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Satellite installation options and accessories
Single LNB (Low Noise Blockdown) converter
The satellite receiver sends a DC voltage to the LNB on the coaxial cable to power the LNB circuitry and to switch between left and right polarization. The polarity switching is accomplished by changing the DC voltage between 14 and 18 volts.
So when the channels are changed at the receiver this sends either 14V or 18V up the coaxial cable to the LNB to switch from left and right polarization. (See figure # 1)
Dual LNB (Low Noise Blockdown) converter
Dual LNB’s are generally used in ExpressVu™ systems. However, they are also used in the older Starchoice™ systems. The advantage of a dual LNB over a single LNB is that a dual LNB will allow the use of two receivers. (see figure #2)
The satellite receiver sends a DC voltage to the LNB on the coaxial cable to power the LNB circuitry and to switch between left and right polarization. The polarity switching is accomplished by changing the DC voltage between 14 and 18 volts.
So when the channels are changed at the receiver this sends either 14V or 18V up the coaxial cable to the LNB to switch from left and right polarization. (See figure # 1)
Dual LNB (Low Noise Blockdown) converter
Dual LNB’s are generally used in ExpressVu™ systems. However, they are also used in the older Starchoice™ systems. The advantage of a dual LNB over a single LNB is that a dual LNB will allow the use of two receivers. (see figure #2)
If more than two receivers are needed then a multi-switch must be used.
Multi-Switch
A multi-switch is used to allow the use of up to 4 separate receivers, operating from a dual LNB. (See figure #3)
Long runs of cable (in excess of 100’) may cause picture errors. This can be improved by installing an in-line amplifier.
Long runs of cable (in excess of 100’) may cause picture errors. This can be improved by installing an in-line amplifier.
In-line amplifier
When using coaxial cable runs exceeding 100’, it is recommended that an in-line amplifier be used between the dish and receiver. The DC voltage required to power the amplifier is carried up the coaxial cable from the receiver. In-line amplifiers can be used on single LNB, dual LNB, stacked LNB and multi-stacked LNB systems. (See figure #12)
If using a dual LNB or multi-stacked system with two cables coming into the house, use two single in-line amplifiers on each cable.
(See figure #13)
When using coaxial cable runs exceeding 100’, it is recommended that an in-line amplifier be used between the dish and receiver. The DC voltage required to power the amplifier is carried up the coaxial cable from the receiver. In-line amplifiers can be used on single LNB, dual LNB, stacked LNB and multi-stacked LNB systems. (See figure #12)
If using a dual LNB or multi-stacked system with two cables coming into the house, use two single in-line amplifiers on each cable.
(See figure #13)
Stacked LNB
This LNB uses a fixed left and right polarization. This causes the LNB to function like a dual LNB with the multi-switch built in. For this reason, a multi-switch is not required on stacked LNB’s. There is only one output from the LNB. When using more than one receiver a 2.4 GHz splitter can be used. The splitter must have a DC pass on one port and the balance of the ports cannot have DC pass. This allows the first receiver to supply the DC power to the LNB, the balance of the receivers will receive the signal but not send the DC power to the LNB. (See figure # 4, 5, 6, 7)
This LNB uses a fixed left and right polarization. This causes the LNB to function like a dual LNB with the multi-switch built in. For this reason, a multi-switch is not required on stacked LNB’s. There is only one output from the LNB. When using more than one receiver a 2.4 GHz splitter can be used. The splitter must have a DC pass on one port and the balance of the ports cannot have DC pass. This allows the first receiver to supply the DC power to the LNB, the balance of the receivers will receive the signal but not send the DC power to the LNB. (See figure # 4, 5, 6, 7)
Multi-stacked LNB
This is when 2 or more stacked LNB’s are mounted on 1 elliptical dish. This type of LNB is capable of picking up more than one satellite signal when using a single dish. Star Choice currently carries stacked and multi-stack LNB’s. 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. You can run one cable (RG6) into the house by using a splitter (all port pass) at the dish into one cable. Then using a diplexer (power pass on one lead) at the house. (See figure # 8, 9, 10, 11)
This is when 2 or more stacked LNB’s are mounted on 1 elliptical dish. This type of LNB is capable of picking up more than one satellite signal when using a single dish. Star Choice currently carries stacked and multi-stack LNB’s. 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. You can run one cable (RG6) into the house by using a splitter (all port pass) at the dish into one cable. Then using a diplexer (power pass on one lead) at the house. (See figure # 8, 9, 10, 11)
