Uncommitted, committed, VBox II, and Pansat 3500SD question

[linuxman]

I have taken a look at several threads already written about uncommitted and committed diseqc switches, but if you remember the last time I asked a question about switches I can be really dense.

I just looked at the Pansat 3500, and it only supports 4 ports on a diseqc switch. It also has support for a 22Khz switch.

Currently I have 3 coaxes running from the BUD into the receiver. One is for C-Band, one is for Ku-Band, and one for DBS circular.

I have a 4th coax running to the receiver from a P* dish I had setup which is still there, just unhooked at the moment with a 1x4 diseqc switch on it at the cable junction box at the back of the dish.

I would like to use this P* dish and it's cable box as a central distribution point for at least 2 fixed P* dishes, maybe more.

Is it possible to use a switch of some kind, uncommitted, a 22khz switch, etc. to continue using the VBox II, and have multiple fixed dishes and the Pansat 3500?

The purpose for doing so, is to make switching to sats watched the most without having to move the dish.

Thanks for your input!!

Fred

 

[lumpkin666]

I'm not real clear on how you have things wired yet, but if everything works as-is and you just want to add a couple more dishes, you could certainly put a 22k switch after each leg of the diseqc (between the diseqc and the lnbf) to give you two more connections per diseqc port.

So for one sat, you'd select diseqc port 1 & 22k on .. the next you'd select diseqc port 1 and 22k off ... the next you'd select diseqc port 2 & 22k on .. the next you'd select diseqc port 2 and 22k off ... etc (up to 8 lnb's using 1 diseqc and 4 22k switches)

 

[linuxman]

Hey lumpkin666,

I think that would be a possiblity

Right now, I have a 1x4 diseqc at the receiver that goes directly to the VBox II and receiver. Currently 3 coaxes out to the BUD for C,K, and Circular with one port open.

I have a 4th coax already run, but not used which goes to a P* dish on the roof that has a 1x4 diseqc switch at the dish which is still there but not being used with only one port taken up. I want to set that dish up along with at least 1 more as stationary dishes, maybe more. (I have plenty of P*s and mounts). I could run all the other stationary dishes to that diseqc on the roof, and then in to the receiver.

I think I might have found my answer on Labgates site.

If I buy an Ecoda 22Khz switch, I could setup the motor/C,K,Circ diseqc on one side and this special switch will allow diseqc commands to pass through thus not disturbing the VBox II and current setup. I could put the roof diseqc on the other side, and setup 3 more dishes.

If I am incorrect about this, please Labgate or someone set me straight.

Fred

 

[Labgate]

Hello Linuxman

Is this what you are trying to do ?

If this is the case I don't see why it would't work. Only thing you must ensure you are using standard ku lnbs and not universals. If it works I could add it on my new site.

Labgate

 

[linuxman]

Hey Labgate!!!

That is exactly what I want to do.

I hope it works!! I ordered two of them earlier from off Fleabay!

One for each of my BUDs.

I only have standard LNBs. I got the idea from your site and went with it.

Thanks a bunch!!

Fred

 

[Labgate]

Great

I maybe doing a setup like this someday. I have been thinking about dropping my 922 for motor control and use a vbox-II.

I would then always use a vbox even when using my 922.

Maybe at the end of summer I could try it. Please keep us updated on the results.

Labgate

 

[linuxman]

I'll let you know as soon as I get the first one setup.

Fred

 

[lumpkin666]

Hey labgate, I have that same setup ... except that between the diseqc for the smaller ku dishes, I have an SG2100 mover attached to one of my dishes. Everything works great, except that the 22k ecoda switch passes the diseqc motor movement commands down both legs of the 22k switch. So basically both of my motors move everytime I select a sat the requires movement for either motor. Nobody has really explained to me why this happens, and if there is a way to fix it. So for now, I have both dishes moving in sync with eachother like a bad scifi movie.

 

[Labgate]

Hey labgate, I have that same setup ... except that between the diseqc for the smaller ku dishes, I have an SG2100 mover attached to one of my dishes. Everything works great, except that the 22k ecoda switch passes the diseqc motor movement commands down both legs of the 22k switch. So basically both of my motors move everytime I select a sat the requires movement for either motor. Nobody has really explained to me why this happens, and if there is a way to fix it. So for now, I have both dishes moving in sync with eachother like a bad scifi movie.

Hello

It's a good point.

I've already seen a discussion where someone explained that the real reason that diseqc commands pass through the switch is because there is a leak and everything passes on both ports.

So maybe that would explain it. Unless your receiver has a 0/12v switch I don't see how you can solve that problem.

Labgate

 

[linuxman]

Hey Labgate!

Got it all set up and it works slicker than a greased pig.

I laid it out just like in your diagram.

I have three stationary Primestar dishes setup on the 22Khz side with motor movement disabled, and one each on ports 1,2, and 3. I am using the original P* LNBFs each with 3x4 multiswitches and the diseqc swith for those three in a cable box on the middle dish on the roof.

The other side is setup just as before with the diseqc behind the receiver in the living room with three coax cables running from the roof to it. One powers C-Band, one Ku, and the other for DBS sats.

I will probably put up a fourth P* dish on that setup for the family. Then I am going to setup some stationary dishes for my setup.

What it basically did was allow the Pansat to control 8 LNBs on two different diseqc switches.

WooHoo!!

Thanks for the help.

Fred

 

[Labgate]

Excellent


Have fun !

Labgate