Installation

18. How do I test the LNB to find out if it's defective?

Low Noise Block Down Converter (LNB) Field Test Procedure

StarBand is receiving a large number of Low Noise Block (LNB) Down Converters returned from the field reported to be malfunctioning. Subsequent testing has shown many of the returned LNBs are not defective and are functioning properly. To reduce the number of returned LNBs, use the following procedure to determine if the LNB is defective.

If you cannot achieve Rx lock and suspect the LNB is defective, please follow the directions below. If the LNB is defective, please call StarBand technical support for a replacement. These steps outline the procedure to identify a defective LNB using either a Channel Master Satellite Signal Level meter, Digisat II Plus meter, or the Acutrac Plus meter. You will be testing the LNB for current in milliamps (mA).


To test the LNB for current and to determine if it is defective, you must first ensure that adequate voltage is supplied to the LNB.

  1. Connect one end of a RG-6 cable to the LNB and the other end to one of the LNB connections on the meter.
  2. Turn the power switch on.
  3. Press the "V" switch.
  4. The needle will indicate line DC voltage supplied to the LNB
  5. Read the voltage off the "Volts DC" scale.
  6. The reading should be between 15-24V DC (the 18V LED will also glow indicating the voltage is greater than 15V.) If the above readings are met, adequate voltage is being supplied to the LNB.

LNB current measurement (milliamps)

  1. With the power still on and the cables connected, press the "mA" switch. The needle will indicate DC current supplied to the LNB.
  2. Read the current off the "ma DC" scale.
  3. The minimum reading should be 100 Ma DC.
  4. If the reading is less than 100 Ma, the LNB may be defective.
      Note: Due to fluctuations and inaccuracy of the needle, a slightly lower reading (2-5 mA) may be noticed, but would still indicate a functioning LNB.
  5. Return the defective LNB to StarBand technical support for a replacement.

 

LNB Voltage Test:

  1. Connect one end of a RG-6 cable to the Digisat meter and the other end of the cable to the LNB.
  2. Turn on the Digisat meter by pressing the yellow power button.
  3. Press the yellow "Mode" button once to switch the Digisat meter to a volt meter. The "Mode" light will come on and remain steady.

The upper row of LED's indicate the voltage supplied by the battery pack or the satellite modem/receiver to the LNB. The first LED bar indicates 11 volts and each subsequent bar indicates 1 additional volt. A minimum of 15 volts (5 LED bars) must be supplied to the LNB.

LNB Current Measurement Test:

  1. The bottom LED's indicate the milliamp (mA) draw of the LNB. Each LED bar is 50 mA. A minimum of 100 mA (2 LED bars) is required.
  2. If the LNB tests less than 100 mA, the LNB may be defective.
  3. Return the defective LNB to StarBand technical support for a replacement.

 

 

LNB Current Measurement Test:

  1. Connect one end of a RG-6 cable to one of the LNB Acutrac meter LNB connectors and the other end of the cable to the LNB.
  2. Turn on the Acutrac meter by pressing the red "ON/MENU" button. Depress the red "ON/MENU" button a second time to bring up the menu. Scroll down to the "View Receiver" menu option by depressing the yellow "OFF/DOWN" menu once. Press the red "ON/MENU" button to bring up the LNB test screen.
    NOTE: If using the battery pack on the Acutrac meter, make sure the battery pack is fully charged to ensure accurate readings.
  3. Read the current (CURR=). The display should read at least 100 milliamps (MA) for the LNB model NJR2544HWN and ~94-96 MA for the LNB model NJR2144HWI.
  4. If the LNB tests less than 94MA, the LNB may be defective. Return the defective LNB to StarBand technical support for a replacement.