Not getting all DirecTV channels

[Nosteele]

We are DirecTV subscribers who have a motorhome with a rooftop Winegard single LNB satellite dish but at times we are in spots where we cannot get a clear shot so we need to use the portable dish that we carry with us.

Since we have two receivers we have installed an A/B switch so that we can easily select which connection to use, either the connection for portable or the connection for Winegard rooftop antenna.

When using the portable dish we were not able to get satellite usage to both receivers, only to one of the receivers. A fellow RV'er suggested that we purchase a splitter so I purchased an all port passive 2 way high frequency satellite splitter from Solid Signal.

After installing the splitter we now have satellite on both tv's however we cannot get all our normal channels on both TV's.

If we change one of the TV's to the local channels, the other TV/receiver does not receive some of the higher numbered channels even though they are shown on the channel guide. Example if we have one TV/receiver on local channel 5 we can no longer get the Food Channel 231, CNN 202 or HBO 501 on the other TV/receiver.

Can someone shed some light on what may be the problem and how do I go about correcting it?

Thanks for any help!

[CJTE]

Channel Not Available or Searching for Satellite Signal?

[litzdog911]

You can't use a splitter with satellite dishes. I'm guessing that dish only has one output from its LNB, so there's no way to use a multiswitch to feed both receivers.

[CCarncross]

As litzdog mentions, if you want to feed more than one receiver at a time, you HAVE to use at least a dual-output single LNB dish, to drive the multiswitch for multiple receivers. Then the outputs run to a 2X or 3X(with OTA input) MS. Regular Splitters are not a valid option in satellite tech.

[Nosteele]

Thanks for the responses. I will try to give further information that will help but I need to make it clear that I only have the most basic knowledge about this stuff.

To answer the first question, when we are on one of the channels that we are not getting, the TV screen says it is searching for satellite signal.

To address the other two responses, we do have a dual output single LNB dish

I understand that I have the correct dish but I got lost about the part "if you want to feed more than one receiver at a time, you HAVE to use at least a dual-output single LNB dish, to drive the multiswitch for multiple receivers. Then the outputs run to a 2X or 3X(with OTA input) MS. Regular Splitters are not a valid option in satellite tech."

I thought that the 2 Way High Frequency Satellite Splitter (All Port Passive) was not a "regular" splitter and would work with the dual output LNB.

What does a 2x or 3x (with OTA input) MS mean? I am guessing that MS means multi-switch but am unclear what OTA means and certainly am not sure what additional hardware you are sayig is needed. Can someone suggest a product name and number so that I can look it up and get a visual?

Also, last thing, we have an old DISH multiswitch (it is at home so I cannot look at it right now to give any more information) Would this work with this DirecTV portable dish? And if so, where does it get installed: at the portable dish end or at the receiver end?

Sorry for what may be thick-headed questions, I really do appreciate your patience!

[litzdog911]

If you have a dual-output single LNB dish, then you don't need a multiswitch. Just run one output to one Receiver and the other output to the other Receiver. Are BOTH of your dishes dual output LNBs?

Perhaps you just need two A/B switches so that you can select between the two dishes with each Receiver .... Dish #1 feeding the "A" side of each A/B switch, and Dish #2 feeding the "B" side of each A/B switch, with the switch outputs connected to each Receiver.

The reason you cannot use a splitter is that the satellite cables also carry DC switching voltages to select the correct transponder & polarity. Splitters mess that up.

[Nosteele]

If you have a dual-output single LNB dish, then you don't need a multiswitch. Just run one output to one Receiver and the other output to the other Receiver. Are BOTH of your dishes dual output LNBs?

Our Winegard roof dish is also a dual output LNB. When using the roof dish we can watch two recievers independant of each other.

We could do as you suggest, run each cable directly into the two receivers however our motorhome is set up so that if we need to use a portable dish there is a satellite input jack at the back of the motorhome which routes only one cable into the electronics center where the two receivers are stored.

In order to run the second cable we need to come in through one of the windows which is not a good option for us, especially with the colder weather that is starting up. Because of this we are hoping to route the one cable through the motorhome jack to the two receivers.

Perhaps you just need two A/B switches so that you can select between the two dishes with each Receiver .... Dish #1 feeding the "A" side of each A/B switch, and Dish #2 feeding the "B" side of each A/B switch, with the switch outputs connected to each Receiver.

I think there may be some confusion here. Our preference is to use the rooftop dish whenever possible but sometimes we cannot get a good line of sight to the direction of the satellite so that is when we use the portable. We never use the two dishes at the same time.

If I am understanding what you are suggestion, two A/B switches would not really be the answer because there is only one cable coming in through the motorhome (unless we run the second cable through a window)

The reason you cannot use a splitter is that the satellite cables also carry DC switching voltages to select the correct transponder & polarity. Splitters mess that up.

Okay, I think I follow that. I guess I was confused by the words when I read 2 way high frequency satellite splitter when I purchased it. (when does someone use this kind of splitter anyway?)

I hope I have given you additional information to continue to help me.

Again, thank you very much and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you!

[litzdog911]

Given the limitation that you cannot easily run both cables from both dishes to each Receiver, then you really don't have any easy options. As you've discovered, you cannot use a splitter. And you can't easily use two A/B switches because you can't get both cables from both dishes to each Receiver.

I think your best option is to run the two cables from your permanently installed dish, one to each Receiver. That's the dish you use the most. Then, when needed, use the portable dish with the motorhome's one cable to whatever Receiver you use the most. There's no way to run that one cable to both Receivers and have them both work simultaneously.

[Nosteele]

Given the limitation that you cannot easily run both cables from both dishes to each Receiver, then you really don't have any easy options. As you've discovered, you cannot use a splitter. And you can't easily use two A/B switches because you can't get both cables from both dishes to each Receiver.

I think your best option is to run the two cables from your permanently installed dish, one to each Receiver. That's the dish you use the most. Then, when needed, use the portable dish with the motorhome's one cable to whatever Receiver you use the most. There's no way to run that one cable to both Receivers and have them both work simultaneously.

Oh dear, I was afraid of that. I take it then that a multiswitch will not work either? As I mentioned we have an old DISH multiswitch that I was hoping we could use.

[rayxxxle]

Oh dear, I was afraid of that. I take it then that a multiswitch will not work either? As I mentioned we have an old DISH multiswitch that I was hoping we could use.

Shouldn't be much of a problem to run another input like you have on the outside of the RV to use the portable dish. you can get them at any RV shop. Run a line from that into wherever your receiver is, and connect two lines to the receiver (If a DVR), or one to the receiver and use a connector to attach the other to the line running back to the other receiver. Then run two lines from the dish, one to each input. I did this on my 5th wheel. Now on the outside I have one input connection for park cable, and two, one for each line of the dish.

Errol

[CCarncross]

You need to add a second sat input on the outside of your RV, so that 2 cables come in from the portable dish. I slightly mis-read your op because I thought for sure you needed at least 3 feeds thinking you had a dvr in the mix.

[GTS]

Here's something you can try. It will require that you feel comfortable enough to get atop the RV and have access to the existing coax lines there.

You will need:

1) Two RG-6 (coax) jumpers (a length of wire with connectors already attached, this will preclude you from having to cut the existing coax and making new terminations if you are uncomfortable doing so).
1a) One about 3.5 feet long.
1b) One long enough to run the distance from the rooftop dish to the point where your alternate Sat input location is.

2) A way to fasten the cable to the RV (cable ties with mounting hole or cable clips. Screws and most importantly RTV or other sealing compound).

3) A female to female barrel connector.

4) The "Satellite Splitter" you already have (make sure it's a "SPLITTER" NOT a "Diplexer". Splitter must be able to pass power and 950 to 2150 Mhz on both sides.

Perform the following:

1) Determine which of the two lines at the LNB is feeding the receiver that does not operate with the A-B switch. This can be done by:

1a) Use of a volt meter, (Unplug the receiver that operates on the A-B switch. Turn the second receiver on. Remove the LNB from the arm. Remove a coax line and taking care not to short the line, check for voltage between the center pin and the outside of the connector. If there is no voltage (12 to 18 Vdc), reconnect and repeat with the other line). Upon determination of the correct line go to step 2.

1b) Use of Sat signal, (set the system up so that you are receiving a signal. Remove the LNB from the arm, disconnect one of the lines and reinsert the LNB on the arm. Reinsert the screw if needed. Stand clear of the front of the dish and verify there is no signal on the receiver that does not operate on the A-B switch. If the unit is still receiving a signal, reconnect the line and disconnect the other one). Upon determination of the correct line go to step 2.

2) Retract the line that feeds the receiver as determined in step 1 through the back of the feed arm. If you can't remove the line without removing them both, make sure to:
2a) Mark the line that feeds the receiver as determined in step 1.
2b) With the LNB in its normal position, mark the lines at the back of the feed arm
2c) Disconnect the second line from the LNB.
2d) Retract both both lines through the back of the feed arm.
2e) Pull the two lines apart until you reach the mark made in step 2b.
2f) Reinsert the line NOT marked in step 1 and reconnect to the LNB.

3) Insert one end of the 3.5 foot jumper through the back of the feed arm and connect to the LNB.

4) Remount the LNB to the feed arm and securely tighten the screw.

5) Connect the line from step 1 to the single side of the "Satellite Splitter".

6) Connect the end of the 3.5 foot jumper dangling from the back of the feed arm to one of the output sides of the "Satellite Splitter".

7) Connect one end of the long jumper to the other output port of the "Satellite Splitter".

8) Make all "Satellite Splitter" connections water tight using the RTV and secure the cable assembly to allow for the required free movement of the dish when trying to align it.

9) Secure the rest of the cable to the RV, weatherproofing where needed, to reach the alternate Sat input location.

10) Securely connect the f-f barrel to the end of the jumper.

11) Replace the A-B switch with another "Satellite Splitter" if desired for hands-off operation (not counting the dish alignment ofcourse).

12) Reconect the second receiver and verify the proper operation of both receivers on both dish setups making sure to only use one dish setup at a time.

Now when you require the alternate dish, simply run a line from the LNB of the mobile dish to each of the two alternate Sat input locations.

Hope this helps you.

[Nosteele]

Rayxxxle, CCarncross, GTS and every one else that has been involved in this thread, I must thank each and everyone for your input, it is really appreciated.

Fortunately I can say that we have had a happy ending.

We finally remembered (well, actually, someone had to remind us) that in addition to the outside satellite jack there is a cable jack in one of the basement compartments of our motorhome.

We hooked up the sat cable to it voila! We can now plug the dual outputs directly into two receivers and now have satellite programming on both TV's independent of each other.

Now all we need is another A/B switch (to choose between rooftop dish or portable dish) and we are all set!!

Again, I thank all of you for your valuable input.

[rayxxxle]

Rayxxxle, CCarncross, GTS and every one else that has been involved in this thread, I must thank each and everyone for your input, it is really appreciated.

Fortunately I can say that we have had a happy ending.

We finally remembered (well, actually, someone had to remind us) that in addition to the outside satellite jack there is a cable jack in one of the basement compartments of our motorhome.

We hooked up the sat cable to it voila! We can now plug the dual outputs directly into two receivers and now have satellite programming on both TV's independent of each other.

Now all we need is another A/B switch (to choose between rooftop dish or portable dish) and we are all set!!

Again, I thank all of you for your valuable input.


Glad you got it worked out. Nice to have things the way you want them.:)
Errol