Migrating from 508 to 942

[SeanKelly]

Just bought a 942. I'm curious how to connect it.

I currently have a 508 (DishPro label on the single RF jack on the back) that's connected via a single cable to a DP21 switch. The DP21 then has a single cable going to a DishPro TWIN LNB at 110/119 and another single cable going to a DishPro SINGLE LNB at 148.

Simply moving the cable (and the smart card) from the 508 to the 942 isn't enough. The 942 complains that one of the satellite inputs isn't connected, which certainly is the case. Smart unit. ^_^

I'm going to need to upgrade. But as a rank newbie, I'm not sure what to upgrade.

I assume I'm going to need to replace the switch with one that has outputs for two or more receivers, and run each of those outputs into the "Satellite 1" and "Satellite 2" inputs on the 942. What switch would work in this case? DP34?

I also assume I shouldn't bother with the thing that looks like a splitter that came with the 942: it's labeled "DishPro Plus separator," and I don't have DishPro Plus, right?

Any other assumptions I've messed up?

Thanks!

[BobaBird]

First, your Dish500 has a DP Twin, not Dual. Is the 148 LNB actually a DP Single (1 output) or DP Dual (2 outputs)?

Single = 1 LNB, 1 output
Dual = 1 LNB, 2 outputs, same size as a Single
Twin = 2 LNBs, 2 outputs, integrated switch, about 6" wide
Quad = 2 LNBs, 4 outputs, integrated switch, same size as a Twin

Smart cards stay with their receivers, they do not get transferred. Put yours back in your 508 and leave it there. If you sell it the buyer will need it. The 942 has a built-in smart card, the open slot allows a newer card to be used if they see a need to do another card swap some day.

You don't make clear if the 942 is being added to the 508 or replacing it. You have a few options.

- Get another DP21 and run another line same as the first. If your 148 LNB is a DP Dual connect to the empty output, if it is a DP Single add a DP Splitter (not what came with your 942) before the DP21s. This leaves no room for another receiver.

- Replace the DP Twin with a DP Plus Twin. Run the 148 line directly into the DPP Twin, remove the DP21 from your setup. Use your existing single line for the 942 and the DPP Separator to "split" the stacked signals to the right tuner. If keeping the 508 just run another line from the DPP Twin.

- Replace the DP21 with a DP34. The 942 will need a second line, keeping the 508 will require a 3rd line.

[SeanKelly]

BobaBird, thanks for the reply. It's just what I hoped for!

We're replacing the 508 with the 942 and will sell the 508 (with its smart card, thanks for that tidbit!).

OK, after climbing off the ladder I've used your list to determine: I've got one Twin (one output used out of two) and one Single (one output used out of one).

So, option 1 would work (DP21 plus DP splitter for the Single) and requires a second cable line to the roof. (But that's OK, as there are six going to the roof right now, one in use by satellite and one by an OTA antenna.) $34.99 + some price for the splitter that I can't find on DishDepot right now.

Option 2: ahhh, the DPP Twin has an LNB IN port! Clever. This would eliminate the switch and requires a single cable line to the roof. $49.99 from DishDepot.

Option 3: provides room for expansion, but probably isn't necessary for a family of 3. $59.99 from DishDepot. But then again ... my 5 year old might want a receiver in her bedroom some day ... ^_^

Again, thanks much for the info. Exactly what the doctor ordered!

[Tom in TX]

Option 3: provides room for expansion, but probably isn't necessary for a family of 3. $59.99 from DishDepot. But then again ... my 5 year old might want a receiver in her bedroom some day ... ^_^

With a 942, you can run a cable to your 5 year olds tv and that would work.
Tom in TX

[SeanKelly]

With a 942, you can run a cable to your 5 year olds tv and that would work.
Tom in TX True, except that we want the second TV output in the master bedroom, and the 5 year old can wait! ^_^

Say, where in TX are you Tom?

[BobaBird]

Sean, you did make it clear the 942 is to be a replacement, I just focused on the body instead of the title. Anyway, a couple more possibilities because I hadn't considered you might want the Voom channels.

I'm guessing your 148 dish is for the "minor" Dallas locals. If you don't care about those you can re-aim the dish to 61.5 and use options 1, 2 or 3. If it's for an international that is likely also on 61.5.

To keep 148 and add 61.5 (extra Dish300 with DP Single or DP Dual):

- Get a DP34 and another DP21, run 2 outputs of the DP34 to one side of each DP21, run the 61.5 signal to the other side of the DP21s, add an extra line to the receiver.

- Replace the DP21 with a DPP44, use the existing line with the DPP Separator. (Had left this out because it's an overkill solution but wasn't thinking of Voom.)

A much more detailed discussion for adding 61.5 (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/Adding%2061-5%20dish.htm) can be found in Larry's article which has been archived on the EKB.

[QasDishGuy]

It's been a long time since I've worked the DFW area, but last I heard all channels were coming off the 148 ASAP, and I know they moved 52 (most popular 148 channel) to the 119/110 last summer so that 2nd dish may not even be necessary anymore.

[SeanKelly]

I'm guessing your 148 dish is for the "minor" Dallas locals. If you don't care about those you can re-aim the dish to 61.5 and use options 1, 2 or 3. Yes, it was to get all Dallas locals, incluir los canales del español. But I can live without 'em.

Whereas Voom on the other hand might provide some nice eye-candy ... and if I'm reading the website right, they're cheap, too.

Then again, if what QasDishGuy says is true, then would that mean Voom might come to 148 soon? (Get those divining rods and tea leaves out?)

[SeanKelly]

Just a quick note of thanks to the folks here for helping me out. The second dish is still pointing at 148, but I've got the DP Plus Twin in place and it's working just fine with the 942. OTA locals and Dish's HD channels look and sound great! I'll try to get the second dish re-pointed and add Voom next weekend.

You guys are the best! ^_^

[Mark Lamutt]

Glad we could help!