Which satellite splitter to use???

[steingra]

Hello

I am thinking about hooking up more than one Cable and/or Dish receiver to the same incoming cable. I have seen various splitters like this
http://www.ramelectronics.net/HTML/r...llite.html#sat
or this
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...sku=C184-41021

I currently have a subscription to DISH network and am using an 811 HD receiver. And also am trying out Mediacom cable HDPak with their new Motorola 6412 receiver. And I have a DISH 510 receiver for the wife to use for her DVR stuff.

What I would like to do is this

incoming DISH signal-->
2 way splitter -->
--> DISH 510 DVR
--> DISH 811 HD

Can someone give me an idea of what characteristics I need to look for in a splitter to accomplish this? Or if you know a specific model number that would be awesome!!

****************************
Also I may want to do this too on my cable
incoming cable signal-->
2 way splitter -->
-->Motorola DCT2520
-->Motorola 6412 HD DVR


THANKS FOR AY HELP ON WHAT TO DO HERE!!! Would really like to have it done before superbowl sunday is here.

[stanger89]

You need to use a multiswitch for satellite. Probably either a DishPro+ DP34 or DP44.

Or actually, with only two boxes, what you probably need to do is run another cable down from the dish. You've probably got a DPP Twin LNBF on the dish now, which has a built-in multiswitch.

For cable, all you need is a splitter, just make sure it's rated to 1GHz+

[steingra]

Originally Posted by stanger89

You need to use a multiswitch for satellite. Probably either a DishPro+ DP34 or DP44.

Or actually, with only two boxes, what you probably need to do is run another cable down from the dish. You've probably got a DPP Twin LNBF on the dish now, which has a built-in multiswitch.

For cable, all you need is a splitter, just make sure it's rated to 1GHz+

I also found this site after a google search, does this site seem accurate?
http://www.hometech.com/learn/dss.html

Does it matter that I am getting HD and SD on my *cable tv* system?
i.e. Would a splitter still work OK on the mediacom cable since I am now getting the HD channels on it? If so that would be nice.

*********
Also, I have peeked up at the switch connected to the satellite and it looks like it has lots of connectors on it. Several are used of course. But I think some are free. Maybe I need to crawl up there and see a model number on the switch (or whatever it is exactly) Then I could look up some info on it...and also find out if I could just buy some cable myself and run a new line (or two) into the house from it.

I may want to purchase another DISH network receiver from ebay and hook it up. Of course I dont even know if thats legal??? Or maybe I have to pay DISH some extra $$$ to hook up another receiver. Im not trying to cheat them out of their money.

Just trying to figure out my options
Thanks

[steingra]

Originally Posted by stanger89

You need to use a multiswitch for satellite. Probably either a DishPro+ DP34 or DP44.

Or actually, with only two boxes, what you probably need to do is run another cable down from the dish. You've probably got a DPP Twin LNBF on the dish now, which has a built-in multiswitch.

For cable, all you need is a splitter, just make sure it's rated to 1GHz+

Something else I just remembered, is I have two DISH network "dishes" mounted on the roof. Since I subscribe to the *VOOM* channels, they had to hoist up a second dish on the roof for that, pointed at another direction. So I think the multiswitch (if that is in fact what it is) is combining the signals before sending into the house. I never got up there are looked closely at it. But now that I am considering adding more receivers...I am just trying to understand what options I have.

If I can do things myself, thats great. Dont get me wrong, I dont mind paying someone to do it either. But I like learning stuff so I can do it myself next time.

Do you know if its even possible to just buy my own receivers from ebay, and hook them up without telling DISH. Or do they have to charge me for additional receiver. I will do whatever is the right thing to do. Just wondered if you know how that works?

I thought I saw on their website where I could just have them send me a new/upgraded dish stb, without sending an installer?? But that would require I know what the heck I am doing. And right now, I dont

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by steingra

I also found this site after a google search, does this site seem accurate?
http://www.hometech.com/learn/dss.html

Doesn't look too bad, but seems kind of general and geared more toward DirecTV.

Here's probably all you'll need to know about setting up a Dish Network system:
http://www.solidsignal.tv/dishpro_installation.asp

Like I said, if you've only got one box now, assuming you've got a Dish 500 or Dish 1000 (HD) setup, you probably just need to run another cable down from the dish. The 500 and 1000 dish's support up to two boxes.

Does it matter that I am getting HD and SD on my *cable tv* system?
i.e. Would a splitter still work OK on the mediacom cable since I am now getting the HD channels on it? If so that would be nice.

No it doesn't matter, cable uses a certain set of frequencies regardless of SD or HD.

*********
Also, I have peeked up at the switch connected to the satellite and it looks like it has lots of connectors on it. Several are used of course. But I think some are free.

You kind of lost me there. Let's see if I understand what you've got:

ViP 811
Unknown dish

The 811 is one of their new boxes, which would indicate it's likely you've got a Dish 1000 system. If that's the case I'd expect one cable run from the Dish to the 811.

Maybe I need to crawl up there and see a model number on the switch (or whatever it is exactly) Then I could look up some info on it...and also find out if I could just buy some cable myself and run a new line (or two) into the house from it.

Do you have more than one box connected now? If not, I don't know why you'd have a multiswitch in the system (besides the one in the DPP LNB).

I may want to purchase another DISH network receiver from ebay and hook it up. Of course I dont even know if thats legal???

It's legal, you just need to call and activate it, and if the card's been used, I believe they make you get (or send you) a new one.

Or maybe I have to pay DISH some extra $$$ to hook up another receiver. Im not trying to cheat them out of their money.

You will need to activate the additional boxes, and pay the "mirroring" fee.

[stanger89]

I think we were posting at the same time.

Originally Posted by steingra

Something else I just remembered, is I have two DISH network "dishes" mounted on the roof. Since I subscribe to the *VOOM* channels, they had to hoist up a second dish on the roof for that, pointed at another direction. So I think the multiswitch (if that is in fact what it is) is combining the signals before sending into the house. I never got up there are looked closely at it. But now that I am considering adding more receivers...I am just trying to understand what options I have.

Ah, that makes more sense then. If setting up new, they install a Dish1000 that supports 3 orbital slots and 2 boxes all by itself.

Sounds like you've probably got a DP34 up there for the multiswitch. In fact, there's a really easy way to tell, go into the setup menu (6-1-1 IIRC) to the "Point Dish" menu and pick "Test Switch".

That page should tell you what switch you've got.

If I can do things myself, thats great. Dont get me wrong, I dont mind paying someone to do it either. But I like learning stuff so I can do it myself next time.

I know the feeling. If you've already got a multiswitch, and with three orbital slots I can't see it being at least a DP34, you should just need to run another cable down from the miltiswitch for the new box(s).

Do you know if its even possible to just buy my own receivers from ebay, and hook them up without telling DISH. Or do they have to charge me for additional receiver. I will do whatever is the right thing to do. Just wondered if you know how that works?

Like I said above, you can buy them from ebay, but you have to call Dish and activate them. If you're buying, I think it's much easier if you get a "non activated" box. With those, you just hook it up and call Dish.

They have to do something on their end to activate your box to decode your subscribed package.

I thought I saw on their website where I could just have them send me a new/upgraded dish stb, without sending an installer??

Yeah, you can just buy a box (either new or used) and hook it up yourself. Then you just have to activate it.

But that would require I know what the heck I am doing. And right now, I dont

The hardest part of setting up sat is really the pointing of the Dish, it's not that bad, just much easier if you have the right tools (which are pretty expensive).

Beyond that, it's not a lot different than hooking up cable, biggest differences is with satellite you've got 2 or 3 sources (orbital slots) so you need to use a multiswitch to "split" them instead of a traditional splitter.

[SHS]

Yup you got that rigth stanger89

[steingra]

I decided it would have been a lot more helpful if I had originally posted pictures.

I called a satellite sales company I found on the internet, the guy was saying I can hookup 4 receivers to my setup??? And from the initial reading I have done, it sure seems like I can hookup 4 receivers to this switch.

I have a DP44 here is a link http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/D...P44-switch.htm

Sooooooo...when I crawled up the ladder and snapped the pictures...I can see that there are 4 output ports, and only two are used. Which makes me hopeful that it is as easy as finding a used DISH 811 HD receiver, and another SD set top box...and then just hooking up the cables directly to the receivers.

Of course I have to buy some cabling, and a tool to crimp on the connectors. I make my own network cables...so hopefully an RG6 crimper isnt too $$$

And I have to figure out how to get the cables to where I want them in the house. Now that will be hardest part. Especially if I have to climb around on the roof. It just snowed here. Ick.

So what do you think now that you can see my setup? PS Make sure to zoom in on the pictures. They are pretty detailed. Should fill your screen and then some.

THANKS SO MUCH!

[steingra]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Here's probably all you'll need to know about setting up a Dish Network system:
http://www.solidsignal.tv/dishpro_installation.asp

WOW that is an awesome site!!!!! Thanks. Better than anything I found last night. Although I was actually ON that site, but didnt get far enough into it to see that information. COOL!

http://www.solidsignal.tv/dishnetwor...ence_Guide.pdf

Of all the ones shown in the pdf file above, On first part of page 4 looks similar to my setup...but I only have two stb's
Just thought this might help to visualize it some more.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by steingra

I decided it would have been a lot more helpful if I had originally posted pictures.

I called a satellite sales company I found on the internet, the guy was saying I can hookup 4 receivers to my setup??? And from the initial reading I have done, it sure seems like I can hookup 4 receivers to this switch.

I have a DP44 here is a link http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/D...P44-switch.htm

Yup, with a DP44 you can connect up to 4 boxes to up to for orbital slots. And if that's not enough, you can cascade multiple DP44s together to do more boxes.

Sooooooo...when I crawled up the ladder and snapped the pictures...I can see that there are 4 output ports, and only two are used. Which makes me hopeful that it is as easy as finding a used DISH 811 HD receiver, and another SD set top box...and then just hooking up the cables directly to the receivers.

Pretty much.

Of course I have to buy some cabling, and a tool to crimp on the connectors. I make my own network cables...so hopefully an RG6 crimper isnt too $$$

While you can spend a lot, you don't have to. You just need some quad-shield RG-6, and the good compression connectors (not the cheasy crimp or screw on ones).

IIRC Home Depot has a pretty nice tool kit (~$50) that comes with everything you need to terminate your own RG6.

[steingra]

Originally Posted by stanger89

While you can spend a lot, you don't have to. You just need some quad-shield RG-6, and the good compression connectors (not the cheasy crimp or screw on ones).

IIRC Home Depot has a pretty nice tool kit (~$50) that comes with everything you need to terminate your own RG6.

I will check home depot. Any idea if this Home Depot kit has the compression connectors? I suppose they must sell some RG-6 cable too will have to check tonight.

I am also wondering if I would have any problems activating a *used* DISH stb that I might buy from ebay? I would think there shouldnt be any problems, unless the person left a huge balance on the stb??? Dont know what DISH would say about that.

I called DISH telephone support and asked them if I needed a POTS phone line to activate a new (i.e. used stb from ebay) and they said I wouldnt.

I guess I am just a little hesitant to purchase another stb for like 100-125$ only to find out I cant activate because of any reasons....any thoughts on that?


Thanks again!!

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by steingra

I will check home depot. Any idea if this Home Depot kit has the compression connectors? I suppose they must sell some RG-6 cable too will have to check tonight.

I think it comes with 10. It's a "little" blue box, comes with some cutters, strippers and the compression tool.

I am also wondering if I would have any problems activating a *used* DISH stb that I might buy from ebay? I would think there shouldnt be any problems, unless the person left a huge balance on the stb??? Dont know what DISH would say about that.

I'm not sure of the procedure exactly, but I think it involves getting a new card if the box had been previously activated. I've never actually activated a box myself.

[SHS]

I belive Home Depot kit there not Compression Crimper they most likely the older Hex Crimp.

[stanger89]

No, it's definitely compression, it's basically this:
http://www.datasharktools.com/view_t...id=482&pid=267

But mine came in a fancy blue box (#70019)

Of course I've also got a set of Canare tools.

[steingra]

Originally Posted by stanger89

No, it's definitely compression, it's basically this:
http://www.datasharktools.com/view_t...id=482&pid=267

But mine came in a fancy blue box (#70019)

Of course I've also got a set of Canare tools.

I looked at lowes, its closer. But they didnt have a *kit*

They did have 2 types of tools. They had a compression crimper for 59$ and an older style crimper.
Does that seem expensive?

They had RG-6 Cabling. Two kinds. One was called like RG-6 Quad cable. It said it had 2x insulation and 2x protection. Was black in color. It cost 67$ for 500 ft. which is more than I need.

They also had RG-6 cabling that was cheaper (45$ for 500 feet) and looks like it didnt have as much sheilding/protection.

So I would guess that the 2x Quad cable would be better? What do you think?

I will go check at home depot tommorrow night for the kit.

Thanks again

[stanger89]

Yeah, you probably want quad shield cable, make sure you get quad shield connectors to. As for the crimper, it's not bad (price) but I think the whole kit I got an HD was about that. Either way, you will want a coax stripper too.

[SHS]

That nice to know but last time I was there they didn't have the Compression Crimper that about 4 mos back.

[steingra]

They had the datashark kit as mentioned, for 39$!!!! I was surprised it was that cheap! Thanks for the tip.
http://www.datasharktools.com/view_t...id=482&pid=267 this is the closet thing I could find on their website. I guess they dont list the kit anymore thats in the nice hard case that I got.

It says right on the front of the kit, that it works with RG6 and RG6 Quad Coax cables....what its doesnt say is exactly what kind of connecters it has in it?

How can I tell if they are standard type or Quad Coax type of connectors??? Do they look any different? ? But since the front side of the case does mention that it works with both, Im thinking it would be OK.

It has 10 connectors in the kit. Here is a link. From what I can tell, seems like these should work. If their advertising is true anyway http://www.datasharktools.com/view_tool.php?id=481


I see the instructions have a phone number and website, I will give them a call and see what they say also.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by steingra

They had the datashark kit as mentioned, for 39$!!!! I was surprised it was that cheap! Thanks for the tip.
http://www.datasharktools.com/view_t...id=482&pid=267 this is the closet thing I could find on their website. I guess they dont list the kit anymore thats in the nice hard case that I got.

Yeah, I don't know why they don't list it.

It says right on the front of the kit, that it works with RG6 and RG6 Quad Coax cables....what its doesnt say is exactly what kind of connecters it has in it?

They work with quad shield, I know that much

How can I tell if they are standard type or Quad Coax type of connectors??? Do they look any different? ?

Not really, I think QS coax is a bit thicker (because of the extra sheild), so the connectors are probably sized slightly differently.

But since the front side of the case does mention that it works with both, Im thinking it would be OK.

Yeah, you're fine, like I said they work with quad-shield.

It has 10 connectors in the kit. Here is a link. From what I can tell, seems like these should work. If their advertising is true anyway http://www.datasharktools.com/view_tool.php?id=481

Worked for me. I must have done at least 5 drops already because I used up the connectors that came with it.

[steingra]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Worked for me. I must have done at least 5 drops already because I used up the connectors that came with it.

OK. Well now I just need to buy some cable and wait for the temperature to go above freezing, and the snow on the roof to melt. Then I can crawl up there and hook the darn things up. Sounds like this kit was a nice deal.

I think I will just buy the cable from Lowes. They have an OK price for Quad Shield cable for 65$ x 250 feet. Plus they are only 2 miles away.

I have used these guys before. Their price is somewhat cheaper than lowes. They are asking 39$ for 250ft and 69$ for 500 feet. Shipping to me UPS is 12.95$ So thats 52$ vs ~72$ (after lowes dings me for taxes) But I want to make sure this stuff would be OK.

What says you? To me, it sounds OK. Swept tested to 3.2K, mentioned outdoor use.

http://search.cablestogo.com/?qu=quad%20shield

Thanks for all your help.