Many people still use a large 1.8m or 2.4m satellite dish systems as their preferred method for receiving their UK TV channels.

Using a satellite dish is still the most popular method of watching UK TV here in Spain. It provides live UK TV, direct from the broadcasters, available in full HD and with Dolby Digital audio.

But sometimes they can fail to get a signal, causing a loss of channels.

One of the main reasons for this loss of signal can be down to the actions of a small insect.

Spiders.

The LNBs generally used with the large 1.8m and 2.4m satellite dishes use a metallic feedhorn that guides the signals into the LNB. The LNB has an opening, that allows the signals to flow through to the three small reception “pins” inside the LNB.

But this opening on the LNB can be the problem.

And noticing cobwebs around the LNB on your dish helps identify the cause.

(Cue David Attenborough voice).

Spiders like this opening inside the LNB. It is warm (the LNB is powered by electrical current from the receiver), dry (the opening is facing downwards), and sheltered. A perfect place to hide, live, and lay eggs. They also collect small debris and leaves to help protect the eggs of their young.

However, the insects and the eggs and debris so close to the LNB reception pins, can mean the level of signal getting to those reception pins drops greatly. When the spider moves position, signals can come and go.

The image below shows, along with white debris and “organic material”, the spider inside the top right area of the LNB. This means there is very weak signals being collected, causing a drop out of UK TV channels.

C120 LNB and spiders

A second LNB with spiders lair, with Ann Arachnid deep down the hole with their eggs.

Spiders next inside LNB

Careful removal of spider and other “stuff” is required, using a non metallic prodder like a cable tie. A cable tie is perfect as it will flex, and not break the sensitive reception pins inside the LNB.

DO NOT ram a screwdriver or paintbrush up inside the LNB to get rid of Incy Wincey. Doing this will more than likely break the reception pins inside the LNB, meaning even less TV, and an new LNB.

It is possible to prevent spiders from entering the hole to the LNB by making and placing a small cap, made from polystyrene. No thicker than a 1euro coin, this cap still lets the satellite signals pass through, but stops insects nesting inside the LNB.

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