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Topic:
Any way to test for a dead LNB?
This thread has 5 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Tuesday October 18, 2005 at 09:48
Mntneer
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Hooked up an old Direct TV system at home this weekend to play with (I want the extra sports this weekend), but can't get a lick of a signal at all. I did drop the LNB in some gravel when getting it out, but can't see any visable damage.

Any way to test it besides hooking it up to an existing system? Unfortunately, everyone around me uses Dish.
Post 2 made on Tuesday October 18, 2005 at 10:26
Spiky
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Are you testing it with a signal meter or by using the sat receiver? Do you actually have a current account with D*? Because you won't get much if you don't, or if the card in the receiver is previous generation.
OP | Post 3 made on Tuesday October 18, 2005 at 11:05
Mntneer
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Testing it with a receiver, don't have a signal meter available.

Even without an account though I should still be able to detect a signal with the box shouldn't I? Card is one of the newer P5's. The receiver's test routine reported that the card was "okay" as well.
Post 4 made on Wednesday October 19, 2005 at 10:13
8's&Aces
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How far was the drop? LNB's are pretty stout. I have seen one drop from a roof and land on concrete. The plastic casing shattered but no damage to lead housing. Took one apart to see whats inside - nothing but a circuit board; no moving parts at all. The LNB that dropped still works.

If it's a dual LNB, try swapping to the other output.

Other than that, make sure you're pointing in the right direction. Two degrees can be the diference between peek signal and 0 signal. Keep in mind that the coordinates for your zip code should be considered a starting reference point and not exact. Dish manufactures don't seem to have very tight tolerences and I've seen a few that are very close to the mark but many more that are several degrees off of the reference point.

By "old directv system" I'm guessing you mean a round dish. If it's also an old receiver that's been activated before than I don't understand why you are not getting a "you have inserted the wrong access card" message. You could have problems with the receiver instead.
Post 5 made on Wednesday October 19, 2005 at 10:13
Spiky
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I'm not sure, I don't think I've ever tried that. One of the installers will probably have to answer.
Post 6 made on Thursday October 20, 2005 at 00:54
pilgram
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On 10/18/05 11:05 ET, Mntneer said...
Even without an account though I should still
be able to detect a signal with the box shouldn't
I?

If the card is still good(wich you said passed) yes.
You will still receive the 'promo' channels as well.

Disconnect the cable from the lnb and check for dc voltage.Without getting into particulars, somewhere around 18vlts will tell you that your receiver and cable are o.k.

Aim your dish to the displayed paramiters for your area.
Keep in mind that if your elevation is 44 degree's, the sat downfeed is actually 22 degrees higher than that!( to allow for the 'bank-shot' off the dish). Just in case your trying to aim through a whole in some tree's!

If everything checks out, make sure the ird(receiver) is set to the type of dish you have,put it on 'signal', Turn up the volume on the tv and SLOWLY move the dish left to right until the tone 'latches on' and adjust from there.

I get the feeling you may have already tried the above.
But, just in case....

Lnb's will handle most abuse short of a lightening strike!
I doubt you broke it if you dropped it.

The only way that I know of to test an lnb is to swap it out.
Every day is a good day.......some are just better than others!

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