The look angle is different in different parts of the country. In order to determine if you have a clear line-of-sight to the DISH Network satellites, you need the Look angles for your area and a compass.

The ZIP Code program provides a display like the Dish Network's Set Up screen and you can download it in a couple of minutes for FREE. This program will calculate the angles and give you the exact coordinates where you will need to aim the Dish.

Download zip500.zip

After downloading and unzipping, simply click zip500.exe. Select Dish 500 and enter and your ZIP Code . Then select 119 or 110 West for all the regular programming. The Dish 500 picks up both 119 and 110 West at the same time by setting the skew angle on the back of the dish. You can uncheck the Dish 500 box and check 119 and 110 West separately, if you are concerned about something obstructing the signal.

International channels require an 18 inch dish in addition to the Dish 500. The second dish will need a clear view to either 61.5 West or 148 West to receive these channels.

Note: A level indicates 0 degrees and the tubing the dish mounts on must be plumb to set the elevation angle. In case you haven't used a compass in a while, remember it's a circle, 360 degrees. 0 is North, East is 90, South is 180 and West is 270.

Penny, a single mom, who installed her own system, made a very accurate siting tool to be sure she missed the trees. Here's what Penny said:

1. I used plastic protractor and drew the elevation angle on a piece of paper.

2. I folded the paper, like a little tent, and scotch taped it to a level.

3. I also taped a compass on the level and by holding the level like a rifle, I could see exactly where to aim my dish.

In case you have a tree problem, the little mount that comes with the dish is the same diameter as 1 5/8" OD pipe. You may be able to attach a piece of pipe to the end of the house to get over the trees; just be sure the pipe is plumb. Some mount the dish on a pipe in the ground up to 100 feet away from the house to clear trees.