Oftentimes we get questions on how to use an old satellite dish as an antenna.
Many people find that they don’t have a reason to reuse their satellite dishes, especially when they are no longer useful.
Some of them don’t have TV antennas and would like to watch free over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts.
You are in the right place if you fall into such a group.
Today’s article walks you step-by-step into using your old satellite dish as an antenna.
Table of Contents
- Can You Use an Old Satellite Dish as an Antenna?
- Tips on How to Use Old Satellite Dish as an Antenna
- What to Consider When Using Old Satellite Dish as an Antenna
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Can You Use an Old Satellite Dish as an Antenna?
(A satellite dish close to an FM antenna on a roof)
You may have an old satellite dish and wonder whether you can use it as a radio or TV antenna.
You can use a satellite dish as an antenna, but you need to repurpose it by including some adjustments.
First, satellite dishes use satellite communication frequencies that support high-data-rate communications.
In other words, the C-Band satellite signals operate at a frequency band of 3.7 to 4.2 GHz when traveling toward a receiver (downlink).
On the other hand, uplink (transmitter to satellite) speeds range from 5.925 to 6.425 GHz.
Conversely, radio and TV communication frequencies are typically lower, with the UHF ranging from 54 to 806 MHz.
Additionally, the VHF ranges from 54 to 216 MHz, a significantly lower frequency than satellite operation.
Therefore, to use an old satellite as an antenna, you must ensure it receives and transmits at UHF and VHF frequencies.
If not, you won’t receive any quality audio and picture.
The reason is the old satellite dish isn’t compatible with the frequency band relaying the information you need.
Tips on How to Use Old Satellite Dish as an Antenna
(Several big satellite dishes)
We all have that old satellite dish that we don’t use anymore. You’ve been wondering how you can dispose of it.
You don’t, especially if you don’t have a TV antenna. Here are tips on how to use an old satellite dish as an antenna.
Disassemble the Dish
Start by disassembling your dish to free the mounting surface for additional components.
The first part shall remove the low-noise block downconverter (LNB) or the dish arm’s cover.
Next, inspect for a coaxial cable and pull its head from inside the dish.
Afterward, remove all cables from the dish while keeping them free from damage, as they are still useful.
A further step involves unscrewing the dish material from the mounting plate.
Prepare Your Over the Air Antenna
At this stage, consult the user manual to find tips on how to install your antenna. You need to find out whether it is fully assembled at delivery.
If not, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to assemble it.
Additionally, you must install an antenna with enough range capacity to access television broadcast towers past the distance.
Mount Your Antenna
Mounting your antenna is easy, especially if you retain the mounting plate that once held your satellite dish.
If not, install another pole and ensure the mounting plate fits your antenna.
Sometimes, that won’t be the case meaning you must use a fitting adapter to hold your antenna in position.
Additionally, use a digital TV signal finder to find the direction of the least congested and highest-performing TV tower.
Generally, it is the point that the signal finder hits a full 100 or a perfect spot between UHF and VHF.
When you determine one, mark the direction and fix your TV antenna while aligning it in that direction.
Attach Your Coaxial Cable
Attach the head of the coaxial cable you detached from the satellite to your OTA antenna.
Afterward, go to the other end and unplug it from the satellite receiver hardware. Connect it to your TV and see if it works.
What to Consider When Using Old Satellite Dish as an Antenna
(An electrician mounting an antenna)
Here are factors to consider before using your old satellite dish as an antenna:
Compatibility
Satellite dishes use communication bands like C-Band and Ku-Band to relay information from a broadcasting station to your TV.
The signals are less susceptible to interference from atmospheric conditions and physical obstacles.
Others, such as X-Band and Ka-Band, support high-data-rate communication and are popular for scientific and military communications.
On the other hand, TV signal broadcasters relay their content through UHF and VHF frequency bands which fall in the megahertz scale.
You cannot get any over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcast using an unmodified satellite dish.
The angle of the Reflector
Satellite dishes receive information from satellites orbiting the Earth.
Consequently, they are generally pointing upwards, while others have rotating mechanisms that allow them to track a satellite’s position.
On the other hand, TV antennas receive signals from towers on the ground.
As such, they generally point toward the towers, especially if they are directional antennas.
Therefore, when planning to use a satellite as an antenna, ensure it points toward the towers.
Moreover, you can adjust its curvature to optimize its performance as a terrestrial antenna.
Mounting and Positioning
(Tools and materials for mounting your antenna)
Another consideration is that you may need to reposition your satellite dish to maximize its exposure to signals from the ground towers.
Generally, you can mount a satellite dish on any position on the ground or roof on the condition it points upward.
Conversely, a direct line of sight must be between your antenna and the TV towers.
Therefore, if you are to use your satellite as an antenna, make sure you place it high above any obstacles.
Signal Conversion
If you want to use your satellite dish to receive satellite signals compatible with your TV, you may have to use additional equipment.
Remember, satellite dishes don’t receive OTA broadcasts on the UHF and VHF bands.
So, to watch higher frequency band broadcasts with your TV, you must include a signal converter or TV tuner in the setup.
FAQs
Can a satellite dish be used as a 4G antenna?
You can use your satellite dish as a 4G antenna with some modifications. First, replace the low-noise block (LNB) with a 4G antenna.
The reason is that satellite dishes receive and transmit signals in the Gigahertz range of the frequency scale.
This is information for scientific research and, in some cases, a subscription-based TV service.
On the other hand, 4G antennas transmit and receive broadcasts on a lower frequency scale.
Another consideration is adjusting your dish’s orientation, especially if replacing it with a directional antenna.
Can I convert a satellite dish into a free WiFi antenna?
You can convert your satellite dish into a free WiFi antenna if you include some modifications.
First, ensure you replace or modify the LNB and feedhorn to ensure they suit omnidirectional reception.
Generally, satellite dishes are unidirectional, aligning towards fixed satellites orbiting the Earth.
Additionally, satellite dishes have signal-processing components that may not suit WiFi applications.
Other modifications include adding an amplifier and compatible connectors.
Can I use an old satellite dish as an FM antenna?
You can use your old satellite as an FM antenna with major modifications. For instance, the FM frequency band ranges from 87.5 MHz to 108 MHz.
Conversely, satellites operate high frequencies in the Gigahertz range, meaning you must modify them to receive FM signals.
Moreover, it would be best if you reshaped them to resonate at the FM frequency band.
Other modifications include adding a reflector to increase signal capture and a signal processing component.
Conclusion
You don’t have to throw away that old satellite dish; you can reuse it as a TV antenna.
Generally, both are for signal reception or transmission, meaning they share some common hardware.
The challenge, however, is that one operates at a higher frequency than the other. In effect, you will add or remove some components.
Luckily, today’s article provides all you need to know about transforming your old satellite dish into an antenna.
