Setting up Stacker/DeStacker

[ScottT1980]

Ok guys, I realize most of the experts get sick of the splitting one signal ordeal. However, I haven't found a specific answer to this after an hour or so of searching. So, I apologize in advance as I know the information is out there.

So, because the way my townhome is set up, it is looking like stacking/destacking is my cheapest option (no crawl space, homes on either side, and very little non-shared wall to run a second line).

Do I have to purchase both a stacker and de-stacker? I already have a multswitch that is doing me no good, and felt like I saw a way to manage the situation using that and a destacker with a splitter? Obviously this is cheaper than a stacker/de-stacker fix.

Can someone point me in the right direction, or provide any information.

Thanks
Scott

[litzdog911]

Check out the stacker/destackers at http://www.solidsignal.com, including connection diagrams. You need both a stacker (to combine the signals into one feed) and a destacker (to separate them again).

Note also that stacker/destackers are really only cost-effective with single satellite dish setups (where you're just receiving the main 101-deg satellite). Solutions for multisatellite (3-LNB and 5-LNB dishes) get VERY expensive.

[Vin]

Do I have to purchase both a stacker and de-stacker? I already have a multswitch that is doing me no good, and felt like I saw a way to manage the situation using that and a destacker with a splitter? Obviously this is cheaper than a stacker/de-stacker fix.

Thanks
Scott
You need at least a single output destacker which would allow you to feed one tuner. If you need two feeds (as you would with a DTiVo) this would normally require a more expensive dual output destacker. This is where a multiswitch along with a high frequency splitter could be substituted and save you some money. Check out this great diagram from feldon23:
http://archive.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=1717053#post1717053

There's more info on stackers and destackers here: http://9thtee.com/dssstuff.htm

[ScottT1980]

How do I determine if I have a single or a dual LNB? I have only one bell looking thing, but two coax outputs. Would this be a dual?

I am getting prices on ebay for either the stacker (US575) or destacker (D575) at $39 each. Sounds crazy, especially for the stacker. Any opinions on its legitimacy?

I was thinking about making the switch to digital cable, but if I can get it this cheaply...

I have also seen a diagram using a high frequency splitter with two destackers downstream going to a Tivo. Is this legit (I would add the diagram, but my lost post count won't allow it)?

[JimSpence]

With two outputs from the LNB, you have a dual LNB.

For comparison.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=SUS575-T
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SD575

This is the dual destacker.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SD575D

Since you already have a multiswitch then you don't need the more expensive dual destacker. You can use the diagram that's in this thread.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=363243&highlight=stacker