Swapping quad to octo LNB

Plascebo

Hi,

I have sky+ in one room and two standard boxes (multi-room), all working from a quad LNB (supplied and fitted by Sky).

I am wondering if it is just a simple case of switching the quad for a octo (like this: http://www.tvtrade.ie/octo-lnb.html ) and running cable to get free-to-air channels in 2 of the bedrooms, or would I need a qualified person to hook it up for me?

Cantona's Collars

Plascebo wrote: »

Hi,

I have sky+ in one room and two standard boxes (multi-room), all working from a quad LNB (supplied and fitted by Sky).

I am wondering if it is just a simple case of switching the quad for a octo (like this: http://www.tvtrade.ie/octo-lnb.html ) and running cable to get free-to-air channels in 2 of the bedrooms, or would I need a qualified person to hook it up for me?

Should be just a matter of taking off the quad and swapping it for the octo,make sure the fittings are the same-some might require and adaptor to fit it into the arm on the dish(also available on that site).Check if you need it before ordering the octo.

NB: if the LNB required for a dish was installed before June 2009 you will need to also purchase a Sky Legacy LNB adaptor. (Note MK3 LNBs used to have a 40mm Diameter)

zg3409

It should be relatively easy to do.

Remeber if your dish is old and rusty messing with it might be a bad idea. Also there are different versions of dishes supplied by Sky. There is more info on the link you supplied so read it and make sure you have the right type adapter (Mk1,2,3,4) before removing the old one.

Also buy some "self amalgamating tape" to waterproof the connections at the dish end, and a few spare F connectors.

Drilling the wall to get a new cable in is probably the biggest risk and climbing around in an attic etc.

Also RTE is not free to air from 28,2 so a combo box might be better suited.

If you enjoy that sort of think it could be a good challenge.

Plascebo

zg3409 wrote: »

It should be relatively easy to do.

Remeber if your dish is old and rusty messing with it might be a bad idea. Also there are different versions of dishes supplied by Sky. There is more info on the link you supplied so read it and make sure you have the right type adapter (Mk1,2,3,4) before removing the old one.

Also buy some "self amalgamating tape" to waterproof the connections at the dish end, and a few spare F connectors.

Drilling the wall to get a new cable in is probably the biggest risk and climbing around in an attic etc.

Also RTE is not free to air from 28,2 so a combo box might be better suited.

If you enjoy that sort of think it could be a good challenge.

Found a cheaper equivalent here

http://www.adverts.ie/satellite/sky-octo-lnb-8-outputs-brand-new-in-box/837678

But as you mention, my dish is fairly old and rusty, think I might be better off ordering the quad and getting an independent installer to fit?

For the 3 extra rooms that need connecting 2 would need drilling (other is in attic, would have no problem feeding cable from room to dish myself).

Would you have a rough idea how much an installer would charge for this, i.e. fitting the octo lnb and cabling for 3 rooms?

zg3409

Not sure on quotes. Try to get an installer through one of the resistered bodies and get a few quotes over the phone.

It might be worth asking them to provide the dishes etc, as they can get them trade prices. A solid dish will last longer than a rusty sky type dish.

Plascebo

zerks wrote: »

Should be just a matter of taking off the quad and swapping it for the octo,make sure the fittings are the same-some might require and adaptor to fit it into the arm on the dish(also available on that site).Check if you need it before ordering the octo.

Please excuse all the noob questions, but I only upgraded to HD and multi-room less than a year ago, so the installer swapped out to a quad lnb, if I were to change to a octo lnb would the chances be the installer would have used an adaptor, saving me the bother (extra heartache) of having to change it?

kbell

He/she probably did, to make the quad (mk4) fit your dish.
Can you post up a photo and someone will get back to you?

Plascebo

First time to try add pictures, so here goes

Plascebo

Can you tell from those pics if an adaptor has been fitted or should I take a close-up of the arm?

Liameter

I think you might be in luck. That looks to me like a very early Channel master dish, for which adapters are no longer available. But it has a "spigot" adapter that appears to be a (Sky) standard 37mm neck type. So a (Sky) OCTO LNB should fit.

Be sure to get a proper Sky one that's designed to "see" an oval dish. Watch out for the extra weight of cables bending the arm.

More info:
http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/lnb.htm#oval
http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/page10.htm

By the way, self-amalgamating tape is not required on later Sky LNBs, as they have a pull-down rain cover. Just fill the F plugs with silicone grease to protect the copper wires from moisture and the connections will last forever.

More info:
http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/boots.htm

It's possible with an octo that the dish elevation might go out of alignment due to the extra weight of the LNB.

Liameter

It won't if the bolts are tight but, as I stated above, "watch out for the extra weight of cables bending the arm".

The LNB is only fractionally heavier than a quad-output LNB.