Thread: How do I know when I need to replace the LNBF?

Any specific reason to replace it? Will I get more channels or a more solid connection or something? How do I know if I need to? Thanks a lot!!

Originally Posted by Test12345

Any specific reason to replace it? Will I get more channels or a more solid connection or something? How do I know if I need to? Thanks a lot!!

Some of the meters out there can drive the LNBF and give you a signal reading in the display which can tell you if it's working otherwise you have to check your receiver. But for the cost of either KU LNB or a C-Band LNBF I'd just buy a new one and if nothing else you'll have a spare. If what you have is really old then a new one could give you better performance and only replacing it will tell you.

Thanks for the info. It's SUPER old. Probably over 10 years. A new one would possibly give me a better signal?

Any info on where to get one or how much they cost? Thanks a ton!!!

unless you're losing channels why change it out?
I've had the same LNB on my setup for 6 years now....

What are you aiming at?

I don't know why nobody asked that before.

Most often, reception problems are caused by things like corroded or badly installed fittings on the cable, not the LNBF itself. They have been known to go bad, but they get blamed for issues that are usually cable related.

I've lost several lnbs caused by lightning.
If you don't power off your equipment ,and a lightning storm is very close,,then you can lose a lnb from the static .
I'm only using KU's at the time.I have many on hand for replacements.
Also,the lower noise ratio,the better the signal (So I have read)

Test12345,

The best rule to remember is that LNBFs rarely fail. They are quite robust and it requires a lot of abuse to damage one either physically or electronically. A near hit or a direct hit from lightning will do it. Moisture entry that leads to corrosion damage or freezes inside can do it.
A frustrated installer with a 3 lb hammer can do it, too.

Typically the problem will be found to be with the cable connectors, the cables themselves, a switch or the dish alignment. Sometimes (and more frequently than we wish to acknowledge) even the receiver IRD. But, rarely does the LNBF itself create a problem. I have only had one fail in roughly ten years and that was a DN LNBF.

As for improving your reception and acquiring more channels, that is very doubtful. Unless you can prove that there is something defective with the currently installed LNBF, a new one or even a different style won't usually gain you anything noticeable in that regard. Not that it isn't a possibility, but it would be more akin to wishful thinking in most cases.

There can be lemons out there and the only way to prove it would be to replace it and compare the new results to the old. If you seem to gain or lose 1% to 5% signal quality, that isn't enough evidence to prove that one LNBF is better than another. An improvement of 5% - 10% might indicate something, but still not definite. An improvement of more than 10% begins to appear obvious.

Unless you have noticed a recent, dramatic change in your reception signal quality, there probably isn't anything wrong with the LNBF that you have and it may be more likely a cable or connection problem. If the signal degradation has slowly and continually been going downhill over a long time, it is probably a connection problem. Best thing you can do for your system is to get a small wire brush, about the size of a toothbrush and some good electrical grade contact solvent and clean up your connections (power the receiver down of course). Then apply some good electrical grade grease to seal out moisture. You might be surprised how much of a difference this will make if you have very old wiring outside in the elements. You might even consider cutting the old connector off and and stripping the line back a few inches and installing a new compression connector.

It is always good to dabble around and try new equipment, however. That's part of the hobby. I wouldn't go out and spend a lot of money, but you can buy very inexpensive LNBFs today and try many of them to compare.... BUT, you need to ensure that the cable and connectors are perfect first, otherwise you may obtain skewed and inaccurate results.

RADAR

I would say it would not be a bad idea to change it, 10 years is a long time. Most importantly though I would consider changing the feedline. The RG6 can deteriorate over time, connectors can corrode, and it is also relatively inexpensive. Some older installations may be using RG59 which is more lossy and less robust than RG6, that should be changed out for sure. Most places that sell or install satellite equipment will have good quality cable available, you shouldn't have far to go to find some.
-C.