Practice Test Geeks(SBCA) Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association Certification Practice Test
← All SBCA Flashcard Decks

Equipment Setup Flashcards

7 cards from real SBCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Equipment Setup flashcards as text

  1. What is the recommended grounding method for a satellite dish mast according to NEC Article 810?

    Answer: Bond the mast to the home's grounding electrode system with a ground block and AWG 10 copper wire

    NEC 810 requires the dish mast to be bonded to the home's existing grounding electrode system using a ground block and minimum AWG 10 copper conductor.

  2. A customer reports their HD receiver shows 'Searching for Satellite Signal' after a heavy snowfall. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Snow accumulation on the dish reflector blocking the signal

    Snow and ice accumulation on the dish surface block the microwave signal path, causing signal loss that resolves once the dish is cleared.

  3. What is the function of a voltage-passing splitter in a satellite distribution system?

    Answer: Passes DC voltage on one port to power an amplifier or LNB

    A voltage-passing splitter allows DC power (used to power inline amplifiers or LNBs) to pass through one designated port while splitting the RF signal.

  4. When connecting multiple satellite receivers using a multiswitch, what signal does the IRD send to the multiswitch to select the correct LNB input?

    Answer: DiSEqC commands or 13/18 V DC switching signals

    Receivers use DiSEqC protocol messages or 13 V / 18 V DC voltage levels to instruct the multiswitch which satellite position and polarization to pass.

  5. Which type of LNB is required to receive signals from multiple orbital positions using a single dish equipped with multiple feeds?

    Answer: Multi-satellite LNB or LNBF combo

    Multi-satellite LNBFs or offset multi-feed assemblies allow a single dish to collect signals from two or more satellites at different orbital slots simultaneously.

  6. A technician measures -65 dBm at the receiver input. If the cable run has 8 dB of loss, what was the signal level at the start of the cable?

    Answer: -57 dBm

    Adding the cable loss back: -65 dBm + 8 dB = -57 dBm at the cable's input end.

  7. What is the primary reason satellite dish installations require precise azimuth alignment within fractions of a degree?

    Answer: Geostationary satellites occupy extremely narrow orbital slots separated by 2° or less

    Adjacent geostationary satellites are spaced as close as 2° apart, so even small azimuth errors can cause interference or signal loss to the intended satellite.