Multiswitch cascading question (non MPEG4)

[Paul_PDX]

I currently have an 5x8 multiswitch that predates the 3 LNB dishes so it is not cascadable. (It distributes Satellite and a combined RF signal which include my OTA and modulated SD channels thruout my house).

I am getting a new 3 LNB dish and a 4x8 cascadable multiswitch and an HDTivo -- The new multiswitch does not have RF capabilities.

My question is will this configuration work:

a. configure my new dish to the 4 inputs on the new multiswitch
b. send 2 of the new 8 outputs to my new HD Tivo
c. send 4 more of the new 8 outputs to my old multiswitch
d. leave all of my old SD or RF equipment on coax from outputs of the Old multiswitch???
e. I would diplex one of my old multiswitches outputs to get HD RF to the HDTivo.

I currently have 8 coax runs to my equipment room so to summarize I would use:
a. Two runs from New Multiswitch to the HD Tivos SAT inputs.
b. Two runs from Old Multiswitch to my SD Tivos SAT inputs.
c. One run from my Old Multiswitch to a Diplexor using RF output to my HD Tivo.
d. One run returning modulated SD video out from my SD tivo or HD Tivo (two different channels I realize SD will only output from the HD tivo when I select SD output only).
e. And I still have two coax runs free for the future.

If I understand right cascading is only needed as you go toward the dish so the farthest out equipment (from the dish) never needs to be aware of teh newer dishes capabilities.

[Arcady]

Why don't you just use the old multiswitch, since it doesn't look like you have more than 8 tuners? A non-cascadable switch will work fine with a triple LNB dish, as long as it has four inputs.

If you do have more than 8 tuners, then you can plug the old switch into 4 outputs of the new switch (as you described.)

[JimSpence]

If your old 5x8 switch is indeed not cascadable, you can make it into one by adding 2 22kHz signal generators to the Sat B inputs of the 5x8. Otherwise you will lose the 110/119 sats on that switch. You can also get a 5x8 cascadable switch.

[phox_mulder]

I have a similair question.

I currently have a round dish with what I believe is a 2x4 multiswitch ziptied to the back of the dish.


I am getting an HR10-250 and an oval dish,
3 LNBs with the integrated 5x4 multiswitch delivered sometime this week.

I will be short 2 outputs on the new dish, so will need to cascade with the old switch.

Since the HR10-250 is the only one that cares about the extra satellites, I'll hook it directly to the new dish,
can I then hook the other two outputs to the old switch to feed my original recievers?

I didn't want to climb up on the roof to see what model of switch it was, but it was all installed within 9 months ago, so it is whatever came with standard installation.
I can climb if need be.

I really don't want any extra costs to incurr, ($100+ switches) so worse case scenario, I'll just install the new dish by itself, and just hook the HR10-250 to it, and leave my original setup as is.

Oh, I ran a seperate cable for my UHF antenna to get off air HD to the reciever when it arives,
so no diplexing for me.

thanx

phox

[JimSpence]

Since you need the extra lines from the new dish anyway, just have the four lines run into the house. Then inside you can connect your 2x4 switch to two of the lines for the regular receivers. This future proofs your setup for when you may need all three sats on other receivers. Replace the 2x4 with a 4x8 (connected to all four from the dish).

[phox_mulder]

Only problem with that is none of my lines enter the house at the same place.

Every reciever is in a different room, finished house, so the cable enters the room through the outside wall of that particular room, so the switches need to be right by the dish, if not physically on it.


phox

[JimSpence]

You should consider relocating the coax lines so that they do enter the house at the same place. Think ahead for future changes.

[Paul_PDX]

Thanks all for the suggestions --
I had forgotten all about 22khz tone generators. That really is the ideal solution for me for the long term.

[phox_mulder]

You convinced me.

Ordered a Terk BMS-58 5x8 multiswitch today, $79, should be here Monday.
Two extra outputs for future expansion.

3LNB dish arrived yesterday, picked up 200ft of RG-6 today, standing by with my crimping tool.


phox