Frequently Asked Questions

• What is needed?
• What if I already have a dish?
• I'm renting - can I still install a dish?
• How much will it cost?
• Are there any ongoing costs?
• How Does it Work?
• If this is free TV, then who pays for it?
• D2 Satellite Tuning Parameters
• I've lost all my channels
• Can I buy books and music advertised on 3ABN from Australia?
• Can I Install the System myself?
• What is included in the kit?
• I'm missing some channels
• Will the Channel List Change?
• I am an Installer - how do I get involved?

What is needed?

To receive the FTA programs you will need a satellite dish tuned to the Optus D2 satellite, a satellite receiver and a TV set. The signal from the receiver can be coupled into the TV through an AV input (preferred) or through the TV aerial input. Alternatively it can be connected to the VCR or DVD recorder so that programs can be recorded.

The satellite dish can be mounted on the roof, or above the gutter with a mount that is fixed under the tiles and fastened to the rafters, or onto a wall facing North. It can also be mounted on a pipe driven into the ground. A cable then needs to be installed. This is usually brought down the inside of the wall to the existing TV outlet.

What if I already have a dish?

If you already have a dish that is not being used, you will only need a satellite receiver. The dish will need to be aligned to receive the Optus D2 signal.

I'm renting - can I still install a dish?

You need to obtain permission from the landlord to install a satellite dish. They will usually be happy to approve this, because it makes you a more satisfied tenant! In your application, it is best to explain that it is satellite TV, like Foxtel, only a different version.

In some areas, if the dish remains on the building for a certain time, it becomes property of the owner. We can't advise you what to do in this case. Usually, the owner won't be concerned with you taking your dish with you provided you make sure the roof is still well sealed.

How much will it cost?

You can expect to pay up to $450 for a complete installation. Some recycled dishes are available at a lower price. If you already have a satellite dish on your roof, the cost will be significantly less.

If you just want to buy a kit and install it yourself, you will save $100 to $150 off this price.

Are there any ongoing costs?

There are no ongoing fees to pay. The once-only installation fee is all that it costs. The receiver usually comes with a twelve-month warranty.

How Does it Work? (Warning: Technical Content!)

Thirty seven thousand kilometres above the equator a ring of some 700 satellites circle the earth. Although travelling at 11,000 kilometres per hour these satellites take the same time to complete one orbit as does the earth to complete one rotation. This means that the satellites remain above the same point of the earth's surface. These “geostationary” satellites are important links in world-wide communication and carry a variety of data services including phone and television. One satellite in particular – Optus D2, is unique in that it carries free-to-air (FTA) religious TV channels as well as many other international free-to-air channels.

Optus D2 is located almost directly above the New Hebrides and the FTA TV programs can be readily accessed by anyone in Australia with a satellite dish and receiver.

D2 Satellite Tuning Parameters

If you want to tune your receiver in, the tuning channel is as follows:

• Frequency: 12706
• Polarity: Vertical
• Symbol Rate: 22500
• FEC: 3/4

“Network Search” must be set to “enabled’ or “on” so that it can load all available channels. GlobeCast Australia will continue to provide updates as more information comes to hand.

See our Tuning Guide for more detailed information. This is not difficult to do, but requires careful attention to the setup procedure.

I've lost all my channels

If you have sticky fingers, you may have pressed "restore factory defaults". You will need to retune the receiver. Alternatively, you may send your receiver to your local installer for reprogramming by prior arrangement.

If you have very bad weather, then the signal may be too weak to view properly. Wait until the weather passes. This is an unfortunate "feature" of satellite TV.

Check cable connections for video/audio, dish, and power supply

Can I buy books and music advertised on 3ABN from Australia?

Any music on the Chapel Records label can usually be found in your local Adventist Book Centre (ABC). Books from Pacific Press can usually be found also at the local ABC.
Books or CDs produced by various ministries other than 3ABN are usually distributed by that ministry, and may not be found at the ABC. 3ABN Australia is working on stocking some items.

If this is free TV, then Who pays for it?

These channels are supported by donations from viewers who have been blessed by watching them. If you would like to support this service, then make a donation to the channel of your choice. Some people even choose to regularly support channels as a sign of their thankfulness to God.

Can I Install the System myself?

Yes. You will need the skills to climb onto your roof safely and install the appropriate mounting on your roof. Tile roofs require the removal of some tiles. A steel roof requires removal and replacement of roof screws. Then you have to run the cable in the ceiling to your TV viewing area and connect it all to your existing TV.

What is included in the kit?

A typical kit contains the following items.

• Modern Free to Air satellite receiver
• 85cm Charcoal(colour) KU Dish. (this may be larger in low-signal areas)
• 11.3 Ku Band LNBF
• Gutter (Tile) or Tin roof mount
• F-type connectors
• Coaxial cable (may be included or purchased separately)

I'm missing some channels

If you have had your system installed a year or more in the past, you may be missing some of the channels that have been added to the satellite. These new channels do not normally appear automatically. You must scan the satellite using your receiver, and then select those new channels that you want to receive
It has come to our notice that some installers have not been tuning-in all the channels. If this has happened to you, you need to contact the installer to get these channels added. If you own the equipment, then you have a right to get the channels added, or at least to know the password so that you can get into the setup of your receiver to scan in the channels you require. Of course, there may be a charge for someone to come and scan in channels for you.

Note: If you previously watched the Daystar channel and it stopped working before 2006 (approx) then you may need to rescan the channel. Daystar was moved to another position on the satellite. Until the channel is rescanned, it will show up incorrectly as a pay-channel.

Will the Channel List Change?

The Christian Channels are free to air. We try to keep our list up to date so you can see what is available from the tabs on our website.
Channels are added and removed under the control of the Satellite company from time to time.
Other international channels may be encrypted (for pay TV purposes) and may become unavailable.  For a current listing of channels on D2 satellite go to www.lyngsat.com/optusd2