Invacom 0.3 dB performance worse than 0.4 dB Fortec LNB?

[robbert]

Hello,

In the hopes of increasing the signal strength on a few problem transponders, I replaced my Fortec 0.4 dB Single LNB with the Invacom Single 0.3dB LNB.

For some reason, however, my signal is worse with the Invacom (quality numbers about 10% below the Fortec). I tried moving the LNB back and forth and rotated it to peak the signal, but still, my numbers are about 10% below the old LNB.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

Also, I also tried to hook this LNB to a DiSEqC 1x4 switch (output 1), set my Fortec Lifetime Ultra to DiSEqC #1, and didn't get a signal at all! Then when I switched LNB power off and then on, I did get a signal, and all was normal. Is this indicative of a bad switch? I have a STAB HH100 motor in the chain hooked up to the receiver on one end, and to the DiSEqC switch on the other end, and then the LNB's to the DiSEqC switch.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Robbert

[vj9999]

I went from Fortec .5 db to Invacom .3 and improvement was noticable.

What happens if you put Fortec lnb back? Are you still getting the same numbers? COuld it be that during installation your dish got off the arc just a little bit?

[robbert]

I didn't try to put the Fortec back yet (will try that tonight), but I peaked the dish again after installing the LNB, so I'm pretty sure it's still on the arc. For pretty much all satellites, the numbers are just 10% lower!! The only other thing I need to verify is the cable (I put a different cable on this LNB).

Any ideas on the DiSEqC issue? I have an AIT brand switch.

Thanks!
Robbert

[Admin]

When and where did you buy your Invacom LNBF? I heard earlier versions had some issues with the STAB HH motors DiSEqC commands. Newer versions have resolved that issue.

We only carry the newer version.

[robbert]

Wow.. I did not know that.. I guess I can check to see if the HH motor is an issue by connecting the LNB directly to the receiver.

I bought the LNB off of an eBay auction. Is there a version number or manufacture date that I can check to see if I have an older one or not?

Thanks,
Robbert

[robbert]

Last night I connected the LNB directly to the receiver (motor out of the loop), and the quality of the signal with the Invacom did not improve (it was the same as before). I put the Fortec LNBF back and my quality numbers for the transponder I was checking on IA5 are back to 60-65% (with the Invacom they were at 45-50% with frequent breakups in the signal).

Funny enough, I pointed the dish this morning at G10R and noticed that with the Fortec the performance wasn't as good as with the Invacom. (about 5% less with the Fortec), but that could also have been due to clouds (sky was overcast this morning and clear yesterday).

Do you think I have a bad Invacom? Or is the Fortec 0.4dB just THAT good?

Thanks,
Robbert

[videobruce]

Have you consider weather conditions being a factor?
Command protocol shouldn't affect signal levels.