Adjusting Your LNB: Step-by-Step Guide for Polarization and Curvature Settings
At the heart of every satellite reception system is the LNB, or Low Noise Block downconverter. This small but critically important device captures weak signals from satellites thousands of miles away, amplifies them, and sends them to your satellite receiver. However, simply attaching the LNB to your dish is not enough. Two important adjustments must be made to receive a strong, clear, and stable signal: LNB polarization and LNB tilt angle.
Why LNB Adjustment Is So Important
Satellite signals travel vast distances through the atmosphere — and by the time they reach your dish, they’re extremely weak. Even minor misalignments in your LNB’s orientation can cause pixelation, signal dropouts, or complete loss of channels. Two key settings determine whether your LNB “catches” that signal properly:
- Polarization Setting: Determines whether the LNB receives horizontally (H) or vertically (V) polarized signals.
- Skew (Tilt) Angle: Rotates the LNB to match the satellite’s viewing angle relative to your geographic location.
If either of these is off, your signal quality suffers — no matter how perfectly your dish is aligned. Think of it this way: your dish might be pointing at the satellite, but if your LNB isn’t “listening” in the right direction or at the right angle, you’ll miss half the conversation.
STEP 1: Understanding the LNB — Parts and Functions
The LNB typically has a plastic housing, a front-facing “feedhorn” (the part that collects the signal), and one or more output ports on the back. At its base, it connects to the dish’s arm via a collar or clamp, usually secured with a screw or locking ring. This screw or collar is what you’ll use to adjust both polarization and skew.
Note: Some LNBs don’t have screws — they rely on a friction-fit system. In that case, you’ll rotate the LNB by hand and then lock it in place using a plastic clip or collar.
STEP 2: What Is Polarization and How to Adjust It
What Is Polarization?
Satellite signals are transmitted in two orientations: Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V). The LNB contains internal probes designed to pick up one or the other — but only if it’s rotated to the correct position. This rotation is called polarization adjustment.
How to Set It
- Find out which polarization your target channel uses. For example, on Türksat (42°E), most channels use Vertical (V), but some use Horizontal (H). You can find this info in your receiver’s manual setup menu or by searching “Türksat frequency list” online.
- Mount the LNB onto the dish arm, but leave the securing screw loose — it should rotate easily.
- Turn on your satellite receiver and go to the Signal Meter screen (usually under “Manual Setup” or “Signal Info”).
- Select a channel or transponder with known polarization (e.g., 11.747 MHz, Vertical).
- Gently rotate the LNB left or right while watching the “Signal Quality” bar on your screen.
- Stop rotating when the quality peaks, then tighten the screw to lock the LNB in place.
- Repeat the process for a Horizontal (H) transponder. If you can’t get strong signal on both polarizations, your LNB’s overall position (likely the skew) needs adjustment — which brings us to Step 3.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a satellite signal finder (beeper), it makes polarization adjustment much easier — you’ll hear the tone peak as you rotate the LNB.
STEP 3: What Is Skew Angle and How to Set It Correctly
Why Skew Matters
Because the Earth is round, satellites don’t appear directly overhead unless you’re on the equator. In mid-latitude countries like Turkey, the satellite appears at an angle — which means your LNB must also be tilted to “face” it properly. This tilt is called the skew angle.
If your LNB is perfectly vertical while the satellite signal arrives at an angle, you’ll lose part of the signal — resulting in weaker reception or missing channels.
What Should the Skew Angle Be in Turkey?
For Türksat satellites (42°E), the LNB skew angle across Turkey is generally 18–22 degrees counterclockwise (when facing the dish). But this varies slightly depending on your location:
- Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir: ~20° counterclockwise
- Trabzon, Rize: ~16° counterclockwise
- Hatay, Mardin: ~24° counterclockwise
To find your exact skew angle, search online for “LNB skew angle calculator” and enter your city’s coordinates.
How to Adjust It
- Loosen the LNB collar screw so the LNB can rotate freely.
- Use a protractor or a smartphone clinometer app to measure angles.
- Rotate the LNB counterclockwise to your target angle (e.g., 20° for Istanbul).
- Lightly tighten the screw to hold the position.
- Go to your receiver’s signal meter and check signal quality. If it’s low, fine-tune the skew by 1–2 degrees in either direction until quality peaks.
- Once you’ve found the optimal angle, fully tighten the screw to lock the LNB in place.
Expert Tip: Don’t try to adjust polarization and skew simultaneously. First set the skew roughly, then fine-tune polarization, then revisit skew for final optimization. These two settings interact with each other.
STEP 4: Advanced Tips and Automatic LNBs
Using a Universal LNB? Don’t Be Fooled!
Most home users have a “Universal LNB,” which automatically switches between high/low frequency bands and horizontal/vertical polarization. But “automatic” doesn’t mean “no adjustment needed.” You still must manually set the skew and polarization position — the LNB only handles electronic switching, not physical alignment.
Using Dual or Quad LNBs?
If you’re receiving signals from multiple satellites using multiple LNBs (or a monoblock LNB), each LNB must be adjusted individually. Monoblock LNBs are often factory-set for central European angles — if you’re in Turkey, you’ll need to manually adjust the skew for optimal reception.
STEP 5: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Rotating the LNB in the wrong direction: In Turkey, always rotate counterclockwise (to the left). Rotating clockwise will degrade your signal.
- Overtightening the screw before adjustment: If you lock the LNB too early, you won’t be able to fine-tune it.
- Watching Signal Strength instead of Signal Quality: Strength shows how much signal you’re receiving — Quality shows how clean and usable it is. Prioritize Quality.
- Adjusting in bad weather: Rain, wind, or heavy clouds can distort signal readings. Adjust on a clear, calm day — preferably early morning or late evening.
- Opening or disassembling the LNB: Never remove the plastic cover or open the LNB casing. Moisture will destroy it. All adjustments are done externally.
STEP 6: Extra Steps for Long-Term, Reliable Performance
- Seal all outdoor connections with waterproof silicone tape. Moisture corrodes connectors and kills signal quality.
- Avoid putting tension on the coaxial cable. If it’s pulled tight, wind can yank the LNB out of alignment or break the connector.
- Re-check your LNB alignment periodically — especially after winter storms or heavy winds.
- Ground your system if possible. Lightning can fry your LNB and receiver. Proper grounding is a safety must, especially for roof-mounted dishes.
LNB Adjustment Is the Key to Perfect Satellite Reception
Mounting the LNB is just the beginning. Proper polarization and skew settings are what unlock full signal potential. These two tiny adjustments can be the difference between hundreds of crystal-clear channels and a frustrating, pixelated mess. With this guide, you no longer need to call a technician — you can fine-tune your LNB yourself, confidently and accurately. Remember: even the most expensive dish is useless if the LNB isn’t aligned. But even the simplest setup can deliver stunning results — if you adjust it right.
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