Multiswitches and Bandstacked LNBs?

[RedSavina]

I'm hoping someone (Anole and Iceberg come to mind) can help answer a question about using bandstacked LNBs with a multiswitch.

I am now able to grab a few signals off satellites at 129, 119, and 101 using my modified D500. Most of these are via my UL1 linear LNB, but I have also used a circular LNB to do the initial aiming (and to check NASA, etc).

Yesterday I swapped the UL1 for one of my Eagle Aspen bandstacked LNBs and got a few channels off 101. In order to use two receivers I am using an old DP34, but this limits me to 3 satellite inputs.

How can I get more than three satellites with bandstacked LNBs?

As I understand it, multiswitches require dual LNBs since one port is set to vertical and the other is set to horizontal. Since a bandstacked LNB is all vertical, I gather that a multiswitch could only be used on the vertical ports. If so, it seems a waste to go that route. Is there an alternative?

Thanks!

PS: I have read the multiswitch FAQ and think it's great! Many thanks to Anole, Iceberg, and the rest who put it together

 

[Mr Tony]

I'm confused on this

so right now you have a DP34 with 119, 129 & 101 KU going to 2 receivers and you want to add more LNB's...correct?

If you want to add a 4th LNB use a 4x4 multiswitch. You can plug one LNB into 13v, one into 18v, etc. Bandstacked doesnt know between H or V

edit: found a post where jerryt did 16 LNB's on one switch....can add multiple recievers
http://www.satelliteguys.us/free-air-fta-discussion/108023-16-satellites-one-diseqc-switch.html

 

[Anole]

big switch for bandstacked LNBs:

Not sure if I'm following you either, but...
Yes, JerryT (and others, including Iceberg) have written about using bandstacked LNBs on Multiswitches.
I'm not a proponent of that idea.
I believe JerryT in Florida was using PCI tuner cards, and could make up custom configuration files to handle the frequencies and switching needed.

Some FTA receivers are friendly to bandstacked the way DishNetwork does it.
Thanks to their hacking roots.
Getting them to work with the new LNB from Sadoun will prove ... interesting.

My main objection is to using only one input on a multiswitch for a whole LNB.
Talk about an ugly nightmare configuring a set top box! -
Certainly not for the beginner!.

More Inputs on a DP34: (edited to fix a technical inaccuracy)
I remember thinking about this last year.
I'm pretty sure I have some notes and drawings.
Don't think there was ever a reason to publish 'em , though.
(do a search on DP34 and my name and see what comes up)

If I recall, I was going to suggest two DP34's, which gives you six inputs.
Then, I was going to select between one output on each the two 34's with an Ecoda 22khz switch (for power carrying capability).
That would let you have 6 inputs and feed 4 receivers. (6x4 array)

I also considered 6x3, where one output on each DP34 was dedicated to a power input.

That's all I can recall just off hand.

edit:
One caveat - You don't want to connect not-bandstacked LNBs to the input of a DP34.
Why? Because you cannot share such an LNB to multiple receivers.

 

[RedSavina]

Sorry for the confusion! What I was clear in my mind did not translate very well to the written word.

I have only one dish in service for FTA right now - the modified D500. I have used this dish to scan programming on 129, 119, and 101 at different times. Eventually, I will add more dishes and be able to scan multiple satellites.

I only have the following LNB options: one GEOSATpro UL1, four Eagle Aspen P870, and one DN dual circular.

I have a DP34 switch.

FOR NOW, I want to view FTA programming with two different receivers. Based on that, i am using a P870 and a DP34. SOON, I want to view multiple satellites on these receivers. EVENTUALLY, I will use dual LNBs and standard switches so this issue will go away.

Anole - thanks for the reply. It looks like I will max out at 3 (or 6) satellites using one (or two with an ecoda switch) DP34.

Iceberg - thanks for the reply and link to jerryt's post. Good to hear that I can use bandstacked LNBs with a standard multiswitch. I thought with the voltage controlling polarity and bandstacking being all vertical that this wouldn't work.

 

[Anole]

Here's an old thread on using the DP34 switch.
Probably worth a read.

 

[RedSavina]

Awesome thread! I haven't come across that one before (not sure how I missed it).

In reading the questions about power insertion using a spare receiver I thought of my OTA preamp. It came with a small power inserter that plugs directly into the wall (wall wart). The label says it outputs 18VDC, 0.3A, and 5.4W. Not sure if that is enough to drive the DP34, but it sure works nicely with my OTA preamp!

I continually tweak and update my "dream" system diagram. Currently it lists 5 fixed LNBs and one motorized. It may be more economical for me to pick up two more bandstacked LNBs, another DP34, and a couple of 22khz switches. Hmmm. I've got some time since I don't have any larger dishes yet (and probably won't for a while since I am moving across country next summer). Still, I'm having fun planning and experimenting with what I currently have.

Thanks again for the link.