First time motor set up

[cracklincrotch]

Getting a DG380 motor from Sadoun very shortly (currently in transit.)

I've read about how to do this many times here. My question is, if you don't have a true south sat, you drive the motor to your closest true south an tweak from there, correct?

 

[Lak7]

Yes, use USALS though.
Use a compass to get the Motor Mount pointed to your True South Sat first (Azimuth (mag.): 198.6° using Compass).
You enter your location and the receiver will "drive" to where the Sat should be.

 

[gillham]

Use a compass to get the Motor Mount pointed south first.

Just want to clarify that this is true South not magnetic South, so make sure you use the magnetic azimuth from The List's calculator not just 180°. I only point this out because deviation here is 14° which can make a big difference.

 

[Lak7]

true South not magnetic South

Good point!

 

[Lak7]

I use a nice straight piece of wood, about 18" long, clamped square and level to the Motor Mount Bracket, and place the compass on that. It's then far enough away from the Dish for an accurate reading.

 

[Sadoun]

Here a short video on motor installation tips:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qzr4M3yYOI]YouTube - Motorized FTA satellite Dish Set Up[/ame]