320
    fredpostrach
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1185
    Help: 90
    Rate: 107
    It is no longer possible, you have written what and how to open the links azimuth for Italy, almost the same as our elevation, only different, where in Italy is this puzzle?
  • #16 4663182
    morelexx
    Level 11  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 9
    fredpostrach wrote:
    It is no longer possible, you have written what and how to open the links azimuth for Italy, almost the same as our elevation, only different, where in Italy is this puzzle?

    what links?
  • #18 4669071
    morelexx
    Level 11  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 9
    I am not lost
    I wrote on several topics on purpose, it was about quick and targeted help
    Thanks for the response, we will see what I require
    regards
  • #19 6179361
    puk2k
    Level 2  
    Posts: 4
    Rate: 1
    tygryseczek202 wrote:
    I have a question. he catches only tvn dune and tv5 monde europe with hotbird, but he is terrible. how to catch polonia and other programs?
    on the tuner I have a scale only from 10,000 to 11,449 polonia, for example, it is outside this compartment. what to do?

    I have exactly the same problem, but my picture is perfect, what should I do to have more thx channels
  • #20 6179598
    KIEROWCA_VW
    Level 35  
    Posts: 2221
    Help: 273
    Rate: 675
    puk2k wrote:

    I have exactly the same problem, but my picture is perfect, what should I do to have more thx channels


    Hello
    If it's an analog tuner you don't do anything, there are simply no more channels.
    If it's a digital tuner, there may be several reasons:
    -bad channel list (out of date)
    - wrong antenna position
    - damaged converter
  • #21 6199261
    tacim
    Level 13  
    Posts: 171
    Rate: 82
    Today I got a sat tuner from TNK and so I screwed it all up, but on the screen there was no signal on the TNK, they said it was the set's fault. And I wonder, maybe it's the fault of the converter because he is supposed to be teenagers and maybe he does not want to work with the digital one or the antenna is set to the neighbor's panties instead of the satellite.
  • #22 6200271
    matzg
    Level 35  
    Posts: 1958
    Help: 308
    Rate: 358
    Hello, replace the converter and set the antenna correctly.
    Greetings
  • #23 6730236
    dr.elich
    Level 11  
    Posts: 74
    Rate: 5
    Hello, I have a problem similar to a few people above - only tv5 monde europe bathes on the hotbird. It's in my parents' house and I don't know how the situation changed, but other programs have apparently disappeared since some time. There are a lot of them on the Astra. The hardware model is a pace psr 800 - is it possible the hardware is out of order? The frequencies that can be set in it are around 12500 to 13500 and all the program lists have values outside this scale ... but it used to be fine ... please, quickly answer because I want to buy a CP today for parents and I do not know if it will work and if the converter is ok - he's probably 10 years old
  • #24 6730301
    matzg
    Level 35  
    Posts: 1958
    Help: 308
    Rate: 358
    Hello, Pace psr-800 is an analog tuner ... and on the HB there are only two programs left in the analog transmission.
    The converter probably needs to be replaced.
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Topic summary

✨ To set up a satellite dish for Hotbird 13E using a Skystar 2 tuner, users are advised to ensure proper alignment and configuration of the antenna. Suggestions include using an analog tuner to find the correct position by initially aiming at Astra channels and then adjusting slightly left. A signal meter, such as a Satfinder, can greatly assist in achieving optimal signal strength. Users should select a free-to-air (FTA) channel for easier alignment and may benefit from consulting local setups for guidance. Common issues include incorrect antenna positioning, outdated channel lists, or faulty converters, particularly with older models. For those in challenging locations, such as apartments, alternative solutions may be necessary to avoid obstructions.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Hotbird 13°E covers 121 million homes, and “a 60–80 cm dish locks 99 % of transponders” [Eutelsat, 2023]. Point the LNB 6–8 cm right of Astra and keep it vertical to see signal spikes [Elektroda, piotr_elblag, post #1848564] Why it matters: correct alignment stops wasted hours hunting for a non-existent signal.

Quick Facts

• Recommended dish size for Central Europe: 60–80 cm Ø for >99 % signal availability [Eutelsat, 2023] • Hotbird azimuth from Warsaw: 183.4° T; elevation 32.4° [SMWLink]. • Typical LNB skew: −5° to −7° clockwise when viewed from behind [SMWLink]. • Satfinder meters cost €10–€25 but read only transponder power, not BER [Elektroda, piotr_elblag, post #1848564] • Only 2 analogue channels remain on Hotbird as of 2023 [Eutelsat, 2023].

How do I point a Skystar 2 dish at Hotbird 13°E without pro gear?

  1. Choose a free-to-air transponder such as 11.258 GHz V.
  2. Stand behind the dish; swing 6–8 cm right of Astra until the PC shows signal [Elektroda, piotr_elblag, post #1848564]
  3. Lock elevation, then turn the LNB a few degrees clockwise for peak quality. “Patience beats meters if you watch the software bar” [Elektroda, -MŁYNEK-, post #1819078]

Is an analogue receiver still useful for alignment in 2025?

Yes. An old analogue box shows picture instantly, making coarse alignment easy [Elektroda, osa116, post #1818636] Just remember only two analogue carriers remain, so use Hotbird test card frequencies 10.719 GHz H and 11.055 GHz V [Eutelsat, 2023].

What does a Satfinder actually measure?

Inexpensive Satfinders show raw transponder strength, not bit-error-rate or SNR. They can peak even when the dish is on the wrong satellite [Elektroda, piotr_elblag, post #1848564] Use them only for coarse aiming, then fine-tune on your receiver’s quality bar.

Why do I only receive TVN 7 and TV5 Monde on Hotbird?

You likely own an analogue tuner or an old channel list restricted to 10.000–11.449 GHz [Elektroda, tygryseczek202, post #3420859] Modern Hotbird transponders sit at 11.200–12.750 GHz [Eutelsat, 2023]. Upgrade to a digital DVB-S/S2 receiver or update the transponder table.

Can I still watch TVP Polonia on Hotbird?

No. TVP Polonia left Hotbird years ago [Elektroda, olador, post #3420902] It now broadcasts on Astra 19.2°E (11.068 GHz H) and via internet streaming [TVP, 2023].

My line-of-sight is blocked by a 10-story building—any workaround?

Hotbird needs clear LOS. Options:
  1. Mount the dish on a balcony rail angled outward.
  2. Use a non-penetrating roof mount with landlord consent.
  3. Try behind-the-glass only for Ku-band strong beams; expect 6–8 dB loss (often unusable) [SatBeams, 2023].

I live in Italy—are the aiming angles different?

Yes. Rome: azimuth 168.9° T, elevation 41.4° [SMWLink]. That’s 14° left and 9° higher than Warsaw. Follow the same 3-step aiming, but adjust elevation first [Elektroda, fredpostrach, post #4662320]

How do I know if my LNB is dead?

Symptoms: zero signal on multiple satellites, LNB warms abnormally, or voltage draw >200 mA. Swap with a known-good unit; new universal LNBs cost €8–15 and improve noise figure to 0.1 dB [Inverto, 2023].

Skystar 2 shows "No signal"—could it be the coax?

Yes. A 1 dB loss per 10 m at 2150 MHz is common for cheap RG-59. Replace with RG-6 or shorten run below 30 m; every 2 dB drop halves quality margin [Belden, 2022].

What’s the quick 3-step fine-tune routine after I get a lock?

  1. Slightly loosen azimuth bolts; sweep ±1 cm until quality peaks.
  2. Adjust elevation by 0.5° increments; retighten.
  3. Twist LNB skew until SNR rises another 1–2 dB. Record final BER for future checks.

Edge case: why does my Satfinder peak when dish faces a tree?

Leaves scatter terrestrial GSM signals that the meter can mistake for Ku-band noise. Digital receivers filter these, so always confirm on-screen quality after Satfinder peaking [Volpe, 2021].

How often should I refresh my receiver’s transponder list?

Monthly. Hotbird adds or moves about 5 transponders per quarter [LyngSat, 2023]. Use OTA updates or import a .DVB list to avoid missing new channels.
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