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LNB's Explained
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1) Standard LNB 10.0 GHz L.O.
Often called a "Marconi switching LNB". Works in one band. Noise Figure usually 1.0 dB or better but older "Blue cap" types can be much worse. Integral feed horn, usually with 40mm neck but flange type available to special order and other neck sizes have been made (especially 22.5mm). Marconi also made a "Bullet" shape LNB of this type that used a PTFE insert instead of a horn.
Polarisation switching is controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver. 12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and 15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation. A higher voltage than that can damage the LNB. A voltage that is too low will prevent the LNB from working correctly.
2) "Enhanced" LNB 9.75 GHz L.O.
The Cambridge "Juno" AE6 is an example of an "Enhanced" LNB, having a Local Oscillator of 9.750 GHz.
Works 10.7-11.7 GHz. Noise Figure usually 1.0 dB or better. Integral feed horn with 40mm neck.
Normally used with later type receivers that have a 2GHz tuner but no 22kHz signal generator. Designed specifically for Astra satellite reception from satellites 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D.
Polarisation switching is controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver. 12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and 15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation. A higher voltage than that can damage the LNB. A voltage that is too low will prevent the LNB from working correctly.
3) "Universal" LNB 9.75 and 10.60 GHz L.O.
The Cambridge "Platinum"Geo Universal G57" LNB
Works in 2 bands* 10.7-11.8 and 11.6 - 12.7 GHz. (22 kHz signal switched). Noise Figure usually 1.0 dB or better. Integral feed horn with 40mm neck but flange type available to special order.
*If your receiver tuning range is less than 2.15GHz you will have a gap between high and low bands. Refer to calculations, below. In effect, this is a "Quad Band" LNB.
A Universal LNB requires a 22kHz signal at 0.5v p-p to switch its Local Oscillator to 10.6GHz ("high band"). Otherwise it uses its 9.75GHz oscillator.
Polarisation switching is controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver. 12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and 15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation. A higher voltage than that can damage the LNB. A voltage that is too low will prevent the LNB from working correctly.
DBS" LNB 10.75 GHz L.O."
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in one band: 11.7 - 12.5 GHz. Receiver with standard 0.95 - 1.75GHz tuner may be used. Noise figures vary.
"Telecom" LNB 11.0 GHz L.O.
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. However, Marconi made a voltage-switching version with integral feed horn*. Works in one band: 11.95 - 12.75 GHz. Receiver with standard 0.95 - 1.75GHz tuner may be used. (* identified by a serial number label with a red corner, although some were incorrectly marked). Noise figures vary.
"Dual band" LNB
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in 2 bands 10.9 - 11.7 and 11.7 - 12.5 GHz. Receiver with standard 0.95 - 1.75GHz tuner may be used. Band switching achieved by supply voltage of either 14 volts or 18 volts. Noise figures vary.
"Tripleband" LNB
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in 2 bands 10.9-11.8 and 11.8-12.75 GHz. Receiver with 0.95 - 2.0 GHz tuner should be used. Noise figures vary.
"Quadband" LNB
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in 2 bands 10.7-11.8 and 11.7-12.8 GHz. Receiver with 0.95 - 2.05 GHz tuner should be used. Noise figures vary.
"Twin-output" LNB
Currently available in Standard, Enhanced and Universal form, the twin output LNB provides two outputs to feed two separate receivers. Each output can be switched by 13/17 volt input by the individual receiver to change polarisation.
"Dual-output" LNB
Was available in Standard and Enhanced form, the dual output LNB provided two outputs to feed two separate receivers. Each output had a fixed polarisation; one horizontal and one vertical. This type of LNB was used with switching boxes such as the "Mini Magic" which could feed four separate receivers.
This type of (obsolete dual-output) LNB is no longer used in the UK and Europe, having been superseded by the "universal" type. Therefore a "mini magic" distribution system is no longer available.
Instead, you should use a "quad-output" universal LNB or, if you need more than four outputs, a "quattro LNB" plus a (expensive) head-end distribution system which will usually feed up to at least 12 (sometimes 16) receivers.
Note that a "twin-output" LNB is frequently (and incorrectly) called a "dual-output" LNB in the USA and sometimes even in the UK and Europe. Care should be taken when ordering! A "Dual LNB" usually refers to a "monobloc" or "monoblock".
"Dual LNB" or "Monobloc LNB"
Comprises two universal LNBs fixed together at a small angle in a single housing. Only one "F" connector is used. A single coaxial cable connects to the Digital (or Digital + Analogue) receiver which must be able to use DisEqC signalling to select which LNB is to be used. Normally used on an 80cm dish to receive Astra at 19.2'E and Hotbird at 13'E (but not simultaneously).
monobloc setup monobloc setting up
This type of LNB has a single output and the actual satellite signal is selected by the receiver which sends a DisEqC (22kHz) tone up the LNB cable. So only one satellite transmission can be viewed at a time. This is in contrast with dish systems that have two or more separate LNBs where, with two receivers, both satellite transmissions can be viewed or recorded simultaneously. See picture HERE.
"Quad-output" or "Quad universal LNB"
This can feed four separate receivers. Each receiver has independent control of polarisation and band via 13/17v switching and 22kHz o/off respectively. This LNB is used with the new Sky Digiboxes that have two LNB inputs and internal Hard Drives for recording a programme while you watch another. Two LNB outputs go to this "Sky Plus" Digibox and the other two LNB outputs can go either to two standard Digiboxes or to one other "Sky Plus" Digibox.
"OCTO" LNB
As above but with eight independent outputs.
"Quattro universal LNB"
This has four fixed outputs and is used only in "head end" I.F. distribution systems for apartment blocks. One LNB supplies a head end unit that can provide (typically) up to 16 outputs for separate Digiboxes. The four outputs of the LNB are as follows:-
1. Horizontal polarisation low band
2. Horizontal polarisation high band
3. Vertical polarisation low band
4. Vertical polarisation high band
You should not connect any of the outputs, 1 - 4, directly to a receiver unless you want to restrict viewing to just one of the four options. Even if you do, the receiver may not work. It's not a good idea. Use the Quad instead.
"DirecTV LNB"
This is what the Americans confusingly call a "Dual Output DBS LNBF" and has a local oscillator frequency of 11.25 GHz. It is not compatible with UK systems and it's not available in the UK or Europe. I suspect that "dual output" is what we call "twin-output" but that makes me wonder what they call our "dual-output" LNB!
Input Frequency - 12.2 to 12.7 GHz
Output Frequency - 950 to 1450 MHz
Noise Figure - 1.1 dB, Max
Gain - 50 to 62 dB
LO Frequency - 11.25 GHz, ± 2 MHz
It is entirely different from LNBs used in the UK and Europe in that it has a single internal oscillator running at 11.25 GHz whereas our "universal" LNBs have two selectable oscillators running at 9.75 and 10.6 GHz respectively.
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1) Standard LNB 10.0 GHz L.O.
Often called a "Marconi switching LNB". Works in one band. Noise Figure usually 1.0 dB or better but older "Blue cap" types can be much worse. Integral feed horn, usually with 40mm neck but flange type available to special order and other neck sizes have been made (especially 22.5mm). Marconi also made a "Bullet" shape LNB of this type that used a PTFE insert instead of a horn.
Polarisation switching is controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver. 12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and 15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation. A higher voltage than that can damage the LNB. A voltage that is too low will prevent the LNB from working correctly.
2) "Enhanced" LNB 9.75 GHz L.O.
The Cambridge "Juno" AE6 is an example of an "Enhanced" LNB, having a Local Oscillator of 9.750 GHz.
Works 10.7-11.7 GHz. Noise Figure usually 1.0 dB or better. Integral feed horn with 40mm neck.
Normally used with later type receivers that have a 2GHz tuner but no 22kHz signal generator. Designed specifically for Astra satellite reception from satellites 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D.
Polarisation switching is controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver. 12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and 15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation. A higher voltage than that can damage the LNB. A voltage that is too low will prevent the LNB from working correctly.
3) "Universal" LNB 9.75 and 10.60 GHz L.O.
The Cambridge "Platinum"Geo Universal G57" LNB
Works in 2 bands* 10.7-11.8 and 11.6 - 12.7 GHz. (22 kHz signal switched). Noise Figure usually 1.0 dB or better. Integral feed horn with 40mm neck but flange type available to special order.
*If your receiver tuning range is less than 2.15GHz you will have a gap between high and low bands. Refer to calculations, below. In effect, this is a "Quad Band" LNB.
A Universal LNB requires a 22kHz signal at 0.5v p-p to switch its Local Oscillator to 10.6GHz ("high band"). Otherwise it uses its 9.75GHz oscillator.
Polarisation switching is controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver. 12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and 15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation. A higher voltage than that can damage the LNB. A voltage that is too low will prevent the LNB from working correctly.
DBS" LNB 10.75 GHz L.O."
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in one band: 11.7 - 12.5 GHz. Receiver with standard 0.95 - 1.75GHz tuner may be used. Noise figures vary.
"Telecom" LNB 11.0 GHz L.O.
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. However, Marconi made a voltage-switching version with integral feed horn*. Works in one band: 11.95 - 12.75 GHz. Receiver with standard 0.95 - 1.75GHz tuner may be used. (* identified by a serial number label with a red corner, although some were incorrectly marked). Noise figures vary.
"Dual band" LNB
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in 2 bands 10.9 - 11.7 and 11.7 - 12.5 GHz. Receiver with standard 0.95 - 1.75GHz tuner may be used. Band switching achieved by supply voltage of either 14 volts or 18 volts. Noise figures vary.
"Tripleband" LNB
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in 2 bands 10.9-11.8 and 11.8-12.75 GHz. Receiver with 0.95 - 2.0 GHz tuner should be used. Noise figures vary.
"Quadband" LNB
Normally bolted to a separate polariser and feed horn. Works in 2 bands 10.7-11.8 and 11.7-12.8 GHz. Receiver with 0.95 - 2.05 GHz tuner should be used. Noise figures vary.
"Twin-output" LNB
Currently available in Standard, Enhanced and Universal form, the twin output LNB provides two outputs to feed two separate receivers. Each output can be switched by 13/17 volt input by the individual receiver to change polarisation.
"Dual-output" LNB
Was available in Standard and Enhanced form, the dual output LNB provided two outputs to feed two separate receivers. Each output had a fixed polarisation; one horizontal and one vertical. This type of LNB was used with switching boxes such as the "Mini Magic" which could feed four separate receivers.
This type of (obsolete dual-output) LNB is no longer used in the UK and Europe, having been superseded by the "universal" type. Therefore a "mini magic" distribution system is no longer available.
Instead, you should use a "quad-output" universal LNB or, if you need more than four outputs, a "quattro LNB" plus a (expensive) head-end distribution system which will usually feed up to at least 12 (sometimes 16) receivers.
Note that a "twin-output" LNB is frequently (and incorrectly) called a "dual-output" LNB in the USA and sometimes even in the UK and Europe. Care should be taken when ordering! A "Dual LNB" usually refers to a "monobloc" or "monoblock".
"Dual LNB" or "Monobloc LNB"
Comprises two universal LNBs fixed together at a small angle in a single housing. Only one "F" connector is used. A single coaxial cable connects to the Digital (or Digital + Analogue) receiver which must be able to use DisEqC signalling to select which LNB is to be used. Normally used on an 80cm dish to receive Astra at 19.2'E and Hotbird at 13'E (but not simultaneously).
monobloc setup monobloc setting up
This type of LNB has a single output and the actual satellite signal is selected by the receiver which sends a DisEqC (22kHz) tone up the LNB cable. So only one satellite transmission can be viewed at a time. This is in contrast with dish systems that have two or more separate LNBs where, with two receivers, both satellite transmissions can be viewed or recorded simultaneously. See picture HERE.
"Quad-output" or "Quad universal LNB"
This can feed four separate receivers. Each receiver has independent control of polarisation and band via 13/17v switching and 22kHz o/off respectively. This LNB is used with the new Sky Digiboxes that have two LNB inputs and internal Hard Drives for recording a programme while you watch another. Two LNB outputs go to this "Sky Plus" Digibox and the other two LNB outputs can go either to two standard Digiboxes or to one other "Sky Plus" Digibox.
"OCTO" LNB
As above but with eight independent outputs.
"Quattro universal LNB"
This has four fixed outputs and is used only in "head end" I.F. distribution systems for apartment blocks. One LNB supplies a head end unit that can provide (typically) up to 16 outputs for separate Digiboxes. The four outputs of the LNB are as follows:-
1. Horizontal polarisation low band
2. Horizontal polarisation high band
3. Vertical polarisation low band
4. Vertical polarisation high band
You should not connect any of the outputs, 1 - 4, directly to a receiver unless you want to restrict viewing to just one of the four options. Even if you do, the receiver may not work. It's not a good idea. Use the Quad instead.
"DirecTV LNB"
This is what the Americans confusingly call a "Dual Output DBS LNBF" and has a local oscillator frequency of 11.25 GHz. It is not compatible with UK systems and it's not available in the UK or Europe. I suspect that "dual output" is what we call "twin-output" but that makes me wonder what they call our "dual-output" LNB!
Input Frequency - 12.2 to 12.7 GHz
Output Frequency - 950 to 1450 MHz
Noise Figure - 1.1 dB, Max
Gain - 50 to 62 dB
LO Frequency - 11.25 GHz, ± 2 MHz
It is entirely different from LNBs used in the UK and Europe in that it has a single internal oscillator running at 11.25 GHz whereas our "universal" LNBs have two selectable oscillators running at 9.75 and 10.6 GHz respectively.