While you can do the above, the return loss on a calibrated 8510C VNA was about 16db with backshort in best position. At least one tuning screw would be needed to do better even with the movable backshort and boring with an adjustable reamer.

If you’re stubborn enough to try, I’m willing to put it on my VNA and show you a before/after.

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Jon Platt via NLRS <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, 21 July 2026 15:30:54
To: NRLS Reflector <[email protected]>; Greg Putrich <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [NLRS] Converting DirecTV Feed Horn to 10 GHz
 
Hi Greg.  The short answer to you questions are "yes".   

Regarding modifications to the LNA there are more guys who can help you out with how to do this then I can, so perhaps one of them will pipe up here.  I do believe the modification involves removing the LNA guts, attaching an aluminum back plate, mounting an SMA connector on the side with its probe, and drilling out the LNAs bore to make it just a little bit larger.  Others here have done this.  An alternative to using the modified LNA is to build a small feed horn and mount it on a transition.  

Perhaps your best course of action would be to attend one of the NLRS breakfasts, bring your feed, where you can talk at length to a few of the guys who have done this.   Info on our monthly breakfast is here https://nlrs.club/#Monthly%20Breakfasts

73, Jon
W0ZQ

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11:33:34 AM CDT, Greg Putrich via NLRS <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello,

I have an old DirecTV dish and I'd like to convert its feed horn to be used on 10 GHz. It was working fine when I last used it ~15 years ago and it was removed from the roof a few years ago (thanks to a storm).

I've tried to look up how to convert its feed horn to 10 GHz, but haven't found anything online. Can the original DirecTV feed horn be converted for use on 10 GHz and if so, does anyone know how? I have a DEMI 10 GHz transverter and will use a FT-817 to drive it.  The dish is the oval one with a single LNB, its slightly oval vertically. I got it back in 2001.


  Thanks,
  Greg
  N0QDS



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