Multi-Sat setup re-using existing terrestrial cabling

P

PABS

Member
My Satellite Setup
None as yet - considering options
My Location
Buckinghamshire, UK
Hi,

Am just trying to configure my first satellite install. Unfortunately, we've had a new floor laid, and I cannot run any new cables through to a receiver, so am looking to share the existing rooftop aerial cabling...

I am intending to install a single dish (Triax 64) with a multi LNB holder, and two LNBs to pick up both UK on Astra 28.2E, and Germany on 19.2E. I recognise there is 10 degrees of separation between these signals, but I'm only interested in the stronger channels, and reading around, the consensus seems to be that a 64cm dish should be OK in South East England.

I'm planning to combine the two LNB signals through a DiSeqC switch, and then link into the existing aerial cable close to where it enters the house, using a Diplexer.

Then at the aerial point by the Receiver, I'll use another diplexer to split the UHF and Satellite signals again, and run the satellite signal into a Technisat Receiver, using the internal DiSeqC capability to manage the two LNB signals.

As I said, this is all new to me, so wanted to check if I've understood the fundamentals, or whether I'm likely to hit problems with this set up?

Am I missing anything? Am looking at Black Ultra LNBs to keep the signal clean, but again reading around not sure if they warrant the expense, or whether some cheaper midrange LNBs will be perfectly acceptable...

Any comments, corrections and contributions would be much appreciated, before I go shopping! :)

Pabs.
 
The weakest link will be the section of single screened cable (I'm making an assumption that it is single screened), how much this will affect what is received by the receiver, will depend on the length of it. You can buy a diplexing outlet plate to replace the existing socket. _http://www.satelliteandaerialsupplies.com/product/?s=global-triplex-outlet-plate-wptv-fm-satuk-tvfmsat-3-output-
 
Thanks for the quick response rolf!

I don't know much about the existing cable, so also suspect it's going to be cheap and unshielded. To minimise the impact, I'll run good quality cable from the Diseqc switch, parallel to the existing aerial cable, until just before it enters the house, and probably only combine them there. It's then about 5m internal, to the outlet point...

Fingers crossed this won't degrade the signal I'm starting with too much?

Nice tip on the outlet socket, thanks - nice and tidy approach, and I wasn't even aware of it!

Paul
 
Certainly worth a try, will be interested to see the results.:) Regarding the Black Ultra LNBs, there isn't a massive difference in the price of them and medium priced LNBs, well worth while going for the Ultras, I installed one recently for both Astra 19.2 and Astra 28.2 on a TD54, works well.
 
Did you lay the original cable yourself ?
If like me the cable is simply dropped under the floor in a loop ...rather than stapled to the joists ...it might be possible to securely solder a new double screened cable run to the end of the existing one and use the original cable to drag it through and under the floor without ever having to go under the newly laid floor ...
..but this does require a knowledge of just what is under the floor ..by way of cable securings..

I've used this method myself to lay 2 cables under floor...by dragging both through ..hitching a lift on the single cable run..

In an ideal world ..one would fit a length of pvc pipe under the floor to act as a conduit before fitting a permanent floor ...that way you always have access to run new cables by the same method as above

I also use the exact same method to drag new cables through cavity walls
rgds
VS
 
Thanks for the tips, Vipersan,

I've always wondered how one got a good connection to the existing cable, to pull another one through, but never thought of soldering...

Lacking a soldering iron, I guess I could risk just a cable connector, and try and pull a length of shotgun cable through, to get the double feed?

Not sure if I'm feeling brave enough, to risk leaving myself with nothing if the pulled cables detach, so think I'm going to first go for the diplexer approach, and if I dont get the signal quality, and can prove my problem is there (I'll just use a temporary direct connection), then I'll go for the cable pull... - you've at least given me the courage to contemplate it!

Rolf, great to hear you've got a set up working on a TD54 - it's further increased my confidence for a TD64! Going shopping on the net today, so hopefully I'll be messing about with a jury rig at least, by this time next week!

Paul
 
Good luck m8 ...and IF you do decide to go for the pull through ..you must buy a cheap soldering iron ..make a hook from the centre cores on all cables ..hook the centres together and solder them ...then pull up the collective braids so they meet over the hooked and soldered centre cores ...then flood the whole lot with solder..
A small amount of pvc tape over that to prevent sharp edges and snagging ..
..and providing the original cable is free to move (not stapled) ....you're good to go ..
gentle pulling ..and if you hit an impass ...pull back on the cable being drawn through ..
back and forth till it passes the blockage.
Its all about gentle persuasion and patience ...not brute force and quick results.
if you do hit a blockage and simply cannot pull through ...you can always ease the the original cable back ..and still use it once the end is cut trimmed and cleaned of solder.
rgds
VS
 
Vipersan said:
In an ideal world ..one would fit a length of pvc pipe under the floor...
Click to expand...
I'm wiring up my house for satellite and computer network and am doing EXACTLY this using flexible plastic conduit. A bit more effort but well worth it.
 
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