# Satellite dish question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 14, 2001, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-dish-question/68790 "2001-06-14T13:26:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![berdollos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@berdollos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/berdollos)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-dish-question/68790/1 "2001-06-14T13:26:06Z")
I live in a condo that is a converted apartment building. There is no chance of my installing a dish outside my window, so I am wondering if the reception would be any good if I install it inside the window, of course aimed at the satellite. Would the reception be satisfactory? What do you think? Does anyone know the answer? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-dish-question/68790/2 "2001-06-14T13:30:01Z")
As long as you have a direct line to the satellite without interference from trees or buildings, it should work, although the window frame may cause problems. Any chance you get the system and “experiment”? ---
**Author:** ![H8\_2\_W8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c77e96/32.png) [@H8\_2\_W8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/H8_2_W8)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-dish-question/68790/3 "2001-06-14T14:05:38Z")
I think it has to face the South/Southwest; does your window? ---
**Author:** ![Podkayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-dish-question/68790/4 "2001-06-14T15:22:28Z")
The direction it has to point depends on where you are and what satellite you need to hit. It will be in the southern sky (assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere. 🙂 ). ---
**Author:** ![Perderabo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Perderabo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Perderabo)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-dish-question/68790/5 "2001-06-14T17:01:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by berdollos \* > **I live in a condo that is a converted apartment building. There is no chance of my installing a dish outside my window** Are you sure about this? I live in an apartment. A while back I got a memo from my landlord saying that the FCC had ruled that apartment dwellers can install dishes. The memo asked us to work with the landlord rather than proceeding unilaterally. One dish has appeared on one of our buildings. [This page from that FCC’s site](http://www.fcc.gov/csb/facts/otard.html) states: > [@](#): > > The rule is cited as 47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000 and has been in effect since October 14, 1996. It prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to- home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. I find it odd that the FCC can order landlords around like this. But IANAL and I frequently find government actions odd. ---
**Author:** ![berdollos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@berdollos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/berdollos)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2001, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-dish-question/68790/6 "2001-06-14T17:15:11Z")
I am facing in the right direction and there is plenty of sky for me to aim at (nothing blocking the view). I believe the satellite is south-southwest. It would be great if the FCC ordinance over-ruled Shaker Heights laws; but I think installing it inside would go over better. Thanks, everyone for your help and info.