Two-dish install questions

[splish]

I am planning a Dishnet install, and I must use two dishes, separated by 15 feet or so, in order to see both Echo110 and 119. I already have the dishes and Directv type LNBs in my possession. I figure I will buy a DP301 at Walmart or somewhere like that and use two single LNBs. My questions: (1) Will the Directv type LNBs work with the DP301? (2) Will any kind of two-in one-out multiswitch work, or must I use a particular multiswitch? (3) Could I avoid buying a multiswitch by buying a Dish500 system and using the multiswitch(s) that comes with that system? All answers and advice appreciated.

[DoyleS]

The DirecTV LNBs should work. If you are using single LNBs then an SW-21 switch should work fine, I don't know whether the generic switches or the Directv switches would work. SW-21 switches are pretty inexpensive and can be had for $7-$20. The multiswitch in the Dish500 is built into the dual LNB and as such cannot be separated to a two Dish setup like you are describing.

..Doyle

[Mike123abc]

The DirectTV single dish with LNB will work just fine, get one to point to each satellite and get a SW-21 as mentioned above and you will be GTG for one DP301. With 2 SW-21s you can drive two recievers.

[splish]

Thanks for the excellent replies, guys. A couple of follow-up questions: (a) Just to double check, because I've read that you can't mix DP301 with non DP stuff, everyone is sure that a DP301 will work with DTV LNBs? (b) Mike123, I was under the impression that one could not drive two receivers with single LNBs, but I think you are saying not so, I can use one SW21 to combine the two signals from the two dishes, then use another SW21 to split the signal to two receivers. But what happens when I try to view two different channels on each receiver, both on say 119, and therefore both needing the same LNB? (c) If I have a dual LNB, but want to use it as a single, can I do so just by connecting the output cable to one connector on the dual, and leaving the other connector unconnected? (d) If anyone does indeed know if the DTV or generic multiswitches will or will not work I hope they jump in and answer.

[scooper]

We are ABSOLUTELY positive that you can use DTV LNB's with Dish equipment - the only exception would be the special SAT C LNB.

What Mike123 is refering to is the use of DUAL LNB's, as opposed to Single LNB's. A DUAL LNB has 2 outputs, the Single only 1. You can certainly use 2 Dual LNB's with a SW21 for each receiver - I'm doing this exact setup with my Dish500 Dish. If you want 3 or 4 receivers, then you would use a Dual LNB for each of 119 and 110, then use a SW44 or an SW64 to combine them. Also, for joining 2 slots, you must use the Dish Switches.

When you do get around to installing - aim each dish individually first, then put in your Dish Switch then run the "Check Switch" test. You must have a signal in your LNB's before these work.

If you have additional questions, ask away...

[BobaBird]

(a) DishPro receivers can be used directly with non-DP LNBs and switches. That inclues D* LNBs but not their multi-sat switches.

Non-DP receivers require an adapter if being hooked up to a DP switch.

DishPro and legacy LNBs and switches can not be mixed.

(b) What scooper said. One dual output LNBF on each dish. An SW21 will not split the signal - it is a switch that lets the receiver select a satellite.

(c) Yes.

(d) Generic multiswitches will give you additional outputs for one orbital slot. I had one until I upgraded to Dish500.

[dishcouple@earthlink.net]

Dish pro serise receivers like 301, 501, 721 and newer need Dish LNB's this is because of the 22mhz tone used by DISH to switch between satellites. I would not install it with directv LNB's (You will only get every other transponder. Better off geting one DISH 500 with twin LNB or A quad LNB for more than 2 receivers.

[scooper]

dishcouple@earthlink.net - please tell me how splish can use a TWIN or a QUAD when he is using 2 seperate dishes for 110 and 119...

IOW - READ the question...

I'm assuming splish is using 2 dishes because of a tree or other obstacle problem.

[dishcouple@earthlink.net]

sorry forgot the first sentance of the question, after reading all the responces

[Mike123abc]

I use 3 separate Dishes to recieve service from 119, 110, and 61.5. I have a 24" dish pointed at 119, a 24" dish pointed at 110 and a 35" dish pointed at 61.5. Each of them uses a Dual LNB, the standard non dish pro, and non twin. One of them happens to be a DirectTV one (the one on 61.5 because it fits the dish). So, in essance I have a mixed Dish and Direct LNB situation, and I assure you it works great.

They feed into a SW64.

If you only needed 119, and 110 you can get by with 2 way less expensive SW21. Each SW21 would connect to 119 and 110 and feed one reciever.

[splish]

OK, it's all becoming clear. Thanks. But Mike123, I'm still a little confused about the multiswitch hookup. Are you saying that I would need a dual LNB on the 119 dish, and another dual on the 110 dish, and then take one output of each LNB and put those into a SW21, and then take the other output of each LNB and put those into another SW21, and then feed each of two receivers with the output of a SW21?

[scooper]

No -

Let's say you have 2 tuners. You would hook 1 output from 119 and one output from 110, combine them with a SW21, then the output of the SW21 goes directly to your 1st tuner. DO the same thing on the 2nd set of LNB outputs, output of the SW21 goes directly to the 2nd tuner.

At no point can you take the output of the 2 SW21's and combine them with a 3rd SW21.

[splish]

That's what I meant to say, Scooper, although when I go back and read my post I'm not sure that's what I did say! In any event, I do understand now. Thanks to you and everyone else.

[Unregistered1]

BTW, Dish does not use a 22 Mhz or 22 Khz tone to select satellites. DirecTV does use a 22 Khz tone to select satellites.

Prior to DishPro, Dish used a proprietary communications scheme (sending data bits by toggling the LNB voltage) to talk to the switches.

With DishPro, Dish is using standard DisEqc 2.0 to talk to switches. Thus you can now use non-Dish-brand switches to hook up multiple LNBs. Except that such things aren't very common here yet.

DirecTV switches with 2 or 3 inputs can be used to multiply the number of outputs from one (dual) LNB. You can use these with lots of SW21's as one way to feed a lot of receivers.