Need online info source

[Randy_B]

I am trying to help a friend troubleshoot an exsiting DirecTV installation. Big problem is you can't get to (without risking life and limb) or even see the dish! All we can tell is that there are two RG-6 runs coming down. It was never activated and when you hook a receiver to it you get a preview channel and such. He wants to hook up 4 receivers so I am looking to find out what kind of switches, etc that are sold for DirecTV setups. Can it see two birds, and integrate OOA antennae?

I have had Dish forever, so I know their stuff well, but DirecTV is completely new to me.

Can someone point me to a good online source for equipment descriptions and availability and some diagrams of installation options? Thanks.

I have looked around here and DBSForums, but didn't find anything with this info, maybe I just missed it.

[Lightnin1]

Just a thought. Have you considered trying to talk him out of the Direct System and going with Dish Network?:D

[Chris Blount]

Randy,

Here is a good place for wiring diagrams.

http://www.18inch.com

Scroll down the page and click on "Wiring Diagrams"

The diagrams are for Dish and DirecTV.

[Randy_B]

Jason, that would still mean having to climb up there! I am not sure another Club Dish membership would be worth it.

Thanks Chris. The diagrams will help immensely. Much appreciated.

[HTguy]

Randy,

If you can see Ch100 in the clear w/both drops & your friend wants 4 rcvrs all he needs is a standard 2x4 switch. They are available from a number of manufacterers such as DSI & Spaun and readily available at most electronic stores, inc. RS. (At RS they will have the "RCA" brand.)

[Randy_B]

Thanks for the help. We have that resolved now. But I have another question, when the cable from OOA is connected to the receiver (Hughes receiver) is it merely acting as a passive conduit and the OOA analog signal still has to be tuned at the TV (i.e. switching channels on the TV) or is the OOA signal integrated into the reciever somehow and tuned on the receiver? I am assuming it is the first and programming the locals into guide is merely for information and not channel switching. This is how the E* equipment works, again lack of DirecTV equipment exeperience is showing. Thanks.

[HTguy]

The OTA connection on D* rcvrs is just like w/ E*: it's a pass thru when the rcvr is off or you hit the SAT/TV switch. There's a modulator in the rcvr that outputs either sat or OTA on either ch 3 or 4.

The exception is those few IRDs that have TV tuners in them like the E* 5000 (I don't think there ever was a D* equivalent) or the new HDTV STBs w/8VSB modules.