[grasshopper]

C/P

all,
There are lot of misinfo floating arround, so I take some time to do a summary of DN lnbf/switch.

LNBF
1. Legacy:
a. single: called single legacy, one output.
b. dual: called dual legacy, 2 outputs.
c. twin: big fat lnbf, 2 outputs, has 2 SW21 switch built-in...****nnot use with FTA
d. quad: big fat lnbf, 4 outputs, has 4 SW 21 switch built-in.

2: DishPro...great for FTA and DP receivers
a. single: called single DishPro, one ouput.
b. dual: called dual DishPro, 2 outputs.
c. twin: big fat lnbf, 2 outputs, has 2 independent Diseqc switch built-in
d. quad: big fat lnbf, 4 outputs, has 4 independent Diseqc switch built-in

Remember..
single LNB...receives ONLY 1 satellite signal and has 1 output to ONLY 1 receiver
Dual............ receives ONLY 1 satellite signal but has 2 outputs for 2 receivers
TWIN....has built in switches..receives 2 sats AND has 2 outputs for 2 receivers
Quad... same as Twin but has 4 outputs for 4 receivers

Many people get Dual and Twin confused, so there are pics of each attached..they happen to be Dish Pro, but Legacy look similiar except for the DP logo..

Switch
1. Diseqc: 2 versions: 1.0 and 2.0. People having problem with 2.0 version
a. 2 ways: 2 inputs, one output. Switch up to 2 lnbfs....OK for FTA
b. 4 ways: 4 inputs, one output. Switch up to 4 lnbfs....best for FTA
2. 22khz switch: 2 inputs, one output. Switch up to 2 lnbfs.
3. 0/12v switch: 2 inputs, one output. Switch up to 2 lnbfs. (Note: 0/12v switch needs to be installed close to the receiver, therefore 2 cables has be run into your house)
4. There is no such thing as Diseqc 1.2 or 1.3 switch. The 1.2 and 1.3 (aka USALS) are for motorizing Diseqc h-h mount.
5. DP34. 3 inputs, 4 outputs. Can be used to combine a 2nd (61W or 148W)dish with DP twin or quad, so receiver will get signal from 3 sats.

Switch does not work well
1. SW21...not suggested with FTA's
2. Diseqc 2.0 version (either 2 ways or 4 ways).

Dish 500
1. with 2 separate legacy single or dual lnbfs.
2. with legacy twin or quads lnbf, no good.
3. with DishPro twin or quads lnbf, good. Need to use modified transponder list.

Setup:
1. Dish 500 with legacy single/dual lnbfs: use with any working switch stated above to switch between lnbfs. 2nd or 3rd dish can be added using Diseqc 4 ways.
2. Dish 500 with legacy twin/quads lnbf: replace the lnbf with single/dual lnbfs or DishPro twin/quads.
3. Dish 500 with DishPro twin/quads lnbf: good, controlled by Diseqc command using modified transponder list. 2nd dish can be added using DP34 switch.