A/B Switch

[Shark1959]

I have both a VS 9000 and Nanosat Premium and was wondering if I could take the feed coming from the diseqc switch via RG6 to a A/B Switch and then choose which receiver to send the signal to? Says me from having to unscrew the cable from one receiver and putting it on the other. I don't see why it wouldn't work. Thanks for the input.

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[StanW]

That will work but the receiver that you are switching to will have to be powered of when making the switchover - failing to do so will probably result in a fried switch .

Why not use the loopout port on the receiver ? That's what they're designed for ( not the vs ultra) - only one receiver can be powered on at a time when using this setup.

[Shark1959]

That will work but the receiver that you are switching to will have to be powered of when making the switchover - failing to do so will probably result in a fried switch .

Why not use the loopout port on the receiver ? That's what they're designed for ( not the vs ultra) - only one receiver can be powered on at a time when using this setup.

Thanks for the info Stan, I've included pictures of the rear views of both the 9000 and the Nano I found online. So all I do is loop out of the 9000 (the connection directly under the DISH in) and from there into the "SAT in" of the Nano? Does it matter if they both have power on or will one just not connect?

Curious why you can't use the VS ultra DISH in from say the 9000?



Cheers :)

Shark1959

[StanW]

You would connect it in the matter you described. Only one receiver can be powered on at a time - this has to do with the current being passed on to the lnbs (13/18v depending on pol of the channel that you're on). You can leave both receivers on if on the same channel.

Vs ultra port was designed for passing thru antenna signal - using it for sat cable thru can/will damage the receiver.

[Shark1959]

You would connect it in the matter you described. Only one receiver can be powered on at a time - this has to do with the current being passed on to the lnbs (13/18v depending on pol of the channel that you're on). You can leave both receivers on if on the same channel.

Vs ultra port was designed for passing thru antenna signal - using it for sat cable thru can/will damage the receiver.


Hi Stan:

Well I finally got all the pieces together that I needed, including an old HP 5800 SFF PC to run RQ, it sits on the TV stand perfectly under my 60" Sony and its not really noticeable, like those tall towers.

Anyway in regards to what I had written last month, I noticed that while setting everything up, the loop out connection directly under the Sat in connection of the 9000 has the loop out connected to the 8psk module. I also noticed that the connection has the word TV with a slash through it, as you can see in the photo with my 3rd post above.

Not wanting to blow anything up, seeing as how I've gotten this far, I'm asking the stupid question. I'm guessing that I use the loop out to the right of it?

Actually that brings me back to my days long ago in tech school, there's no stupid questions, only stupid mistakes. :)

Thanks again Stan.

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[StanW]

I am not familiar with the 9000 but I would say that the port with the tv crossed is intended to pass sat signals ( in this case to the 8psk) .
Easy to verify if the 2nd is a loopout port - simply measure the voltage (with receiver powered on) it should be 13 or 18v . Maybe someone with one of these receivers can give us their feeedback.

Looping out of the 2nd receiver won't work in your setup ?

[Terryl]

I think it would be better to go with a 4x4 switch, and a second coax ran to the second receiver, that way the receivers can be on different transponders and satellites, using the loop output your stuck to what ever the main receiver is watching as they can/could be on at the same time, (well some can) but the slave receiver can't switch transponders or look at a different satellite.

Also on some LNB's there is a second output (but not on the legacy LNB's) for a second Diseqc switch and receiver.

This all depends on your LNB's.

[burnsy]

Well the proper way to correct this issue is by first disconnecting both units from the power then remove all coax cables from both STB's tie both power cables together loop the cord around your neck then remove all your clothing and run around the exterior of your home yelling "ET come home" for 10 minutes after which you will find all the channels you need working just fine on the county jail TV

[Shark1959]

I am not familiar with the 9000 but I would say that the port with the tv crossed is intended to pass sat signals ( in this case to the 8psk) .
Easy to verify if the 2nd is a loopout port - simply measure the voltage (with receiver powered on) it should be 13 or 18v . Maybe someone with one of these receivers can give us their feeedback.

Looping out of the 2nd receiver won't work in your setup ?

My sole purpose for doing this was to have the option of not having to fire up the PC if I wanted to watch the satellite. The receivers are not in separate rooms but, both on my TV stand under the TV. If I wanted to watch a program in HD, then I wouldn't have a choice of which receiver I was going to use.

So Stan your saying if I use my multi-meter to measure the voltage being outputted from the loop out connector (the connector next to the TV with a slash through it) and I get the reading you mention above, I should be ok to get the signal to the Nano as you say in your earlier post?

All my LNB's are dual and I do currently run two diseqc switches, one goes to my loft where my large TV is and the another feed to my computer room where I test and play around with the receivers before bring them upstairs to run on the big TV. :)

Failing that I go back to my original idea of a simple A/B switch and be sure I have the power off to both units before using the switch

Thanks guys for taking the time.

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[ranger]

I have used an A/B switch for many years without a problem ... The A is a Limesat Ultra and the B is a SV 360P using a motor ... I simply flip the switch for the one I want, that's it ......(both receivers are always on)

[Shark1959]

I have used an A/B switch for many years without a problem ... The A is a Limesat Ultra and the B is a SV 360P using a motor ... I simply flip the switch for the one I want, that's it ......(both receivers are always on)

What is the manufacturer of your A/B switch. I see some switches are actually specified for use with satellite receivers. Thanks.

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[StanW]

Be careful - as stated previously ; using the wrong switch/ lnb/ ab switch can potentially damage your equipment .

[Terryl]

The switch must be rated to 2.5 GHz, and be of the NON shorting type, the A/B switch used for CATV or off air TV antennas will not work, they do not have the necessary frequency range.

What that means is that it breaks contact with the first output before making contact to the second output, or a break before make, the guys at ratshack will be stumped with that one.

You do not want to short the two receiver's LNB inputs together while switching, as one receiver could be on a different transponder (a different DC voltage) then the other.

Some receivers may be able to take that, others cant, they are all different, what works for one, may not work for others.

Thats why it's safer to switch the recivers totaly off before switching the signal inputs from the external switches and LNB's, as some Diseqc switches do not like that, and will/could pop.

[Shark1959]

Be careful - as stated previously ; using the wrong switch/ lnb/ ab switch can potentially damage your equipment .

Thanks Stan I sure don't want to fry anything.

As mentioned in post 9, all I want to do with this is not have to unscrew the cable from one receiver to the other.

Is this correct? You say I should use my multi-meter to measure the voltage being outputted from the loop out connector (the connector next to the TV with a slash through it) and I get the reading you mention above, I should be ok to get the signal to the Nano as you say in your earlier post?

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[Glatt]

I use an A-B switch with remote control from radio Shack! I do not switch off any receiver with no problem! The reason I switch from my Nfusion HD to the B switch is setting up someone's other new box!

[Shark1959]

The switch must be rated to 2.5 GHz, and be of the NON shorting type, the A/B switch used for CATV or off air TV antennas will not work, they do not have the necessary frequency range.

Here I thought this would be a simple thing :)

I was looking at this Eagle Aspen A/B Switch, it only states 1GHZ and not 2.5. This is what they state about it:

"High isolation A/B switches feature 1GHz bandwidth and a minimum of 74dB EMI isolation. It contacts improve switch continuity and ensure consistent RF performance. The inactive port is self-terminating to reduce signal leakage. Features high port-to-port isolation."


Originally Posted by Terryl:

That's why it's safer to switch the receivers totally off before switching the signal inputs from the external switches and LNB's, as some Diseqc switches do not like that, and will/could pop.

So your saying then, as long as I always make sure to shutdown the receivers via the rear switch on both units, just to be safe and then switch the A/B switch, I would be OK. This won't happen often, as I don't watch a lot of TV but, it just saves on the hassle of pulling the cable feed and swapping them when I do.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, this is great.

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[Terryl]

Here I thought this would be a simple thing :)

I was looking at this Eagle Aspen A/B Switch, it only states 1GHZ and not 2.5. This is what they state about it:

"High isolation A/B switches feature 1GHz bandwidth and a minimum of 74dB EMI isolation. It contacts improve switch continuity and ensure consistent RF performance. The inactive port is self-terminating to reduce signal leakage. Features high port-to-port isolation."



So your saying then, as long as I always make sure to shutdown the receivers via the rear switch on both units, just to be safe and then switch the A/B switch, I would be OK. This won't happen often, as I don't watch a lot of TV but, it just saves on the hassle of pulling the cable feed and swapping them when I do.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, this is great.

Cheers :)

Shark1959

Wrong type of switch, the self terminating type will ground the receivers LNB input, thus putting a direct short on it, that could damage it beyond repair.

This switch is for off air TV only.

[Shark1959]

Originally posted by Terryl

Wrong type of switch, the self terminating type will ground the receivers LNB input, thus putting a direct short on it, that could damage it beyond repair. This switch is for off air TV only.

OK how about what I wrote here in my last post then instead: "So your saying then, as long as I always make sure to shutdown the receivers via the rear switch on both units, just to be safe and then switch the A/B switch, I would be OK. This won't happen often, as I don't watch a lot of TV but, it just saves on the hassle of pulling the cable feed and swapping them when I do."

Alternatively is there a switch you know of out there that I could buy that fits the requirements you specify?

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[Terryl]

They are hard to find and not cheap, you would have to try and Google for one.

If you turn the receivers off then the shorting type would work.

Most have found that the problems and possible damage involved is not worth it and use a 4x4 satellite switch, if you have legacy LNB's then you can get a EMP switch.

Look at this line of switches.

http://www.emp-centauri.cz/products.php?page=products&id_kateg=5

[Glatt]

Bought switch on ebay for $10.0018847

[StanW]

Bought switch on ebay for $10.0018847

Didn't you say that you bought your switch at ratshack ? Make up your mind ..

[Shark1959]

I believe he meant its a unit from the Rat Shack Stan but bought from Ebay. :)

Cheers :)

Shark1959

[ranger]

The A/B switch that I have been using for many years came from Radio Shack .... I have also used an A/B/C switch the A for one fixed receiver on 97w B for Motor receive and C for regular outside Ant .... Lol