Ever thought you could install your DSTV yourself and save money? This DIY DSTV installation guide is perfect for beginners in South Africa. It walks you through each step, from picking tools to using your decoder’s setup wizard.

This guide emphasizes the importance of getting your dish aligned just right. It’s crucial for catching the best signal. Experts like Mthunzi, who did over 1,000 installs, highlight how important proper adjustment is. We’re here to simplify these steps, making sure your satellite TV setup is top-notch.
You’ll also discover how to use websites and apps for perfect dish positioning. By the end of our guide, you’ll know how to set up your dish, align it, and tune your settings on your own. Start this beginners guide and master DSTV installation on your own.
Pre-installation Considerations
Getting ready for DSTV setup means taking some key steps first. You’ll need the right tools, apps, and websites to help you. This guide will show you what’s essential for a smooth installation.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
To correctly install DSTV, having the right tools is vital. You’ll need things like spanners, pliers, tape measures, and screwdrivers. A steady aluminum ladder is important for safe roof access. For putting the dish on a wall, use a 10mm masonry drill bit. You might need different sizes for various walls.
Don’t forget you’ll need at least 4 F-connectors for the cable connections. Use bolts that are 8mm thick and 50mm long to make sure everything stays in place. Also, add an extra 30% to your cable length for any unexpected needs.
Identifying the Right Apps
Using technology can make the installation easier. A digital compass app will help you position your dish right. Satellite installation apps give you live data on how to best catch a signal. These apps are key for the best TV reception.
Also, find apps that show elevation values for satellites like Eutelsat. They make sure you align your dish perfectly for top signal quality.
Understanding Satellite Websites
It’s important to use good satellite websites for detailed information. Sites like Eutelsat provide essential data like azimuth and elevation values. Knowing this info helps with better signal quality and makes fixing any issues easier.
Assembling Your DSTV Dish
Mthunzi has done more than 1,000 installations. But, whether you’re an expert or just starting, knowing how to put together your DSTV dish is key. Picking the right DSTV package and following the instructions closely makes a big change in how well your system works.

Choosing the Right Dish Package
The DSTV 90 CM dish package is popular for its ease of use and dependability. Choosing the right package makes your dish setup smoother. This avoids extra troubles. The usual size for Multi TV is a 1 meter or 100 cm dish. It gives the best signal strength.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
First, know what comes in your DSTV packages. Here is a detailed guide:
- Unpack Your Components: Spread out all the parts from the DSTV 90 CM dish kit. This includes the dish, LNB, mounting brackets, and other parts.
- Attach the LNB: Securely attach the LNB to the dish arm. Make sure it’s tight and in the right spot to catch signals well.
- Mount the Dish: Fix the dish to a strong surface with the mounting brackets. It needs to be secure against the weather.
- Align with the Elevation and Azimuth: Use a digital compass and an elevation app to set the correct angles. The DSTV dish has marks on the back for exact alignment.
- Connect the Coaxial Cable: Hook up the coaxial cable to the LNB. Twist on the F connectors at both ends tightly. A roll of cable is about NGN 1,000 or $9. It’s worth it for a strong signal.
Simplifying the Process
Making your DSTV dish setup easier can turn a good installation into a great one. Here’s advice from pros:
- Use Tools Efficiently: A digital compass and elevation app make setting up your dish simpler. They help you align everything just right.
- Maximize Signal Quality: Look for a signal quality over 60%. Ideally, get it up to 89% to avoid issues like the E16 error. Good signal is key for enjoying DSTV.
- Check Frequencies: Know the common DSTV frequencies, like 11842 and 12245. Make sure you’re on the right transponder for Multi TV or other services.
Following these steps and using the proper tools makes setting up your DSTV dish streamlined. It sets a strong base for perfect alignment and signal in your guide.
Aligning Your DSTV Satellite Dish
To get the best signal strength and high-quality reception, you need to align your DSTV dish perfectly. This means adjusting two things: the azimuth and elevation. We’ll guide you through the steps to correctly align your dish for the best performance.

Working with Azimuth and Elevation
The azimuth is the dish’s horizontal angle, and elevation is the vertical angle. You’ll need a digital compass and either an inclinometer or spirit level. Begin by setting the azimuth. This requires you to rotate the dish to a specific angle.
This angle can be found using apps like SatFinder or DishPointer.
- Adjust the dish using the azimuth setting from your app.
- Then set the elevation angle around 36 degrees above the horizon.
- By fine-tuning these angles, you’ll get the strongest signal possible.
Setting the Dish Orientation
The direction your dish faces is key to catching the satellite signal. In South Africa, this usually means pointing it north or east. The Satellite Director app can show you the right direction using augmented reality.
- Accurately align your dish with help from tools.
- Double-check the orientation against the app to be sure.
- Ask someone to monitor the signal strength from your decoder’s menu.
Fine Tuning for Optimal Signal
Making small adjustments to both azimuth and elevation is called fine-tuning. It’s a patient process but very important. This fine-tuning can take a few tries to get perfect.
- Tweak angles little by little, checking the decoder’s signal strength.
- Have a helper give you feedback for precise adjustments.
- Keep checking until the signal strength is at its highest.
By carefully aligning your DSTV dish, you ensure excellent viewing quality. The final fine-tuning step is crucial. It guarantees you the best reception for non-stop entertainment.
DIY DSTV Installation: Running the Installation Wizard
The DSTV Installation Wizard simplifies the decoder setup. It’s designed for those without technical skills. You can configure DSTV decoder by following the initialization steps for satellite setup.
First, make sure all connections are secure before turning on the decoder. Then, the Installation Wizard will guide you step-by-step:
- Language Selection: First, pick your preferred language for clear setup instructions.
- Location and Country Specification: Tell the setup your location and country, like South Africa. Locals should choose the “IS20” satellite.
- Antenna Setup: Choose between a wired or wireless antenna connection. Your choice must match your equipment and home needs.
- Configuration of Network and Other Settings: Here, you adjust network settings, tweak satellite options, scan channels, and choose services. The right satellite and LNB type are crucial for a successful setup.
- Confirmation of Installation Completion: Finish by confirming all settings. Make sure the decoder is working correctly.
You might see a ‘no signal’ message during setup. This usually means there’s a problem with the dish alignment or connections. Make sure your dish is aligned properly and everything is connected securely. If problems keep up, you might need a factory reset. Press the reset button and choose “Restore Default Settings.” This takes about 10 seconds.
The Installation Wizard helps with software updates too. This makes your decoder work better. After setting up manually, signal setup and channel scanning finish up within a few minutes.
DSL Installations SA has 8 years of experience and over 1,000 installation projects. They offer great customer service through phone and WhatsApp. This helps them keep over 5,000 customers happy.
Conclusion
Setting up your DSTV has never been easier. This guide showed you the tools you need and introduced helpful apps like the Satellite Finder. We also looked at how satellite websites can help with your home satellite TV installation. Now, you’re ready to dive into the vast entertainment DSTV offers.
The Satellite Finder app is crucial for aligning your dish with over 200 satellites. It’s highly rated, with a 4.5 on the App Store from 4,200 reviews and a 4.3 on Google Play from about 15,000 users. This app makes aligning your dish easier than expected. It works on Apple devices with iOS 11.0 or newer and Android devices with at least Android 5.0. Also, you’ll need 50 MB of free space to install it.
If you run into small signal issues, DSTV’s customer support is there to help. Installation time can vary, from a few hours to more, based on the complexity. Mthunzi, a pro from DStv Pro Installation, shows it varies. For tough problems, getting in touch with professional DSTV installers is the best step. Completing this DIY project opens the door for more. You’ve gone from setting up your DSTV dish to enjoying live TV. It’s been a fulfilling and powerful journey.
FAQ
What tools do I need for DIY DSTV installation?
For DIY DSTV setup, you’ll need spanners, pliers, tape, a digital compass, and elevation apps. These help position your dish accurately. This ensures an easy installation.
What types of apps can help me with the installation?
Digital compass and elevation apps are really helpful. They make sure your dish points the right way. Sites like Eutelsat give you the needed data (azimuth and elevation) for dish alignment.
How do I choose the right DSTV dish package?
Pick a DSTV package that fits your viewing preferences and budget. It should have everything you need, like the satellite dish, LNB, and cables. Talking to customer care or visiting the DSTV site can help you decide.
Can you provide step-by-step instructions for assembling the DSTV dish?
Start by unpacking your DSTV dish package. Then, according to the manual, assemble and mount the dish securely. Use tools like spanners and pliers to tighten everything. For more help, our guide gives you detailed instructions.
How do I align the DSTV satellite dish correctly?
First, get azimuth and elevation info from sites like Eutelsat. A digital compass will help you point the dish right. Adjust the dish angle for the strongest signal. This guarantees great TV quality.
What is the installation wizard and how do I use it?
The installation wizard in your DSTV decoder makes setup easy. It guides you through selecting a language, choosing the satellite, and setting preferences based on where you are.
What should I do if I face signal issues?
If you’re having minor signal problems, check your dish’s alignment and connections. Make sure nothing’s blocking the dish. For bigger issues, it’s best to reach out to DSTV support or call a professional.
Can I watch DSTV live TV immediately after setup?
Yes, after setting everything up with the installation wizard, you can start watching DSTV live right away. If there’s a hiccup, look at troubleshooting tips or contact customer service.