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Tron
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Channel Master Upgrade Project

Got an interesting item in the mail today. It's an honest-to-goodness Channel Master feedhorn (the model made for the 1M and 1.2M dishes that many of us have). Got this with a Norsat LNB attached to it on E-Bay for $32.25 shipped. Please see the pics below...

I bid on the item for the feedhorn alone, but the LNB seems like it may be worth something as well. It's a PLL (Phase Lock Loop) LNB, the kind used for data and broadcast video applications. See the Norsat 11009LA at http://www.sateng.com/catalog/category_mfg_search.asp?category=LNBs&mfg=Norsat

This LNB retails for $189.00, which was rather surprising to me. What makes this LNB different from most of the standard LNBFs out there is that it has an extremely high L.O. (local oscillator) stability. The L.O. stability on this LNB is +/- 100khz, as opposed to +/- 1mhz as typically found on LNBs such as the Fortec FSKUv. The down side is that PLL LNBs typically have a higher noise figure. This particular one is .9 (OUCH!!!)...

The question is, which is more important... low noise figure or high L.O. stability... in terms of low BER and high signal quality? This is a question I hope to answer tomorrow when I install this beast on my 1M Channel Master dish which is aimed at G-10R. I will post the results here. Note that this LNB is a single-polarity model, so I'll be stuck with the vertical transponders (no big deal, there are only 3 horizontal channels on G-10R that are FTA). If the performance of the Norsat is not satisfactory, I'll take it off and replace it with a C-120 flanged Invacom.
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Dishpointer
Dishpointer
Good find. Let us know how it works.
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Tron
Tron
I don't have much time to work on it until later tonight/tomorrow, but I just removed the Fortec FSKUv and replaced it with this feedhorn/LNB. Within a couple of minutes (and without much peaking at all, its still not properly aligned) I'm getting a steady signal quality of 45-50 on The Tube. This is equal to the best I've been able to get on the Fortec.

Again, I need to take the receiver and monitor up there to peak it, this is just putting it up and playing with it for a couple of minutes. This is a .9 noise factor LNB!!!
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S
Stefan
Tron said:
I don't have much time to work on it until later tonight/tomorrow, but I just removed the Fortec FSKUv and replaced it with this feedhorn/LNB. Within a couple of minutes (and without much peaking at all, its still not properly aligned) I'm getting a steady signal quality of 45-50 on The Tube. This is equal to the best I've been able to get on the Fortec.

Again, I need to take the receiver and monitor up there to peak it, this is just putting it up and playing with it for a couple of minutes. This is a .9 noise factor LNB!!!
Click to expand...

I think the reason the noise figure is so high is simply because it's an old LNB. You can certainly get PLL LNBs that have noise factors as low as non-PLL LNBs. They're just really expensive. If it hadn't been for the noise figure of this LNB being that high, I'm sure youd have had to pay alot more for it. As for what's more important noise factor or LO stability, that's an interesting question and the answer probably depends on other factors like the symbol rate of the signal your trying to receive. It would be very interesting to see a comparision between your Norsat PLL LNB and an Invacom. I'll bet the results might be surprising to some.
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Tron
Tron
Well, before I left I climbed back on the roof and turned the LNB a bit more. Got up to 61 quality on The Tube (with the level staying almost always in the 50s) before turning everything off.

One thing I have to check on also is the orientation of the probe on the LNB. If its installed for horizontal, which it may be, the feedhorn isn't performing at its best since I have it in a vertical orientation. I'll need to take it off and check on that before proceeding further.
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Tron
Tron
I took the CM feed and Norsat LNB combo down this morning to check the polarity slab position. It was incorrect (angled instead of aligned correctly with the arrow on the feedhorn). So I took the LNB and waveguide off of the feedhorn and oriented them properly.

After re-installing the assembly and setting my skew at +43 (the proper skew for my location on G-10R) I was able to pull in a signal with a constant quality in the lower 50s and high of 60. This outperforms my Fortec LNBF, but only by about 10 quality points or so.

My conclusion is that the increase in quality I am experiencing is due to the fact that I'm using a matched feedhorn with the Channel Master. The Norsat LNB, while a PLL LNB, is probably not outperforming the Fortec. It's close, but the high noise factor of .9 on the Norsat is probably evening out the higher performance of the local oscillator.

The next step would be to replace the Norsat LNB and waveguide with an Invacom polarity-switching LNB with a C-120 flange. I don't have the budget for one of these right now, but I will keep my eyes open. With the C-120 Invacom, I will be comparing apples to apples with regard to the LNBs, since the feedhorn would be the same.
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne


Get it?


An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
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EatMyVolts
EatMyVolts
A Little Bit of Soap -- The Jarmels
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
Give A Little Bit - Supertramp
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
With A Little Luck - Wings
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H
hwkn
LITTLE Willy-Sweet
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meStevo
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
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meStevo
Foxbat
Foxbat
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
www.colts.com

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
www.colts.com www.colts.com
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rvvaquero
rvvaquero
Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
www.colts.com

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
www.colts.com www.colts.com
Click to expand...
Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.
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Mike0616
Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
www.colts.com

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
www.colts.com www.colts.com
Click to expand...

Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Jeeez, Week 6, no lead is safe…
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Peter Parker
Peter Parker
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

No idea what improvements might be involved.
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N
naptime
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
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jsmit86
jsmit86
naptime said:
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
Click to expand...
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
jsmit86 said:
They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
Click to expand...
Oh, you mean "soon"? :biggrin
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Almighty1
Almighty1
jsmit86 said:
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
Click to expand...
I guess they will be busy when lots of people start asking for rollbacks to H708 now that you mention that downgrades of software does exist because it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner and the IR Remote problems in H710-H713.
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navychop
navychop
Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner
Click to expand...

:popcorn
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner
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🤣

Oh....you were serious
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iJustine
· posted in iJustine

This is iPhone Duo!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P4_TzYKwcNY


Direct YouTube Link - This is iPhone Duo!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-O2iLThF4z8


Direct YouTube Link - Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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teachsac
teachsac
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

S.W.A.T. Exiles (Starz)

Hondo is back with a new squad 9/25 only on Starz.


View: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/b0gPzA8KHEQ
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klang
Never watched the previous shows, so doubtful.
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dfergie
teachsac
teachsac
Started watching yesterday. Not too bad.
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Wife likes it.
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teachsac
teachsac
I like Zyra from La Brea (one with the prosthetic).
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dfergie
dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed
clear.gif

Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
clear.gif

The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.

Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
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reubenray
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?
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osu1991
osu1991
pluto.tv

Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV

Stargate SG-1 picks up where the blockbuster film left off as the SG-1 team sets out to explore the mysteries of the Stargate and the worlds beyond it in the pulse-pounding series which became a worldwide phenomenon and a science fiction classic. Stream Stargate SG-1 for free on Pluto TV.
pluto.tv pluto.tv
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
reubenray said:
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?
Click to expand...
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.
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reubenray
long_time_Dish said:
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.
Click to expand...
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
reubenray said:
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.
Click to expand...
If I understand your question, O'Neill had the Ancient's knowledge in the "Lost City" two-part episode. That was when Anubis attacked Earth and there was a big battle over Antarctica.
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Defender on Linux: Microsoft’s Big Security Move #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wVdnjWsw2Uk


Direct YouTube Link - Defender on Linux: Microsoft's Big Security Move #shorts
TWIT's Website
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Ramy
Ramy
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section

2026-27 NCAA College Football

Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Best fan sign I saw during the ND-BYU game: "Bear ate your Lucky Charms!" (Bear being the Cougars' QB). I was going to suggest, "Have you or your team been involved in a Carr crash?"
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osu1991
M
Mike0616
osu1991 said:

View: https://youtu.be/mUq0cZaflyc?si=odZ2TTCweQXCWNBR
Click to expand...


They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.😈. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Mike0616 said:
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.😈. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
Click to expand...
Yup, I agree, I'd rather be 2 or 3 till the last few weeks.
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSGt6dUXdnI


Direct YouTube Link - RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts
TWIT's Website
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