[sdf_row id=”sdf-row-1″ last=”yes”][sdf_col id=”sdf-col-1″ width=”1/3″][sdf_blank_spacer id=”sdf-element-0″ module_width=”1/1″ height=”60px” class=””][/sdf_blank_spacer][sdf_video_oembed id=”sdf-element-1″ module_width=”1/1″ video_oembed_url=”https://youtu.be/KzQTZUtEjjE” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” video_oembed_aspect_ratio=”16by9″]Testing LNB voltage[/sdf_video_oembed][/sdf_col][sdf_col id=”sdf-col-2″ width=”2/3″][sdf_headline id=”sdf-element-0″ module_width=”1/1″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” title_heading=”h1″ font_family=”Georgia,serif” font_size=”18″ line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” text_alignment=”left” entrance_animation=”No” entrance_animation_duration=”” rotate_words=”no” rotator_delay=”1000″ rotator_separator=”” fit_text=”no” fit_compressor=”” fit_min_font_size=”” fit_max_font_size=”” class=””]How to Troubleshooting LNBF | KU-band LNB gone bad[/sdf_headline][sdf_text_block id=”sdf-element-1″ module_width=”1/1″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” max_width=”” text_alignment=”left” font_family=”” font_size=”” line_height=”” text_color=”” entrance_animation=”No” entrance_animation_duration=”” link=”” link_title=”” target=”None” nofollow=”no” class=””]
The Low Noise Blockdown Feeder (LNBF or LNB) on your satellite dish is the electronic component on the dish that receives signal data from the satellite in the sky and sends it to your receiver that is hooked up to your television set. If you’re LNB fails then your whole system stops working correctly.
What are some signs that your LNB is going out?
First . A good sign that your LNB is having problems is pixelation or tiling on your television screen or there is no video playing on the TV screen. Second. On your GEOSATpro HDVR 3500, please press the signal button located on the upper right hand corner of the remote control, this test will bring up a graphic on your TV screen providing you signal strength and quality levels. The quality level is what we are interested in, it should read around 80% If your have 0% Let’s proceed to your next step.
Let’s reset the receiver
To reset your receiver turn off the GEOSATpro HDVR 3500 that is hooked up to your television. After 30 seconds have passed, turn your GEOSATpro HDVR 3500 receiver back on this will reset your receiver. Let it BOOT up and then LOAD will display on your receivers front panel during this procedure the receiver will display on your screen GEOSATpro, if you still don’t have signal you know that the receiver is still working in most cases. LNB could be the problem.
Let’s check all the cables
Lets start by checking the cables (coax) coming from the satellite dish to assure that they are not damage, lose, broken or possibly have been disconnected. Also make sure that they are properly finger tighten and not overly tighten in the back of the receiver. Some times the coax cable gets pulled out of the F connector from the back of the receiver. Also, make sure that no screw on F connectors have been used, these connectors are notorious for causing a short and damaging receivers. If your find that this is the case go to the hardware store and purchase press on F connectors to replace it. All way turn your receiver off before your disconnect any F connector from the receiver. If you detect that everything’s in good shape, let’s proceed to the next step.
Inspecting the LNB
You will need to have access to the LNB whether the dish is mounted on the eve of the roof or mount on a pole on the ground. When you have access to viewing the LNB look to see if it has the cap still on the front facing the satellite dish entact. If the front cover is missing let’s remove the LNB and replace it with a new one. If your LNB looks in good shape take a look around the edge of the cap and see if there are any cracks therein. If you see cracks or suspect any cracks replace the LNB by removing it from the bracket making sure that you mark the angles in which your LNB was mounted and the distance in and out (focal point).
Testing power at the LNB
Doing this procedure you are required to turn the power on your GEOSATpro HDVR 3500 off from the back of the receiver. Your next step is to go to the satellite dish and unscrew the coax cable at the bottom of the LNB, making sure that the cable is not going to ground the center conductor of the F connector to the satellite dish or LNB arm. Your next step is to use a voltmeter, set your voltmeter to DC volts. Then go to your receiver and turn it back on at the back of your receiver, make sure that your are on a Horizontal polarity like channel 3ABN on Galaxy 19. Go back to the satellite dish and using the voltmeter proves (black and red) place the black testing prove on the F connector case and the red test prove on the center conductor (the stinger in the center of the F connector). You should read 18-20 VDC. This test will also confirm that your receiver is providing the necessary voltage for your LNB. If this step is successful go to steps to removing your LNB. I have produced a Youtube video that can give you visual assistance with this procedure if you are not able to reach the LNB from the ground. https://youtu.be/KzQTZUtEjjE
Steps to removing your LNB
First, make sure that you have turned off the GEOSATpro receiver from the back power switch. You will need a Phillips screwdriver and a marker for marking the skew settings on the old lnb. By marking the old lnb you will be able to replace the new one exactly the same way as the old one originally installed. Remove the two top screws from the U clamp holding the LNB in place, .then proceed by replacing the old one with a new Geosatpro LNB
The next step is to go inside turn the power back on your GEOSATpro HDVR 3500..
Assuming your satellite dish is not out of alignment as well (That’s another topic on my blog) your receiver will start up and the front panel of the receiver will read boot on the display a graphic will display on your television saying GEOSATpro and then after about 45 seconds you should have video. If you do you have succeeded in fixing your FTA satellite dish.
Things to keep in mind
Problems will often occur when a thunderstorm, thunder-lightning with heavy winds and rains pass through an area. Electrical storms could cause damage to your LNB, double check that you’re grounding on your satellite dish is clean and well grounded. If you have any doubts as to whether the ground is good contact a local electrician for an inspection or repair.
In my Region, the Northwest we experience a lot of lightning storms and even electrical storms without lightning strikes. In these cases we have to replace LNB and sometimes f-connectors that have been blown away. And sometimes it’s just the electronics in the LNB that failed because of the high levels of electrons in the air. Here is where a good grounding proves to be an asset, by protecting the electronics inside the home (TV, DVD player, sound system, etc).
We also experienced a lot of moisture damage from months of snow and rain, creating moisture or water to ingress into the ground block, when this happens we replace the ground block because water has created a short inside the ground block on the satellite coax cable. I would recommend that you unscrew the connectors to your ground block for inspection and make sure there is no corrosion or water inside, inspecting your ground block can prevent future damage to your new LNB and possibly damaging your satellite receiver.
Check your ground cable, friends you will not believe how many times have I discovered that the ground wire is completely disconnected from the ground block and being used for another service provider. Each satellite system, cable TV or phone can share the same ground, but they just need to make sure that everything is bonded or tide together before they leave. A good ground is vital to your electronic components like your TV, DVD, VCR, surround sound system in the home.
I hope that this article on troubleshooting your LNB has been helpful to you. If it has please share it on your Facebook, Pinterest, or give us a Tweet it will be appreciated very much. And please continue to check back for new articles in the future, we will be covering my topics dealing with FTA satellite installations. Thank you for your time and please pay us a visit at: www..com
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