Interesting Diseqc problem

[icstephen]

here's a little background, I have 3 dishes on a fortec classic NA receiver running through a Sadoun Diseqc switch and I have not done anything to my setup for at least a month. Well yesterday afternoon I lost IA5 (dead 0 signal), I checked the other 2 dishes and they are fine (g10r & IA6). I finally got around to looking at the set up today cable looked fine so I figured it would be easyest if I switch inputs on the diseqc switch first...I move IA5 from input 2 to input 4 and its back. My question is do these things usually lose ports or die all together? I have always turned off the receiver (completely) before changing anything and the switch is only about 4 months old...I am wondering if I have a bad switch? This is a sadoun one and it has the weather proof case + I have it out of the weather, has anyone else had problems with these switches? I have noticed that my signal strength has dropped on the other 2 satellites (in the last 30 -45 days), is it only a matter of time before it goes? Would another brand be better?

 

[Mr Tony]

I've used DMSI switches out in the MN winters for 3 years with no issues
(The back is all rusted on one but still runs like a champ)

 

[brentb636]

Somewhere I've read that DiseSC switches have a capacitive lockout on ports if they detect spikes, overload, spurious voltage, etc. The solution was to turn off the system and essentially put a shorted coax on the port to drain the capacitor . Several re-connects may be necessary, but some people say that it has restored their switches back to service. Probably worth a try !!

 

[LordAlex]

I had a two week old coolsat switch die..well one port, the one I had the linear line on. I replaced it with a DMSI since others here are having good luck with those. The weather was bad that day so a spike was possible.

 

[z4ccamaro]

I thought I had a bad switch a couple of times already. Some ports would work and one in particular wouldn't. I was about to try another switch,

First I unplugged the receiver and disconnected the coax in on the back of the receiver for a minute or so, then reconnected and plugged back in AC.
Worked like new !

This usually happens after a storm or power outage. Something about static buildup in the line. I'm glad I remembered reading about this before I replaced my switch. It's outside in an electrical junction box (not fun to change)

 

[icstephen]

Thanks for the info...I will try that when I put up another dish (#4), I am going to pick up another Diseqc switch the next time I order some stuff just in case this one dies. Here is another question with this switch, sometimes when changing channels it will show zero signal for a few seconds then the signal will pop up, is this normal?

 

[Mr Tony]

yes. Depends on receiver and what satellite you are aimed at

My Fortec Classic does that when I select AMC4..it waits a second or so then pops in

 

[Sadoun]

A couple of suggestions:

1- Make sure you terminate any unused ports on the switch by using a 75ohm F terminator.

2- Make sure you have the coxial cable and the dish both grounded.

 

[LordAlex]

I have the unused ports terminated. Whats the easiest way to ground the coax if it doesnt have that spare wire on the outside?

 

[SatelliteAV]

According to NEC code, if the dish is separately grounded it must be bonded to the common ground of the structure (where the ground block is also connected) using 10AWG or 6AWG depending on the application.

Failure to bond the dish ground to the common ground of the structure will result in a electrical potential, which could result in an increased risk of equipment damage and or electrocution. Chapter 8 to Article 810 Parts I and II

There seems to be much confusion between installers regarding the requirement of grounding the mast. Some articles suggest that it is mandatory while others suggest that the grounding block alone meets NEC. It is understood though, that improper grounding has the potential to cause even greater damage.

 

[PSB]

No confusion here

Just back from continued education to maintain my Technology Systems Contractor Licence!

Bonding the ground rod is a MUST

 

[Reinhold]

I am a retired master electrician.
According to NEC the equipment must be grounded to the service ground (the ground the grounds your electrical system0 at the closest point of entrance.This meens as soon as you enter the house with the building ground.This includes the shield on the RG6 cable.You can get a ground termination block at Radio Shack or Lowes or almost anywhere.
Reinhold.

PS: Grounding the shield will eliminate any interference from being passed to the cable.