Calculating Azimuth and True Elevation

Communication satellites move in a fixed orbit in the sky directly above the equator, relative to an observation point on earth. In order to communicate with a satellite, your antenna must be able to "see" the location in the sky above the equator in which the satellite is located. The situation of an unobstructed view between the satellite and the antenna is known as "having a line-of-sight" to the satellite. It is important to conduct an accurate site survey to determine the optimal location for the VSAT.

If you are not experienced in performing the site survey yourself, you should hire a Certified SkyVision Installer. Contact your SkyVision Sales Manager for assistance.

You can calculate your Azimuth and True Elevation online. Choose one of the following 3 links:

• Satellite Finder / Dish Pointing Calculator with Google Maps
• Calculator for Azimuth and Elevation Angle
• Satellite-Calculations

Additional online calculations can be conducted for the following needs:

To determine the elevation of an obstacle

To convert RF to L-Band frequencies use the IF Frequency Calculator

To determine the time of a satellite eclipse