Skew problem with Fortecstar LNB FSKUVN and Icecrypt 0.1db single LNB

MalM · 01-09-2008

I have a Fortec Star Quad LNB which i hope to install on Tuesday....Will it require the same angle as the single LNB variant ?

**rolfw** · 01-09-2008

Not sure, but check the skew markings on the top of the LNB first, bear in mind that they probably don't make their LNBs, merely brand them, so the quad may be from a different manufacturer.

durhamwasp · 01-09-2008

As ive wrote on another thread, i bought a Fortec Star motorised system from maplin (£99) with this exact LNB and i am having terrible problems to pick up more than about 7 channels (when i hoped to pick up several thousand!)

**rolfw** · 01-09-2008

Try changing the skew as mentioned above.

durhamwasp · 01-09-2008

Just moved the skew around anti clockwise, immediate difference - picked up a few hundred channels on 28.2E (basically all the Sky channels)

Same problem exists with finding nothing at any other satellite, such as 19.2E

**Robbo** · 01-09-2008

If the Skew is roughly right for one satellite it will be roughly right for all the others with an H-H/polar motorised sytem.

Strat · 08-09-2008

Just out of interest, as a newby I bought the Maplin HD kit referred to in this thread. As there were no dish instructions included I contacted Maplin who pointed me at their site for a download.
The diagrams bore little resemblance to the dish I had in the box so I contacted Maplin again and was advised to contact Fortec direct.
As they are located at Sheffield United's football ground and I'm not a football fan I emailed them instead...3 times with no response.
I pass their place every working day and felt like paying them a personal visit however during a browse of their website I noticed that none of their dishes on offer looked like mine leading me to the fairly obvious conclusion that the dish in my kit was not a Fortec dish.

However, since it works I have decided not to pursue the matter any further.

MalM · 15-09-2008

The Quad LNB from Fortec Star does not require you to move it at any angle other than straight at the dish so if thats a help to anyone you can rest assured it was easy to install and get working.

***snap*** · 27-09-2008

It may not be relevant but the single LNBF manufactured by Televés required skew at the same angle as the Fortecstar LNB FCKUVN.
They were orange in colour- don't know if still made.

keithj · 19-10-2008

rolfw, pure coincidence, a friend bought one of these few days ago, problems with signal looked on this site and amazed at the fact that the LNB was mounted anti clockwise, thank you very much. Also can you recommend a good (basic) sat finder the one which tells you what sat you are recieving as i do a lot of touring (motorhome) it can be a real pain sometimes trying to get SKY, i dont need too much technical info on it.
thanks again keith

Originally Posted by rolfw

This is the LNB FCKUVN, which Maplins sell with their Passion HD package.

The customer had tried to set up the dish himself,but had problems, so I dropped in to do the final alignment.

With the LNB in the usual Skew position for Astra 28.2E, I was getting abysmal quality readings and a very flat spectrum, so I moved it further around until the spectrum improved, but found I was on the opposite polarity.

Well the picture attached is where I had to put it for perfect skew, have included a red line to show where I would have expected it to be.

sooty736 · 06-12-2008

This thread looks just like the info I was after, To get some better signal & quality levels on my Maplin system.

So thats my quiet weekend gone.

akg101 · 29-12-2008

Thanks so much for this. I was beginning to dispair and now its all sorted. I have the Maplin Innovation setup but I have not put the motor on yet. If its working on Astra with the tweaked LNB, what is the best way to setup the motor? Should I set it up on Astra with the LNB as it is and then as it scans around the LNB skew will move correctly?
Any help welcome.

**Robbo** · 29-12-2008

No, the lnb skew for a motoised dish should be set to zero. On a fixed dish, you will have it twisted round a bit to suit 28E.

Adjust the lnb skew for max quality signal on your nearest to due south satellite.

**satelliteman** · 29-12-2008

....or change the LNb and have it done with

**Robbo** · 29-12-2008

I have come accross these LNBs a couple of times now, and they're not really a problem. There are the usual graduated scale markings on it showing where zero skew is.

akg101 · 30-12-2008

Thanks again.

**rolfw** · 01-02-2009

Here's a couple of pictures of how it needs to be skewed for Astra 19.2 from Berkshire.

The skew for that satellite from this location should be 15 degrees clockwise, but as can be seen from the photo, what is actually required is around 40 degrees anti-clockwise.

The LNB does have a feint scale on the top, but many users will miss this and assume that the cable connector should be at the bottom and more or less vertical.

01-02-2009

Thanks for that clear and unambiguous illustration of the issue (Issue as opposed to problem - just a minor trap for the unwary, but so easily resolved).

**rolfw** · 01-02-2009

Thanks, had forgotten to add that there is a scale on the top, but it is easy to miss.

Have now added it.

**satelliteman** · 01-02-2009

Nice info Rolf

oh no, what dish is that ?, lol

**rolfw** · 01-02-2009

No idea, it was a bit flimsy though, the customer bought it all as a package on the internet, it does however work OK.

bobble22 · 16-02-2009

Rolf what a great bit of information, I was loosing hope with the whole lot, it took hours to set up the Maplin kit, the bracket pole was inadequate for the massive motor clamp, as were the wall fixings, then I spent the whole weekend getting to grips with finding satellites and the arc, after hours of trying to find 28.2 and the UK channels, read your thread and hoorah- 98% and I'm holding all the positions on the others, fingers crossed!! Now for getting the box customised for what I want! Cheers

***BombedOne*** · 16-02-2009

This LNB seems to be direct clone of Turkish made Next & NextStar YE-122 LNB, which also has same problem.

check picture here:

_http://www.digium.net/urun.php?urun=goster&id=33

satbadger · 01-03-2009

Thanks to everyone on this site (Cheers Guys) I now get a signal from the FCkIN LNB. I currently have it on its faint zero marking.
My question is assuming I twist it for best quality and signal values on say 1 degree west Thor, will it need to be tweaked again physically for say 28.2 or Hispasat when the dish drives round? Will I just have to compromise for all Sats?
Thanks in advance.

**rolfw** · 01-03-2009

No, should be fine for the other satellites, as the motor skews the whole dish as it travels the arc.

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