Applied Instruments AI Turbo S2 User manual

AI Turbo S2
Operation Manual
Revision
1.02
Date
01/17/2012

Operation Manual AI Turbo S2
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1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................ 5
CONNECTIONS............................................................................................................................................. 5
DC CHARGE PORT....................................................................................................................................... 6
PC CONNECTION......................................................................................................................................... 6
2. RUN SCREEN...................................................................................................................................... 6
DISPLAYED DATA ....................................................................................................................................... 7
SOFT KEYS.................................................................................................................................................. 7
CHANGING SATELLITES............................................................................................................................... 8
CHANGING TRANSPONDERS ........................................................................................................................ 8
POLARITY.................................................................................................................................................... 8
MULTI-LNB SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................ 8
SATELLITE IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................ 9
ID VERIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................ 9
SATELLITE SCAN......................................................................................................................................... 9
FIELD GUIDE UPDATES ............................................................................................................................. 10
3. MAIN MENU...................................................................................................................................... 11
4. SYSTEM SETUP................................................................................................................................ 11
REGIONS.................................................................................................................................................... 12
SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 13
SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................................... 13
LNB MODEL ............................................................................................................................................. 14
SWITCH TYPE............................................................................................................................................ 14
5. OPTIONS............................................................................................................................................ 15
SIGNAL LEVEL .......................................................................................................................................... 15
SIGNAL QUALITY ...................................................................................................................................... 15
FREQUENCY .............................................................................................................................................. 15
SOUNDER OPTION ..................................................................................................................................... 15
SHUTDOWN TIMER .................................................................................................................................... 16
FREQUENCY DEVIATION............................................................................................................................ 16
IRD CALC ................................................................................................................................................. 16
6. AZIMUTH / ELEVATION LOOKUP ............................................................................................. 18
POLARIZATION OFFSET ............................................................................................................................. 18
SKEW ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
WILD BLUE DATA..................................................................................................................................... 19
7. MANUAL TUNING........................................................................................................................... 19
FREQUENCY .............................................................................................................................................. 19
MODULATION............................................................................................................................................ 20
CODE RATE............................................................................................................................................... 20
BAUD RATE............................................................................................................................................... 20
OPTIONS.................................................................................................................................................... 20
LO FREQUENCY ........................................................................................................................................ 20
LNB CONTROL.......................................................................................................................................... 20
8. VOLTAGE / CURRENT ................................................................................................................... 21
SOFT KEYS................................................................................................................................................ 21
9. OPI AND DISEQC MONITORING................................................................................................. 21
OPI SIMULATION ...................................................................................................................................... 21

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HUGHESNET™CROSS-POL CHECK PROCEDURE ...................................................................................... 22
DISEQCMONITORING .............................................................................................................................. 22
10. BIT ERROR RATE........................................................................................................................ 23
11. PROOF OF PERFORMANCE TESTING................................................................................... 26
INSTALL PC SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................ 26
COLLECT TEST DATA................................................................................................................................ 26
SAVING DATA ........................................................................................................................................... 27
TRANSFER DATA FILE TO PC .................................................................................................................... 29
ERASING FILES.......................................................................................................................................... 30
PRINT REPORTS......................................................................................................................................... 30
12. NOISE SCAN.................................................................................................................................. 33
THEORY OF OPERATION ............................................................................................................................ 33
NORMALIZATION SCAN............................................................................................................................. 33
13. LIMIT SCAN.................................................................................................................................. 39
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 39
SETUP........................................................................................................................................................ 39
SCANNING................................................................................................................................................. 40
EDITING .................................................................................................................................................... 41
PRESET LIMITS .......................................................................................................................................... 43
ERRORS..................................................................................................................................................... 43
LIMITATIONS............................................................................................................................................. 44
INITIALIZATION......................................................................................................................................... 44
INSTALL PC SOFTWARE &TRANSFERRING DATA FILES TO PC................................................................. 47
14. SPECTRUM SCREEN................................................................................................................... 49
15. FILE UTILITY............................................................................................................................... 51
16. UPDATING YOUR METER......................................................................................................... 53
REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................................................................... 53
INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................... 53
UPDATING................................................................................................................................................. 56
FIELD GUIDES ........................................................................................................................................... 61
POSTAL CODES.......................................................................................................................................... 61
15. POWER........................................................................................................................................... 63
LNB POWER.............................................................................................................................................. 63
BATTERY CHARGE .................................................................................................................................... 63
AC POWER................................................................................................................................................ 64
DC POWER................................................................................................................................................ 64
16. TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQS................................................................................................... 64
17. REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES............................................................................ 67
18. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS ............................................................................................... 67
19. SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................ 68

Operation Manual AI Turbo S2
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This manual covers the basic operations and functions of the meter. For more detailed
instructions on how to use the meter to install particular systems, see the Application Notes
available on our website: www.appliedin.com

Operation Manual AI Turbo S2
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1. Introduction
The AI Turbo S2 represents a new standard in satellite identification capability. Rather than
loading a limited set of satellites or a large number of channel plans to select from, the AI Turbo
S2 holds all of the compatible satellite transponder information for the entire continent.
You just tell it where you are, and what type of system you are connected to, and the AI Turbo S2
accesses all compatible satellite transponders visible to that system. The basic operation
becomes extremely simple:
Left arrow – goes to next orbit east
Right arrow – goes to next orbit west
Up arrow- next higher transponder
Down arrow – next lower transponder
Connections
]
1
4
3
2
FRONT VIEW
TOP VIEW
BOTTOM VIEW
1
2
4
3

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1) ODU / LNB - connects to the LNB (or receiver side of a multi-switch)
2) IDU / IRD - connects to the IRD (receiver or modem) – NOT REQUIRED
3) DC Charge port for use with:
a) external A/C to DC switching power supply (50/60 Hz 120 to 240 VAC) power for battery
charging
b) 12 VDC vehicle adapter (at least 1 amp for battery charging)
4) PC - USB connection to PC
ODU / LNB Connection
The ODU / LNB connector has two functions:
•Supplies voltage to power the LNB
•Sends commands to control multi-LNB head or external multi-switch
•Receives RF signals coming from LNB output port or multi-switch output port
IDU/ IRD Connection
The IDU /IRD connector has two functions:
•Measures voltage supplied by the IDU/ IRD
•Allows voltage supplied by IDU / IRD to power the LNB extending the battery life of meter
However, the meter itself is always powered by its internal battery or by the external AC to DC
switching power supply while connected to AC power.
DC Charge Port
The AI Turbo S2 can be connected to its external AC to DC switching power supply for powering
the meter and/or charging its internal battery from an AC outlet. The AI Turbo S2 can be
connected to a 12VDC adapter in a vehicle only to charge its battery.
PC Connection
The AI Turbo S2 can be connected to a USB port of a PC via the supplied cable. PC software is
available on our website (www.appliedin.com) for updating the instrument with the latest Field
Guides (satellite data) and firmware.
2. Run Screen
The Run Screen displays all information used when pointing a dish or testing an L-Band network.
1
2
4
3
5
6

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Displayed Data
1) Selected satellite
a) Change satellite with left and right arrow keys for single LNB systems (or with the LNB
soft key when connected to multi-LNB systems, see Multi-LNB Systems below)
b) Satellite name is on the top line
c) Orbital position is shown at upper left
2) Lock status
a) Search – when searching for a matching signal
b) LOCK – when signal lock is obtained, this indicates you MIGHT be pointed at the
selected satellite, but you must use the ID soft key to confirm the satellite.
3) Transponder information (upper right)
a) Transponder label
b) Frequency (L-band or downlink)
c) Polarity (RGHT, LEFT, HZ or VT)
d) Voltage provided to LNB (13, 18, 21, or 29 volts)
4) Signal Level
a) Left bar graph (with peak hold center line)
b) Numeric value in dBm, dBmV, or dBµV
c) Scale: -75 to -15 dBm (-26 to +34 dBmV)or (+34 to +94 dBµV)
5) Signal Quality
a) Right bar graph (with peak hold center line)
b) Numeric value as IRD equivalent or C/N, Eb/No, or Es/No in dB
c) Scale: 0 to 20 dB C/N
6) Selected LNB type (bottom line, replaced by frequency deviation if that option is chosen)
Soft Keys
1) SYST - transfers to the System Setup Screen
2) ID - starts satellite identification verification function
3) AZ/EL - transfers to the Azimuth and Elevation Lookup Screen
4) Polarity - displays or selects polarity and LNB voltage
5) LNB - Turns LNB power on or off (displays present state) and selects switch ports
6) MENU - transfers to the Main Menu Screen
7) Left and right arrows – change satellite
8) Up and down arrows – change transponder
4
6
5
3
2
1

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Changing Satellites
The left and right arrow keys switch to the next east or west satellite visible to the selected LNB.
If the LNB polarity can be switched (dual polarity LNBF), the first priority id transponder will be
used and the polarity may switch if needed. If the polarity cannot be switched (single polarity
LNB), the selected polarity will be maintained.
If you have selected a multi-LNB system, the selected satellite will also change when you use the
LNB soft-key to switch between LNBs. (See Multi-LNB Systems below.)
Changing Transponders
The up and down arrow keys take you to the next or previous transponder in the same satellite
(actually in the same orbital slot). If the polarity is locked (via single polarity LNB type) then you
get the next transponder of the selected polarity. Only transponders visible to your region are
used.
Polarity
If the LNB supports polarity switching (i.e. dual polarity LNBF) or is stacked, the polarity key is
disabled (as shown above) and the transponder selection determines the polarity.
If you are using a single polarity LNB, the polarity must be selected using the polarity key (top
right soft-key) and the transponder selection is limited to the selected polarity. See figure below.
Multi-LNB Systems
When the selected LNB system supports multiple LNBs or multi-head LNBFs via the switch
setting, the LNB ON/OFF button also controls the switch setting. Upon pressing the LNB power
soft-key, the meter sends a switch command to toggle to the next feed horn and the satellite is
automatically changed to the one normally used for that port.

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For example, the Dish Network Dish 1000.4 West system is typically used with the 110°, 119°,
and 129° satellites. When you press the LNB power soft-key (middle right side of LCD screen) to
select LNB1, the meter automatically selects the 119° satellite. Push it again to select LNB2 and
the 110° bird is selected. The third push gets you to LNB3 and the 129° bird.
Satellite Identification
Satellites are identified by obtaining locks on one or more transponders. To obtain a lock, the
frequency, modulation and symbol rate of the transponder must be known to the instrument.
These combinations vary enough between the satellites that they can be used to identify the
satellite. Unfortunately, one transponder is not always enough; there may be another satellite
using the same combination.
ID Verification
Unlike other meters, the AI Turbo S2 has the ability to check one or more transponders looking
for a match on a combination that is unique to each satellite. This is what we call the “ID
Verification” feature. It is initiated when you press the ID soft-key (middle left side of LCD screen)
on the Run Screen.
When you change satellites with the left/right arrow keys (or with the LNB power soft-key if you’re
connected to a multi-LNBF system), the transponder shown will be one of the transponders used
in ID Verification. Once you get a lock and peak the dish on this transponder, press the ID soft-
key and the unit will check any other transponders needed to confirm the identification and
display either “VERIFIED” or “ID FAILED”.
Satellite Scan
If you have peaked up the signal level (left bar graph) on a satellite, but either don’t have a signal
quality and lock or get an “ID FAILED” message when performing the ID Verification, the AI Turbo
S2 can try to determine which satellite you are pointed at by performing the ID Verification on
different satellites sequentially. This is called the “Satellite Scan” feature.
To run a Satellite Scan, press the ID button to verify the selected satellite. If that succeeds, there
is no reason to run the Satellite Scan. If that fails, there will be a “SCAN” button on the “ID
FAILED” Error Screen, press that and the scan begins.

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The scan will start from the selected satellite, presumably the one you are looking for, and look to
the east and west one satellite at a time until a positive ID is found or the horizon is reached, or
you abort the scan.
Field Guide Updates
Unfortunately, the satellite identification process is only as good as the transponder definitions
that are used. And these change often enough to make the job challenging. That’s where Field
Guide updates come into play. As we update our software database, we post the revisions on
our web site, which you can download into your instrument. See the section on “Updating Your
Meter”.
Our software database is updated from information gathered from the service providers, other
web sites, customers, and our own testing and research. If you know of any omissions or errors
in our database, please contact us so that we may pass on what you have learned.
The Hardware version and installed versions of Field Guide, Software, and Postal Codes are
displayed on the LCD screen during the 5 second initialization count-down when you first power
on the AI Turbo S2 meter,

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3. Main Menu
The MENU button takes you to a menu of all of the AI Turbo S2 screens. Some of these screens
are also available via soft keys from the Run Screen.
All of the functions are available on the central menu using the up/down and Enter keys. Some
functions are also available via soft keys as a shortcut. “Exit” takes you back to the Run Screen.
The functions are described in the sections that follow.
4. System Setup
You must use this screen to specify the type of system you are connected to and where you are.
This step is essential: the AI Turbo S2 calculates all frequencies based on this information and
displays only the transponders that can actually be received by the selected system in the
selected location.

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This screen is a simple menu selection. Use the up/down arrows to highlight the selection you
want to change and press ENTER.
The system selection actually selects three items:
1) Region
2) LNB system
3) Switch type
Due to the large variety of LNB systems in use, the LNB system selection is divided into three
levels:
1) Service
2) System
3) LNB model
Because you will not need to change the region very often (if ever), the second option is
highlighted by default. You will need to use the up arrow key to change the region.
The LNB system also defines a default switch type, so this selection is also normally skipped.
However, you may override the default switch type if desired.
Regions
When the unit is shipped from the factory, it will have the latest information for all of North
America loaded into it. If you are using the AI Turbo S2 outside of North America, you must
download a different Field Guide from our website. See the Updating chapter for details.
You must select a region within the Field Guide that better identifies the area where you will be
using the meter. If you are not sure of which region you are in, it probably doesn’t matter
because there is significant overlap in the regions. For example, the NE Continental US region
extends as far south as South Carolina and the SE Continental US region extends as far north as
New Jersey.
The region selection is necessary because transponders are pointed only at certain parts of the
globe and the AI Turbo S2 will use just the transponders that are pointed at your selected region.

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Services
The service selection groups the LNB/antenna systems into small sets of choices. The available
services may change with Field Guide updates.
Systems
The system selection lets you pick the type of system within the selected service. In some cases
this is the final LNB model selection. In other cases, the system will be broken down further by
the LNB model selection.

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LNB Model
The models listed will depend on the system selected. For example:
Switch Type
Multiple LNB dishes usually have a switch that is internal to the multi-LNB head. Other systems
may use external switches. When you connect the AI Turbo S2 to an external switch rather than
directly to the LNB, or when you connect to a multi-LNB head, the AI Turbo S2 must know what
switch type is connected so it can send the proper type of command to control that switch.
The switch type is usually selected automatically when you pick an LNB Model, but you may wish
to change it or select another external switch.If you are installing a system that does not have a
switch, you may need to select “none”. (Note: additional switch types may have scrolled off the
end of the screen. Use your down arrow key to view these.)

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5. Options
There are several options you may select to personalize the operation of your meter.
To use this screen, highlight the option you want to change with the up/down arrows and select
the value you want with the left/right arrows. Press EXIT when done.
Signal Level
The signal level may be displayed in either dBm, dBmV or dBµV.
Signal Quality
The signal quality number may be displayed as one of the following:
C/N (carrier to noise ratio) in dB
IRD (receiver) equivalent number
Eb/N0– Energy per bit over noise energy per hertz in dB
Es/N0– Energy per symbol over noise energy per hertz in dB
IRD numbers for DIRECTVrange from 0 to 100. Dish Networkuses two scales: the old scale
from 0 to 125 and a new scale with much lower values (approximately 0 to 85).
Frequency
The frequency may be displayed as either the L-band frequency, which the meter is tuned to, or
the downlink frequency transmitted by the satellite. Both are displayed in MHz. The L-Band
(950-2150 MHz) frequency is the frequency of the signal after being down-converted by the LNB.
Sounder Option
Peaking via the audible tone can be done in two ways: “tone-on-lock” and “peak-o-matic”. The
“tone-on-lock” method uses the following:
1) Slow beep - the function is on
2) Fast beep – the signal is locked
3) Solid – the signal is locked and at the highest level yet seen
This method works well when the dish is close enough to obtain a signal lock. If you have trouble
finding a lock however, you may want to use the “peak-o-matic” method:

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1) Slow beep – the function is on
2) Fast beep – the signal is at least 5 dB higher than the lowest level seen
3) Solid – the signal is higher and at the highest level seen so far
Note that the peak-o-matic method does not indicate a lock. It allows you to peak the azimuth and
elevation even before a peak is obtained.
In both methods to fully peak the dish, you must move it in one direction until the signal is found,
and continue moving it until you move past the peak, then move back to the solid tone.
Shutdown Timer
The unit can be set to automatically shut off after 5, 10, or 15 minutes with no buttons being
pressed. This timeout can be disabled by setting the option to “none”.
Frequency Deviation
If you select Freq Dev = YES, the bottom line of the Run Screen display will be replaced with an
estimate of the frequency deviation or drift of the LNB. The AI Turbo S2 is capable of locking
onto a signal up to ±10 MHz from the frequency defined for the transponder. A frequency
deviation of more than 2 MHz (2000 kHz) may indicate a problem with the LNB. High or low
temperatures will cause an LNB to drift and an LNB that works in normal weather with a
significant drift may fail to work in hot or cold weather due to the additional drift. Please note that
the Frequency Deviation feature will only work while you are receiving a LOCK on a satellite.
IRD Calc
As mentioned under “Signal Quality” above, Dish Network has an old IRD quality scale from 0 to
125 and a newer scale with much lower values (approximately 0 to 85). Use this option to select
which scale to use. The default is “New”.
PoP Delay
If you notice transponder results missing from the PoP Scan reports, you may need to introduce a
delay into the Proof of Performance scan. The value entered in this field is the number of
samples taken if a LOCK isn’t obtained. The unit takes 3 samples per second. If 0 is entered in
this field, the PoP Scan will operate normally without any delay. You may experiment with 5, 10,
15, or other values.
Freq Dev

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Key Beep
By default, key beep is on and user will hear an audible “beep” when any buttons on the meter
are pressed. User may turn off the key beep if desired.
Version
Pressing the VERS soft-key will lead the user to a new screen that will display the versions of
software that are loaded in the meter and its hardware version. The screen also displays the
serial number of the meter.
Preset
Pressing the Preset soft-key in the Options menu will return the meter to its factory default
settings (will erase any stored postal code or latitude and longitude setting, will return the RF
signal level field to its default dBm value, will return the signal quality field to its default IRD value,
etc.).
Date / Time
Pressing the DATE TIME soft-key in the Options menu will lead the user to a new screen that
allows the user to specify and store the date and time for the meter’s internal clock.

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6. Azimuth / Elevation Lookup
Enter any zip code in the United States and this screen will look up the latitude and longitude for
that location and calculate the azimuth and elevation angles for the selected satellite. The
azimuth is given in true north (Azimuth) and in magnetic north (Magnetic) degrees. You should
follow the Magnetic field value when using a compass to point the satellite dish.
The USA ZipCodes database in the meter holds all of the zip codes for the entire United States of
America. There is also a database available for Canada (Canadian Postal). The database titled
‘No Postal Code’ should be chosen if you are located outside of North America. The ‘No Postal
Code’ database allows the user to type in and save his latitude and longitude coordinates and
look up antenna settings based on those coordinates. The different postal code databases may
be downloaded and updated using the FlashUpdate program, which is described further in the
Updating section of the manual.
Type in the zip code using the numeric keypad and press ENTER.
If a postal code table is not available for your area, you may enter the latitude and longitude
directly and press ENTER. The same azimuth and elevation calculations will be made.
You may change the selected satellite using the left and right arrow keys.
Polarization Offset
The “Polar off” is the polarization offset degrees used for FSS LNBs. If the value is negative, turn
the LNB counter-clockwise; if positive turn it clockwise when viewed from behind the antenna
looking towards the satellite.
Skew
The skew setting indicates the dish rotation relative to the mounting bracket that is needed to
align the multiple LNBs with the satellite arc.

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Wild Blue Data
Note: if the Wild Bluesystem is selected, some additional information pertaining to Wild Blue
installations is displayed at the bottom of this screen. See the Application Note “How to install
Wild Blue with a AI Turbo S2” for more information.
7. Manual Tuning
The Manual Tuning Screen may be useful when looking for a signal that has not yet been added
to our database and loaded into the instrument or for feed transponders that aren’t always active.
You can manually enter the tuning parameters. The screen will display the locking status at the
bottom. The parameter changes will be kept when you return to the Run Screen but not saved
when powering off or changing to other satellites or transponders.
Frequency
You may specify the frequency as either the L-band tuning frequency or as the downlink satellite
frequency. Press the upper left soft-key to change the frequency type. This soft key also changes
the display format on the Run Screen and alters the frequency display option set up in the
Options Screen. Type in the frequency and press Enter.

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Modulation
Use the left/right arrows to select the modulation format:
DSS for legacy DIRECTVsignals
DVB-S for DVB-S standard signals (Dish Network SD and most others)
DC2 for Digicipher 2 signals (Shaw Direct SD and some others)
Turbo for Dish Network’s, Bell TV’s, and Shaw Direct’s high-def signals & more
DVB-S2 for newer (many high-def) broadcast signals
T-ACM* for Turbo ACM signals (for 1st generation WildBlue signals & more)
DTV-S2** for DIRECTV proprietary DVB-S2 signals
*AI Turbo S2 meter has limited compatibility with Turbo ACM signals and users may experience a
slight delay before signal locks.
**AI Turbo S2 meter has limited compatibility with DIRECTV DVB-S2 signals and locks are not
supported, but an estimated carrier to noise ratio is displayed.
Code Rate
For Turbo or DVB-S2 modulation, user can select the desired code rate with the left/right arrow
keys. Other modulation types use only automatic code rate detection.
Note: Code Rate is also referred to as ‘puncture code’ or often ‘FEC’ (Forward Error Correction)
rate
Baud Rate
Use the keypad to enter the baud rate (symbol rate) in kiloSymbols per second and press Enter.
Options
Use the left/right arrow keys to toggle through the options related to your chosen modulation type.
If DVB-S2 modulation type is selected and you have chosen a specific code rate, then you may
choose between ‘ Pilot on’ and ‘Pilot off’ . If your code rate is set to ‘Auto’ , then your pilot status
will automatically be set to ‘Pilot Auto’.
If DC2 modulation type is selected, then you may choose between ‘Split I’ , ‘Split Q’ , ‘Orth’,
‘Orth/I’, and ‘ Orth/Q’ and ‘None’.
LO Frequency
Normally, the LO frequency of the LNB is obtained from the system type selection and may
change with different switch settings and polarities. This is the “AUTO” mode of operation. In
rare circumstances, you may want to use the lower left key to change to “CUST” or custom mode
and specify an LNB LO frequency directly. The LO (Local Oscillator) frequency is the difference
between the downlink frequency and the L-band tuner frequency. High-side LO frequencies like
those used in C-band LNBs and some stacking LNBs may be specified using a negative number.
LNB Control
You may use the right side soft keys to change the LNB voltage, turn the LNB on or off, or
change switch settings.