[TowerTalk] Subject: Re: Grounding a metal roof/Direct TV

[Steve W3AHL]

Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:22:32 -0500
From: K8RI <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>

>If it's either Dish Network, or Direct TV they should have the devices
>available and might even install them. They should have installed one
>when they installed the dish.  Mine has a two coax grounding block which
>was right by the dish, but when I moved the dish to the 45G I put the
>grounding block about 5' off the ground on one tower leg.  That should
>suffice unless the TV set is very close to the dish. Then I'd add an ICE
>protector to each coax assuming you have two like my system.
> ..snip


DirecTV installers do use grounding blocks, but don't recommend true surge 
suppressors, apparently because most readily available ones aren't rated for 
their HD service and will decrease HD signal levels.  There are lengthy, 
useless posts on several DirecTV and DBS forums on the topic.

You need a surge suppressor rated to at least 2.5 GHz with DC pass for the 
HD dish feed lines.  Most "satellite" surge suppressors are only rated to 
1.5 GHz, which is OK for Dish Network systems, but not DirecTV.   Monster 
(and others) have in-home protection centers that spec OK, are very 
expensive -- but who wants the lightning surge suppressor in the living room 
plugged into the wall outlet for a ground?

Steve, W3AHL