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RiseStar · August 10th, 2008, 12:12 PM

Multi Switch FAQ

What are multi-switches and how do they work?

Multi-switches are used to combine feeds from one or more LNBF's pointed at different satellites, such as on a DISH 500 or SUPER DISH system, which are then sent to the receiver. Because each satellite operates at an identical frequency range, it is not possible to simply combine the signals, they must switched instead.

Multi-switches can also be used to feed more than two receivers off a dual LNBF. When changing channels, a receiver sends voltage to the LNBF, instructing it to change polarization depending on what channel is on. For DBS LNBF's, polarization can be either left-hand circular or right hand circular. For the new FSS SUPER DISH systems, in addition to 2 DBS LNBF's, it also has a single FSS linear polarization LNBF, which uses either horizontal or vertical polarization.

There are six different switches is general use:

* SW21 connects 2 single LNBs to one receiver.

o Two SW21s can be used to connect 2 dual LNBs to two receivers.
o An SW21 allows receivers that support cascading to see an extra orbital slot when used in combination with a Twin, Quad, SW42, SW44 or SW64.
o Cascading an SW21 to another SW21 is not allowed.

* SW42 is exactly equivalent to two SW21s except that it uses different switching codes. See note below on cascading.

* SW44 connects 2 dual LNBs to (up to) four receivers. The receiver may identify it as an SW42 as mentioned in the manual. Except for the missing third LNB inputs, it is similar in operation to the SW64. See note below for more info.

* SW64 connects 2 or 3 dual LNBs to (up to) four receivers and is a "powered" switch. The power is supplied via an inserter, which can be placed indoors, near one of the receivers. It is inserted in the RG-6 coax line coming from the SW64 output port #1 (The one labeled "To Power Inserter"). The inserter must be inserted in the correct direction to prevent damage to the receiver. Follow directions and labels carefully, even a "pro" can make a mistake here. See: Stupid Installer Tricks.

* Twin LNB has 2 LNBFs and integrated switches in a wide housing, outputs for only 2 receivers. No external switches are needed for viewing 110 and 119.

* Quad LNB is similar to the Twin but has 4 outputs.

shadough · August 30th, 2008, 09:21 PM

These are what is commonly referred to as "Legacy switches" and are not widley used anymore. The new switch technology used by dishnet consists of the DP34 and the DP44 switch.

DP34 has 3 inputs for 3 satlite locations, an 4 outputs
DP44 is the same but w/ 4 inputs.

The DP stands for DishPro. There is also a DPP version of both switches (DPP44 for sure, not 100% sure there is a DPP34). DPP stands for DishPro Plus which is just an easy way of saying this switch is compatible w/ the DishPro Plus separator (basically a splitter that splits the signal into dual tuner receivers). Now w/ DPP switches, you'll need DPP LNB's. Just match the dish hardware, w/ the switch hardware.

The nice advantage w/ the Dishpro switches is the ability to daisy chain up to 3 switches, for a total of 12 tuners/recievers or w/ PLUS equipment up to a max of 12 receivers maxed out at 24 tuners.