| - | LNB vs LNBF? |
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LNB or Low Noise Block (also called an LNC- Low Noise Converter), is used for communications (broadcast) satellite reception.
The LNB is usually affixed either in or on the satellite dish.
An LNBF is an LNB with an integrated feedhorn. Most LNB's in use today are actually LNBF's. Nowadays the "F" tends to be omitted.
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| - | Single vs Dual LNB? |
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A Single LNB is an LNB with one output. A Dual LNB is an LNB with two outputs.
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| - | Ku band vs C band? |
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There are two different type satellite TV antennas. They are Ku band and C band. Groups of KU band satellites, FSS (Fixed Satellite Service) and DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite).
DBS satellites are the type satellites used by DN, DTV, BEV, and VOOM, and the band is authorized for use in North America. They operate from 12200-12700 MHz, and their polarity is circular.
FSS satellites are thought of as general purpose satellites and is the home of many different broadcast media and many different types of signals. The FSS satellites are placed worldwide around the globe.
The frequency is 10700-12700 MHz and the polarity is linear.
C Band dishes work on basically the same principle above, except the feeds and dishes are MUCH bigger, and use a much lower frequency of 3400-4200 MHz. They can also be either linear or circular polarity.
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| - | Linear vs Circular LNB? |
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Linear LNBF works with signals that are Horizontal or Vertical in polarity (H or V). Linear LNBF can be Standard (11.7-13.2 GHz) or Universal (10.7-12.75GHz).
The LO (Local oscillator) or standard frequency for Linear Standard LNBF is 10750 MHz. Linear Universal LNBF has 2 separate LO's, 9750 and 10600 MHz.
If you need a linear polarized LNB look for words describing it as "FSS" (Fixed Satellite Service) or "FTA" (Free To Air) or "Linear" or "Ku-band" or a combination of these terms.
"KU" Band Linear Polarization LNB's can receive Galaxy 18 (123.0 W), Galaxy 19 (97.0 W), Horizons 2 (74.0 W), Satmex 6 (113.0 W), AMC 21 (125.0 W), and more.
Circular LNBF works with signals that are Left Hand or Right Hand in polarity (R or L). Circular LNBF frequency range is 12.2-12.75 Ghz. The LO (Local oscillator) or standard frequency for Circular DBS LNBF is 11250 MHz.
If you need a circular polarized LNB look for words describing it as "DSS" (Direct Satellite System) or "DBS" (Direct Broadcast Satellite) or "Circular" or "B-band" or a combination of these terms.
"B" Band Circular Polarization LNB's (DSS, DBS) can receive DirecTV, Dish Network or Bell Express Vu.
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| - | Quad Polar LNB? |
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A quad polar LNBF is exactly what it says. It does 4 different polarities. It does 2 Linear polarities, Horizontal and Vertical, and 2 circular polarities, Left and Right.
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| - | Stacked LNB? |
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A stacked LNB uses the standard frequencies for vertical/left-circular polarisation, then lowers the LO frequency (often by 575MHz or so) for the horizontal/right-circular transponders.
This type of LNB is capable of picking up more than one satellite signal when using a single dish.
The advantage of using a stacked LNB versus a dual LNB is that only one cable needs to be run from the dish, and a multi-switch is not required.
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| - | Rectangle vs D-Shaped Tube LNB? |
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| - | Choosing the right LNB |
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You must have the proper LNBF for the type of satellite you want to receive. A DBS LNBF won't receive much of anything in the FSS band, and vice versa. 2 LNBF's are required to receive both bands.
Go to lyngsat.com and choose the satellite you are trying to pick up. Under the transponder frequency column (Freq. Tp) you will see a letter next to the frequency. If the letters used are R or L (Right or Left), then it's a circular broadcasting transponder.
If you see the letters H or V (Horizontal or Vertical), then it's a linear broadcasting transponder.
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| Source: Tech-FAQ.com, Wikipedia.org |