SBCA Installation Practices & Standards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended spacing between cable staples or clips when securing RG-6 coaxial cable along an exterior wall?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 24 inches (Correct answer)
- 48 inches
Correct answer: 24 inches
SBCA and most manufacturer guidelines recommend securing RG-6 coax every 24 inches on exterior runs to prevent sagging and wind damage.
Question 2: When a multiswitch is used in a satellite distribution system, what does it require from the dish LNB port?
- A single fixed polarity signal
- Dual or quad LNB outputs providing all orbital positions and polarities (Correct answer)
- Only a DC voltage supply
- An amplified terrestrial TV signal
Correct answer: Dual or quad LNB outputs providing all orbital positions and polarities
A multiswitch requires separate LNB outputs carrying different polarities and, in multi-satellite systems, different orbital positions to distribute all channels independently.
Question 3: Which standard governs the structural wind load requirements for satellite dish mounting hardware in the United States?
- TIA-222 (Correct answer)
- NEC 810
- FCC Part 25
- ANSI C63.4
Correct answer: TIA-222
TIA-222 (Structural Standard for Antenna Supporting Structures and Antennas) governs wind load and structural requirements for antenna mounts.
Question 4: A satellite receiver displays 'searching for signal' after installation. After confirming dish alignment, what is the next most logical troubleshooting step?
- Replace the receiver
- Check the coaxial connection at the LNB and receiver for proper seating and continuity (Correct answer)
- Realign the dish to magnetic north
- Update the receiver firmware
Correct answer: Check the coaxial connection at the LNB and receiver for proper seating and continuity
Loose or corroded coaxial connections are among the most common causes of signal loss and should be verified before replacing components.
Question 5: What is the purpose of applying dielectric grease to outdoor F-connector threads during installation?
- Increase signal conductivity
- Prevent corrosion and moisture ingress at the connection point (Correct answer)
- Lubricate for easier torquing
- Reduce passive intermodulation
Correct answer: Prevent corrosion and moisture ingress at the connection point
Dielectric grease creates a moisture barrier at the connector threads, preventing corrosion that would increase insertion loss over time.
Question 6: When installing a satellite dish on a chimney mount, what is the minimum clearance required between the dish and the top of the chimney?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
A minimum 12-inch clearance above the chimney top is required to avoid signal interference from chimney gases and to meet safety codes.
Question 7: In a satellite installation, what is the function of the 22 kHz tone signal sent by the receiver to the LNB?
- Power the LNB
- Switch between high and low band on a universal LNB (Correct answer)
- Control dish motor positioning
- Identify the satellite orbital slot
Correct answer: Switch between high and low band on a universal LNB
A 22 kHz tone sent from the receiver switches a universal LNB between its low local oscillator (LO) frequency for low band and high LO for high band reception.
SBCA Installation Practices & Standards 4
What is the recommended spacing between cable staples or clips when securing RG-6 coaxial cable along an exterior wall?