Eagle Aspen SL3 LNB-Jumpers or Pigtails?

[maineengineer]

Included as part of a Slimline 3 kit (including reflector and all mechanical parts) was an Eagle Aspen SL3 LNB that was described as being a "prewired four output LNB," and it does indeed have DirecTV-branded RG-6 leads with weatherproof connectors attached to each of the ports, but the leads are only about 24" and do not terminate in connectors on the the other end of the cables (the cables at that end were just snipped off with cutters), making them "pigtails" rather than "jumpers." The question for those knowledgable in such matters: is this standard or is it another e-bay example of caveat emptor (i.e. the LNB is described as "new", but looks shop-worn enough to have been installed). If standard, what is to be gained along the lines of weatherproofing by "prewiring" an LNB jumper and then requiring a connector to be added to the other end, which would then have to be mated to the receiver lead-in feed cable (i.e why not attach the receiver cable directly to the LNB output)? Inquiring minds need to know (no documentation); thanks!

[RobertE]

Those pigtails should have weather resistant connectors on both ends.

DirecTv wants techs to use them for several reasons.

In doing QCs for signal issues, they found that in 90%+ of cases, one or both of the lnb bolts/nuts were loose or missing, causing the LNB to move slightly in the lnb arm. By having the pigtails, it allows the tech to install the bolts/nuts on the ground where if the nut is drop it can be found and put on.

They also feel that if a LNB is removed and put back in, the dither process should be done. They feel that even the slightest movement can effect the signal.

Then there is a safety issue. If the lnb is pointed away from you up on a roof, it's hard to impossible to get that LNB back in place with the bolts/nuts without stretching and putting one at risk of falling off the ladder.

Some old timers disagree with those and other reasons. To me, some make sense, others so so.

But in a nutshell, thats the why on the pigtails.

[maineengineer]

That's good advice. I'd surmise then that the "other end" connectors were in fact clipped off, as their present length (about 24") seems to put the connection point with the receiver feed line(s) actually inside the LNB arm (presumably defeating the purpose of being able to make connections to the outside world without disturbing the LNB). I'm wondering if you (or anyone) could let me know the length that they ought to be for their intended pupose, and I can make up a set of my own. In closing, thank you for the prompt reply!

[bobnielsen]

My AT-9 came with a single jumper, probably about 3 feet long (with connectors on both ends). The intent was to connect it to one of the LNB outputs with long cables going to the others. The short cable was there to connect to a meter for alignment. After alignment a barrel connector and the fourth long cable were to be connected to the end of the jumper.

[djrobx]

My "pigtail" is about 6 inches past the feed arm and came with a weatherproof barrel. Don't really like having that joint right where water will probably run right off to, and seems to be totally against the concept of minimizing splices and junctions, but it does make installing much easier.

[RobertE]

That's good advice. I'd surmise then that the "other end" connectors were in fact clipped off, as their present length (about 24") seems to put the connection point with the receiver feed line(s) actually inside the LNB arm (presumably defeating the purpose of being able to make connections to the outside world without disturbing the LNB). I'm wondering if you (or anyone) could let me know the length that they ought to be for their intended pupose, and I can make up a set of my own. In closing, thank you for the prompt reply!

You can make them any lenght that suits you.