Diseqc Switch Quality

[equant]

I know this has been discussed before, but I was hoping to get current opinions on the best Diseqc switches. What is "best" to me? Ones that attenuate the signal the least, and ones that last.

I have one Diseqc switch that I got with a receiver that has withstood a lot of abuse, but impacts the signal quality. I have two switches that I bought from Sadoun (cheapies) that seemed to impact the signal less, but both have steadily lost ports over time.

Is there such a thing as a quality Diseqc switch? Is it worth money to spend more, or are they all pretty much equal? I'm not interested in paying a ton for a little return, but I am willing to not cheap-out if it makes a difference.

Thanks.

 

[SatelliteAV]

DiSEqC switches are definitely not created equal. Usually don't push our products on SatelliteGuys posts, but you might check out our GEOSATpro DiSEqC 4x1. We tested dozens before choosing this design. It withstood intentional hot patches and high current draws much better than other samples. I would suggest that any switch be placed under the eve or in an ABS junction box to protect the fittings from the elements.

For larger switching needs I usually turn to the Spaun products. Not cheap, Not inexpensive, but very reliable!

 

[Sadoun]

I have two switches that I bought from Sadoun (cheapies) that seemed to impact the signal less, but both have steadily lost ports over time.

What model did you get from us?

Our older model was S-DS41c or S-DS21.

The newer models we carry now (DS41C, DS41, DS21C, DS21) are much better (faster switching, and more robust) than the older model.

 

[Mr Tony]

Its amazing how one company can put out a great switch...then change the model and it goes in the crapper

Have a bunch of old DMSI switches. The ones where 3 ports on one side of switch and 2 on the other...work great
They switched to the one where all are on same side....blown port 4 in 3 of them and port 2 in 2 of them.....and yes I turn off the switch on ALL receivers that are in the setup before removing/adding switches

 

[Sadoun]

Iceberg,

We do have the four ported naked switch, the new DS41. It does not have the weatherproofing cover as the DS41C and should only be used indoors.

 

[AcWxRadar]

I don't mean to distract from the brands that our sponsors are displaying here, but before I knew you guys and tried your products, I was a fan (and I still am) of the Chieta HD DiSEqC 4x1 switch. Please don't confuse the "HD" nomenclature for High Definition, as that is not what it refers to. The HD here means Heavy Duty.

I experienced reasonably good luck with this brand, but I also must state that I used very few other brands beyond this. Most all switches that I did try, were either great and worked "forever" or they were bad right out of the box.

Of all the switches that I have experimented with, the Dish Network SW21 switch proved to be the most durable and longest lasting of anything else, but you cannot use it for most FTA receivers unless they have provided support for it in their programming. It is not a switch that is manufactured for the FTA market. However, if you happen to be able to utilize it, it is one switch that I can recommend simply based upon its durability. There are "knock-offs" that attempt to emulate the SW21 switch, but I don't trust them. I only trust the Dish Network labeled ones.

Because of the incompatibility issues with many FTA receivers, you must take my statements regarding the DN SW21 switches as purely a matter of interesting discussion and not as a recommendation.

RADAR

 

[meinename]

I don't mean to distract from the brands that our sponsors are displaying here, but before I knew you guys and tried your products, I was a fan (and I still am) of the Chieta HD DiSEqC 4x1 switch. Please don't confuse the "HD" nomenclature for High Definition, as that is not what it refers to. The HD here means Heavy Duty.

I experienced reasonably good luck with this brand, but I also must state that I used very few other brands beyond this. Most all switches that I did try, were either great and worked "forever" or they were bad right out of the box.

Of all the switches that I have experimented with, the Dish Network SW21 switch proved to be the most durable and longest lasting of anything else, but you cannot use it for most FTA receivers unless they have provided support for it in their programming. It is not a switch that is manufactured for the FTA market. However, if you happen to be able to utilize it, it is one switch that I can recommend simply based upon its durability. There are "knock-offs" that attempt to emulate the SW21 switch, but I don't trust them. I only trust the Dish Network labeled ones.

Because of the incompatibility issues with many FTA receivers, you must take my statements regarding the DN SW21 switches as purely a matter of interesting discussion and not as a recommendation.

RADAR

+1 :up

 

[equant]

What model did you get from us?

Our older model was S-DS41c or S-DS21.The newer models we carry now (DS41C, DS41, DS21C, DS21) are much better (faster switching, and more robust) than the older model.

It was indeed the S-DS41C (first pic). By the way, the "cheapies" comment was not about Sadoun, but about the switch. It was cheap and on sale when I got it. One went from 4 ports to 2 ports in very little time. The other went from 4 to 3, and hung there for quite a while, but recently dropped down to 2 working ports.

 

[equant]

Please don't confuse the "HD" nomenclature for High Definition, as that is not what it refers to. The HD here means Heavy Duty.

And all this time I thought I bought a Heavy Duty TV.

Thanks for the recommendation Radar (and meinename). I'll give a Chieta HD DiSEqC a try. I wish there was an easy way to test and compare these devices empirically.

 

[pedrogarcia]

This is the cheapy model DS41E 4x1 switch I have used for some 5 years with no problems even in intense heat providing it is shaded. It also handles the motor current draw. The weatherproof casing covers all the connections. Strangely the 2x1 model I found susceptible to braking down in intense heat and returning to life when it cooled

 

[JSJ]

I've had good luck with the chieta 4x1 switch.

 

[WTguy]

Add me to the Chieta hd fan club. I had been going through switches about one a year before at least one port would get blown (like Ice, I killed the power before making a change but still would blow one every now and then) until a couple years ago when I bought two Chieta's and they are still going strong. And the good deal (at least for me) is they did not cost that much more than the other brands or the Cheita regular.

 

[Mr Tony]

the old DMSI switches I have had for 5 years now with no issues
Heck one the back is all rusted to hell from being outside but still works great

 

[equant]

And what are people's thoughts about signal degradation? Any performance differences in this area? The one that Pedro showed I've looked at, but I think it was rated at 4db Loss. However, I don't know what other switches are at since sellers don't seem to disclose.

 

[meinename]

And what are people's thoughts about signal degradation? Any performance differences in this area? The one that Pedro showed I've looked at, but I think it was rated at 4db Loss. However, I don't know what other switches are at since sellers don't seem to disclose.

Chieta says 1.5dB insertion loss
*shrugs* take it for what it's worth.

 

[Cadsulfide]

I've had good luck with DP34's, they are built like a tank and seem to have some gain. they are current hogs, your receiver will run hot. Pretty cheap these days too.

I also have an EMP-Centauri 8x1 that works great.

 

[AcWxRadar]

I've had good luck with DP34's, they are built like a tank and seem to have some gain. they are current hogs, your receiver will run hot. Pretty cheap these days too.

I also have an EMP-Centauri 8x1 that works great.

Cad,

It seems that all the DP and other DN branded switches are built tank tough and last forever! I assume that they really want them to work and last a long time since they are selling them to their paid subscribers. Their customers would have a cow if they dealt with some of the switches that we have played with, I am sure! I am sure that this is the reason why they are so much more expensive, too.

RADAR

 

[WSInternational]

I guess I'll put in my 2 cents also... We've been selling the WS4120HD with good luck. I think after selling thousands of them, we've only had half a dozen or so come back.... It comes with water-proof box and is mountable either on a pole or wall.

 

[Blindowl1234]

I've used the cheapie's and had good luck. I have the switch covered from the elements which helps. I blew one last year by not turning off the receiver though. So I learned to keep a couple of spares, in case I have another moment of stupidity lol...Blind

 

[equant]

Can anyone recommend a place that sells the chieta 4x1? I've been reading that there are a lot of clones out there. I'd like to make sure I get the real deal.

Thanks