My receiver indicates a fault in the satellite system. What should I do?

If LNB or HELP continuously flashes in the receiver display, or the receiver repeatedly switches back to standby, there is either a short circuit in the antenna cable or an overload.
Short circuit: Often occurs with new installations, when making up the antenna cable. Take special care that the external braid and the inner conductor do not touch each other.
Incompatibility: Only occurs with single cable solution (joint systems in large blocks of flats). With this system there is no difference between vertical and horizontal, therefore the entire building is connected to the satellite system in series (normal satellite system = star distribution). The disadvantage of this solution is that you cannot receive all of the programmes which are broadcast by satellite. With these solutions, the satellite receive may often not provide an LNB supply voltage (as would be necessary for vertical/horizontal) to the satellite system. Switch off the LNB supply voltage or install a DC VOLTAGE ISOLATOR (DC blocker) between your satellite receiver and the satellite system (intermediate plug) The satellite receiver must by manually adjusted to such satellite systems, as the frequencies can vary from system to system.
Overload: Often occurs with distribution systems and self-aligning satellite systems. Our satellite receivers usually provide a current of 300 mA to the system, which must not be exceeded. If however this is exceeded, you should buy a changeover switch with a mains unit (highly recommended as it protects the satellite receiver) or use components which take less current and/or shorten the total length of the cable. For a self-aligning antenna, you should contact the manufacturer of the rotor regarding which devices have been tested

I have no reception, what should I do?

Please observe the following basic principles:

- the dish and the LNB must be installed outdoors (not under a roof or in the house) - You must have a clear view of the satellite (the view of the satellite must not be obstructed by trees, houses or similar)

- The dish must be precisely aligned, as even small deviations cause large losses, or alignment to the wrong satellite (an approximate alignment “like my neighbour’s is not sufficient)

- Check that the LNB is receiving a supply voltage (see also FAQs for analog satellite receivers). Using a DC measuring device, check that with a horizontally aligned programme (e.g. ARD) there is approx. 17-19 volt at the end of the cable (outside = ground, inside = live)

- Check that the LNB is correctly installed. With angled LNBs the connections usually point vertically downwards. All other LNBs have a scale, a sticker (top) or have the connections marked “this side up”. This labelling must generally point upwards.

- Check all connections between the LNB and the receivers. 

Although the sat-finder shows a signal, I cannot receive a picture on my TV.

The sat-finder cannot differentiate the satellites on the basis of the strength of level of the signal. If signal strength is indicated, but you do not have a TV picture, you are not aligned to the correct satellite (usually Astra). Please readjust the dish, optimally with the TV switched on (e.g. switched to station 1 – ARD). The picture and sound appear as soon as you have found the right satellite. After this fine adjustment can be made by means of the signal level.