When to use active vs. passive multiswitch

[kucharsk]

My Mother-In-Law needs to add a third receiver to her original 18" Sony DTV dish with dual output.

Will a passive multiswitch work with the Sony SAT-A1 or is it old enough that I need to use a powered model?

Or is the use of a powered model recommended in general anyway?

I'm considering the Zinwell SAM-3402 3x4 vs. the Steren 201-735 3x4.

If there are other units I should consider/use instead, please let me know, and thanks in advance!

[BattleZone]

The Zinwell will be fine. 3x4s draw very little power on their own.

[jdspencer]

I used a passive 3x4 back in the day with my SAT-A2, SAT-B2 receivers and the SAT T60 DVR.

[Mertzen]

Go for the SAM3402. It's what D* issues to techs.

The only powered switch still out there is a 4802 I think. Not needed at all anymore.

[kucharsk]

Thanks everyone!

[jpitlick]

Thanks everyone!

If you need a multiswitch, I have two. An RCA 3x4 and a Terk 3x4 that I have no use for anymore since I have HD. PM me if you are interested.