HELP W/ AN A-B SWITCH FOR ROOF & EXTERIOR DISH

[OpaRon]

Not being an electrician "nor the son of an electrician," I need help buying the right switch. I have a dual LNB DirecTV dish on the roof (automatic, but not in-motion) and an external dish when needed. I want to be able to switch between the two by just selecting "A" or "B." I guess that means I need an A-B switch - but, and here's the problem, how do I find one with 4 ins and 2 outs?

I have a Wingard distribution box, and I plan to run a short line from the AB Switch (out) to TV1 and TV2. Then run both LNBs from the roof and the external dish to the 4 inputs on the switch.

There's not enough room for the AB switch in the AV compartment above the driver's side. I hope to locate the AB switch in a small outside compartment under the driver's window. The AB switch would normally be set for the roof dish. When needed, I would have to connect the external dish to the other inputs and would then simply push "B" to get the signal. (I do know to use termination caps when not using the 2 external inputs.)

Also, would I need to use something like quad-shield RG-6 for the short run from the AB switch to the two DircTv receivers (to help with Db loss?)

If this sounds like a Rube Goldburg design, please tell me an easier way to do what I'm trying to do. ANY help is appreciated!

[OpaRon]

Not being an electrician "nor the son of an electrician," I need help buying the right switch. I have a dual LNB DirecTV dish on the roof (automatic, but not in-motion) and an external dish when needed. I want to be able to switch between the two by just selecting "A" or "B." I guess that means I need an A-B switch - but, and here's the problem, how do I find one with 4 ins and 2 outs?

I have a Wingard distribution box, and I plan to run a short line from the AB Switch (out) to TV1 and TV2. Then run both LNBs from the roof and the external dish to the 4 inputs on the switch.

There's not enough room for the AB switch in the AV compartment above the driver's side. I hope to locate the AB switch in a small outside compartment under the driver's window. The AB switch would normally be set for the roof dish. When needed, I would have to connect the external dish to the other inputs and would then simply push "B" to get the signal. (I do know to use termination caps when not using the 2 external inputs.)

Also, would I need to use something like quad-shield RG-6 for the short run from the AB switch to the two DircTv receivers (to help with Db loss?)

If this sounds like a Rube Goldburg design, please tell me an easier way to do what I'm trying to do. ANY help is appreciated!

[John66]

My satallite dish didn't come hooked up, so I am just guessing. But couldn't you run the 2 LNBs from each dish into a signal combiner. Then you would only need 2 inputs (one for each dish). And your output should go to the Winegard switch, which would then provide signal to the the TVs in the rig. So only 1 output would be needed. And 2 input/1 output switches are very common.

If you don't use a distribution switch, you could use a signal splitter to get 2 cables from the single output of the switch. Or if you wanted to have a different signal to each TV, get 2 switches, one to select LNB1 from each dish and the other to select LNB2 from each dish.

By the way, watch out for those termination caps. They are basically a resistor. I put one on the end of a cable to be attached to a Digital TV box (wouldn't fit in the entertainment center, so attached/detached it to use it). First time I went to grab it, it was very hot. Apparently the power for the antenna amp added to the cable turned that resister into a micro heater...

[ROMAD]

OpaRon, If you are using a single sat receiver you only need to use one cable off of the LNB. I haven't seen an A-B switch with the proper connectors on it. The roof antenna and remote antenna connections in my coach are located in a compartment beside the TV (Winnebago) and you have to switch the antenna you want to use by switching between the two connectors. Not the easiest solution but very simple.

You can not use a signal combiner(/splitter) with a sat dish as the power for the LNB is provided by the receiver and would be blocked by the combiner/splitter.

[Bill Adams]

I use just such a setup except I switch between an in-motion dome for travel and my Datastorm BOW for stationary use.
You will need 2 A/B switches and simply push either both A's or both B's to get the signals from the 2 dual LNB's You will not need to run any special coax like quad-shield, any good RG-6 cable will do fine.
The Winegard Video Control center will not be in play for any of this cabling. These cables go to the Sat 1, Sat 2 input of the satellite receivers. Whatever connections you are currently using to connect the outputs of your receivers to the Winegard switch will remain the same.

[GaryKD]

Hi Ron,
We have similar coaches so, from memory, let me share with you what I did to get what you want.

1. Using only one roof top SAT lead, connect it to the Radio Shack Remote Control A/B switch, in connection.

I have never used the second lead from the roof top SAT dish. I have two receivers and they both work fine off the single lead.

2. Connect the "A" out lead from the A/B switch to the SAT in connection of the distribution box.

3. Disconnect the lead to the distribution box CAT/TV IN connection. Connect a short lead to the distribution CAT/TV IN connection.

4. With a Radio Shack approved for SAT splitter, connect other end of the lead from step 3.

5. Connect a lead from the "B" side of the A/B switch to a connector for the splitter in step 4.

6. Take the CAT/TV in lead disconnected in step 3 and connect it to the splitter mentioned in step 4.

Now you should be able to connect your portable SAT dish to the external CAT/TV connection. The distribution box stays on SAT for TV 1 and 2. The A/B switched is put on "B" when using the portable dish.

There is a danger here and it is why I purchased the Radio shack remote splitter. When one uses the CGs cable TV, power comes through the external CAT/TV connection to the coach. If set up for the portable SAT dish, this power could ruin the coach SAT components. The Radio Shack Remote Control A/B switch defaults to the "A" setting if it looses power.

[OpaRon]

Thanks for all your input. I learned a TON from all of your responses!

GaryKD, somehow I just KNEW that you would respond to my dilemma! I've seen enough of your posts to know that you have "an attention to detail" an love to "fix problems."

I think this is a "fix" which could easily be incorporated into new coaches, especially since so many CGs are "treed" to the point that satellite reception is problematic. Plus, so many of us carry tripod dishes for that reason. It should be really inexpensive for Newmar to add an AB Switch(s) somewhere in an outside compartment.

[FlyingDiver]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GaryKD:

I have never used the second lead from the roof top SAT dish. I have two receivers and they both work fine off the single lead.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That only works if you're only using one receiver at a time, or if both receivers are trying to get the same polarity signal (both even transponders, or both odd transponders).

joe

[Bill Adams]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have never used the second lead from the roof top SAT dish. I have two receivers and they both work fine off the single lead. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
This is not a workable solution if you are planning to use a DVR or if you want to be able to watch different channels on 2 different receivers.
Each receiver MUST have it's own lead from the LNB for complete (proper?) operation.

[GaryKD]

Hi Joe & Bill,
I do not have a DVR. I do have two receivers and they can watch different channels at the same time. I subscribe to DTV. I did this install about 2 1/2 years ago. It has worked perfectly since the install. I am working the Tampa RV Show and do not have time to relook at the install. Behind the components the cables are a real rats nest. My success might have something to do with using diplexers and splitters. I know I used several in the install. Maybe you will be at the Tampa show? I could show you the install.

[FlyingDiver]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GaryKD:
Hi Joe & Bill,
I do not have a DVR. I do have two receivers and they can watch different channels at the same time. I subscribe to DTV. I did this install about 2 1/2 years ago. It has worked perfectly since the install. I am working the Tampa RV Show and do not have time to relook at the install. Behind the components the cables are a real rats nest. My success might have something to do with using diplexers and splitters. I know I used several in the install. Maybe you will be at the Tampa show? I could show you the install. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Are you using DirectTV or Dish Network? If you've got the DishPro setup, I think that can be done with only one cable. If DirecTV, you must be using a signal stacker (like http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_disp...?PROD=SUS575-T or similar). All I know is, it can't possibly work 100% correctly using just splitters/combiners/diplexers. If the two receivers are tied together using a standard splitter to one feed, they can't get different polarities.

joe

[GaryKD]

FlyingDriver,
I am using Direct TV. Bill and you have already made your point. Can you extend me the courtesy of waiting until I can look at the install again?

[FlyingDiver]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GaryKD:
FlyingDriver,
I am using Direct TV. Bill and you have already made your point. Can you extend me the courtesy of waiting until I can look at the install again? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sure, no problem. I was just trying to point out the ways that it could be made to work with additional components.

joe

[GaryKD]

First things first. I do use both leads from the KVH roof top Dome. I extend my apology for being incorrect in my previous post.

It took a while for me to answer because I was co-hosting the Newmar Special Event at the Tampa RV Super Show. Unless it is free, I do not have Internet access, when living in the coach.

At the risk of creating more confusion the following is what I have. The bottom line is that I have:
1. two TVs
2. two Direct TV receivers
3. One roof top Sat dish
4. One portable Sat dish that I connect to the coach cable TV connection.
5. I run one one dish at a time. Either the roof top dish or the portable dish is receiving the SAT signal.
6. Each TV can receive any channel independent of the channel selection of the other TV.

1. From KVH Rooftop Dome
There are three Sat signal wires coming from the KVH. 2 are black and labeled RG6. 1 is gray and labeled CSA LL29779 CMG 75C FT4.
2. The Grey wire goes from the KVH Dome to the switch I use to turn the Dome on or off. It is connected to the computer port.
3. Black wire #1
This wire goes to the input of the "A IN"� of the A/B switch.
4. Black wire #2
This wire goes to the SAT side of a Radio Shack Diplexer (part # 16-2567)
5. Diplexer
In addition to step 4, the antenna side of the diplexer connects to the "To TV2"� (rear TV) connection on the distribution box. The 3rd wire on the diplexer is the front connection to the wire that runs to the rear bedroom TV. There is a diplexer at the other end of this wire, in the rear bedroom.
6. A/B Switch
The "A IN"� connection was mentioned above in step 3.
The "B IN"� connection comes from a splitter.
The "single output of the A/B switch goes to the TV1 (Main TV in Front of coach) SAT receiver.
7. The splitter mentioned in 6:
One connection goes to the "From Cable TV"� on the distribution box. One connection goes to the wire that comes from the external cable TV connection in the outside electrical cord bay.
8. Front SAT Direct TV receiver.
The input for this receiver is mentioned in 6.
The output of this receiver goes to the "SAT IN"� connection of the distribution box.