Question on Multiswitches

[William_K_F]

Hello,

I have Dish service with two cables coming down with signals from the satellite, which are both going to my 921. On the roof I believe I get three satellite positions, 148, 119, & 110. And I think each of these has even and odd transponders that are handled differently. I think I have two SW-21 switches. I have a third coaxial line, that I use for the antenna feed.

First, is there a way with the 921 to offer two different pictures simultaneously, so that the kids can watch a different show? I don't think there is, but just want to double check.

Assuming not, I want to add another receiver for the kids, but would rather not run extra coaxial lines from the roof.

I believe that I can do this without extra lines being run through the use of a multiswitch. I believe the three coaxial runs can be used for each satellite receiver input and then use diplexer technology to piggyback the OTA signal onto one of the satellite lines.

Assuming this is correct, my question would be:

1) How many inputs do I need for Satellite into the multiswitch? Is it one per satellite location (three), or two per location (six) to handle the even/odd transponder selection.
2) Is there a brand that will integrate the diplexer into the multiswitch, or do I need to bring that in with one of the multiswitch outputs?
3) Recommended brands for multiswitches?

Thanks.

-William

[SimpleSimon]

Insufficient data for a proper response.

It appears you have at least some knowledge of what's going on - we're gonna edumacate ya a touch more. ;)

First, you're right - the "1" in 921 is "1" output. Best it can do is PiP, but that doesn't fit your needs.

Next, forget about "multi-switches" - they are a D* only device. Also, no built-in diplexers with E* switches.

Now, that being done, we need to know your current installation. If in fact you have SW-21's and not DP-21's, you're running Legacy LNBFs. Otherwise, it's DishPro. Look for the DP logo on the LNBFs. Look at the switches for 1" square box or larger box with rounded corners. Look at your Check Switch screen for "SW-21 3-SAT".

That last is what I have with a Legacy Twin, Legacy Dual, and a pair of SW-21's.

There's lots of ways to get-r-done, but we need to know where-u-r to come up with the best solution.

One decision up front - if you're running Legacy gear. Do the kids need to 'see' the 148 bird? In other words, is that where your locals are, or do you just use it for CBS-HD (like me)?

[William_K_F]

Hi,

So I guess the 942 would resolve this whenever it happens...

The LNBFs are on the roof, so I can't access them that readily, especially now that it is dark.

However, I know the screen for test switch says SW-21 for both feeds to the 921. Going from memory, I think that some of the LNBFs are legacy (circa 1997) and some are Dish Pros. My system started in 97, but later I added Dish 500 (around 2000, but I think they used my existing LNBFs for that), and then still later (around 2003) the 148 dish to get my locals (translates: set me up for CBS HD for free.)

With respect to the kids viewing, I would rather have all channels available everywhere since in the future, there could be more on 148 that is compelling.

Can I get a free switch if I add a receiver using the rental program being offered now for 508s? If so, when I stop renting, do I have to give up the switch too, or just the 508?

Thanks.

-William

[SimpleSimon]

I assume you mean "SW-21 3-SAT"?? If not then I've got no idea what's what.

Remember - every little detail is important - after all, this IS rocket science. ;)

I've got no idea what the free deals are, but I DO know it's not cheap to get where you want to go - it would be nice to get someone else to pay for it.

If your D500 has a Legacy Twin, there is NO avoiding replacing it. Period. If that's the case, you might as well go 100% DishPro. as opposed to going the SW64 route.

A 3-bird DP setup is a DP Single, DP Twin, DP34 Switch. Done deal.

[larrystotler]

No SImon, you CAN use a D* style simple multiswitch, but it requires you to use a 3rd SW21. If he upgraded to a legacy Quad, he could use the 148 on the 2 current lines to the 921 and the new box would not have the 148. However, if he ran the 148's dual into a 3x4 switch, he could tie 3 lines form that into 3 lines of the quad with 3 SW21s. Not a pretty picture, but doable. Now, the problem with diplexing is that you would need 6 for 3 feeds. # at the dish and 1 at each tuner of the receiver. Diplexing is a pain, and complicates your system. If a new line can be run, then do it since it would be a whole lot cleaner.

Now, with the DishNItUp promo, you can get the 510(not the 508). You will pay an extra $10 per month, since the 510 has a VoD fee. And the install will include any neccessary switches, so that would take care of that problem. Keep in mind that you would be leasing the 510, so you would have to return it and the DP34(which is what they would probably install, removing the legacy hardware). However, you would need 2 DP21s to replace the DP34 with, so I would check with them to see what their return policy is on this since I have yet to come across this. And, if you do the upgrade, a new line is included in the upgrade.

[SimpleSimon]

Good one Larry! Strange config, but nice solution. I stand corrected. ;)

However (there's always a however), he'd only need 2 pair of diplexers - ya don't need to put the OTA on both feeds to the 921. ;)

[larrystotler]

True. I was thinking about single receivers......Duh. And he wouldn't need it for the 510 UNLESS he was getting his locals off of it................

[William_K_F]

Okay, I climbed up on the roof.

The LNBFs do not say Dish Pro anywhere on them, so I guess all
three are legacy.

Both switches say SW-21 on them.

[Jason Nipp]

Okay, I climbed up on the roof.

The LNBFs do not say Dish Pro anywhere on them, so I guess all
three are legacy.

Both switches say SW-21 on them.

Yep...Legacy.

[Bismarck]

Here's something I learned in the 921 support forum: the new Dish Pro Plus 44 switch allows you to connect two tuners from one piece of coax with the use of the Dish Pro separator. Neither works with legacy LBNFs, so those will have to be replaced. That's usually a lot less expensive or disruptive than running more coax though. With the DPP44 switch, one Dish Pro Twin LBNF can feed four tuners over only two cables. You can also continue to use diplexers for OTA.

[SimpleSimon]

Unh. Bismarck. The DPP44 switch alone costs $200. Then add in the DPP Separator, and you can run a LOT of cable for that.

Also, there are considerations when using diplexers - you cannot put one between the pwoer inserter and the switch, and both diplexers must be between the switch and the separator.

DPP44 --- inserter --- diplexer ---//--- diplexer --- separator === receiver

[larrystotler]

I guess the main thing is that since he has a 500Twin with an SW21 for the 148, he would probably have to upgrade to a DP34 w/ a DP Twin for the 500 and a DP single/Dual for the 148. WIth this setup, he could expand to a 2nd receiver and have an additional port available for furture use. Given the costs involved, he may wish to check with E* or his original retailer and see about obtaining a new box thru the DishNItUp promo. SInce E* would be installing the upgrade, they would replace his existing switch setup for free and run the new line for the new receiver for him. Only problem with this promo is that you will have to lease the new receiver since that is the only way they are doing addons right now.