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May 01, 2006
A complex Satellite Distribution System
My problem was this. 5 Bell ExpressVU satellite receivers. One Free-To-Air (FTA) receiver, primarily used for receiving NASA TV. In order to feed all this, I have two satellite dishes. The first one covers 83° and 91°. The second one covers 119°. I need to get the Bell satellites to 5 receivers, and I need to get all three satellites to the FTA receiver. Here's a picture of my distribution system:
It's a little unclear to follow in the picture, so here's a schematic version that is a little clearer:
I have two SW44 switches to allow more than 4 ExpressVu receivers. The two SW44 switches are connected together using satellite-grade (up to 2GHz) splitters. The splitters I used have one DC path. Make sure that the DC path outputs are all connected to the same switch (it doesn't matter which one). The splitters then connect to a pair of classic 2x4 switches (sometimes called 3x4 because there's a third terrestrial signal input, which isn't used). Outputs 1 and 2 basically pass on the 13v and 18v outputs from the LNBs on the ExpressVu dish. The third output from the switches, along with the line from the 119° dish connect to a DiSEqC switch. The DiSEqC switch then connects to the FTA receiver.
That's it! 46 F connectors and a box of wire later! Make sure you use good quality connectors and cable. This many switches and connectors will degrade the signal strength, so you need to make sure you've got as little loss as possible. In my case, the signal strength dropped from around 90 to just over 80. Still very acceptable.
Tags: Satellite | Bell | ExpressVu | sw44 | switch | splitter | DiSEqC | FTA |
Posted by Ian at May 1, 2006 05:23 PM
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Comments
Hi Ian. I just read your page, good infos on there. The article i'm writing about is the one explaining how you installed your dish setup, and switches. Ref:http://www.broadbandpig.com/content/satwiring.gif
I was wondering for a few days if the setup i planned to install would work, but it seems it will work. I just bought a 9200 and i'm planning to get a 942 subbed with a friend in the states. Here is how i got it hooked up.. http://www.hidebehind.com/228DFB7A
Similar to your setup, i was kinda surprised when i found this page. Are you using legacy lnb's ? That's what i have and planned to use, but i dunno if it will work, or not. Thanks in advance, cheebster.
Posted by: cheebster at October 22, 2006 05:41 PM
Cheebster,
THanks for the kind words. Your setup is very similar to mine. I can't see any reason why it won't work. I'm using legacy LNBs (mostly because I have lots of them). You have the added complexity of a second DISH satellite which I don't have, so that's why you've got the extra SW44. With all of the connections, I would recommend high-quality coax, and invest in a compression-fit tool and compression F connectors. Good luck with your project - I'd love to see pictures of the setup!
Posted by: erazmus at October 22, 2006 08:22 PM