Combining C/Ku LNBF's

MN_Vikings · Jul 25, 2016

I did not want to hijack armadillo_115's thread about C Band Circular LNBF's so I'm starting a new thread. The problem with my current LNBF setup is that if I insert the Dielectric plate I can get reception on some satellites and at the same time I cannot get reception on others do to signal loss.

Results from my testing with and without a Dielectric plate which happens on several satellites.

40.5W SES 6 C – got 40 to 44 signal strength picture with dialectic plate.
40.5W SES 6 C – got no signal and no picture with no dialectic plate.

83W AMC 9 – got 36 signal strength with no picture with dialectic plate.
83W AMC 9 – got 66 signal strength great picture with no dialectic plate.

At this point I do not have $600 plus dollars for a orthomode Chaparral Bullseye II Feedhorn but maybe sometime in the future. I could run out and remove the Dielectric plate when I want to toggle between circular and linear satellites but this is not a realistic solution. So either a dual or triple LNB setup with my dish seems to be the best and cheapest option for now, One with a Dielectric plate and the other without. I'm currently working on getting two Scaler rings welded together like the one in the photo but had a few questions some Satellite guys might know the answers to..

These are the two cheap c/Ku LNBF I have now. They are similar other than one has a built in 2x1 DisEq switch and the other comes with a 22KHZ switch so you need two RG6 cable feeds into the switch.

In another post a few years back and cannot find someone posted that you cannot use either of these together with a 4x1 DisEq switch even if you run separate RG6 cables. Can someone confirm this? Just to confirm I would not use the built in 2x1 DisEq switch on the one and would not use the 22KHZ switch on the other and would run individual RG6 Cables directly from each connection back to a 4x1 DisEq switch.

If I was to connect and both of these C/Ku LNBF's It may allow me to receive both C and Ku Linear and Circular signals at the same time. Just to confirm I would use one of these LNBF's with a Dielectric plate and one without. Any advice would be welcome.

Magic Static · Jul 25, 2016

If you are very "hands on" type of guy you can get real creative in combining Circular and Linear polarities.
Check this thread out

http://www.satelliteguys.us/xen/threads/neat-adaptation-of-my-corotor-polarity-skew-control.343336/

MN_Vikings · Aug 8, 2016

I took your advice and got creative or paid someone to create my creativity. I originally was going to make a dual conical ring like another Satellite Guys member below.

Then I thought why not make a triple conical ring then I thought why not make a quad conical ring, but will it work?

So I paid a guy on craigslist who does welding $100 to cut and weld four conical rings together.

My setup went from this to this..

Here are a few more shots of my quad conical ring.

Jury is still out. I found out the F to D ratio was 27 3/4 inches from the original single conical ring to the dish. Now with the four conical rings combined it is now between 33 and 34 inches. Even with the LNB's pushed in all the way the distance is about 29 inches. So my next step is to build some new conical ring legs / holders. I think if I can find some aluminum or galvanized pipe cut it and flatten the ends in a vice I can shorten them by 6 inches. Has anyone ever done this?

Titanium · Aug 8, 2016

Nice install! Great documentation!

BTW, those are flat scalars, not conical. Conical scalars are used for higher F/D dishes.

armadillo_115 · Aug 8, 2016

Why not use longer bolts to fasten the scaler to the rods? (6" or 8" long) Two extra nuts on each bolt will allow adjustment.

That way you can leave the rods as-is.

MN_Vikings · Dec 3, 2016

armadillo,

Thanks for the tip and it worked. I was busy over the summer and finially had some time and worked on my dish. I used 6" bolts to fasten the scaler to the rods and used two extra nuts on each bolt will allow adjustment.

MN_Vikings · Dec 3, 2016

In my LNBF configuration on my dish I'm using two of these combo C / KU LNBF's. These are my two center LNBF's and I want to use one with the dialectic plate and the other without. Does anyone know how I connect two of these LNBF's together into one receiver port? I have several types of multi-switches, DisEq switches, 22khz switches to get this to work but have been unable.

MN_Vikings · Dec 3, 2016

Here are some more shots of my setup. I even tried to use one of those 1X16 DisEq switches but was unable to get the two C \ KU LNBF's to work together along with the others.

MN_Vikings · Dec 3, 2016

Over the summer I installed a 40ft antenna mast to hold my TV, FM, scanner, HAM, TV, Wi-Fi antennas and CCTV cameras. I had to take out a permit from my city to install the 40ft antenna mast which I'm using a tilt down mount so I can bring it down for maintenance. I even re-purposed an old gray Comcast cable TV outdoor enclosure so my connections and grounds blocks would be out of the elements.I can now pick up 57 over the air local TV channels.

MN_Vikings · Dec 3, 2016

I also installed one of those Sirus XM radio antennas so I can listen to my satellite radio in my house I still have the 12ft paraclypse antenna that includes all parts if anyone wants it for free. I live in the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota. This next spring I will cut it up and junk it if know one want it. I have a rats nest and need to do some wire management next to my Titanium ASC1.

a33 · Dec 3, 2016

MN_Vikings said:
These are the two cheap c/Ku LNBF I have now. They are similar other than one has a built in 2x1 DisEq switch and the other comes with a 22KHZ switch so you need two RG6 cable feeds into the switch.

In another post a few years back and cannot find someone posted that you cannot use either of these together with a 4x1 DisEq switch even if you run separate RG6 cables. Can someone confirm this? Just to confirm I would not use the built in 2x1 DisEq switch on the one and would not use the 22KHZ switch on the other and would run individual RG6 Cables directly from each connection back to a 4x1 DisEq switch.

If I was to connect and both of these C/Ku LNBF's It may allow me to receive both C and Ku Linear and Circular signals at the same time.

MN_Vikings said:
Here are some more shots of my setup. I even tried to use one of those 1X16 DisEq switches but was unable to get the two C \ KU LNBF's to work together along with the others.

With the C/Ku LNB with the external 22kHz switch I'm surprised that you cannot get it to work with two seperate connections to a 4/1 or 16/1 switch.
What are the problems you encounter? Without any switch connected, are they functioning?
The 22kHz switch, would that be a 0/22kHz switch, or a 22kHz toneburst ("minidiseqc") switch?

The C/Ku LNB with the built-in diseqc 2/1 switch has only one F-connector, I presume? Does it normally switch on diseqc 1.0 commands?
Have you tried it 'behind' a diseqc 1.1 switch?

greetz,
A33

hank123 · Dec 4, 2016

If I was your neighbor I would be at your house drinking beer checking out your setup. great work.

I have had so many issues with diseqc switches. I think the power being sent down the line was less then needed causing my issues.

A powered switch would cause you to lose H or V.
Are there any powered diseqc switches?

bpalone · Dec 5, 2016

MN_Vikings,

Sent you a PM.

MN_Vikings · Dec 5, 2016

bpalone,

I responded to your email and you are welcome to take the dish

MN_Vikings · Dec 5, 2016

a33,

I just ordered two new Ecoda 22khz switches from ebay. Maybe this is my problem as I'm using a really old off brand of 22khz switch?

Should I then connect each C / KU LNBF's into these 22khz switches and then into a port on my Diseq switch?

So it would go like this correct?

On the receiver settings I would set it for Diseqc 1.1 and use the 22khz tone to determine if using the C or KU port on the LNBF correct?

Could I also connect other LNB's into the Diseqc switch? I recall someone saying that these combo C/ KU LNBF's cannot be used with other LNB's.

I would also have to set each Diseqc Port to use its own satellite channel on the ASC1 dish mover..

a33 · Dec 5, 2016

Well, for the combination LNB with external 22kHz switch I would expect any switch would do, so also your 8/1 diseqc switch, without need for added switches.
But I know much more about diseqc than I do about such combo LNBs.

For the combo LNB with internal diseqc 1.0 position switch, you need an extra switch that doesn't use the diseqc 1.0 position command.
So therefore I asked if you have tried it 'behind' a diseqc 1.1 switch; that is the easiest way.

If your 8/1 switch is programmed on a mixture of diseqc 1.0 and 1.1 commands and you definately want to keep it programmed that way, you could try the 'serial approach' for diseqc 1.0 position commands by using two diseqc 1.0 (position) switching modes in cascade; though you need an extra splitter and your receiver needs to send a 'diseqc repeat' for that to work fluently.
That's why I would prefer the above solution: it is easier.

But, as I said: I don't know much about these combo LNBs....

Greetz,
A33

bigg t · Dec 5, 2016

After the internal switch on my combo c/ku lnbf went out I ran port 4 to the c band side and port 3 to the ku side. I'm using the other two ports also with one on 121 deg and port two at 30 deg. So yes it should work like you want. I think the universal combo's used internal disqet switches so it might not work . If your combo lnbf's use 22 khz switching it should work good with the disquet switch.

bpalone · Dec 6, 2016

MN_Vikings and others.

The tape measure doesn't lie. I don't have room for the dish, so had to pass on it.

Someone, get it. Doesn't deserve to go to the scrap yard.

Cham · Dec 6, 2016

Why would a powered switch cause loss of one polarity? Many are designed for 13/18V. I use Zinwell 4803 switches and have not run into that so far

hank123 said:
A powered switch would cause you to lose H or V.

hank123 · Dec 6, 2016

Single line. as far as I know dumping 1 line into the 13/18v or the 13/18v 22k side will only give you h or v. requires dual outputs off the lnbf.

On my 10 footer I have a single output lnbf set on the h side for 97w. my 8 footer dual output so I can move the sky and get h/v

Combining C/Ku LNBF's

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