Combining dishes for better signals?

[giraffejumper]

If you have 2 separate dishes pointed at the same satellite - is there a way to combine the signal strength from both for an overall better performance?
Would the switch automatically combine the signal even though they are in different ports or would you have to change settings in the receiver?
Or is it even possible at all?

 

[iafirebuff]

Nope, won't help any.

 

[Mr Tony]

not possible...sorry

 

[jerryt]

If you have 2 separate dishes pointed at the same satellite - is there a way to combine the signal strength from both for an overall better performance?
Would the switch automatically combine the signal even though they are in different ports or would you have to change settings in the receiver?
Or is it even possible at all?

If you have two dishes on like 97, and feel like experimenting, then this is how you would connect them;

hXXp://img443.imageshack.us/img443/6590/twodishsononesatellitegw8.jpg

 

[grusome]

While possible, it would create problems, if they are not exactly in phase with each other(not to mention powering the lnbs and tuning). The actual Antenna is tiny. It is inside the LNB feedhorn. The Dish only focuses the signal on the antenna element inside the feedhorn. The better solution is a larger dish which would provide a stronger signal to the element in the feedhorn.
grusome

 

[SatPhreak]

I have heard about it being done, but it involves using two LNA's modded to use one common LO, rg-11 cable (tuned to exact lenth from each LNA to the block downconvertor) and lots of fine tuning. Even still it only gained marginal signal. The guy who did it said it wasn't worth all the work, and that a larger dish gave him better results. I'll try and find link.

 

[SatPhreak]

Here is a link about combining dishes. It's kind of long if you follow all the links they are using. The Grail - Free to Air Satellite Forums (Asia Pacific)

 

[caddata]

...is there a way to combine the signal...

It's done with radio telescopes (monster sized dishes pointed towards deep space). Costs big money. Not practical for backyard dishes.

Harold