The results are in Andrew c120 feedhorn VS smart titanium lnb-f

[hexah]

The Technomate TM-1 all gold high gain LNB beat the reference LNB in the Oct-Nov 2009 Tele-Satellite test.

Therefore, they obsolete the GT-Sat lnbs, and should be tested instead.

They are available as single, twin, quad and quattro. Cost for a single in the Uk is around £15.

Read the review.

_http://www.tele-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-0911/eng/technomate.pdf

They say it is a top performer and possibly the best LNB they have ever tested.





The review is also available in

German
_http://www.tele-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-0911/deu/technomate.pdf


Dutch
_http://www.tele-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-0911/ned/technomate.pdf


Italian
_http://www.tele-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-0911/ita/technomate.pdf


Russian
_http://www.tele-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-0911/rus/technomate.pdf


and some other languages.

 

[kamaleon]

Thanks for that tip m8, Geoffs make sure you'll add that to the list... after the televes 0.5dB orange lnb

 

[gbrowne]

...As regards the bolts and nuts, I got some decent M3x40 from Amazon of all places

Hmm, that's a thought. Also, I need to look into turning a groove in the flange end of the CM feedhorn to accept an O ring as has been suggested. Usually the groove and O ring goes in the LNB side, but the newly formed flange is pretty thin already, with no depth for a groove. I can't imagine anything will get past the self-amalamating tape, but it will be messy to part and reseal if necessary.

As to trying the proposed list of LNBs - it would be very interesting. Maybe if each of us modified a different one and then tested it on a 1.2m CM dish/feedhorn assembly on an agreed channel at an agreed time, we could come up with a fairly comparable set of results ?

Can anyone suggest a WEAK Nilesat TP please - I want to test my new 'Smart Titanium C120' on a really weak signal ?

Geoff.

 

[kamaleon]

Maybe if each of us modified a different one and then tested it on a 1.2m CM dish/feedhorn assembly on an agreed channel at an agreed time, we could come up with a fairly comparable set of results ?

no m8 that wouldn't work, not even if the dishes were standing next to each other on the same location

You should at least try to get the inverto black ultra, everyone is going crazy over that lnb. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

 

[gbrowne]

Yeah, maybe I'll look out for one.

It would be interesting to know whether manufacturers are now all using the same low-noise devices for the input stages of their LNBs or if they are all different. Don't suppose anyone wants to pull their working LNBs apart to find out :-reindeer Even assuming they did, it would probably be quite difficult to see what was going on in there.

I'm sure I saw a thread somewhere with internal pics of blown up LNBs ?

GB

 

[kamaleon]

Yes you saw, and you shall see it again

http://www.satellites.co.uk/satelli...-satellite-installations/144456-lnbs-raw.html

 

[gbrowne]

Ah yes, thanks that's the one. Maybe we could start adding some pics in that thread ?

Also Hexah, yes quite agree about dish algae. It does seem to build up. I'm going to have a go with some dilute bleach solution when the weather gets a bit better.

GB.

 

[hexah]

Hmm, that's a thought. Also, I need to look into turning a groove in the flange end of the CM feedhorn to accept an O ring as has been suggested. Usually the groove and O ring goes in the LNB side, but the newly formed flange is pretty thin already, with no depth for a groove. I can't imagine anything will get past the self-amalamating tape, but it will be messy to part and reseal if necessary.

What I was suggesting was to sandwich it in as it was, no need for a groove. If you push the O ring onto the metal, the roughness of the surface usually holds it in place long enough to mate the two surfaces. Tighten the bolts and there will be a gap all around between the LNB and feedhorn. Wrap self-amalgamating tape around that gap, so the tape covers the gap and a few mm on either side.

Or you could keep it as it is and just wrap a bit more self-amalgamating tape around the outside of the gap.

Whatever you do it should keep the weather out, especially as you can put the plastic cover on. That cover will keep the intense wind blown rain out. So no need to worry about storms. A bit of PVC tape around the case will keep it on but can also be quickly removed with a blade or stanley knife.

As to trying the proposed list of LNBs - it would be very interesting. Maybe if each of us modified a different one and then tested it on a 1.2m CM dish/feedhorn assembly on an agreed channel at an agreed time, we could come up with a fairly comparable set of results ?

kamaleon is right, there will be a fair amount of variability with each dish, even on a blue sky day.

You could test the modified LNBs with the same feedhorn on the different dishes (not different LNBs & feedhorns on different dishes). It would soon be clear which LNBs were the most consistent, which is exactly what is required for weak signal work.

I like the idea of getting a CM 1.2m, in fact I think I could put it up instead of the LH 1m. The only problem is that I already have a large collection of dishes - I have even kept my BSB Squarial in its original box. SWMBO will blow a fuse :-googly and you people may soon be attending my funeral!

Can anyone suggest a WEAK Nilesat TP please - I want to test my new 'Smart Titanium C120' on a really weak signal ?

Geoff.

You really need to print out a list of all the 7w transponders and work your way through them all. If you write down the CNR and BER of each transponder on a cloudless blue sky day you will have a benchmark for comparing the other LNBs and for knowing when the wind has whipped the dish off axis. Just double check that they are all there in your receivers transponder list. If any are missing, even if you think you won't pick them up, add them manually. Then refer to the printed list and keep auto searching until you don't get any new channels (auto search uses the stored transponder list, blind search attempts to get everything but often fails to get the low Symbol Rate channels hence the need to store the transponders in the first place). From time to time perform an auto search of the stored transponders. You might get lucky on the day and get a lock on an exceptionally weak signal (which is why you have to keep searching eg every hour or so).

That is how I know how a new LNB or dish performs compared to the rest - I look at my notes and compare the results.

You will soon get into the swing of writing notes (scrawling in my case) and then you will know all about reception on your gear in all sorts of weather conditions. Its a great hobbie but don't expect SWMBO to understand. Even when they say they do.

 

[hexah]

Also Hexah, yes quite agree about dish algae. It does seem to build up. I'm going to have a go with some dilute bleach solution when the weather gets a bit better.

GB.

I just used water and cleaned it every few months. I didn't like the idea of even dilute bleach on my nice dish and it didn't make a hoot of difference when tried. The algae returned just as quickly whether dilute bleach or water was used.

Thats why I thought it might have come from outer space.

:-sugar

 

[hexah]

I'm sure I saw a thread somewhere with internal pics of blown up LNBs ?

GB

The SLX branded version of the £4 Labgear I got as emergency backup is pictured here in that thread:

http://www.satellites.co.uk/satelli...installations/144456-lnbs-raw.html#post816175

Its the same size as the Smart Titanium but it doesn't look as sexy, it looks plain and utilitarian.

Fine for all the strong satellites as a single or multi-LNB setup.

 

[gbrowne]

I just used water and cleaned it every few months. I didn't like the idea of even dilute bleach on my nice dish.

Thats why I thought it might have come from outer space.

LOL. I have a pressure washer which I know would clean it off, but it would also remove the remains of the ChannelMaster logo sticker, which would be a shame. I think I will try sponging it down with dilute bleach and then wash with clean water (AKA rain). Fibreglass is pretty immune to bleach. Then a good polish when dry with Turtle Wax or similar should keep the alien algae at bay. Does anyone know where I could get an original "Channel Master" sticker from (the red and black one with a dish being struck by lightening) :-HoHo ?

GB.

 

[hexah]

Does anyone know where I could get an original "Channel Master" sticker from (the red and black one with a dish being struck by lightening) :-HoHo ?

GB.

I don't think I have ever seen one for sale, though someone somewhere may have them. Try ebay in the USA, and get a few if you can.

You might have to make your own.

It might be easier to make a bigger one than the one you have. The ones on the dishes on the BBC uplink vans are huge.


:-pachrist

 

[Telia]

I am also looking for the original Channel Master logo with lightning strike in it as i removed the ASC Signal logo from my dish.

 

[gbrowne]

Going a bit off topic now I guess, but if enough of us wanted to, we might be able to get an order together for a batch of these to be printed professionally? Yeah, I know, copyright etc etc, but are they going to sue us for being loyal to their product ?

GB

 

[sergueiXXX]

I did take pictures whilst I did the mods, so I present them for your perusal.


Geoff.

Nice pics. The tning which amazed me is how Feedhorn is fixed. I thought it has to be mounted close to a feed horn not to LNB. Is it true. In that case I could give my dish another try.
I did modifications to my Titanium LNB. I will share photos a bit later. But unfortunately it performed exactly the same as Inverto single. But remember my feedhorm was mounted close to the horn(furthest distance from dish).
Another thing. I have measured a distance from inverto face to the dipole wire inside it and tried to ,ake the same distance on Titanium and unfortunately that way I had to mill of completely feedhorn from Titanium LNB so I made a flange adaptor.
Hope pictures will explain all of it.

 

[gbrowne]

I wanted to keep the CM feedhorn unaltered, assuming it was designed to perfectly match the dish so my alterations were only to the Smart.

It would be very interesting to see your pics.

GB

 

[sergueiXXX]

I wanted to keep the CM feedhorn unaltered, assuming it was designed to perfectly match the dish so my alterations were only to the Smart.

It would be very interesting to see your pics.

GB

I did not alter CM feedhorn as well.
I have tried tonight different mounting position of feedhorn (as it appears it should be) and still no luck. Looks like I need an Inverto feedhorn for my prime focus dish. To get this Express AM1. I wanted it really badly for New Year. Now I have to stick with Hotbird.
Is it simple to add images to this forum?
Will you be interested in exchange of modified Titanium LNBs and see how they perform? I think mine is not as good as yours by some reason. It could be because I tried to copy Inverto LNB and you just wanted to save some metal to make a flange so waveguides are of diferent lenght.
I need as strong as possible 10944 and 10967 frequencies. Any ideas?

 

[kamaleon]

you wanna swap an inverto C120 for a modded smart titanium?

 

[pipino]

I did not alter CM feedhorn as well.
I have tried tonight different mounting position of feedhorn (as it appears it should be) and still no luck. Looks like I need an Inverto feedhorn for my prime focus dish. To get this Express AM1. I wanted it really badly for New Year. Now I have to stick with Hotbird.
Is it simple to add images to this forum?
Will you be interested in exchange of modified Titanium LNBs and see how they perform? I think mine is not as good as yours by some reason. It could be because I tried to copy Inverto LNB and you just wanted to save some metal to make a flange so waveguides are of diferent lenght.
I need as strong as possible 10944 and 10967 frequencies. Any ideas?

Privit serguei,
i know personaly someone in UK (Central London) with Gibertini OP1.50 and an Single Black Ultra Inverto has that sat loud and clear ,,my self down in spain i´m using the same set up to get that signal ..just perfectly..in the same position there is some C-band channels ..as i see you have mesh dish you will be better off trying C-band ,mesh dishes are not that good for Ku band..this is just a quick fix for your new year needs ..cheers and happy new year:-thumbup

 

[sergueiXXX]

you wanna swap an inverto C120 for a modded smart titanium?

No modded titanium on modded titanium