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How Do I Tell If My Parabolic Antenna Is Vertically or Horizontally Polarized?

Parabolic antennas are dipole array antennas with a reflector dish on the rear. Parabolic reflectors are used to focus energy in a narrow band, making them powerful yet more time consuming to aim. Polarization of the directional elements on the antenna largely dictates how the antenna sends and receives information. Close examination of these elements tells you how the unit is polarized.

Things You'll Need

Ladder (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Position yourself where the antenna is installed, which may require getting on top of a roof or some other high-up area. Use caution if the soil is wet or uneven, and use a spotter if necessary.
- 2
  Examine the orientation of the elements leading from the parabolic. The parabolic is the reflector dish or panel(s) positioned behind the forward-facing elements designed to focus the signal strength. Should they have a helix pattern or a twist, the antenna is polarized both horizontally and vertically, and radiates in all directions. This is called circular polarization.
- 3
  Determine if the elements facing away from the parabolic are straight and the parabolic/element combination points up or parallel to the roof. If they point up, your antenna is vertically polarized for multi-directional reception or broadcasting. If the antenna is parallel to the roof or mounting surface, it's horizontally polarized and oriented for point-to-point or directional use.

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