UFO 87-18/CI - Antenna KATHREIN - Free user manual and instructions
Find the device manual for free UFO 87-18/CI KATHREIN in PDF.
| Product Type | Head-end transmodulator and decoder |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 97 (118) x 350 x 244 mm (including wall support) |
| Weight | Approx. 4 kg |
| Power Consumption | 37 ... 41 W (typical) |
| Inputs | 8 x Sat-IF (F socket, 75 Ω), 1 x sat/terrestrial/cable (F socket, 75 Ω) |
| Outputs | 18 x DVB-C (QAM 16/32/64/128/256), 1 x test output (-25 dB) |
| Decryption | 6 CI slots for CAM modules |
| Frontend | 16 x DVB-S(2) + 2 x DVB-S(2)/-T(2)/-C (multi-standard) |
| Frequency Range (Sat-IF) | 950 ... 2150 MHz |
| Frequency Range (Terrestrial/Cable) | 48 ... 858 MHz (DVB-C), 50.5 ... 858 MHz (DVB-T/T2) |
| Modulation | DVB-C: 4/16/32/64/128/256 QAM; DVB-S(2): QPSK, 8PSK; DVB-T(2): COFDM |
| DiSEqC Support | DiSEqC 1.0 (vertical/horizontal, low/high, sat position) |
| Power Supply for LNB/Active Antenna | Max. 250 mA per LNB (on selected sockets), 50 mA for active antenna (5 V) |
| Configuration Interface | Ethernet (RJ45), USB (type A and B for UFOlink cascading) |
| Configuration Software | USW 800 (free download from Kathrein) |
| Cascading | Up to 4 units (master/slave via USB 2.0 cable) |
| Environmental Temperature | 0 ... +45 °C (operating), -25 ... +70 °C (storage/transport) |
| Safety | Indoor use only; keep ventilation clear; disconnect power before maintenance; earthing required |
| Scope of Supply | UFO 87-18/CI unit, wall mounting plate, user instructions, Third Party Software Acknowledgement |
| Warranty | Void if opened (except CI slot cover) or modified |
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USER MANUAL UFO 87-18/CI KATHREIN
This document is part of the product.
▶ Install and use the unit only after you have read and understood this document.
▶ Keep this document for reference throughout the life of the device. Pass this document on to the next owner and user of the device.
For the current version of this manual, go to the Kathrein website www.kathrein.com.
Features
■ Stand-alone head-end with 16 DVB-S(2) frontend and 2 DVB-S(2)/-T(2)/-C multi-standard frontend (combination of Standards not possible, no DiSEqC™ support for DVB-S (2)) and 18 output channels conforming to DVB-C (flexibly configurable)
■ 6-way decryption functionality (CI)
■ Outstanding output values due to Digital UP Conversion (DUC) as FPGA solution
■ High level of energy efficiency
■ 8 Sat-IF inputs and 1 input for both multi-standard frontends. DiSEqC 1.0 functionality for flexible signal distribution across Sat multi-switches
■ Power supply for two LNB and one active antenna
Function blocks

■ All functionalities and parameters can be set using the USW 800 configuration software
■ Remote maintenance and configuration
■ Comprehensive baseband signal processing such as channel filter functionality NIT, LCN
■ Up to four devices can be administered and configured together in a system network (NIT, LCN, Channel allocation,...)
■ No fan, therefore no noise and no maintenance
Scope of supply
- UFO 87-18/CI
• Wall mounting plate - User instructions
• Third Party Software Acknowledgement
![graph LR A["Input Frontend"] --> B["8 x Sat-IF DiSEqCTM 1 x sat/terr./cable"] A --> C["Matrix 9 to 18"] A --> D["Power supply for two LNB and active antennas"] A --> E["Special features"] E --> F["extremely Energy efficient"] E --> G["UFOlink System Network"] E --> H["2 Watt/QAM (typical) 1"] I["16…](/content/2026/05/932584/images/abe8d9121daaf68c86c5ed131b9dc8c1e9eb5b758ec2c8ae83918b6592d42a2a.jpg)
1) typical for the following input: 16 x DVB-S(2), 2 x DVB-T2, no LNB/antenna supply, without CAM
Intended Use
The UFO 87-18/CI is used for transmodulation and decoding of DVB signals. The latest full-band and triple-tuner technology makes it possible to receive up to sixteen DVB-S(2) and two DVB-S(2)/-T(2)/-C transponders. These can be received from the eight SAT-IP inputs with DiSEqC functionality and the sat/terrestrial/cable input in any combination. The UFO 87-18/CI delivers up to eighteen individually configurable output channels conforming to DVB-C.
The highly efficient baseband signal processing offers channel filter, NIT, CAT and LCN functionality.
In addition, there are six CI slots and flexibly combinable, highly energy efficient decoding options available.
The configuration is carried out by means of the USW 800 management software over an IP interface. An optional cascading up to four units of UFOmini series is possible via a USB connection.
The unit is intended exclusively for the application in the UFG 810 as well as in satellite, cable or antenna reception systems. Any other use or failure to comply with these instructions will result in voiding of the guarantee or warranty.
General safety instructions
- The device can be connected to the power supply and disconnected from it only by means of the power plug. Make sure that the connected power plug is always freely accessible and easy to reach.
- If the casing is damaged, do not connect the device to the power supply.
- If the device and/or the cables connected to it are damaged, immediately disconnect the system from the power supply. Do not switch the system on again until
–the device has been repaired by the dealer or manufacturer,
—and the cables connected have been repaired by a competent person. - Do not open the casing and do not modify the device. Otherwise the guarantee and warranty will become void. Exception: Cover of the CI slots ( 14 in Fig. 1, P. 3)
- Never cover the cooling ribs or the air circulation openings.
- Do not modify, remove or disfigure the notices and markings applied by the manufacturer.
- Refer to the manufacturer's documentation before connecting external components other than those described in this document (such as computers, network components). Incorrectly connected components can damage the device.
- Refer to the current issue of the safety requirements EN 60728-11 and EN 60065.
- Disconnect the device from the power supply before performing mechanical work on the system.

WARNING
Risk of burns from hot surfaces!
In the event of a defect the heat sink of the unit may exceed 70° C.
▶ Do not touch the heat sink when the device is in operation or has recently been in operation. Note
In the event of overheating, the device will shut down automatically and after it has cooled down will switch on again automatically.
Transportation and Storage
▶ Transport and storage the unit in its original packaging.
▶ Protect the unit against dust, dirt, moisture and direct sunlight.
▶ Transport and store the unit in the permissible temperature range from -25 to +70 °C. Make sure there is no water condensation bildup.
Arrangement and function
Device elements

Fig. 1: Device elements
| 1 8 x Sat-IF input, F socket | 9 Earthing screw |
| 2 1 x sat/terrestrial/cable input, F socket | 10 Power supply 1) |
| 3 Screw for fixing to the wall mounting plate | 11 Master LED; see below for more info. |
| 4 Test output, signal level -25 dB, F socket | 12 Status LED; see below for more info. |
| 5 DVB-C output, F socket | 13 Reset button; see below for more info. |
| 6 Network port, RJ45 | 14 Cover of the CI slots |
| 7 USB port, type B, communications interface UFO link for connection to the UFOmini master 2) | |
| 8 2 x USB ports, type A:USB: Software update by USB stickUFO link: Communications interface UFO link for connection to the UFOmini slave 3) | |
1) The power supply cable is integral to the device and is not shown here.
2) If the head-end is the slave; see below for more info Cabling, P. 5.
3) If the head-end is the master; see below for more info Cabling, P. 5.
LEDs and reset button
| MASTERSTATUSRESET | Master LEDgreen the head-end is themasteroff the head-end is a slave | Status LEDgreen OKgreen, flashing software update in progressred errororange head-end startingorange, flashing head-end is being identified by the USW 800 configuration software |
Reset button
Press < 5 s 1) the head-end will reboot.
Press > 5 s 1) the head-end will reset to the factory settings and will reboot. Do not release the reset button until the status LED lights up orange.
Press > 5 s 1) the head-end will look for an update on the connected USB stick, perform the update and reboot. 2)
1) To prevent accidental activation, the reset button is recessed. To activate the reset button, use a tool such as a ball-point pen.
2) Pre-requirement: There is a valid update file on the USB stick. See the USW 800 configuration software for more info.
Cascading of head-ends (master/slave)
If a system consists of several head-ends, the following points apply:
- The master LED identifies whether the head-end operates as the master (LED is green) or as the slave (LED is off).
- The configuration and software updates for the system are performed via the master. For this purpose the computer on which the USW 800 configuration software is running must be connected to the master. 1)
- For a software update of the system via a USB stick, the stick must be plugged into the master.
1) see below for more info Cabling, P. 5.
Installation and commissioning
Installation

CAUTION
The head-end is approved exclusively for indoor installation, using the wall mounting plate supplied. The installation location must satisfy the following conditions:
- The installation surface must be not readily flammable and must be sufficiently stable.
- To allow free circulation of air around the device, the clearances shown in Fig. 2 must be ensured.
- The permissible environmental conditions must be satisfied; see Technical data, P. 6ff.
- The device must not be exposed to dripping or splashing water.
- The power plug must be easily accessible and be easy to insert / withdraw.
The head-end is mounted as follows:
- Mount the wall mounting plate horizontally on the mounting surface; see in Fig. 3. Points to note:
- To attach the plate use 3 flat-head screws with a diameter of 4.5 to 5mm and appropriate wall-plugs if necessary. -When inserting the centre bottom screw, use the washer supplied.
- Insert the head-end Ⓐ into the wall mounting plate Ⓑ; see Fig. 3.
- Tighten the screw ©.


Fig. 2: Allow the necessary clearance for air circulation

Fig. 3: Insert the head-end
Cabling
- Connect a potential equalisation wire (Cu, ≥ 4 mm²) to the earthing screw; see ⑨ in Fig. 1, P. 3.
-
Connect an Ethernet cable 1) to the RJ45 socket on the computer, if required, by means of a switch or router; see Fig. 4, P. 5. The head-end will now function as the master.
-
If UFOmini devices are connected to a system via UFOlink, please cascade each additional device with a USB 2.0 cable according to the following specifications (Fig. 4). In this case:
– Each additional head-end functions as a slave which is controlled by the master via the USB cable.
- The USB cable must have a type A plug on one end and a type B plug on the other end.
- The plugs must be inserted into the master and slave at the appropriate UFO link interface ports (⑧ in Fig. 1).
- The cascading up to four head-ends permits simultaneous access to all devices via a single IP connection, and also allows system functions that apply to both devices, such as common NIT generation incl. LCN.
-Only head-ends of the same type can be connected by USB.
- Connect the RF signal cables for the antenna, cable network and output to the head-ends; see ①, ② and ⑤ in Fig. 1, P. 3.
Make sure the input and output cables are correctly assigned to the master and the slave. 2)
- It is recommended that each unused RF input and output is terminated with a 75- Ω resistor such as the EMK 03 from Kathrein.
- Check that the supply voltage matches the particulars on the rating plate, then connect the head-ends to the power supply.
⇒ The head-ends will start up and the status LED will show the operating status 3) .
1) CAT5 or higher is recommended, crossed over for a direct connection to the computer and not crossed over for connections by means of a switch/router.
2) Connect the RF signal cables for the antenna and/or cable network to the master. The RF signal cables regulate the signals which are output from the master. The same applies to the slave, where present. Compilation of the signals is performed by the USW 800.
3) see also LEDs and reset button, P. 3.
![graph TD A["Switch"] --> B["UFOmini Master"] B --> C["Ethernet"] C --> D["USB 2.0 cable*"] D --> E["EBC 02/G*"] F["USB 800"] --> B G["USB Type A"] --> D H["USB Type B"] --> D I["Output"] --> D J["Output"] --> D K["* Available as accessory"] --> B](/content/2026/05/932584/images/e87642b3640faa958519ca6f6fb68c2d29ffb53e5ac7de2eff1b1f618f31812b.jpg)
Fig. 4: Cabling
Inserting the CA modules

Important
Risk of damage to the CI slots. Insert the CA modules (CAM) into the slots ②/④/⑥ with the front face uppermost; and into the slots ①/③/⑤ with the back face uppermost (Fig. 5). See also the instructions for use supplied with the CAM.
- Using a Torx T20 screwdriver, undo the securing screws for the CI slot cover.
- Insert the CA modules as shown in the example in Fig. 5.
- Secure the CI slot cover.

Fig. 5: Inserting the CA modules into the CI slots
Configuring
- Install and start the USW 800 configuration software on the computer.
-
Configure all the head-end parameters as required. In this case:
-
The USW 800 will communicate with the master and detect the slave automatically.
- The current version of the USW 800 and the user guide are available free of charge at www.kathrein.com.
Technical data
| Inputs | ||
| Sat-IF input 8 x F connectors, 75 Ω | ||
| Terrestrial/cable input 1 x F connectors, 75 Ω | ||
| Decoupling dB >35 | ||
| Return loss dB typ. 12 | ||
| DiSEqCTM1.0 vert./horiz., low/high; sat. pos. (A/B/C/D) | ||
| Switching levels V/kHz | 14/18, 0/22 | |
| Remote feed current for LNB | mA | max. 250 (at F socket no. 3 and 7), max. 60 (at F socket nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8) |
| Remote feed current for active antenna (5 V) | mA | 50 (at F socket no. 9) |
| Frontend | ||
| DVB-S(2) | 16 x | |
| DVB-S(2)/-T(2)/-C | 2 x | |
| Frequency grid | MHz 1 | |
| Input level range DVB-S(2) | dBμV | 45 ... 90 |
| Input level range DVB-S(2)/-T(2)/-C | dBμV | 55 ... 100 |
| Permissible level difference | dB | 20 |
| Demodulation DVB-S | ||
| Standard | EN 300 421 | |
| Frequency range | MHz | 950 ... 2150 |
| Input symbol rate QPSK | MS/s | 1 ... 45 |
| Code rate (Viterbi) | 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 6/7, 7/8 | |
| Roll off % 35 | ||
| AFC regulation range MHz ± 5 | ||
| Demodulation DVB-S(2) | ||
| Standard EN 302 307 | ||
| Input symbol rate QPSK MS/s 1 ... 45 | ||
| Code rate (LDPC) 1/4, 1/3, 2/5 | 1), 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 8/9, 9/10 | |
| Input symbol rate 8PSK MS/s 1 ... 45 | ||
| Code rate (LDPC) 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 8/9, 9/10 | ||
| Roll off % 10 | 2)/20/25/35 | |
| Demodulation DVB-T (COFDM) | ||
| Standard | EN 300744, NorDig Unified 2.2.1, D-Book 7.0,supports all C.R, G.I, LP and HP streams | |
| Frequency range MHz 50.5 - 858 | ||
| Guard interval 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 | ||
| FEC 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 | ||
| FFT mode 2k, 8k | ||
| Bandwidth | MHz | 6, 7, 8 |
| Constellation | QPSK, 16 QAM, 64 QAM | |
| Demodulation DVB-T(2) (COFDM) | ||
| Standard | EN 302755-V1.31, DVB-T2 Lite compliant,single and multiple PLP support,NorDig Unified 2.2.1, D-Book 7.0 | |
| Guard interval | 1/128, 1/32, 1/16, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/4 | |
| FEC | 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 | |
| FFT mode | 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k, 32k | |
| Bandwidth | MHz | 1.7/5/6/7/8 |
| Constellation | QPSK, 16 QAM, 64 QAM, 256 QAM | |
| Demodulation DVB-C | ||
| Standard | EN 300429/ITU J.83 Annex A/C | |
| Frequency range MHz | 48 - 858 | |
| Input symbol rate | MS/s | 1 - 7.2 |
| Constellation | QAM | 4/16/32/64/128/256 |
| MPEG-TS processor | ||
| Channel filter | ||
| PSI-/SI processing | cable NIT, LCN, PCR correction, CAT, SID remapping | |
| Stuffing | automatic | |
| Decoding | ||
| 6 CAM insert positions | PCMCIA interface | |
| TS routing CAM | individual and serial decoding | |
| Modulator | ||
| Output channels 18 x DVB-C (J.83A) | ||
| Constellation 16/32/64/128/256/QAM | ||
| MS/s | 2.25 ... 7.25 | |
| Roll off % 15 | ||
| RF output | ||
| Output 1 x F connector, 75 Ω | ||
| Frequency range MHz 47 ... 1006 (fine-tuning in 125 kHz steps) | ||
| Frequency range (channel list) MHz 47 ... 86/110 ... 862 (setting via channel list) | ||
| Return loss dB 14 (47 MHz) -1.5 dB/oct. | ||
| Output level dBμV | 107 (at 862 MHz) | |
| Output level setting range | dB | -20 (in 0.5 dB steps) |
| Level stability | dB | ± 0.8 |
| Frequency stability | ppm | 35 |
| MER | dB | typ. 45 |
| Shoulder attenuation | dB | ≥ 60 (at normal level) |
| Spurious emissions | dB | ≥ 60 |
| Test output | ||
| Test socket | 1 x F connectors, 75 Ω | |
| Level relative to the output | dB | 25 |
| System data | ||
| Power consumption | W 37 ... 41 | |
| Permissible ambient temperature | °C | 0 ... +453) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | mm | 97 (118) x 350 x 244 (incl. wall support) |
| Weight | kg | approx. 4 |
1) Only full band frontend inputs 1 - 8
2) Please refer to QPSK
3) Note that the maximum temperature applicable to the CA modules may be different.
Repair and Replacement
If, after having read this manual you still have unanswered questions or cannot solve a problem, contact our Customer Service Helpline at +49 731 270 909 70.
For information about repairs, visit our website
https://www.kathrein.com/en/solutions/satellite-reception/support/customer-service/customer-service-for-signal-processing-conversion/.
Furthermore, you can contact our regional service centre:
Regional Service Centre
Disposal/Recycling instructions

Electronic equipment must not be disposed of in domestic waste. According to directive 2002/96/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL of 27 January 2003 on waste electrical and electronic equipment, it must be disposed of professionally. At the end of its service life, take this device for disposal at a designated public collection point.
www.kathrein-ds.com | info@kathrein-ds.com
9360000411/b/STD/0519/GB | Subject to change.
KATHREIN SE | Anton-Kathrein-Str. 1-3 | 83022 Rosenheim | Germany | Phone +49 8031 184-0 | Fax +49 731 270 909 70