OK, Ku, 8-place switch and Amiko have me stumped.

[radio]

I'm back to feeling like I'm new at this hobby.

Dish 1: C/Ku motorized, diseqcs 1,2 C-band working fine, (Ku hardly used, seldom same aim as C)
Dish 2 C-band fixed diseq 3 seldom used, untested.
Dish 3: Ku on 103 Ku-Cozi/NBC diseqc 4 working fine
Dish 4: PBS on 125 ku-Diseqc 5 working fine!

Here's where the problem begins...

Dish 5: 72 WEST for NBC feeds, Diseqc 6, Pixelating badly at times, perfect at times.
I changed out the LNB, checked the cables, no improvement. So, with NBC only popping in now and then on 72, I scanned, and got "ghosts" of another satellite, on another BAND which shouldn't be possible! (101w C-band.)

By the way, the remainder of the setup is...
Dish 6: Unused--diseq port 7
Dish 7: Unused, formerly 97 West, diseq 8.
(all using diseqc 1.1 settings per the Amiko.)

To reiterate, I thought I'd scan 72 west to verify my location, but...when I scan 72 on the Amiko mini, I get "ghost" signals supposedly of MeTV, Heroes, etc from 101 on my screen! There are NO 22khz switches, there are NO broken or crossed lines, all my connections are checked. I didn't even move the 72 west dish from it's start position.

I've had this problem before with the fixed C-band dish #2 on input #3, so I just stopped using it. When I scan the fixed dish input, The Amiko seems to think it's looking at something different than my particular 3rd port scan, usually I see results related to recent channel selections on other functioning diseqc inputs. I'd love to be able to use the far left dish on 99, or 101 leaving the motorized dish for hunting. I'd also like my NBC back!

What in the "H" am I doing wrong? I've triple checked everything! See the pictures, the REAL Heroes channel is fine, reading properly, and the "imposter" shows up with totally different frequencies on a different port!

I'm actually so irritated that I'm toying with going back to subscription! I used to enjoy this, but as winter looms, when things go bad, I just have to put up with them! Today was a PERFECT day, tomorrow ok, too...but I have to get ALL the dishes tweaked, peaked, and working. This is West Michigan and I'm a confused FTA'er who's been at this now for many years.

Can ANYONE shed light on why the ghosting of other satellites through completely separate ports, cables and LNB's, and how I can get back to some sanity and finish this before snow?

 

[FTA4PA]

Maybe a failing diseqc switch? Have you tried putting the 72W dish on unused port 7 or 8? Or maybe try a new switch.

 

[radio]

Yep. tried that. This, by the way is the SECOND setup. Previous was a 22khz switching to two 4-place switches. Same bad reception and pixelating on 72.

I suppose I COULD order another couple of switches. I've been careful not to have anything powered on during changes of the system....but we ARE a place where our towers take hits of lightning constantly, I suppose a port could "blow" and we wouldn't know it...if not used that much. The 72 dish does aim more toward the towers. Maybe a couple Amiko 8's on hand wouldn't be bad. It WOULD eliminate guesswork. I have a "digiwave" 1.1 compatible 8-place switch here, but if memory serves, it didn't "talk" to the Amiko's needs.

Overall, I'm NOT impressed with running multiple dishes anymore, but less motorized monsters make me happy, (I thought.)

If it IS a switch, there isn't a good one out there that'll talk to 8 inputs. This is the brand same as the receiver. Tried one from another manufacturer, it wouldn't "talk" properly on the 1.1 protocol.

Really tries the patience of even the most enthusiastic of FTA hobbyist.

 

[FTA4PA]

Don't know what the other brand was you tried but the Amiko 8 port diseqcs are supposed to be great switches. Assume the switch is at the dishes? How long is your cable to it from the receiver?

 

[radio]

Switch is at the dishes. Length under 150 feet. We have a fiberglass waterproof box on the back of the motorized birdview pole where all cables come in to the protected switch. I'm really lost as to how a digital receiver can THINK it has an entirely different band coming in on a totally different switch and, for that matter LNB. Maybe it's time to throw the MicroHD back on...but I don't think it talks diseqc 1.1, does it? With what few things I have to scan in, I could.

 

[FTA4PA]

Switch is at the dishes. Length under 150 feet. We have a fiberglass waterproof box on the back of the motorized birdview pole where all cables come in to the protected switch. I'm really lost as to how a digital receiver can THINK it has an entirely different band coming in on a totally different switch and, for that matter LNB. Maybe it's time to throw the MicroHD back on...but I don't think it talks diseqc 1.1, does it? With what few things I have to scan in, I could.

That distance should be ok. Yes, I give the microHD a try. Don't have one myself but according to their website it should support 1.0, 1.1 and 22Khz (http://geosatpro.com/product)

 

[beavs2112]

Here's where the problem begins...
Dish 5: 72 WEST for NBC feeds, Diseqc 6, Pixelating badly at times, perfect at times.
I changed out the LNB, checked the cables, no improvement. So, with NBC only popping in now and then on 72, I scanned, and got "ghosts" of another satellite, on another BAND which shouldn't be possible! (101w C-band.)
To reiterate, I thought I'd scan 72 west to verify my location, but...when I scan 72 on the Amiko mini, I get "ghost" signals supposedly of MeTV, Heroes, etc from 101 on my screen! There are NO 22khz switches, there are NO broken or crossed lines, all my connections are checked. I didn't even move the 72 west dish from it's start position.
I've had this problem before with the fixed C-band dish #2 on input #3, so I just stopped using it. When I scan the fixed dish input, The Amiko seems to think it's looking at something different than my particular 3rd port scan, usually I see results related to recent channel selections on other functioning diseqc inputs.
Can ANYONE shed light on why the ghosting of other satellites through completely separate ports, cables and LNB's, and how I can get back to some sanity and finish this before snow?

hi radio sorry to see you're having problems with your FTA farm. My thought is a faulty 8 port diseq switch that is sticking on one port or another. I've heard of this happening rarely. The clue is you said you've experienced this problem on other ports. Have you replaced the 8 port diseq switch? I didn't see it mentioned in the list of troubleshooting steps. try bypassing the diseq switch with an f81 barrel connector and see if the problem is still there. (obviously after powering down for lnb & switch safety). If the problem still exists then you've at least eliminated the switch as the source of the problem. I'm not sure whether the switch is inside or outside so it might not be possible to bypass it easily.

Also I did some quick LO math and Heroes Cband 3953-5150=1197MHZ. Heroes "imposter" on "ku" is 11797-10600=1197MHZ. So it sounds like that sat position is set for ku universal not standard (maybe??).
good luck in further troubleshhoting
Kevin

edit: while typing my reply saw further posts that the switch is outside. then run a temporary line outside to the dish to bypass the switch. I'll bet its a faulty switch. I've heard really good reviews of both Spaun & EMP-Centauri switches if you're looking for alternatives to the Amiko. They are expensive and hard to source here in North America but worth it IMHO. a quick search found these places http://worldwidesatellites.com/emp-centauri-fta-switches-c-23 & http://www.spaun.com/?lang=en&bpid=usa&modul=products&categor

 

[radio]

Thanks! Will dig in more tomorrow on this...check the LNB setting, etc. Might resort to backup switch.....
and will definitely order a couple Amiko ones. I like having the system consistent if possible.

 

[KE4EST]

For sure sounds like a switch issue. Not had any body report any issues but it can happen. Let me know if you need anything Jim.

 

[FaT Air]

Had similar 'ghosts' of another satellite when a switch decided to go out. port 1 was slightly 'stuck on' and would get weak signals from it and any other port selected. Temporary fix was NOT use port #1, and added a 22khz switch to another port. (Ports 2 and up worked just fine) Added more dishes so deleted all 22khz switches and the 'bad' Diseqc and went the 8 port (amiko) route.
Now there's also an added multiswitch and a 22khz, but that's a different story.

 

[radio]

So I have someone who has experienced this, AND it points to switch! This is getting BETTER!

 

[FaT Air]

If I were of the wagering type, I'd put money on the switch.(being BAD)

 

[radio]

The non-amiko one I have may work, we'll see on Sunday....and order a couple backups of the Amiko brand.

Is there any kind of "tester" for these that would create the tone on the receiver side and show some kind of indication on the output side? Wouldn't that be nice? Especially if one had indicators one could put on each output then "direct" the input to each and have it show proper function.

I know, I'm dreaming.

 

[bigg t]

I had the same thing happen a while back. It was also an amico 8 port with an Amico A3. I ended up just switching to an unused port. I was having c band transponders scanning in on a motorized ku band satellite dish setup. Since switching ports I haven't had any more trouble out of it. By the way mine was only about 4 ft. from the receiver.

 

[radio]

So, which is the offending port? The REAL one that is functioning but ghosting, or the one that GETS the "ghost" signal in these cases?
I'm curious, and SO happy that it's not "just me."

 

[waylew]

Maybe try switching both the ghostee and the ghoster to different ports ?

 

[FaT Air]

whatever port that passes the ghost channels ifs most likely the bad port.

 

[Titanium]

Another thing to consider... If the ghosting continues when testing on other ports, check if services are on a LNB with very strong output and it is powered at all times. The isolation between the ports may not be adequate to attenuate the signal. If this is the problem, use a distribution method that only powers the device on the selected port.

 

[radio]

I wouldn't think it would be powered at all times, the little Amiko couldn't handle having 6 to 8 LNBs powered and still work, I'd wager....
The few times I HAVE wondered, I've switched to other LNB's and watched power go to zero on the one being metered. Been awhile, however. Nothing is beyond
the realm of possibility. This has to be hands-down the strangest problem I've ever run into with my little setup.

 

[Titanium]

Wasn't sure how you have everything configured or if there is power insertion for the multiple LNBs. If a second port is "ghosting", the unselected port LNB is receiving power.