ISSN: 2277 – 9043
International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (IJARCSEE)
TECHNICAL REPORT ON STEP BY STEP CONFIGURATION OF
FREE TO AIR SATELLITE IN WEST AFRICA IN KU BAND
Alumona T.L#1,Ohaneme C.O#2, Akpado .K#3
#
Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State.Nigeria
Abstract-This technical paper describes Free-to-air
(FTA) satellite for West Africa in Ku band. It allows
any user with the appropriate receiving equipment to
receive the signal and view to the content without
requiring a subscription. Free to air also refers to
channels and broadcasters providing content for which
no subscription is expected, even though they may be
delivered to the viewer by another carrier for which a
subscription is required, e.g. cable, satellite or the
Internet. These carriers may be mandated in some
environment to deliver FTA channels even if a
premium subscription is not present (providing the
necessary equipment is still available), especially where
FTA channels are expected to be used for emergency
broadcasts, similar to the 112 emergency service
provided by mobile phone operators and
manufacturers. This technical paper will x-ray the
state of art involved in the configuration of free to air
satellite reception for West Africa. [1]
Keywords: Free to air (FTA), satellite, configuration
and subscription
I. INTRODUCTION
Satellite TV has attracted the way people react to
information for years, as an avenue to watch 24hrs
television. This paper discusses free to air (FTA) satellite
TV as an alternative to commercial cable TV.
The advent of what is termed D.V.B (digital video
broadcasting) helped spur satellite TV to new heights
.While making the content on most satellite television to
be of crystal clear quality and unbelievable diversity, it
also makes it possible to broadcast several streams on one
„feed‟, so that one provider can pay for just one frequency
on a satellite and then broadcast several channels
containing diverse programming, movies, music, news,
documentaries, e.t.c, you can have up to 40 frequencies
from one particular satellite. However, most of these
broadcasts are actually pay-tv, but there are always a few
channels which are not encrypted so that one can get these
at no cost. This paper lists the basic requirements for free
to air satellite reception, which includes the satellite, the
satellite dish, the Low Noise Block (LNB), the decoder,
the set of wires and a visual display unit.[2]
II. BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Receiving satellite streams is a relatively easy thing to do,
but it requires the right knowledge, some money, the
necessary equipment and a great deal of patience. Now
there are several things you need before installing a
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Volume 3, Issue 9, September 2014
satellite receiver system, and they are as follows:
• The satellite you want to track.
• The satellite dish( parabola dish)
• The LNB
• The decoder
• Coaxial cable, F-connectors, splitters
• TV set (or even a computer with a TV card).
1) The Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an artificial
object which has been intentionally placed into orbit. Such
objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to
distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon.
About 6,600 satellites have been launched. The latest
estimates are that 3,600 remain in orbit[1]. Of those,
about 1,000 are operational the rest have lived out their
useful lives and are part of the space debris.
Approximately 500 operational satellites are in low-Earth
orbit, 50 are in medium-Earth orbit (at 20,000 km), the
rest are in geostationary orbit (at 36,000 km). Of all these,
our interest is in the communication satellite, which is
used for TV broadcast and hence FTA. Now the extent to
which you can receive the beam depends on how much
coverage the satellite has over your area. Basically,
broadcasters aim at a particular region. For example, Hitv
broadcasts to Nigeria, while Gtv focuses on Ghana, and
Nilesat broadcasts to the Middle East and North Africa.
Now it is impossible for the satellites transmission to be
restricted to only a particular country or area, so it goes
without saying that viewers in Nigeria will receive Gtv
with some slight drop in signal level as you go away from
the intended broadcast region. That is what is behind the
fact that people in the northern part of Nigeria can receive
Nilesat‟s broadcast with a little less effort than those in the
southern part of Nigeria. [3]
2) The satellite dish
A dish is a type of parabolic antenna designed to
receive (and/or transmit) microwaves from (to)
communication satellites, which transmits data
transmission or broadcasts such as satellite television. It
essentially consists of Parabolic Reflector (dish), a Feed
Horn and a Low Noise Block Down-Converter (LNB).The
parabolic reflector reflects the signal from the satellite and
brings it to a focal point, ie the parabolic shape of the dish
reflects the incoming signal to the dish focal point- the
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International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (IJARCSEE)
point at which the initially collimated signal beam
meets.[4]
Signal
beam
from
satellite
Fig 1a: Signal beam Incident On A Satellite Dish
Since the Principle of reflection is reversible, Parabolic
Reflectors can also be used to project energy of a source
atits focus outward in a parallel beam to a satellite.
Signal
beam to
satellite
Figure 1b Satellite Dish projecting a beam from the Feed Horn
2.1) The Downlink
The function of a downlink is to capture enough of the
transmitted signal from the satellite to at least attain, or
more preferably exceed, the „threshold‟ of operation. The
system at the downlink is essentially the reverse of the
uplink process. The downlink also has an antenna, a Low
Noise Block Down-Converter (LNB) and a
Receiver/decoder. There would also be a sophisticated
monitoring system able to measure all the parameters of
the received signal.
The satellite converts or changes the direction of the
signal polarization so as not to interfere with transponder
inbound and outbound signals. It is important that any
receive antenna is as „blind‟ as possible to signals on the
opposite polarization termed ‘Cross Polar Discrimination’
(XPD), so that any potential interference from a signal on
the same frequency but opposite polarization is minimized
(Adeyinka, 2000)[4].
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ISSN: 2277 – 9043
Volume 3, Issue 9, September 2014
3) The Low Noise Block Converter (LNB)
Satellite signals incident on a dish, are reflected by the
parabolic curvature of the dish to the focal point. Located
at the focal point of a satellite dish antenna is also a Low
Noise Block Converter ( henceforth called LNB). The
downlink signal received by the antenna is directed
towards the feed horn on which the LNB is mounted.[5]
Fig 2: Dual LNB
FIGURE 3: DUAL LNB
The primary functions of the LNB are
i. Selection of Polarization: The LNB chooses the
polarization and the part of the frequency range that is to
be received.
ii. Amplification: Satellite signals suffer attenuation due
to the fact that a satellite broadcasts‟ a few watts of
microwave from the geostationary orbit (36,000 Km from
the earth) to reception points on the ground; also, the
transmissions are broadcast over a wide “footprint area”.
Due to the low signal strength, the LNB amplifies the very
weak received satellite signal.
iii. Down conversion: The LNB also converts the
received microwave satellite signals to a lower frequency
range (called Intermediate Frequency or IF). This is
because when radio signals are sent through coaxial
cables, the higher the frequency, the more the losses occur
in the cable per unit of length. Thus, these lower
frequencies travel through cables with much less
attenuation of the signal. Also, it is much easier and
cheaper to design electronic circuits to operate at these
low frequencies.[6]
4) The Decoder
This is what takes the digital MPEG-2 or MPEG-4
signal from the LNB and converts it into an analog format
that a standard television can recognize [7]. Decoders got
from pay TV companies have been configured for use for
receiving their transmissions, what we need for FTA is a
decoder that can show you what satellite signals are
available in your area, allowing you to chose what you
want to receive, while also allowing you the option of
using it for pay TV. There are several types of decoders
that fit this bill, and the most common manufacturers are
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International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (IJARCSEE)
strong, humax, technomate, kaon. etc.
More recently, computer users have been provided with
what is known as a DVB-S card which can be
incorporated into the computer so it can be used as a
decoder among other things and it can serve the same
purpose as a standalone decoder.[7]
III. STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION AND
CONFIGURATION OF THE KU BAND OF
SATELLITE
In every installation, the set up processes remain the
same. In either case, the installation equipments are
conveyed to the location at least a day to the event to be
on the safe side and it is the duty of engineers/installers on
location to set up the facilities for installation. The stages
in the set-up include
1) Set up the dish: After unpacking, the first thing to be
done is to set up the dish. The dish is normally located
considering the position of the satellite to be tracked (i.e.
east for DSTV. For its SIGNAL, DSTV uses INTELSAT
7 or EUTELSATW4/W7 at 24.5˚ east) and also, the
potential obstruction (such as buildings or trees) to the
satellite signals which is so obvious at times when
installing. As such these factors are considered before the
side to be used is finally selected and the dish positioned.
In setting up the dish, the parabolic reflector commonly
known as the PAN is placed on its base and secured
tightly with bolts and nuts. The LNB is then tightly
secured to its rightful position on supports placed at the
focal point of the dish with bolts and nuts. An RG-6
coaxial cable is then connected from the LNB to a
receiver/decoder (Universal Satellite receiver, IRD 2900).
[8]
2). Track the Satellite: The next thing to do after the dish
has been properly setup is to track the satellite onto which
the signals are to be uplinked. Tracking entails altering the
azimuth and elevation of the dish till the satellite signals
are finally „locked‟. In other to do so, certain parameters
must be known and they include; Symbol Rate,
Transponder Frequency, polarization and Forward Error
Correction (FEC), they are normally pre-configured on the
receiver/decoder before tracking begins.
For tracking DSTV signal,
Transponder frequency = 27500 MHz
FEC = 3/4
Symbol Rate =12.245MS/s (Mega
Symbols per second)
Polarization = LHCP
Tracking the signal is not just enough, the dish must be
aligned in such a way as to maximize the gain of the
received signal as can be seen on the receiver/decoder,
which should not be less than 5dB
Now it is time to do the actual tracking. This is done
outside the house. Use a long extension cable to bring a
power point outside and attach your TV and decoder to it
and power up. Next, attach the LNB to the dish at the
focal point and connect it via a cable to the decoder. To do
this, press the menu button, this will bring up the system
All Rights Reserved © 2014 IJARCSEE
ISSN: 2277 – 9043
Volume 3, Issue 9, September 2014
menu, shift right under Installation to the fifth option
which is „manual scan‟. Pressing this will bring up a list of
satellites. Scroll laterally to Intelsat 7/10 Ku, there is
already a list of most of the available frequencies from
that particular satellite. The first frequency listed is 12722,
with V polarity and a symbol rate of 26657, written in
short hand as 12722/v/26657. Then back to the dish, use
the a compass to calculate 60ºE , twist your LNB so the
point where the wire attaches points about 45 º to your
right along a vertical axis. Then move the dish up and
down slowly and turning it right or left until the two red
signal indicators for level and quality turn green. Then try
adjusting it by small degrees in all directions until you get
the maximum signal levels. Try and aim for a signal level
of at least 80% to ensure that every available frequency
from that beam will be at their maximum. The frequency
used for tracking any satellite is usually that which has the
highest signal levels. By adjusting it to the best level you
can, you ensure that those frequencies which have a lesser
intensity will also be at their peak.
After this go back up one level and you will see the
option for blind scan, press this and wait, it will scan for
all available transponder frequencies from that particular
satellite including those not included in the decoder but
are being broadcasted. After this, save and exit. You will
see a lot of channels, the ones with the dollar symbols are
the encrypted ones, while those without are the FTA
channels. [8]
3). Test Transmission: After the signal has been
successfully tracked for maximum gain and every other
equipment (such as audio sources and cables) has been
fixed in place, the next thing is to carry out a test
transmission. In other to do so, the uplink equipments are
properly interconnected. In other to know if the signal is
on-air, a Spectrum Analyzer connected to the receiver
shows a rise in the initial wave form it displayed when the
signal had not been transmitted. Also, the transmitted
signals can be viewed by configuring a receiver to the
appropriate downlink frequency.
During this step the signals are monitored for picture
quality, audio level and more importantly freezing of
picture to ensure that the transmission is successful.
It should be noted that DSTV has one frequency (12.245)
on EUTELSAT (W4/W7) or INTELSAT7
Table 1. shows some channels under Eutelsat W4/W7 and
Intelsat 710
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 ISSN: 2277 – 9043
International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (IJARCSEE)
Volume 3, Issue 9, September 2014

Table 1.-Channels under Eutelsat W4/W7 and Intelsat Alternatively, a Satellite Finder could be used. Some
710[9] models produce a beep when the satellite signals have
been locked.
Eutelsat W4/W7 Intelsat 710 Ku
5). Sound or Picture goes off during Transmission: In
10990 / V / 27500 3768 /H / 26657 most cases, somebody has accidentally tripped over a
AL JAZEERA Zee Network cable run. To prevent this from occurring, all cable runs
AL JAZEERA MUBASHER Zee Cinema Africa from the dish to the room should be laid in such a way that
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH Zee TV Africa they would not be tripped upon by a passerby.
AL JAZEERA DOCUMENT 12522 / H/ 26657-1/2
Qatar TV NTA Plus V) PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN DURING
11560 / V / 27500 France 24 English INSTALLATION
MBC 1 12562 /H/ 26657-1/2 Ensure that a good gain is gotten while tracking the
MBC Drama God TV Africa satellite signal. Successful signal tracking can be made
MBC 4 3 ABN International with a gain of 8dB.
MBC 3 Press TV A site survey should be carried out before the
MBC Action 12628/H/ 26657 commencement of the installation.
MBC 2 Daystar TV Preventive maintenance should be carried out regularly on
MBC Max Love World all the equipments, cables and connectors to be used in an
MBC Bollywood Emmanuel TV installation.
11785 / V / 27500: Adonai Broadcast Cable installations should be properly laid and
Dubai one Network covered/protected at the venue of the installation.
Dubai Sport Ensure that the satellite unto which the signals are to be
transmitted to has a footprint at the location of the
installation.
IV. PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Ensure that the LNB is properly fixed and well tightened.
ASSOCIATED WITH SATELLITE INSTALLATION This is to prevent it from falling off whenever there is
heavy storm. [10]
During an installation, certain problems might be
experienced but most of these can be detected and CONCLUSION
possible solutions made even before the commencement Free-To-Air (FTA) satellite television programs have
of the installation. Some of them include; given audiences another choice besides cable and paid
1). Freezing of Picture: This is in most cases caused by satellite companies. The price of FTA receiver systems
the LNB not properly aligned to the focal point of the dish has become affordable in recent years, while their
thus, reducing the gain of the antenna. If however, the capabilities have improved dramatically. With knowledge
gain of the antenna is verified to be okay (at least 5dB of the transponder frequency and Azimuth, several
though preferably at 8dB), one can manually adjust the satellite channels can be tracked without having to pay
LNB till the freezing stops. monthly or weekly subscription fees.

2). Poor Picture Quality or no picture at all: This could REFERENCES

be due to the cable connection not properly connected(AV
Cable)from the Receiver/decoder as the case may be. It
could also be that the cable used is bad or the connectors
are not properly connected to their respective ports.
Ensure that all the cables are properly interconnected. To
prevent this ensure that all cables are tested and certified
to be working beforehand.
3). Poor Sound Quality or no sound at all: For a poor
sound Quality it could be that the cable is not properly
connected to the audio console or the actual audio source
is bad. Also, for no sound at all it could be that the audio
cable is bad and as such should be changed immediately.
4). Inability to get Satellite Signals: This occurs
occasionally due to Tropspheric Scintillation- a situation
in which the levels of the receive signal rapidly fluctuate
up and down due to the turbulent mixing of air mass at
different temperatures and humidity thus making it
difficult to „lock‟ unto the satellite signals (IADP, 1999).
In this case, a Spectrum Analyzer connected to the
receiver can be used. With this, an experienced engineer
could be able to identify the waveform of the signals.
[1]Wikimedia Inc. “Satellite” Available [online]:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite
[2] Rising, David (11 November 2013). "Satellite hits
Atlantic — but what about next one?". Seattle Times.
[3] "Global Experts Agree Action Needed on Space
Debris". European Space Agency. 25 April 2013.
[4] Adeyinka, A. (2000).“Satellite Link”; A Brief
Overview. Unpublished,Pp 1-17
[5] ScatMag, (2005, March 5). “Basics of C and Ku Band
Transmissions and LNBs”.Satellite and Cable TV
Magazine.Pp1-6
[6] Mark L. (1996).“Feed Horns, LNBs and
Polarization”.Middle East Satellite Today.
[7] Karim Nice and Tom Harris “How Satellite TV
works”. Available [online]:
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/satellite-tv7.htm
[8] NUC (2008). “SIWES Guidelines”.National
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[9] Lyngemark Satellite “Intelsat 7/10 at 68.5oE”
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[10]IADP, (1999).“Earth Station Technology”; A Hand
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NY. Pp17-39

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 ISSN: 2277 – 9043
International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (IJARCSEE)
Volume 3, Issue 9, September 2014

AUTHOR

Engr. Theophilus Alumona is a Ph.D. holder in

Electronic and Computer Engineering. He has a Master‟s
Degree in Communication Engineering from Nnamdi
Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. He
also holds a B.Eng. in Electronic and Computer
Engineering. His areas of interest include Modeling and
Simulation of Communication Networks, Expert
Systems, Intelligent Control, Wireless Sensor Networks,
Forensic Computing, and many other area. He is a
Member of Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, COREN
and IAENG.

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