Thread: Diseqc Switch Quality

I know this has been discussed before, but I was hoping to get current opinions on the best Diseqc switches. What is "best" to me? Ones that attenuate the signal the least, and ones that last.



I have one Diseqc switch that I got with a receiver that has withstood a lot of abuse, but impacts the signal quality. I have two switches that I bought from Sadoun (cheapies) that seemed to impact the signal less, but both have steadily lost ports over time.

Is there such a thing as a quality Diseqc switch? Is it worth money to spend more, or are they all pretty much equal? I'm not interested in paying a ton for a little return, but I am willing to not cheap-out if it makes a difference.

Thanks.

DiSEqC switches are definitely not created equal. Usually don't push our products on SatelliteGuys posts, but you might check out our
GEOSATpro DiSEqC 4x1

. We tested dozens before choosing this design. It withstood intentional hot patches and high current draws much better than other samples. I would suggest that any switch be placed under the eve or in an ABS junction box to protect the fittings from the elements.

For larger switching needs I usually turn to the Spaun products. Not cheap, Not inexpensive, but very reliable!

Originally Posted by equant

I have two switches that I bought from Sadoun (cheapies) that seemed to impact the signal less, but both have steadily lost ports over time.

What model did you get from us?

Our older model was S-DS41c or S-DS21.





The newer models we carry now (DS41C, DS41, DS21C, DS21) are much better (faster switching, and more robust) than the older model.

Its amazing how one company can put out a great switch...then change the model and it goes in the crapper

Have a bunch of old DMSI switches. The ones where 3 ports on one side of switch and 2 on the other...work great
They switched to the one where all are on same side....blown port 4 in 3 of them and port 2 in 2 of them.....and yes I turn off the switch on ALL receivers that are in the setup before removing/adding switches

Iceberg,

We do have the four ported naked switch, the new DS41. It does not have the weatherproofing cover as the DS41C and should only be used indoors.

I don't mean to distract from the brands that our sponsors are displaying here, but before I knew you guys and tried your products, I was a fan (and I still am) of the Chieta HD DiSEqC 4x1 switch. Please don't confuse the "HD" nomenclature for High Definition, as that is not what it refers to. The HD here means Heavy Duty.

I experienced reasonably good luck with this brand, but I also must state that I used very few other brands beyond this. Most all switches that I did try, were either great and worked "forever" or they were bad right out of the box.

Of all the switches that I have experimented with, the Dish Network SW21 switch proved to be the most durable and longest lasting of anything else, but you cannot use it for most FTA receivers unless they have provided support for it in their programming. It is not a switch that is manufactured for the FTA market. However, if you happen to be able to utilize it, it is one switch that I can recommend simply based upon its durability. There are "knock-offs" that attempt to emulate the SW21 switch, but I don't trust them. I only trust the Dish Network labeled ones.

Because of the incompatibility issues with many FTA receivers, you must take my statements regarding the DN SW21 switches as purely a matter of interesting discussion and not as a recommendation.

RADAR

Originally Posted by AcWxRadar

I don't mean to distract from the brands that our sponsors are displaying here, but before I knew you guys and tried your products, I was a fan (and I still am) of the Chieta HD DiSEqC 4x1 switch. Please don't confuse the "HD" nomenclature for High Definition, as that is not what it refers to. The HD here means Heavy Duty.

I experienced reasonably good luck with this brand, but I also must state that I used very few other brands beyond this. Most all switches that I did try, were either great and worked "forever" or they were bad right out of the box.

Of all the switches that I have experimented with, the Dish Network SW21 switch proved to be the most durable and longest lasting of anything else, but you cannot use it for most FTA receivers unless they have provided support for it in their programming. It is not a switch that is manufactured for the FTA market. However, if you happen to be able to utilize it, it is one switch that I can recommend simply based upon its durability. There are "knock-offs" that attempt to emulate the SW21 switch, but I don't trust them. I only trust the Dish Network labeled ones.

Because of the incompatibility issues with many FTA receivers, you must take my statements regarding the DN SW21 switches as purely a matter of interesting discussion and not as a recommendation.

RADAR

+1

Originally Posted by Sadoun

What model did you get from us?

Our older model was S-DS41c or S-DS21.The newer models we carry now (DS41C, DS41, DS21C, DS21) are much better (faster switching, and more robust) than the older model.

It was indeed the S-DS41C (first pic). By the way, the "cheapies" comment was not about Sadoun, but about the switch. It was cheap and on sale when I got it. One went from 4 ports to 2 ports in very little time. The other went from 4 to 3, and hung there for quite a while, but recently dropped down to 2 working ports.

Originally Posted by AcWxRadar

Please don't confuse the "HD" nomenclature for High Definition, as that is not what it refers to. The HD here means Heavy Duty.

And all this time I thought I bought a Heavy Duty TV.

Thanks for the recommendation Radar (and meinename). I'll give a Chieta HD DiSEqC a try. I wish there was an easy way to test and compare these devices empirically.