I have a problem with switches i want to run to 3 rooms with my current setup. I have zinwell non external powered switch the ones with flexports on them can i use them? Any advice I have 3 dual output lnbs on c band rest ku?
I did the same thing back in the day when G10 (now G18) had the Equity mux on Vertical and 99W C-Band had the nets on Horizontal (this was before digital TV was the big thing)Fun Fact: You can, and I do, use single output LNBFs with a multiswitch if you are only interested in a single polarity on a satellite.
I think about when I had my Toroidal dish all I used were unpowered switches...and it worked fine back then
Some of those setups I had with multiswitch, diseqc 1.0 and Disec 1.1 switches all in line. Have no clue how the heck it would work
But then again the shear amount of wiring I had run too was nuts! I think when I moved out of the house I pulled about 800 feet of coax out (the bank took the house...they werent getting my cable)
Some passive switches only power the selected port, while other passive switches power all ports at all times. I have found that the majority of powered switches provide power to all ports at all times, but this is not a rule that is written in stone. Unfortunately, this information is usually not included in the spec sheets.
Yes, definitely. Most STBs have an automatic reset when the current draw exceeds a certain threshold. Many STBs prematurely fail because the current draw is at max draw 24/7. If you have 500mA + load the linear regulator ICs in STBs will be too hot to touch. Also important to remember that the current that will power devices at 18Vdc will be reduced and may not be able to power the same devices at 13Vdc.
Many years ago when we provided factory service and repairs for several popular FTA STBs, I remember one of the most common failures was a damaged regulator or the supporting components. The STBs were designed to provide 450-550mA and users were connecting them to Dishpro combo heads and stressing the ICs with 650mA+ loads. Manufacturers learned a lesson from these early predictable LNB power failures and now most STBs over-rate the LNB power regulators and have much more sophisticated protection circuits. It is rare nowadays to have a STB with a permanently damaged power regulator unless it is continually stressed with a draw just below the threshold.