SBCA Equipment Setup 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When aligning a Ku-band dish for a geostationary satellite, which tool is most commonly used to achieve peak signal strength?
- Spectrum analyzer
- Satellite signal meter (Correct answer)
- Multimeter
- Cable toner
Correct answer: Satellite signal meter
A satellite signal meter provides real-time signal strength readings that guide fine azimuth and elevation adjustments during dish alignment.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a feedhorn on a satellite dish?
- Amplify the received signal
- Focus reflected signals into the LNB (Correct answer)
- Protect the LNB from weather
- Set the dish polarization angle
Correct answer: Focus reflected signals into the LNB
The feedhorn collects the reflected microwave signals from the dish surface and directs them into the LNB for conversion.
Question 3: A DIRECTV SWM (Single Wire Multiswitch) allows multiple receivers to share a single coax run by using which technique?
- MIMO multiplexing
- Frequency stacking (Correct answer)
- TDMA burst transmission
- IP encapsulation
Correct answer: Frequency stacking
SWM uses frequency stacking to place multiple satellite transponder signals on different frequency slots within a single coaxial cable.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a diplexer in a satellite installation?
- Combines two LNB outputs into one cable
- Separates satellite IF signals from over-the-air TV signals on one cable (Correct answer)
- Amplifies signals before splitting
- Converts circular polarization to linear
Correct answer: Separates satellite IF signals from over-the-air TV signals on one cable
A diplexer combines or separates satellite IF frequencies and OTA broadcast frequencies so both can share the same coaxial cable.
Question 5: During dish installation, what does 'skew' adjustment specifically control?
- The vertical tilt of the dish reflector
- The rotational angle of the LNB around the feed axis (Correct answer)
- The east-west azimuth bearing
- The distance between the feed and reflector
Correct answer: The rotational angle of the LNB around the feed axis
Skew (or polarization rotation) rotates the LNB to align with the satellite's signal polarization angle based on geographic location.
Question 6: What minimum bend radius should generally be observed when routing RG-6 coaxial cable to prevent signal degradation?
- 1 inch
- 3 inches (Correct answer)
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
Correct answer: 3 inches
RG-6 coaxial cable should maintain a minimum bend radius of approximately 3 inches to avoid crimping the dielectric and degrading signal integrity.
Question 7: When installing a satellite dish on a roof, which practice is essential to prevent water intrusion?
- Using plastic mounting hardware only
- Applying self-sealing butyl tape or roofing sealant around lag bolts (Correct answer)
- Aiming the dish slightly downward
- Grounding the dish to a copper water pipe
Correct answer: Applying self-sealing butyl tape or roofing sealant around lag bolts
Lag bolt penetrations must be sealed with butyl tape or roofing sealant to prevent water from entering through the mounting holes.
SBCA Equipment Setup 2
When aligning a Ku-band dish for a geostationary satellite, which tool is most commonly used to achieve peak signal strength?