LNB, LNBF, Diseqc, Multiswitch... I'm lost!

el_greco

Hi guys,

I wonder if you could help me. I have a dish with 4 single output LNBs, fed into a 4x1 Diseqc switch that goes into my receiver. All good so far...

I am looking to distribute the signal from the 4 lnb's into 4 receivers, so all four can receive channels from the 4 satellites. What way can I do this? Is there such thing as a 4x4 Diseqc switch that can work with my existing setup, or do i need a multiswitch? Will the multiswich work with my lnb's or do i need lnbf's?

Thank you in advance

watty

You need Quattro LNBs (not Quad*). Each has four outlets. A regular LNB can only feed one receiver no matter what you stick on it.

A multiswitch simulates a 4 way Diseqc for each outlet. You need 4 x 4 inputs = 16 in for four way.

A 16 in 16 out is economical. OK, you will have 12 unused outputs for later expansion


(* Though some Multiswitch can use at least one quad)

unless your LNB has flange and separate bolt on horn it is an LNBF.

The Cush

el_greco wrote: »

I am looking to distribute the signal from the 4 lnb's into 4 receivers, so all four can receive channels from the 4 satellites. What way can I do this? Is there such thing as a 4x4 Diseqc switch that can work with my existing setup, or do i need a multiswitch? Will the multiswich work with my lnb's or do i need lnbf's?

An additional 3 DiSEqc 4x1 switches with Quad LNBs may be a cheaper if untidy option. A 16 input multiswitch can be a little more expensive e.g here & here.

Do a google search for multiswitch 17/.

watty

Not much in it and then if you need to add a PVR or have 3 x PVRs instead of 4 ordinary sat's you're in Trouble.

If you use 17 x16 EMP centauri Multiswitch (under €120 i think) you can use 1 x Quad and 3 x quattro, or 4 x Quattro. The 17th input is for optional Radio/TV/DTT/CableTV. Then you use a 950MHz sat/TV splitter at the set box/TV.

I did have 1x Disqec 4 way and a spare Quad, so I nearly went the route you suggested Cush. I'm glad I didn't as I later got a pair of DVBs-2 PCI cards cheap for a PC based HD PVR.

This is cost reduced version
http://www.emp-centauri.cz/products.php?id_kateg=6&id_pkateg=34&id=267

Mine has option for one Quad (thus a bank of DIP switches) and mine has gain adjustment on each input. 28.2E is is on Port1 so that Sky box works.

Spaun might be cheaper than Triax SMK 17169 F (16 IF in = 4 x Satellites. 16 out)

The Cush

watty wrote: »

If you use 17 x16 EMP centauri Multiswitch (under €120 i think)

A 17/16 for less than €120 would be great value and a centauri at that (a link if you have one). I was looking for a 5/8 recently locally and they were over €100.

el_greco

Thanks for the replies guys. I get the main gist of it now, although some of it is still too technical :-)

Are all multiswitches power supplied? If it is the case, then will it need to be mounted indoors, with 16 cables coming in?

If i decide that from the extra 3 receivers, 2 of them can survive just with one feed, from the quad(or quattro?) sky lnb, and the third one to have all 4 feeds, then I suppose my best bet would be an extra disecq, right?

watty

There are outdoor Multiswitches. Mine is indoor in the shed the dish is mounted on.

If you are using Diseqc switches, you need Quad LNB, not Quattro. It's up to you which route you go. I'd spend a bit more and future proof with a Multiswitch.

Also I've had two Diseqcs fail. Quattro LNBs for Multiswitch have no switching and are alleged to be much more reliable than Quad LNBs.

The Cush

el_greco wrote: »

If i decide that from the extra 3 receivers, 2 of them can survive just with one feed, from the quad(or quattro?) sky lnb, and the third one to have all 4 feeds, then I suppose my best bet would be an extra disecq, right?

Yes extra DiSEqC switch and Quad LNBs (1 Quad and 3 Twin output LNBs would also suffice although the price difference between quad and twin these days is negligible, quads are probably the best option and allow you to multifeed the other 2 receivers in future without upgrading the LNBs).

Quad LNB v Quattro LNB - What is the difference?

el_greco

Thank you guys for the info. I might just go with an extra diseqc for the moment, and save up for a new rig in the future