WB68 and old 4x8 multiswitch at the same time?

[nibyak]

Here’s my issue. I currently have the WB68 and it’s connected to 1 HR21, 1 R15, and 2 DTivos (all outputs in-use, connected to 2 tuners per box). Tonight I’m picking up another HDTV and another HR21 at COSTCO (stimulus check). We have decided to keep all of our existing receivers in addition to the new HD DVR. I will initially hook up the old DTivos with only one tuner due to my lack of outputs on the switch. My question is, can I use the splitters (before the multiswitchs) to split the input between my WB68 and my old 4x8 multiswitch? That way I can keep the dual tuners connected to all of my DVRs/TIVOs. It’s the same set up as some people have used with 2 WB68s, but with two different types of switches. Of course I know that I need to keep the HD-DVRs connected to the WB68. My other question is can I cascade the old multiswitch downstream of the WB68 to maintain my non HD outputs? Thanks

[Michael D'Angelo]

You have two options.

1) You can use four dual power passing splitters 5mhz to 2150 (or higher) and split the four lines from the dish. Just make sure from each splitter you have a line going to the same input on both multi-switches.

2) Since you will only have two HD DVR (needing four lines) that are MPEG4 and since your old multi-switch is powered you could also do a cascading setup. Run the four lines from the dish to the WB68 and then run four lines from the WB68 to the old multi-switch. Just make sure the two HR21's are connected to the other four outputs on the WB68.

The first option will give you a total of sixteen outputs and eight of them can work for MPEG4 and the second option will give you a total of 12 outputs but only 4 outputs can do MPEG4.

[David MacLeod]

just a question for my own knowledge, wouldn't a 616 switch be safer and more compatible?

[Michael D'Angelo]

just a question for my own knowledge, wouldn't a 616 switch be safer and more compatible?

It would be a better choice because there is less involved but it also $130+.

[David MacLeod]

I was just about to add that price issue to my post but you answer to quick :) not that its a bad thing :)

sorry about that, probably should have clarified better that it wasn't a suggestion. I try to use existing posts/questions to learn from.

[carl6]

If you run the two switches in parallel (which would be my recommendation), you can use single port power passing and put the powered multiswitch on that port.

Carl

[David MacLeod]

again, just for my knowledge, can you describe (maybe pm to keep board clean) how power passing works. is there an existing link dealing with this?
thanks.

[veryoldschool]

again, just for my knowledge, can you describe (maybe pm to keep board clean) how power passing works. is there an existing link dealing with this?
thanks.
Darn new club members... [just kidding]

Splitters can have one port that passes DC [to power the dish]. This would be a single power passing port [one leg]. Some splitters don't pass DC on any leg.
Still others have diodes in them and these are call "steered" power passing. This type only send the higher voltage port to the input, while protecting the other output from this voltage.

[David MacLeod]

thanks VOS, I've looked at some diagrams and wondered how those worked.

[houskamp]

2 thoughts on this..
1. Directv won't do an install for you since you purchased the new reciever? they would supply the second wb68, splitters, and cable..
2. a second wb68 isn't that much cash (30-40$) and would make it easier to hook up (won't need to worry what reciever is where)..

[BattleZone]

2 thoughts on this..
1. Directv won't do an install for you since you purchased the new reciever? they would supply the second wb68, splitters, and cable..
2. a second wb68 isn't that much cash (30-40$) and would make it easier to hook up (won't need to worry what reciever is where)..

Actually, he'd be better off keeping the old 4x8 in this instance, since it is powered and will take a lot of strain off of the 6x8. Reliability is more important than convenience.

[texasbrit]

Actually, he'd be better off keeping the old 4x8 in this instance, since it is powered and will take a lot of strain off of the 6x8. Reliability is more important than convenience.

I was just about to post and ask if it was powered (some 4x8s aren't). If it is powered, then cascading the two multiswitches is a great solution for 12 connections. If it's unpowered then you have to use the parallel operation for reliable performance.

[curt8403]

2 thoughts on this..
1. Directv won't do an install for you since you purchased the new reciever? they would supply the second wb68, splitters, and cable..
2. a second wb68 isn't that much cash (30-40$) and would make it easier to hook up (won't need to worry what reciever is where)..


remember D* charges to do installs now, regardless of where the receiver was obtained,

[nibyak]

It’s a powered switch. I’ve made up my mind to cascade the switches simply because that’s the cheapest/easiest option at this time. I picked up my new HR21-200 at Costco last night and plan to hook it all up tonight. I realize that when we upgrade more TVs to HD that I’ll have to make some changes, but this solution should work for now.

[nibyak]

remember D* charges to do installs now, regardless of where the receiver was obtained,

Are you saying that D* will charge me to activate the receiver? The only thing that they have ever installed at my house is the new 5LNB dish when I upgraded to HD a few months back. For that install we were charged $99.00 and received a $10.00 discount on the bill for 12 months. That install included the HR21 and the new dish. I have done all of the wiring in house.

[David MacLeod]

the activation isn't a separate charge, other than the monthly receiver addition. what the Op meant, I think, was that if they send someone to do work its a charge no matter what.

[CJTE]

If you run the two switches in parallel (which would be my recommendation), you can use single port power passing and put the powered multiswitch on that port.

Carl

Ok, so now im a step behind. I assume the powered 4x8 is going on the power passing?

This setup is currently running a powered 4x8. 2 lines to 3 DVRs, & a single line to 2 standard receivers. I'm looking at adding another DVR, possibly more later. I have a N.I.B. powered 4x8 sitting here, as well as a N.I.B. WB68. I personally am running 2 WB68's paralleled, which is working out great, so my WB616 is sitting here collecting dust.

With the first half of that information in mind, would it be better for me to use 2 powered 4x8's, or a powered 4x8 and a WB68? And what configuration would best suit me?

[Dknow]

Eventhough using power pass splitters to feed two switches "works" it is VERY unreliable. As a matter of fact every time I've done this the system fails miserably at some point. Receivers will randomly sfss on random channels if you use splitters. I highly recommend checking ebay for a 6x16 which I know you can get for less than the above stated price (some of my co workers are selling them on there). Then you will have no worries and one bad ass multiswitch!

[CJTE]

Eventhough using power pass splitters to feed two switches "works" it is VERY unreliable. As a matter of fact every time I've done this the system fails miserably at some point. Receivers will randomly sfss on random channels if you use splitters. I highly recommend checking ebay for a 6x16 which I know you can get for less than the above stated price (some of my co workers are selling them on there). Then you will have no worries and one bad ass multiswitch!

... That requires running power to your location, which isnt available in all situations, like mine.
BTW, I've had paralleled WB68's for months and aside of some minor SFSS due to cloudy skies and a sandstorm, it's been functioning great.

[carl6]

Ok, so now im a step behind. I assume the powered 4x8 is going on the power passing?

Yes, that is how you would hook it up.

This setup is currently running a powered 4x8. ... I personally am running 2 WB68's paralleled, which is working out great, so my WB616 is sitting here collecting dust.

Two different installations? Otherwise I'm confused.

With the first half of that information in mind, would it be better for me to use 2 powered 4x8's, or a powered 4x8 and a WB68? And what configuration would best suit me?

I think you are talking two different installations, right? If any of your receivers/DVRs are HD, then you need a WB68 or WB616. So if what you have available is the 4x8 and the WB68, then you can go either way that has been discussed. You can cascade the 4x8 off the WB68, or you can use four wide band spliters and run the two in parallel. If you do the latter, put the powered multiswitch on the power passing ports of the splitters.

I've run a powered 5x8 and WB68 both ways, and they worked just fine both ways.

Carl

[carl6]

Eventhough using power pass splitters to feed two switches "works" it is VERY unreliable. As a matter of fact every time I've done this the system fails miserably at some point. Receivers will randomly sfss on random channels if you use splitters. I highly recommend checking ebay for a 6x16 which I know you can get for less than the above stated price (some of my co workers are selling them on there). Then you will have no worries and one bad ass multiswitch!

Your experience is contrary to that of many members of these forums, myself included. I am currently running a WB68 and an SWM in parallel. I have run a Terk BMS58 and a WB68 in parallel. All have worked perfectly.

The key is that the powered multiswitch should be on the power passing port, and you have to be careful to connect the splitter outputs to the same input on both multiswitches (13V no tone, 18V no tone, 13V 22KHz, 18V 22KHz). If you mix up the inputs from the splitters you will absolutely have problems.

Carl

[PANCHITO]

Here’s my issue. I currently have the WB68 and it’s connected to 1 HR21, 1 R15, and 2 DTivos (all outputs in-use, connected to 2 tuners per box). Tonight I’m picking up another HDTV and another HR21 at COSTCO (stimulus check). We have decided to keep all of our existing receivers in addition to the new HD DVR. I will initially hook up the old DTivos with only one tuner due to my lack of outputs on the switch. My question is, can I use the splitters (before the multiswitchs) to split the input between my WB68 and my old 4x8 multiswitch? That way I can keep the dual tuners connected to all of my DVRs/TIVOs. It’s the same set up as some people have used with 2 WB68s, but with two different types of switches. Of course I know that I need to keep the HD-DVRs connected to the WB68. My other question is can I cascade the old multiswitch downstream of the WB68 to maintain my non HD outputs? Thanks

You have done your homework very good, A+

yes to all. cascade will be cheaper.

[CJTE]

I think you are talking two different installations, right? If any of your receivers/DVRs are HD, then you need a WB68 or WB616. So if what you have available is the 4x8 and the WB68, then you can go either way that has been discussed. You can cascade the 4x8 off the WB68, or you can use four wide band splitters and run the two in parallel. If you do the latter, put the powered multiswitch on the power passing ports of the splitters.

I've run a powered 5x8 and WB68 both ways, and they worked just fine both ways.

Carl

Yea, it is 2 different installs. Sorry. I didn't want people looking at the install in my sig and trying to apply it to what I have here. I should've been clearer. OK, I dont need to run them in parallel at this point, and none of the equipment is HD. Based on what you said, I could put the WB68 first, then run 4 lines to the SAM-4803 (Powered 4x8). If I wanted to run them in parallel, is there any reason I couldnt use power passing splitters on both legs? Or do I need to specifically look for power passing on one leg only

[carl6]

Dual port power passing will work but are not necessary. At least one port must pass power. If you only have single port power passing, then put the powered multiswitch on that port.

Carl

[veryoldschool]

"Dual port power passing will work but are not necessary"

only when using non-powered WB68s [only] are they a MUST.

[carl6]

Thanks for adding that clarification VOS - absolutely correct. If you parallel two non powered multiswitches, then both splitter ports must be power passing.

Carl