[classicsat]

Gents,

My question: Can the OTA input be from a cable supplier as I've read elsewhere? The Cable supplier uses all Digital Cable boxes with no analogue channels or FM signals at all. If so this would certainly tidy up an install having both sources on one cable until diplexed at the Reciever / Cable Box.

Basically yes, so long as they don't use (or you will be using) above 800 Mhz or so, especially with boxes such as the DCx34xx ones that use MoCA for networking.

A diplexer should work with bi-directional RF communications, and might go down to 5 Mhz on the "antenna" side.

One additional thing that will not work over a diplexer is power injectors for mast mount pre-amps, since the injectors also filter out DC current; that being used in the coax for the needs of the satellite system.

 

[tico]

Thanks Classicsat. I wasn't entirely clear on that. One more thing that won't work for sure is IR remote extenders that use the coax to transmit pulsed DC (such as SmartHome whole-house distribution system with IR - as I have.) As you pointed out, the DC is filtered out by the diplexer.

 

[Millstone]

Jimsathome,

I might be off base here - Moose or 57 can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the diplexer will NOT work with bidirectional communications, such as a digital cable box (or cable modem). The return signal doesn't find it's way to the 5th input on the multiplexer.

Millstone,

A little more detail on your situation please. Reading your post it sounds like you have only 2 lines coming in from the dish and both are not connected - that sounds like you have no satellite TV. Just guessing here, but maybe you are referring to a dish with only two outputs going to multiple receivers. This is possible as well, but we didn't get into it here. If this is what you have and you really want to know how it works, we need to write "Stacking LNBF's 101"

I have 2 lines coming into the house that are connected to a 630. I'm wondering why you're referencing 4 lines coming in on page 1.

 

[-Jim-]

Millstone,

For a Multiswitch to work you need to connect all 4 outputs of the Quad LNB from a 60e or 75e Dish assembly for it to work.

Here's an image of a Direct TV version but the setup is the same.

You connect up to 8 recievers off the bottom on this Eagle Aspen Multi-Switch.

I understand there is a configuration that would allow 2 round dishes (each one aimed at a different Bird) to be connected as well.

 

[jbracing24]

I'm wondering why you're referencing 4 lines coming in

QUAD LNB's will have outputs for 4 lines from the dish. You have two for the 630. You have room for 2 more lines, if you wish. Beyond that you would need a multiswitch, all four lines from the dish to the switch and up to eight out to receivers.

 

[fatkev78]

This is kind of out there, but you're able to have 6 receivers on your account: so if all 6 were PVR's would you be able to setup 2 dishes with 2 multiswitches and have it work (using 12 of the 16 lines)?

 

[tico]

Yes, you can cascade multi switches (use 4 outputs from one as the 4 inputs to the other, and end up with 12 usable outputs).

I'm pretty sure that a splitter (or four of them) with 1 port DC pass could be used in this case to split the 4 lines from the LNBF and connect to two multiswitches without losing 4 of the outputs, leaving 16 usable outputs.

Also, for hotels, apartments, and such, there are multiswitch networks with 50, 100 or more outputs.

 

[zbroke]

Jimsathome: I understand there is a configuration that would allow 2 round dishes (each one aimed at a different Bird) to be connected as well

Yes I have such a setup with a PICO 5/8 powered switch.

 

[fatkev78]

Thanks tico!

 

[oil99]

530 and one coax

Hello all,

I've searched and read multiple posts on this including the current multiswitch ones and understand you need 2 lines for recording and watching something else. If you only have one line can you record the channel the 530 is currently tuned to?

I am replacing mine with a 630 but i do not have a multiswitch as my lines enter the house in different locations (PITA). Alternatively I understand i could put the multiswitch outside correct?

Thanks!

 

[QCK]

oil99, no, the 530 only records on the second tuner, so recording is not an option if you only have tuner number one connected.

You can put the multiswitch outside but really you still should have two lines from the output of the multiswitch to the 630. The 630 should be able to record with just the one tuner connected but I cannot confim this.

 

[oil99]

Thanks QCK!

Ya thats a bummer. But i do have 2 lines enter the house where the 630 is so thats all good. The problem is the other 2 lines enter on the other side of the house (older house with a finished basement so this is just the way it was). So I'd have to run lines on the outside of the house to add a multiswitch.

Cheers!

 

[tico]

Or... If it's not an HDTV on the 530 you could use the coax out (TV3/4) connection and run the signal from the 530 to the TV over the single, existing coax and locate the 530 closer to the dish where it might be more convenient. You probably will get some noise using that method but it's better than nothing if that's your other choice. You could also use a stand-alone distribution modulator and get a cleaner signal to your TV.

The UHF remote will work through walls for quite a distance, particularly if you use a length of coax to extend the antenna.

 

[jbracing24]

1) Does Shaw bring out the multiswitches when they install?

From my past experience, no. If you are purchasing a multiswitch through SD, they will ship it to you first and then ask you to call back when received to arrange the service call.

 

[Wazabi]

My question is similar. I have a 530 and a 505. I have ordered the 630 (reading here today, I see that I have to call "for the deal") My dilemma's are as follows:

if I opt to return the 530 for the 630, I should be fine for amount of lines.
if I opt to keep the 530+630 I will need a multiswitch?
if I opt to keep all 3, then I definitely need the multi switch .

My main problem I guess is that when the installer hooked up my sat, my 530 went through the crawl space and up to my living room, but the other line (505) was tied into a locked cable box located inside my garage. I believe this is where there is a splitter determining which outlet to be used (ie bed 1, 2, or 3). I do not have a key for this box. Do I just drill the lock out, or if I'm adding lines, I would need an installer anyways, and he should be able to open???

Thanks, still trying to determine if I need the 2 pvr's or not. Those who have a pvr in bedroom, is it used much? or more for lets watch the girls gone wild on hdtv before bed?

Btw hoping not to hijack this thread. sorry

 

[nick_canada]

Multiswitch for PVR's

Is there ANY chance of signal quality loss if you have to incorporate a multi switch into the mix? I am looking at one or two new 630 PVR's and if I go with two I would need a multiswitch. (I would run one 630 PVR, plus 2 505's; or 2 630 PVR's plus 1 505)

I might avoid adding 2 PVRs if the answer is yes there is a chance of signal quality loss. I would then just stay with one 630 plus 2 505's , and therefore not need the multiswitch. Any comments are appreciated!

Nick

 

[Moose57]

Only the old 2x2 and 2x4 non powered multiswitches degraded the signal and then not enough to worry about except in extreme conditions.

Current 4(5)x8 multswitches are POWERED and have a small amp to compensate for the insertion loss.
Normally about 7DB or so.

You should not worry about adding such a switch.

Due to the digital nature of the signalm as long as you a a miniscul amount stranger than what is required to decode the signal, then even the strongest signal will appear identical.

Why we strive for best EcbNo and signal strenth are on those occasion were the signal becomes naturally attenuated by weather and such.

The difference between what you have and when it drops the signal is often called rain fade margin.

 

[nick_canada]

Does Shaw Direct provide the multiswitch for a price? Or do you have to purchase elsewhere?

 

[zbroke]

Both. SD sells them and you can buy them online. Lots of folks (including me!) have negotiated a free switch while ordering their 630.

 

[frenchophile]

@nick: if you cannot negotiate a free switch, you will find great deals on-line. The Eagle Aspen 5x8 switch is advertised on SD's website for $99.99. I bought a used one on a popular auction website for under $25 shipped and installed it myself. looks and works great