Can You Use a Satellite Dish as an Antenna? – Guide by Expert

For an ultimate home viewing entertainment experience, it is necessary for you to have a satellite dish and an antenna both. The satellite dish is the one that your television operator fixes on the terrace. It is dish-shaped and parabolic in form, designed to transmit information from radio to or from communication satellites. It provides an efficient direct broadcast of channels on the television. 

On the other hand, a TV aerial or an antenna is designed for use with a receiver to receive and transmit the broadcast signals from the television station. To simplify it, the satellite dish helps you connect to the communication satellite, and antenna helps your television to connect to the towers for better signals for direct broadcast. The antenna simply gets you more HD channels.

Can You Use a Satellite Dish as an Antenna?

Now that you know both satellite dish and antenna serve a different purpose in giving you a better television experience, you might want to have both. You may wonder if you have a satellite dish but not an antenna. Worry not. You can use a satellite dish as an antenna. 

But what if you have an old satellite dish? Can you use an old satellite dish for a TV antenna? The answer to it is “YES.” 

How to Use a Satellite Dish as a TV Antenna?

To convert a satellite dish into the antenna, you will have to go and grab some extra things from the electronics store. They include:

• Clip-on antennas
• Coaxial cables
• Clamps
• Screws
• Pilers

Once you get all the required stuff, follow these steps to set up the antenna:

Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply

The first step is very crucial because if you don’t do so, you might end up getting hurt. Please turn off all the satellite receivers and plug it out of the electrical connection so that no electricity passes through it. It is necessary in order to prevent yourself from getting shocks. 

Step 2: Detach the Antenna

Go to the place where the satellite dish is munted. If it is at a height, you can climb it with the help of a ladder. Be careful. Take advice from people if needed. Once you are there, look for the antenna at the back notch of the satellite dish. Detach it from the dish. 

Step 3: Place the Clip-on Antenna

Now, take the clip-on antenna there. The center of the housing antenna should be fixed on the satellite dish. It should be positioned in such a way that the logo of the antenna faces is quite visible on the front. Make sure that you fix it properly, or else it will not function well. 

Step 4: Reattach the Antenna

Use clamps, position them on the edge of the satellite dish, and take the antenna to the back notch. Reattach the antenna to the satellite dish using screws. Tighten the screws with the help of pliers. This step is very crucial. Make sure you fix it back properly. 

Step 5: Connect the Coaxial Cable

Take one end of the coaxial cable and connect it to the outer end of the antenna. Pull that wire inside the house. Connect it behind the satellite receiver. Take it back to where the satellite disk is mounted. Connect the other end to the inside of the antenna. The external can be known as the out terminal. On the other hand, the inside of the antenna can be known as the terminal. 

Step 6: Plugin and Set Antenna Mode

Take the plug and give it access to electricity. However, let the receiver be turned off. Turn the television on. Go to modes and select “Antenna mode.” Select the “Auto program mode.” This will allow you to view all local channels. 

The Bottom Line

Once you have followed all the steps mentioned above, your satellite dish is transformed into an antenna. However, the satellite dish is generally mounted at the highest height possible. Be very careful with it. Take all the necessary precautions and help if needed. Now that you have turned your satellite dish into the antenna, what are you waiting for? Grab some food and enjoy watching television shows.