Advice on FRACARRO SWI 6908 Multi-switch

[BLUEPLATINUM]

I have just bought one of these second hand for use with quattro LNB, 1 x Sky+ and 4 x Sky box.

To my surprise it isn't mains powered. A similar model mentioned in FRACARRO documentation says "The LNB and multiswitch can be powered from a decoder" which I assume also applies to this model (surprising as it has built in suppoert for two LNBs and DiSEqC switching. All the outputs to receiver have a "DC" symbol with an arrow pointing from the receiver into the switch.

Can anyone advise if this is going to work with my Sky boxes before I bother to transport it back to Gran Canaria from the UK in hand luggage.

 

[A nonymous]

The SWI6908 does appear to be a receiver powered switch now i have had a chance to consult my Fracarro catalogue. Its not a switch i have come across before in honesty. The only receiver powered switches i thought that Fracarro did were the SWI516DC & SWI508DC, you learn something new everyday.

I'll be totally honest Its not the switch i was thinking of before i dug the catalogue out hence the adjustment to this post.

Its a nine wire switch of an old design ( Fracarro G2) and it does appear to 3-5dB of loss through the satellites which is typical for this type of switch.

It also uses DISEqC as its a nine wire switch. Sat A is would be used for 28e along with the UHF input and sat B can be used for another sat position.

If your using it for 2D its not really suitable as the signal will be quite weak out there to start with. It may be OK if its used in conjunction with an amplifier on the 28e inputs, but in all honesty you would be better off with another type of switch.

Avoid Televes stuff at all costs as quite frankly its s**te. If your only concerned about inputting one satellite i would have a look at the Vision V5 range, or if you require 2 satellite positions i would look at the Vision V9 range.

There are usually quite a few of these switches floating around on ebay, and they normally go for at least half their value.

Theres a brand new V5 switch on ebay at the moment on a buy it now of £45. Item number 150720928937. These switches have gain and also incremental outputs which allow you to ensure the receivers further away have the same power output at the end of the cable as the ones nearest to the switch. They also automatically setup the signal slope taking that out of the equation. They are one of the easiest switches going to setup.

If your buying them on the continent Vision equipment will be badged as Terra although its exactly the same stuff.

If the switch has to be receiver powered look at either the Vision Phantom Switch or the Triax TMPR switch, both are a lot better than the current offerings from Fracarro.

I can recomment the Triax TMPR as i have one in my house and it works perfectly. It replaced a Fracarro SWI508DC which gave me no end of trouble as it refused to work correctly with one of my Sky+ boxes.

In general Fracarro is good kit to work with but there receiver powered stuff leaves a lot to be desired.

Nano

 

[BLUEPLATINUM]

Thanks for your detailed reply. The switch is not for fringe reception so I will give it a try :-D

 

[satelliteman]

The 6908 and 6508 are part of the GII switchline cascadable range. They are an early line powered switch.