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Fortec Star Discussions, Q&A about Fortec Star satellite receivers, LNBF, and dishes.

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Old 10-06-2003, 12:16 AM
lrobieson lrobieson is offline
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Troubleshooting if LNB is failing --- signal is 0% now

I've had my Fortec Star DVB 786-NA with HH-120 motor and 90 cm dish setup working for several months now (signal is 70% or higher on many satellites and many channel)

However, recently this past week all my Signal setttings are reading at 0% as well as Quality is 0% (showing in my Channel Search window).

My satellite pole is still level so it hasn't been knocked out of being level by a tree or wind.

I suspect either I have a bad wiring connector or possibly the LNB is malfunctioning completely. I had purhcased my system components back in Dec 2002 so my system isn't too old.

Is there any way to send 'test messages to my LNB' using my ForTec receiver model that I have to test the LNB (well, of course my wiring connections would have to be working for this too work)?


Thanks,

Lance
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Old 10-06-2003, 11:03 AM
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bobkat bobkat is offline
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The simplest way to check the wiring is to disconnect the F56 at the LNB end and check the voltage -- it should be around 13 or 18 volts; this will tell you three things; first, that the receiver is putting out the necessary voltage to power the LNB; second, that there are no shorts or opens in the wiring or connectors; third, that the HH motor is passing the voltage through to the LNB. Then try measuring voltage at the F56 connector that screws onto the HH motor.

I find after time that corrosion builds up on the F56 connectors outside at the LNB and eventually this will cause a malfunction -- when you take it off the LNB to test the voltage take a good look inside the F56 connector -- if it shows any signs or rust or corrosion build up, replace it. As a sidenote, if you are using those crappy thread-on connectors that came with the motor; replace them with proper crimp-on connectors. Those thread-on F56/F59 connectors are garbage.

If after testing the voltage and connections you still have no signal, you should do a factory reset on the receiver; then reprogram the parameters you need (like DiSEqC 1.2, correct satellite, etc) and rescan the channels. If you still have no signal then change out the LNB. If you still have no signal then I would suspect that the dish has moved.

Good Luck

:wink:

kat
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Old 10-06-2003, 02:40 PM
dtsexpert dtsexpert is offline
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Re: Troubleshooting if LNB is failing --- signal is 0% now

Check out cable connector. If possible, change the cable to see if it makes any difference.
Also, make sure the dish still moves to the righ direction. My Fortec 786v3 once acted weird, erasing all the sats position. I had to reprogram them.
Michael

Quote:
Originally Posted by lrobieson
I've had my Fortec Star DVB 786-NA with HH-120 motor and 90 cm dish setup working for several months now (signal is 70% or higher on many satellites and many channel)

However, recently this past week all my Signal setttings are reading at 0% as well as Quality is 0% (showing in my Channel Search window).

My satellite pole is still level so it hasn't been knocked out of being level by a tree or wind.

I suspect either I have a bad wiring connector or possibly the LNB is malfunctioning completely. I had purhcased my system components back in Dec 2002 so my system isn't too old.

Is there any way to send 'test messages to my LNB' using my ForTec receiver model that I have to test the LNB (well, of course my wiring connections would have to be working for this too work)?


Thanks,

Lance
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Old 10-06-2003, 09:22 PM
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Also 1st thing I would recommend that youc check is your the LNBF power is truned ON in the receiver. Go to Antenna Settings >> Antenna 1 >> LNBF Power Should be V/H.

If it is not, then switch it to V/H and you should be A OK. If V/H is ON, then proceed with the above good advice from bobkat and dtsexpert.

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Old 10-07-2003, 11:50 PM
lrobieson lrobieson is offline
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I tested the DC output from the receiver

I tested the DC output from the back of the Fortec receiver by directly inserting the Wavetek Meterman probe into the LNB receiver input 75ohm cable connector on the receiver.

I received only 9.55 DC volts. Why am I only getting 9.55 DC volts when I'm supposed to be getting 14 volts or so? The screen is still showing 0% for signal and 0% for quality.

Shouldn't there be 14 DC volts available out LNB IN of the Fortec receiver even though my signal and quality are 0%?

I have my 'Antenna Settings' set to 'LNB Type = Universal' and 'LNB Power = V/H" and these settings are already stored.

Is there something defective with my receiver?

Thanks,

Lance
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Old 10-07-2003, 11:54 PM
lrobieson lrobieson is offline
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Wavetek Probe

I forgot to mention my Wavtek Metering settings.

I have the Wavetek Digital Voltmeter set to 20 DC volts for the max DC volts allowed. The Positive (red) probe was inserted into the LNB IN jack on the Fortec receiver. I inserted the Negative terminal (black) into the grounded plug at the electrical socket on the wall which is grounded to the electrical box in the basement of my house.(large ground plug on a regular toolshop cord used for a circular saw or other power tool)


Thanks,

Lance
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