Best Quality DISEQC switches for FTA problem when running multiple receivers

[angry.dot]

I have been living with a small problem with my satellite setup. When My CNX Nano2 is powered on, and my Limesat Ultra is also powered on, one of the 2 receivers loses signal. The signal meter actually shows it going up, then down, then back up, then back down. This causes the video to show for a few seconds, then freeze for a few seconds, then the video works again for a few more seconds, then it freezes, etc. This happens only on certain channels (I believe it happens when both receivers are viewing a channel on the same satellite, say 110 or 119). When I turn one receiver off, the one that is acting up automatically gets full signal strength again and works perfect.

I searched for answers to this problem, and found a few possible fixes here on satfix:

http://www.satfix.net/showthread.php?59894-Losing-signal-on-my-receiver - This thread seems to think the problem can be fixed with a new type of switch, or a grounding block.

http://www.satfix.net/showthread.php?38494-Install-Switch-away-from-Dish - This thread has a post which indicates a high quality diseqc switch could cure the problem. It specifically mentions a "Heavy Duty Cheita Diseqc", and an EMP-Centauri switch.

My CNX Nano2 and Limesat Ultra are both currently using Cheita WSD-3044 Diseqc switches.

I googled searched to find out what type of Cheita switches are available on the market. I found this website that sells 3 different Cheita Diseqc switches: hxxp://worldwidesatellites.com/switches-amplifiers-chieta-fta-switches-c-23_70.html

The switch I have, the WSD-3044 retails for $8.99, while the "Heavy Duty" WSD-2041 sells for $9.99.

Do the experts here think it would be worth buying 2 of these 2041 switches to see if it cures my problem?

I actually have a 3rd cheap diseqc switch connected to a Limesat HD Max. This cheap switch is a "Viewsat" switch (which is likely just a cheap switch rebranded). I dont seem to have a problem with the Limesat HD max losing signal when the other receivers are on though. The wiring is the same. I even switched around the diseqcs, setting the CNX to use the "Viewsat diseqc" but no change. I also tried the Limesat with the "Viewsat diseqc" and same problem still existed.

I understand that recievers send power (and tones?) over the coax line which causes these diseqc switches to "switch". It is my understanding that some receivers and some diseqc switch combinations are more "tolerable" than others.

My other option is to purchase a EMP Centauri diseqc switch. I see 2 models of these switches... A "P.164-IW" sells for $9.99 and the "P.164-TW" sells for $19.99 on the same website (URL to these switches is: hxxp://worldwidesatellites.com/switches-amplifiers-empcentauri-fta-switches-c-23_69.html )

I dont mind paying extra for a quality switch if I could be sure it would fix my issue (and possibly give me greater signal strength?). I will probably order 3 of the switches to replace all 3 of my existing ones. I am hoping some one here has real world experience using quality switches to fix problems similar to mine. I know its not always good to measure quality based on price either, that is why I am posting the question here in hopes someone knows which of these switches trulely are the best.

I see that the Cheita WSD-2041 actually has the lowest insertion loss of 1.5db... but no idea how accurate these "specs" are. Based on prices, I would expect the EMP Centrui P. I164-TW to be the "best" since its most expensive.

Perhaps my problem is not related to switches at all. But I thought Id post here and get some expert advice :)

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NOTE: All my switches are indoors

[JCO]

The problem is 2 fold, one is that you should use a grounding block. The second is the switches.. EMP makes a switch that handles 4 lnb's and 2 receivers 4 -2 ( WWSats seems to be sold out of that one) Personaly I like the emp better there were a lot of clone chietas.... I have seen the emp 4 by 2 in operation in many instalations and it has no issues even if not using a grounding block..

[angry.dot]

I found this diagram which closely resembles my setup. I use 3x4 Eagle Aspen switches (not Zinwell as in the diagram). And I only have 3 receivers actually connected in my house. 2 of my diseqc switches are the Cheita WSD-3044, and 1 is a "Viewsat" one.

http://www.galaxy-marketing.com/switch2.jpg


Where exactly to I put this funny looking grounding block device anyways?
http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/JVI/4-Way-Grounding-Block.JPG

I assume my system is properly grounded as I hired a professional installer to do it for me. But i Dont see one of these grounding blocks in my wire room where all the switch are.

Also, the worldwidesatellites.com website says the following about the EMP 4x2 diseqc switch:


4x2 Diseqc Switch - 4 satellite in / 2 output **Sold Out**
THIS MODEL IS DISCONTINUED. USE 2 SEPARATE EMP 4X1 DISEQC INSTEAD FOR SAME RESULTS AND LOWER COST.
So I guess I should order a bunch of the "P.164-IW" or " P.164-TW" EMP CENTAURI diseqc switches? Does it matter which of the 2 models I choose? The "P.164-IW" is half the cost of the "P.164-TW".

[riverman]

2 4x4 Zinwell switches work also instead of the 4 3x4 switches shown in the diagram in the case of 4 satellites.

[angry.dot]

Just updating this thread for archival purposes in hopes that someday someone else finds this information helpful.

The first thing I did was notice that my 3x4 multiswitches for 110 and 119 both had a single unused output port (the 4th output port). I bought some 75ohm terminators and terminated the fourth output on each multiswitch. I tested the problem again, and it was still present.

The next thing I did was purchase new Cheita WSD-2041 to replace my WSD-3044 diseqc switches. After installing these new switches, the problem was fixed! I can now successfully run both receivers on the same channel properly on my 119 and 110 satellites. No more signal fluctuations!!!

[blackwater]

Basically, the heavy duty Chieta switches are the only model they have that you should consider. And yes, EMP Centauri are probably more reliable (as are Spaun if you're feeling rich).

[angry.dot]

It looks like I was mistaken about this problem being fixed. Its back again.

I am going to start a new thread about the problem since this thread was asking about diseqc switches. The topic I need to discuss is signal fluctuations. I hope mods dont mind me starting new thread for this problem.