2 Sat dishes, 1 DVR

[SSteve]

Lately, I've found it necessary to switch frequently between my KVH roof dish and the DTV tripod dish I use for back-up(every park provides a different challenge). I'm using the DTV DVR and everything works fine with either dish, the problem is switching between dishes.

I have a pair of short cables connected to the inputs of the DVR that come to the front of the overhead compartment so I can change to the necessary dish. This is getting old.

What I'm looking for is a simple switch that will:

1. Easily switch between the 2 dishes
2. Do no damage to the DVR or the LNBs.

Is there such a thing?

Thanks,
Steve

[charlie43]

Not sure what type of cables (short cables) you have, but they make A-B switches to change from one cable connection to another. Usually find them in Radio Shack for under $20. If you're using RCA type connections (Yellow, Red, White), they make switches for those as well. Just cost a little more. Hope this helps.

[SSteve]

Thanks Charlie.

I know about these type coax switches. My concern is that since the receivers in the DVR power the LNBs, might there be some arcing and sparking as the switch does it's thing? I want to be sure this easy solution doesn't do any damage to the electronics involved.

All of the cabling involved is RG-6.

Steve

[Route 66]

I use A/B switches on my 2 DirecTV DVRs (1 HD, 1 SD) to select my MotoSAT dish or my manually set up dish with no problems.

[wa8yxm]

That is a nice switch Route 66 uses.. I got a simpler switch

If you go to Google and input "Antenna Switch" with or without qutoes. The have one (An RCA slide switch) for 2 bucks.. That's what I use.

With a DVR.. You need two of them

With the receiver off hook it up, common (Switched) port goes to the LNB in on the reciever A port goes to the roof up A-bove B goes to a coonnector on the B-ulkhead or in the B-asement down B-elow

To switch from roof to tripod.. Hook up tripod cables.. Slap the switch over to "B" for Below, and Reset the DVR (Either menu to reset or push big red button near card)

To switch to Roof top slap over to A and reset.. Then take down the tripod.

This is actually SAFER than the way you do it now.

[SSteve]

Thanks to all for the info.

Quote:

This is actually SAFER than the way you do it now.

wa8yxm,

I'm just curious, what is the hazard in the way I'm doing it (other than high blood pressure from doing it).

I remove power from the DVR (as I assume you do as well) before making the switch and I have all of the cables clearly marked since the KVH cares about which cable connects where. Can you fill me in?

Steve

[StStg1]

I don't have a DVR, but I use an A-B switch to change from Cable/Antenna to SAT. I wired my TT for SAT using RG-6 coax and I wanted the option to receive both my Cable/Antena and Sat. In my situation, The Cable/Ant coax goes to one side of the A-B switch and the SAT coax goes to the other. The output from the switch goes to the TV(telvision not tow vehicle). Works great.

[Satman]

A good High Frequency A/B switch is fine but it may give you problems if you are using it for HD. HD satellite signal depending on the model of DirecTV receiver may require a B-Band filter. Make sure you put the B-Band filter ahead of the A/B switch.

Like everything we buy, the cheaper the price the porrer the quality. Use the highest quality switch available for Satellite input signals, especially HD signals.

[Born2RV]

Where do you find a high quality A/B switch for HD reception? Where can we purchase a B-Band Filter?

[Clay L]

I use a Radio Shack A/B switch (PN = 15-1217) I used for several years with my SD setup.
When I went to HD I recorded the signal strength of all transponders on all 3 satellites, added the A/B switch and compared the signal strength to what I had before. There was no difference.

If you need a B band upconverter Direct TV furnishes them free, If you are getting all the HD channels now you don't need it. Some HD satellite receivers need it and some don't. I have a H24-100 and a three LNB Slimline dish and I need one.