Power off before connecting LNB?

[intracube]

Is it really necessary to switch off the computer ( or STB ) before plugging in the LNB?

I've often seen it recommended in manuals but am guilty of forgetting/not bothering most of the time and haven't had any issues over the years.

What does everyone else do?

 

[hvdh]

It's not strictly necessary, but it's quite easy to accidentally short-circuit the cable when approaching the lnb connector... a slight slip is enough.
I wouldn't trust (or want to test) the short-circuit proofness of the receiver.

 

[Archived-1]

I did it yesterday, when I came in the house they was a message on the STB saying LNB short/words to that effect.

 

[intracube]

It's not strictly necessary, but it's quite easy to accidentally short-circuit the cable when approaching the lnb connector... a slight slip is enough.
I wouldn't trust (or want to test) the short-circuit proofness of the receiver.

and from comments on this site, some tuners like the TBS cards might not have protection at all

I did it yesterday, when I came in the house they was a message on the STB saying LNB short/words to that effect.

I'm surprised that it would be so easy to short out the tuner - the centre wire on the f-connector is recessed quite a way. Maybe it was a false warning caused by a higher than normal current load when the LNB was connected up?

Either way, I will certainly be double checking the plugs on my satellite cable for stray braiding strands when I first connect my new PCIe card

 

[Archived-1]

I was cutting back the wires and replacing the F connectors at the time .

 

[archive10]

Most of the time it works.
But I seem to remember having experienced LNB not working properly after connecting after accidentally not switching off, and after a brief scare and a (hard) power-cycle of the box the LNB came back to life.

I think the main danger is that you have up to +18V on the center connector. If your LNB is grounded somewhere near the dish (either intentionally or through the dish + mount + pole + whatever, you may experience a much bigger potential difference, and possibly fry the electronics in the LNB. Remember, these are consumer type devices that are allowed to be a bit more fragile in the name of lowered cost.

Also, although shorting the LNB may not zap it completely, the LNB electronics wear out over the years - shorting or over-voltaging them may shorten the lifespan of the device.,

 

[Vipersan]

most set top boxes are short circuit ..or excess load protected ..
but in circuit diseqc or smart switches are easily damaged ..
I found this out the hard way.
Yes I too am guilty ...but not so much of forgetfulness ...more lazyness if I'm in a hurry.
These days ..with such a complex system as mine...in which I employ many smart switches ...its easy to forget I have at least one receiver switched on ..so make a concious effort to systematically unplug ALL receivers and Vboxes before making changes.
rgds
VS

 

[Analoguesat]

I do it regularly - I wrecked one port of a 4 way lnb switch a few years ago after an accidental short.

 

[timo_w2s]

I must admit I often don't bother either if I'm just unplugging and plugging in, although if I can I will try and switch to another diseqc input although not sure if that makes much difference. I'm always very careful not to short though. So far haven't blown anything...

 

[aceb]

Never bother switching off here and so far I've got away with it, maybe the Profs have good SC protection although with recessed centre pins it's not the easiest thing to short out.

 

[Terryl]

Why take the chance?

A simple flick of a switch may save you the cost of a new receiver or switch.

And I always ohm out a new run of coax (with everything disconnected) before switch things on, a small fleck of shield or a coax staple through the jacket can ruin your day.

 

[timo_w2s]

Why take the chance?

I like to live life on the edge. Every time I reconnect when live and it still works a little part of me goes "yay"! ;)

 

[RimaNTSS]

I have never powered-off receiver before did rewiring and never had any problems: in > than 10 years did not get any broken LNB or receiver. I also never pushed "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" button before removing USB stick...... till couple of days ago my 16 GB USB stick with some data on it stopped to respond. Not a big deal, already got replacement of hardware and not data is really lost, but, anyway...
So, it is advisable to power-off receivers before doing some connections of wires. Maybe we can start doing that from 1st of January?

 

[Captain Jack]

I do and I don't. I once killed a Black Ultra by plugging and unplugging it with the receiver on, so I try to make a conscious effort to turn it off...

 

[Lazarus]

I have never powered-off receiver before did rewiring and never had any problems: in > than 10 years did not get any broken LNB or receiver. I also never pushed "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" button before removing USB stick...... till couple of days ago my 16 GB USB stick with some data on it stopped to respond. Not a big deal, already got replacement of hardware and not data is really lost, but, anyway...
So, it is advisable to power-off receivers before doing some connections of wires. Maybe we can start doing that from 1st of January?

Linux Disc Utilities can easily render that Stick usable again (Been there, done that!)

 

[RimaNTSS]

Linux Disc Utilities can easily render that Stick usable again

Thanks. I almost garbaged useless stick. But, from other side, if I render it, than I will have too many sticks on hands . Will see next year.

 

[Terryl]

I tried changing the flux capacitors in my beer over the internet machine (experimental mode right now) and blew a few more craters in the Moon, (sorry my fault it looks that way now) and I think I sank the Titanic again, (time displacement problems I can't seem to fix) so after that mess I always shut things down before messing with any wiring.

This week I need to change the fuel pods on the dark matter reactor, so if anyone sees a big flash on the Moon (or anywhere else) then ........Sorry.........My fault.

 

[intracube]

I was cutting back the wires and replacing the F connectors at the time .

Oh, yes, I can imagine that would cause a short...

Why take the chance?

A simple flick of a switch may save you the cost of a new receiver or switch.

For a standalone STB, absolutely.

But shutting down a PC is a bit of an inconvenience... especially for lazy folk like me.

 

[Archived-1]

Oh, yes, I can imagine that would cause a short...

This is true, i can recall another day doing the same i cant remember what receiver i had plugged in at the time, and i was getting a right shock of the cable and had to go in to turn it off ,

So i guess if its quite shocking i will turn the box off

 

[timo_w2s]

This is true, i can recall another day doing the same i cant remember what receiver i had plugged in at the time, and i was getting a right shock of the cable and had to go in to turn it off ,

So i guess if its quite shocking i will turn the box off

I suppose it if was working high up on ladders I'd always power down to avoid these kind of shocks as they can startle a little which is not good if you are high up...