How to self install Sky+HD, Sky+, Sky or Multiroom

[skypaulusplus]

HERE IS THE ULTIMATE HELP
How to Self-Install Sky, Sky+, Sky+HD or Multiroom
If you dont have a dish up already search google for insructions

STEP 1 - The LNB
STEP 2 - The Cables
STEP 3 - The Installation - Part 1
STEP 4 - The Installation - Part 2
STEP 5 - The Installation - Part 3
STEP 6 - The Installation - Part 4
STEP 7 - The Last Thing

STEP 1
The LNB
If you already have a LNB with sufficient outputs go to STEP 2
Be extremly careful working on the dish/LNB

Standard Sky Box - 1 OUTPUT
Sky+ / Sky+HD - 2 OUTPUTS
Freesat - 1 OUTPUT

1. Tighten the dish fixings and the movement fixings
2. Remove the old LNB by unclipping/unscrewing it
3. Put the new LNB on by clipping/screwing it on
4. (OPTIONAL)Use a signal finder to ensure that the LNB and dish is aligned correctly

STEP 2
The Cables
If you leave the old cable(s) then you just need to screw them onto the new LNB, follow the below steps for the new cable(s)

1. (OPTIONAL)Remove the old cables
2. Cut enough(MORE) cable for the run to the Sky Box(s)
3. On one end of each cable strip the outer plastic of the cable by 2.5cm
4. Remove the loose plastic, push the strands downwards and the copper/silver foil
5. Strip the clear/white plastic by 2.2cm(or leave about 0.3cm showing) to expose the core
6. (OPTIONAL)Put some Silicone Grease on the braids to help against the weather
7. Screw on a F connector to each new cable
8. Trim any braids showing
9. (OPTIONAL)Wrap Self-Amalgamting Tape over the F connectors
10. Screw the cables to the LNB
11. Pull the cover down on the LNB

STEP 3
The Installation - Part 1

1. Drill holes large enough for the new cable(s) if needed
2. Push the cable(s) into the hole
3. Clip the cable(s) to the wall
4. When near the hole make the cable(s) loop down for dripping e.g.
5. If the brick has been damaged concider putting a burst brick cover on

STEP 4
The Installation - Part 2
If you have used a existing cable you only need to screw it into the box in STEP 5

1. On the end of each cable strip the outer plastic of the cable by 2.5cm
2. Remove the loose plastic, push the strands downwards and the copper/silver foil
3. Strip the clear/white plastic by 2.2cm(or leave about 0.3cm showing) to expose the core
4. Screw on a F connector to each cable
5. Trim any braids showing

STEP 5
The Installation - Part 3

1. Connect the Power, Scart, RF, HDMI etc. as required to the Sky box(s) and TV(s)
2. Screw the Coax cables into the Sky Box(s) until tight
3. Press and hold the BACKUP button on the box(s) while switching it on at the wall, wait until 'UPDATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE' shows. The box(s) will reboot

STEP 6
The Installation - Part 4

1. Check the signal levels - SERVICES - 4 6
2. Call Sky to pair the card(s) to the box(s)

STEP 7
The last Thing

1. Get somebody to clear up the mess
2. Boast about quality and saving money
3. Have a dink and watch some telly
4. Click Thank You

[Ratcliffes]

@Skypaulusplus

Good summary guide - However I have done this a number of times myself and every time I have changed an LNB as per your Step 1 I have had to realign the dish. As you know dish alignment is very sensitive and just the extra weight of a quad LNB over a single can be enough to cause the LNB arm to bend and the signal stregth/quality to drop off. If you are heavy handed enough to tweak the surface of the dish by mistake or give it a thump with the end of a ladder, the problem is almost a given.

The issue of course is that re-aligning the dish is a frustrating trial and error exercise unless you have a Sat finder signal meter to hand. Using the meter in a Sky box isn't easy when you are up a ladder and even if you can get someone to shout it out, the built in signal meters are useless for this purpose I have found as they react so slowly. Satfinders aren't cheap (say £20 - See Satcure How to use the SatCure Satellite Finder Signal Meter) and you might get away without one if you are lucky but since they aren't usually available in your local DIY shop it could be a while before you get your Sat system up and running again.

I'm not saying this should prevent anyone from trying a self install (subject to the usual Health and Safety caveats about working at height with ladders) but readers should understand that it might not turn out to be quite as "plug and play" as your description indicates.

[Brian69]

More plug in and pray then

[skypaulusplus]

yes well if the dish is tight then im sure the lnb should be ok, added the signal bit

[Sam Radford]

Nice one. You've described in a few lines what this eBook takes 120 pages to describe:
Install your own Sky Digital TV system
Methinks you might have missed out a couple of useful tips?

[skypaulusplus]

WOW, they are charging?
one tip i can give is a wall plate helps a lot for moving the tv ect , i used:
BT Secondary PABX Telephone Outlet Module - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys
Screened Single IEC Coax Outlet Module - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys
Screened Single F Module - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys x2
Brushed Chrome Modular Plate 4 Gang - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys
and 1.5 meters of twin coax it look amazing.
any tips please add and i will edit onto post

[Sam Radford]

WOW, they are charging?

Yes, but they probably write in English, starting sentences with capital letters etc. so people can understand it.

one tip i can give is a wall plate helps a lot for moving the tv ect , i used:

What is a "tv ect"? Did you mean to type "TV set"?

[skypaulusplus]

tv etc. (box, speakers...)
if you are commenting my writing, i challenge you to a duel

[Sam Radford]

My SHIFT key works, so no contest!

[skypaulusplus]

sSO DOES MY CAPSs