MEXICO,  CENTRAL AMERICA  &  WESTERN CARIBBEAN                  POINTING ANGLES for STAR CHOICE 

Copyright © 2005 by MIKE KOHL / GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS of Plain, Wisconsin
Tel  (608) 546-2523     Fax (608) 546-2157     EMail  globalcm@mhtc.net      Web Site:  www.global-cm.net

Azimuth headings are TRUE, not MAGNETIC.    Please apply local correction if using a compass.

107.3  = Anik F1R    Star Choice primary satellite   (English language core programming)
111.1  = Anik F2   Star Choice secondary satellite    (French language, Ethnic and HDTV channels)

LNBF/Skew  settings for Anik F1 / 107.3 West.  First number is "Clock Position" of F-connector on LNBF,
      viewed from front of round offset dish.  Second number is the "Skew Setting" (adjusted on rear of antenna 
      mount of Elliptical dish);   Point directly at the 107.3 satellite, and use the center LNBF on an Elliptical dish.
   
Skew 111.1 = "Skew Setting" on rear of Elliptical Dual Satellite Dish, when aimed directly at 111.1 satellite.
                    Dual satellite operation of 107.3 and 111.1 should use these (111.1 or Anik F2) settings.  

A 6:00 LNBF setting corresponds with a 90-degree Skew setting.  5:00 LNBF = 120° Skew.   7:00 LNBF = 60° Skew.

Dual Satellite Reception using 75 cm Elliptical Antenna with center alignment on 111.1 satellite (Sat B).
Setup using these numbers will allow automatic reception of both Anik F2 at 111.1 and Anik F1 at 107.3 West. 

Please note that in areas of Southern Mexico and parts of Central America, the Skew or Polarity Settings of 107.3 versus 111.1 satellite may vary by as much as 10 degrees.  (Normal difference is 4 or 5 at most in central Canada).
We do not recommend use of an Elliptical antenna in situations such as this.  The new Anik F1R satellite, put into service on October 11, 2005, has greatly reduced coverage in regions south of Guadalajara, Mexico, where a well-tuned 75 cm Elliptical Antenna should work, although marginally during rainy weather.  Anywhere to the south should check locally to see what size of antenna is being successfully used, if at all.  

Anik F2, at 111.1 West, has been reported to work on a 75 cm elliptical antenna well into Guatemala.  Therefore it can be safely advised to use the STAR-CHOICE supplied 75-E down to Guadalajara for both satellite reception, and a larger separate antenna anywhere to the south for ANIK F1R...although at some point it will not work at all.
Those wanting the absolute best reception of both satellites should consider two separate antennas of at least 90 cm (3 feet) in diameter for reception throughout central Mexico, and even larger antennas to the south.

Locations to the south of Guadalajara have been tagged with *@*  which indicates possible reception problems on Anik F1R on antennas of 75 cm or smaller.  Check locally with others using the STAR CHOICE service for reception tips.  

DISCLAIMER:  We have carefully compiled a listing of pointing angles and skew/polarity settings, but cannot attest to their complete accuracy.   We will print corrections if users will kindly submit data from actual installations.   Due to the complexity of aligning multiple feed antennas, Global Communications always recommends the use of separate antennas for each satellite;  to provide more signal, easier alignment, and better reliability than using the often undersized multiple-satellite antennas normally supplied for use within Canada.   Please check with us prior to purchasing an antenna so that we can confirm that it is large enough for reliable reception in your area.

LNBF Clock Setting vs. Skew Setting
3:15   172.5 °     3:30  165°    3:45  157.5°     4:00  150°     4:15  142.5°     4:30  135°     4:45  127.5     5:00  120°     
5:15   112.5°      5:30  105°    5:45   97.5°      6:00   90°      6:15   82.5°     6:30   75°      6:45   67.5°     7:00   60°