This page is intended to offer you tips and tricks for the installation of "pole" mounts or "ground" mounts for satellite television, satellite Internet, and other systems.

Use of this information is at your own risk... we are not responsible for any incidents, accidents or incorrect information on this page!

Tips and Tricks

1. Make sure of your site and beyond!  You must have a clear line of site from your pole mount location to the intended satellite.  You may also want to plan for the future and try to place the pole in an area where you have a clear view to the south.

2. Think Snow!  If you are in an area where deep snow may gather around your dish, you may want to use a taller pole.  This will usually require a heavier section of pipe in order to keep the dish from swaying in the breeze.  We usually use a reducer welded to the pipe with about 1' of the proper sized pipe at the top of the pole for the dish mount.  You may want to put the pole in an area where you can access it easily to remove snow from around it if necessary also!

3. No U-Turns!  You MUST either cut the bottom end of the pole off at an angle or drill a hole through the pipe and put a piece of rebar or a spike or long bolt or something through it so that when the concrete sets up around it, it will not turn inside the concrete.  We usually drill two 3/8" holes through the pole as shown and place two 16 x 10 spikes through the pipe as shown below in order to keep the pole from turning in the concrete. (click to enlarge)

4. The hole - Make sure the hole is deep enough and wide enough to hold enough concrete to support the weight of the dish and pole.

5. On the Level! Making sure the pole is level will save a lot of time pointing the dish. The easiest way is by using a torpedo level (click to enlarge)

6. Let it set!  You must let the concrete set up for at least 24 hours to prevent sagging or turning.

7. Trenching / Conduit - We recommend trenching at least 6" deep (1 1/2' recommended) so the thatcher doesn't poke holes in your coaxial cable and for even better protection, we recommend conduit.  We use a minimum of 1 1/2" ID poly pipe or PVC for conduit runs in order to allow for future upgrades, etc.  Many satellite systems require 3 - 5 coaxial cable runs.  And... do not use 90 degree elbows unless they are "gradual" or "sweeping" elbows.  You may want to pull a string or rope through the conduit as you assemble it to make pulling the cable a bit easier!  When we install conduit, we run the conduit right up the pole to about 6" below the top of the pole and use a box end or 45 degree elbow to make it easier to seal to keep water out.  We also use 3 or 4 large hose clamps to hold the conduit to the pole.

8. Paint & Appearance - Galvanized pipe is better protection from rust than black pipe, however we recommend black pipe and painting it with a rust prevention primer and paint to keep it looking good and to help prevent rust buildup!

Contact us if you have any questions or check out our Pole Mount Installation Size and Materials Guide for more information!