I have a dual Inverto LNB and Raven feed horn (tapered type for offset dish) on a 120cm channelmaster dish, I found about average 1-2dB across the board increase from using a regular LNBF to the Inverto/feed horn combo. Marginal signals with the standard LNBF are solid 100% with the combo. I use this dish on 103W. Of course getting the feed horn positioned exactly at the focal point is critical to getting any dish reflector to work properly.
Regarding gain calculations, these are theoretical, and actual results will often differ due to frequency variations and noise factors. Gain is rarely flat across a particular band for a given antenna. Pointing close to the horizon or locating the antenna close to a noise (interference) source will cause lower signal/noise readings depending on the radiation pattern of the antenna and noise source. There are always some side-lobes in the gain pattern on even well built professional antenna assemblies.
I have always felt that offset Ku antenna types perform better for a particular size of reflector than a center feed type. The only theoretical difference should be the area the feed horn, mount assembly, and cables displace... but it seems there is more loss somewhere... maybe internal noise being reflected back to the LNB? Seems to be less of an issue lower in frequency (C-band). Anyway.. just my 2 cents worth.
Regarding gain calculations, these are theoretical, and actual results will often differ due to frequency variations and noise factors. Gain is rarely flat across a particular band for a given antenna. Pointing close to the horizon or locating the antenna close to a noise (interference) source will cause lower signal/noise readings depending on the radiation pattern of the antenna and noise source. There are always some side-lobes in the gain pattern on even well built professional antenna assemblies.
I have always felt that offset Ku antenna types perform better for a particular size of reflector than a center feed type. The only theoretical difference should be the area the feed horn, mount assembly, and cables displace... but it seems there is more loss somewhere... maybe internal noise being reflected back to the LNB? Seems to be less of an issue lower in frequency (C-band). Anyway.. just my 2 cents worth.