Getting set up for the Inernational channels

[granite]

Well after getting outrageous quotes from installers in my area, Ive decided to install a 2nd dish myself to get some international channels. Can someone take pity on me and tell me if I have the equipment list correct?

Here's what I have:
- DISH 500
- Legacy quad LNB
- 4 separate lines going to 4 single tuner legacy receivers in 4 different rooms.

My understanding is that I'll need:
- any type of DISH network dish - 300, 500, whatever
- a minimum of a legacy dual lnb (can get a legacy quad lnb, but that's a waste)
- one sw64 switch.

I'm told that all four lines from the 1st dish, and then 2 lines from the 2nd dish come into the switch, and then you connect the switch to the four lines going to the receivers.

Is this correct? Also, since this switch is apparently powered, can i install it inside my house, or does it have to be outside with the dishes?

Also, my buddy wants me to do the same thing for him (lucky guy). He also has a dish 500, but i guess he has a DISHPRO quad lnb with four 301 DISHPRO receivers. For him, I'm told I can get any dish network dish to capture the international channels, but all I'll need for him is a DISHPRO single lnb and a DISHPRO 34 switch. For this setup, I would connect two lines from the 1st dish (only need two - leave the other two alone), and the one line from the 2nd dish into the 34 switch, and then connect the switch to the 4 lines running into the 4 dishpro receivers. And does this 34 switch also have to be plugged in, too?

Do I have everything right? Id rather get the equipment myself than pay the quotes I've received from a few installers.

THANKS!

[granite]

Hello? Can anybody help a brother out?

[DoyleS]

Looks like you have it right for both situations. There are a number of different wiring combinations for various switches at this website.
http://www.switchinfo.info/index.htm
Dish runs a lot of specials and with the specials they often toss in the switches at no extra charge. Similiar with the 2nd dish, if you get locals then they give you a free 2nd dish to pick those up.

..Doyle

[garypen]

Similiar with the 2nd dish, if you get locals then they give you a free 2nd dish to pick those up.

..Doyle
That is a very important point that needs to be reiterated:

If ANY of your Dish locals requires a 2nd Dish, then Dish Network must install it FREE OF CHARGE, including the necessary switches and cabling. It is the LAW.

[granite]

Thanks for the replies. I get the locals on my current dish, but I think there are additional locals available on a different dish.

If I do need a 2nd dish for other locals, will I be able to get both the additional locals AND the international channels? In other words, are both sets of channels derived from the same satellite location?

Or could I just tell them I want the additional locals, cancel them, move the dish to the coodinates for the international channels and THEN order the international programming?

Whew. Thanks.

P.S. As to that switchinfo site, what other configurations should I be looking at? I got kind of confused.

[James Long]

Thanks for the replies. I get the locals on my current dish, but I think there are additional locals available on a different dish.

If I do need a 2nd dish for other locals, will I be able to get both the additional locals AND the international channels?
Don't mention the internationals.
Tune in to one of your "missing locals".
Gasp in shock.
Call Dish Network and ask for the second dish to be installed so you can get ALL of your local channels. Don't mention the internationals!
They will install a dish pointing at 61.5 or 148, wherever the missing locals are.

Then once you have the dish installed note all of the channels in the 580+ range ... wow internationals! If the channel you want is there cool. Call Dish up and get the international channel.

JL

[SimpleSimon]

Granite: You know more than the average installer - keep on rockin'. To answer the unanswered question, yes, the switches need power. Power inserter goes on the port 1 feed to the receiver - it's easy. Switches can be indoors or out - details can vary - make SURE you ground things properly (search threads for grounding info).

Only thing is which birds are involved for your locals - check it out here: http://www.dishchannelchart.com/

Advice above about getting extra dish added for you is reasonable, and might work out for you and/or friend.

[mwgiii]

Here is a listing of the locals on 61.5/148.

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/143

You will also pick up several additional channels for free.