I got a new 9242 (dual-tuner HD PVR) to replace an aging 5900 (single-tuner SD PVR), but it requires two RG6 lines back to the switch. There is only one RG6 line now.

BEV installer wouldn't/couldn't run a second line because it was "too complicated" (it is a bit of a distance and would require fishing cable through walls which is not covered by BEV installation).

The dual-LNB satellite feed goes into the basement, into an SW44 switch, and the outputs of the switch distribute throughout the house into various receivers.

The installer suggested having an electrician come in with fishing equipment and run two new RG6 lines from the switch to the receiver. Trouble is that would be quite expensive, probably a couple hundred dollars for his time.

I know I can't just stick a splitter on the existing single line, but is there ANY way (through a special splitter or switch or some clever combination) to feed the two signals to the 9242 without running a second wire? Has anybody gotten really creative with this and have success?

Thanks for any suggestions.

It can be done but you have to change over to Dish Pro Plus equipment. Have a read through this thread http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=26721. Start from the beginning as it contains several diagrams of what you'll need. Also remember that equipment is not (yet) supported by Bell, so the Bell installer likely won't help you.

-Mike

Its going to be expensive either way
Pay the electrician to fish it, or pay for Dish Pro LNB's....
Call around some local alarm/satellite/electricians, to price out fishing the line, it may be cheaper than you think
Where is the receiver located? Main floor? Is the basement finished?

You need two lines. Simple as that.

You need two lines. Simple as that.
No it is not, if he uses DP equipment one line is fine with a DP seperator.

No it is not, if he uses DP equipment one line is fine with a DP seperator.

Not DP but DP Plus. A small, but significant difference. You can buy a DishPro Plus LNB and separator on Ebay pretty cheap. That's how I had to do it at my condo to avoid running the second line. It works very well.

As mentioned above, the link listed explains it very well. It's the first wiring diagram. Need more than one receiver, then you'll have to run another wire(s).

Congo

Sorry I left out the extra P, you are correct. The LNBs can be DP going to the DPP44 switch though.

Cheaper to buy the parts on ebay and get a DPP plus with separator. I'm currently running my 9200 with a DPP44 switch.

The DPP44 have gone up in price in past 5-6 months on ebay. You used to be able to get one for 30-40 bucks, not they are over $100. DPP twin lnb are still reasonable though.

I guess alot of expressvu customer are swaping there sw44's for dpp44's.

Are you guys really recommending “Sassan Sanei” order all new DPP LNBFs and switches, AND climb out on the roof in January? Not my idea of fun.

You may also wish to point out that DPP equipment is not officially supported by Bell.

It is his choice what he wants to do. Having options is what this is about.

It was pointed out by another poster that DP(P) equipment is not "officially" supported by bell
That being said
It does work
For now, who knows down the road
For all we know, his dish is mounted on a patio stone in the backyard, not on the roof, but we are providing him with options to get his system running with both tuners
I would run a second line (or pay someone to fish it, if I couldnt do it myself)
The choice is now his to make, now that he has some options

just to jump in on this thread about the dpp seperator.

i have switched to dpp stuff (twin dish 500 and dpp44). it works like a charm and i am really pleased. i hope it will be supported for a long time or else i have some more wiring to do!

anyway, my question:

i have two receivers in my living room. a new hd receiver (6100) and a 3100. my tv does picture in picture, which i would love to use and don't have a dual tuner. so.....can i take the run of rg-6 going to my one tuner, get the seperator and make a run to the other receiver? if so, it will allow me to do less wiring and free up a port on the dpp44 for elsewhere in the house...to be used some day i feel the need to use it!)

thanks

the dude

dudler,

No you can not use a separator for two receivers.

I will try to be a little more positive. So, let’s go back to the original post. The owner has a sw44 in the basement, which feeds “various (<=4) receivers around the house”.
How many receives? It had better be 3 or less, since the new 9242 will need 2.
If the new 9242 receive is on the main floor, just wait for the wife to go out, and drill a hole in the floor at the back of the TV. If the receiver is not on the main floor, things get a little more interesting, (and it sounds like this is your situation). Again, wait for the wife to exit the building, and start looking for routes from the basement to the second floor. Try looking for first floor cupboards that align up with the required room on the 2nd floor. You can run a white RG6 up the back of the cupboard and to the 2nd floor. No-one will see it, no need to fish into walls, the main problem is the fire blocking. If there is still no route, try looking for how the current services are supplied to the 2nd floor. Look at the central vacuum lines. It’s possible there is a route up the side of the vacuum tube. If this is a “no go” look for a cold air return on the second floor. Using the cold air return is not ideal, but can be done. Make sure you use plenum grade cable, or at least in-wall grade. I even installed the cables (Internet, phone, TV) in conduit sealed at both ends in the cold air return, just for safety. Avoid running the RG6 along side electrical lines, not good for safely and not good for interference.
I have wired my whole house by utilising a first floor coat cupboard on one side of the house, and a main cold air return on the other side.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

When changing from legacy dual lnb's with the Y-adaptor to DPP lnb does the dish or skew need to be adjusted or is the focal point the same? I don't want to spend too much time out in the cold LOL!

Just change the LNBs, don't change the skew/elevation
Then with your receiver, run a check switch, and it should recognize the new LNBs

When changing from legacy dual lnb's with the Y-adaptor to DPP lnb does the dish or skew need to be adjusted or is the focal point the same? I don't want to spend too much time out in the cold LOL!

The short answer is "they're the same". But, since the DPP assembly is somewhat heavier than the original dual LNB design, I found that the unit sagged slightly when hanging off the end of the arm. To get the maximum signal strength, I had to tweak the elevation slightly to compensate for the sag. You may not have that problem.

Good luck!

The short answer is "they're the same". But, since the DPP assembly is somewhat heavier than the original dual LNB design, I found that the unit sagged slightly when hanging off the end of the arm. To get the maximum signal strength, I had to tweak the elevation slightly to compensate for the sag. You may not have that problem.

Good luck!
This is absolutley false. If your dish "sags" then you have not tightened your bolts.

Now to the OP question.

Dual or single lnbs do sit a little different than a Twin or quad lnb. You may gain a few % on one bird and lose a few % on the other bird.

So you should be fine with the new lnb and "may" need to tweak when warmer weather comes. NOT because of "sag" though.

Q,

I said nothing about the dish sagging. It was the DPP LNB unit that was sagging. I couldn't tighten the single screw into the original plastic bracket any more without stripping it. There just isn't enough support in the plastic yoke to hold the DPP properly.

Congo