Satellite Dish Alignment Calculator
Calculate the true azimuth, elevation angle, and LNB polarization skew for pointing a dish at a geostationary satellite.
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Inputs
Live
Math
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Related
Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
Az = 180° + arctan2(tan(Δλ), sin(φ)); El = arctan[(cos(γ) - (R_e/R_sat)) / sin(γ)]; Skew = arctan[sin(Δλ) / tan(φ)]This formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for satellite dish alignment calculator.
Overview
Use this dish alignment calculator to find the precise pointing angles—true azimuth, elevation, and LNB skew angle—needed to align a ground station dish with any geostationary satellite.
Input Guide
Enter Station Latitude, Station Longitude, Satellite Longitude exactly in the units shown by this satellite dish alignment. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- Station Latitude — use °.
- Station Longitude — use °.
- Satellite Longitude — use °.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated satellite dish alignment values for the inputs you entered. Check each value against the available space, selected components, feed system, and operating conditions before making a final design decision.
How This Calculator Works
The Satellite Dish Alignment uses Az = 180° + arctan2(tan(Δλ), sin(φ)); El = arctan[(cos(γ) - (R_e/R_sat)) / sin(γ)]; Skew = arctan[sin(Δλ) / tan(φ)]. Supply Station Latitude (°), Station Longitude (°), Satellite Longitude (°) in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this satellite communication design or analysis.
Design Notes
Geostationary satellites orbit directly above the Earth equator at an altitude of approximately 35,786 km (42,164 km orbital radius). Line-of-sight requires an elevation angle greater than 0°; negative elevation values indicate the satellite is hidden below the local horizon.
Build and Tuning Notes
Set the elevation angle on your dish bracket first using its built-in declination scale. Next, swing the dish to the true azimuth (or magnetic azimuth if adjusted for local magnetic declination). Finally, rotate the LNB in its holder to match the calculated polarization skew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a negative elevation angle mean?
A negative elevation angle means the satellite is below your local horizon and obscured by the Earth. You cannot establish line-of-sight from your location.
What is LNB Skew and why does it matter?
LNB skew is the rotational tilt of the low-noise block downconverter inside its collar. Because Earth is curved, a horizontally or vertically polarized signal from a geostationary satellite arrives at an angle relative to your local vertical.
Is the calculated azimuth True North or Magnetic North?
The calculated azimuth is relative to True North (0° to 360° clockwise). To use a standard handheld compass, adjust the value by adding or subtracting your local magnetic declination.
Alex Warren
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Alex specialises in antenna design and wave propagation. His expertise helps ensure these calculators present practical RF concepts, useful design estimates, and clear engineering guidance for students, HAM operators, and wireless professionals.