Sky, Freesat & satellite dishes in Halstead

From Halstead the satellites sit to the south-east, about a quarter of the way up the sky. Homes on slopes facing that way have a clear view, but on the other side of the valley, the hill, trees or neighbouring buildings can block it. We check the line of sight carefully and choose a position that works all year, which might be a higher point on the roof or a pole in the garden.

In the historic centre, a dish usually shouldn't face and be visible from the road, and listed buildings normally need consent. We look for a rear wall, yard or outbuilding with a clear view.

• Want satellite in an annexe or barn

  Likely cause

  The main dish is too far away or has no spare output.

  How we fix it

  Run cable from the dish or fit a second small dish.

• Told the dish can't go on the front

  Likely cause

  Conservation-area or listed-building rules about dishes facing the road.

  How we fix it

  We find a compliant position at the side, rear or below the roofline.

• 'No satellite signal' after a storm

  Likely cause

  Wind or scaffolders have moved the dish, or a loose bracket has let it droop.

  How we fix it

  Re-secure on a rigid bracket and realign to the right bearing and elevation.

• Picture drops out in heavy rain

  Likely cause

  A dish a fraction of a degree out of line, or an ageing LNB with no signal margin left.

  How we fix it

  Realign with a satellite meter and replace the LNB if it's failing.

• Worked in winter, fails in summer

  Likely cause

  Trees coming into leaf between the dish and the satellite.

  How we fix it

  Move the dish to a position with a clear view all year.

• Flat's satellite socket is dead

  Likely cause

  A failed multiswitch or riser cable in the block's shared system.

  How we fix it

  We test the flat and the shared equipment and fix whichever has failed.