Inverto Black Multiconnect IDLB-SINL23-MULTI-OPP LNBF Review

The Inverto Black MultiConnect is an universal lnbf built for a special purpose. When you want to receive two or more satellites in close spaced orbital positions using a single dish, this may not be possible with standard lnbf's, because it's impossible to achieve the correct focus point on both lnb's. The Inverto Black MultiConnect is a very slim lnbf that makes this possible.

In this lnb, the standard scalar feedhorn is replaced by a special dielectric feed system less than half the diameter of the typical feedhorn. The smaller feed allows for much closer spacing of the lnb's and the reception of very close orbital positions. For example, reception of both Astra 28,2º East and Arabsat 26º East is possible using a single dish, a standard lnbf and an Inverto Black MultiConnect.

The Inverto Black Multiconnect has a neck with 23mm diameter, but a 23mm to 40mm adapter is provided. The lnb can also be attached to a special sliding lnb holding bracket by its backside.

The special dielectric feedhorn is shown in the image below. It replaces the typical RCA or scalar metal feedhorn, but is much smaller.

The first stage amplification uses the popular NEC NE3503M04 HJ-FET transistor, identified by the V75 marking. This transistor has an typical NF of 0.45dB @ 12 Ghz. Inverto claims an typical NF of 0.2dB and an 0.7dB maximum for this lnb. Voltage regulation, bias, polarization and band switching is done by Li-sion Technology LS7005 IC.

This is a DRO type lnb, the oscillators use ceramic dielectric elements. Note: the pictures are of a used condition (but functional) lnb.

This lnb receives the 10.7-11.7Ghz and 11.7-12.75Ghz bands. Because a dielectric feedhorn is less performant than a metal scalar feedhorn, I was not expecting great results, but I was surprised. The performance penalty is small, this lnb is a good performer!

Note:

Inverto no longer lists this lnb on their website. It appears to have been replaced by a newer but similar item IDLB-SINL24-MULTI-OPP.

Download information about the Inverto MultiConnect system here.
Download the NEC NE3503M04 N-Channel HJ-FET transistor datasheet here.

Inverto Black Ultra IDLB-SINL40-ULTRA-OPP LNBF Review

The Inverto Black Ultra is one of the most popular lnb's on sale. Inverto claims this is a high performance lnb "for superior reception under the edges of the satellite footprint". Results are mixed however, some say it's very good, others say it's not. I bought and tested one and I was not impressed with this lnb.

This lnb has a so called long "neck". This means the lnb has more room for adjustment of the focal plane. This can be useful, because with some dishes or situations the lnbf may need to be placed closer to the dish reflector for a better signal.

The feedhorn is a 4 ring scalar feed instead of the more typical RCA type feed found one most lnbf's.

The first stage amplifier uses the NEC NE3512S02 N-Channel HJ-FET transistor with a typical NF of 0.35dB @ 12Ghz. Voltage regulation, bias, polarization and band switching is done by Li-sion Technology LS7005 IC. Local oscillators are of the DRO type.

I was not impressed with the quality of the soldering and assembly of this lnb. The pcb had visible dust particles. The bottom picture was taken after the pcb was cleaned.

Bottom pcb view. Both probes for vertical and horizontal polarization are visible. The ceramic resonators are glued to the pcb. Note all the scratches and oxidation on the board! This lnb was bought as new and disassembled soon after being tested, so this was very surprising.

As I said, I was not impressed with this Inverto Black Ultra. It costs around 15 Euros, but performance was no better than a good 8 Euro lnb. Performance was best on the higher frequencies and weaker on the lower end of the 10.7-11.7Ghz band. Also, I have never seen a pcb in such bad condition. Since this is a popular lnb model, I wonder if there may be counterfeits of this lnb or maybe Inverto may have outsourced the assembly to some sub-standard company.

Download the Inverto Black Ultra IDLB-SINL40-ULTRA-OPP specification here.

Download NEC NE3512S02 N-Channel HJ-FET transistor datasheet here.

Sharp BS1R6EL100W LNBF Review

This lnb is more than 13 years old but, in my opinion, it's still one of the best commercial universal lnbs ever produced! This lnb receives the Ku bands 10.7-11.7Ghz and 11.7-12.75Ghz.

Like most lnbs, this is an LNBF (lnb+feed) unit, but with one particularity: mechanically it is not a single casting unit like your typical lnbf. Instead, the feedhorn is attached to the lnb by two screws. One of the benefits of this approach is that just by attaching a different feed you can use the lnb with satellite dishes of different f/d ratios without sacrificing performance. And indeed, Sharp sold this lnb with at least to different feedhorns.

The feedhorn is hermetically sealed on the front (with a plastic cap) and in the back (with a thin plastic film). Since the F connector is also sealed, when the feed is attached the electronics are fully protected from the environment.

But, inside the top casing you can also see a pill type humidity absorber.

The lnb uses NEC's NE3210S1 super low noise HJ FET transistor for first stage amplification. This device is identified by the K marking code and has a 0.35 dB typical noise figure at 12Ghz. Sharp spec's this lnb with an 0.4 dB average NF. Despite using DRO oscillators, this lnb has good frequency stability and works well with all but the very lowest symbol rate broadcasts. This lnb has good wideband response and is a good choice for fringe area reception. For example, it would be a good choice for reception of Astra 2 28º E UK beam in fringe footprint areas, where the popular FTA FreeSat service (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, etc) is broadcasted.   

  Bottom pcb view with the two (vertical and horizontal) signal probes.

Lnb housing with sealed F connector output.

Download the Sharp BS1R6EL100W specification sheet here.
Download the NEC NE3210S1 HJ FET transistor datasheet here.

Welcome to LNB Reviews!

Hello and welcome to the LNB Reviews blog!


For many years I have been an avid satellite TV enthusiast and installed many systems for reception of Ku and C band signals. Many of these systems are for reception of weak satellite signals in the edge of reception footprint also called fringe areas. For these fringe area systems the quality of the LNB (low noise block) is specially important. Selection of the best LNB for the job is often difficult given the huge number of products available and the marketing bull$hit going around.


Over time I have bought, tested and inspected many LNB's. Since this may be useful to many, I will be posting reviews of these lnb's. Many are older models not commercially available anymore, but still interesting to peek inside!


I hope you enjoy the LNB Reviews blog!