DiSEqC, Diplexer, Splitter and Combiner: What are They and how do you use Them?

In this article, we shall remove the ambiguity between some satellite accessories. The satellite accessories in question are A splitter, a combiner/mixer, a diplexer, and a DiSEqC switch. These look so much alike in person, but they are mainly dissimilar in their uses. Moving forward in this article, we shall discuss the definitions of a splitter, DiSEqC switch, combiner, and splitter. Let’s discuss DiSEqC-Diplexer-Splitter-Combiner: differences & Uses. In addition, I will drop a few tips on when and where to use which.

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Some of These Devices Are Multi-Purpose: Please Beware?

From experience, I will advise against using a particular device as a splitter and combiner. Or maybe, in your case, you are trying to use a DiSEqC as a combiner or vice-versa. While this is not a particularly bad idea, it can cause long-term issues. Save yourself the stress and buy a device that performs a specific purpose. E.g., buy as a combiner that only combines, not one that can also be used as a splitter.

Beware of inexpensive products that promise to combine diplexer/splitter. The odds are, they’re not the best at either. As you get to more expensive products, it’s more likely that a single device has all the electronics to serve both purposes. In the case of modulators, multi-switches, and other specialized high-end devices, diplexing and splitting are part of the essential functions they need to operate.

DiSEqC-Diplexer-Splitter-Combiner: Differences & Uses

There is no gainsaying that knowing the difference between a splitter, a combiner, and a diplexer is very confusing. The pictures that would be posted in the course of this article would buttress this point. To make matters worse, some splitters are combiners, and some diplexers are combiners. Parts can be active or passive, powered or unpowered; without a magnifying glass (or some really good eyesight), they can all look identical.

What is a DiSEqC switch?

 

By definition, you can call a DiSEqC switch a piece of satellite/ telecommunications gadget/accessory that can allow a satellite receiver to receive signals from multiple satellite LNBs(maximum of 4) set at different positions. The acronym DiSEqC stands for Digital Satellite Equipment Control. DiSEqC switches can also enable a decoder to control a rotary motor with a satellite dish.

What are the main differences between a DiSEqC Switch and a Multi-Switch

The DiSEqC Switch

• First off, a DiSEqC switch is a device that enables you to connect multiple LNBs and combine them to be used by one decoder.
• You can remotely control the DiSEqC switch from the decoder via the DiSEqC protocol.
• Also, DiSEqC Switches can be used for Common Interface (CI) Receivers, Conditional Access (CA) receivers, and Free To Air (FTA) receivers.
• For example, The DiSEqC 4X1 Switch Diagram(as shown above) will enable the user to select one LNB signal between 4 different LNBs of any type and send it to the decoder.

The Multi-Switch

By definition, A Multi-Switch combines a signal from more than one LNB and sends the signal to more than one receiver. DStv originally sold their explora with a multi-switch before they later changed it to a smart LNB, which performs as well, if not better.

• A Multi-Switch is usually used with DISH Network or DirecTV systems. Although, it can also be used with a Free To Air system.
• When using a multi-switch, the first port is always controlled by 13V & the second by 18V DC (1 for each polarity).To receive both polarizations (H/V or R/L), each port must be connected to an LNB.  It means you have a cable for horizontal and a cable for vertical.
• This is one way to connect multiple decoders to a dual or Quad LNB. A single LNB will not work on both polarizations.

What is the usefulness of a DiSEqC switch, and when should I use one?

• A DiSEqC switch links multiple LNBs or Dishes to one decoder. The maximum number of LNBs you can connect to one decoder when writing this is 4.
• A DiSEqC switch will be indispensable if you want to watch channels from up to four satellite positions using four LNBs and one decoder.
• Secondly, a DiSEqC switch would save you from spending extra money on decoders. Without a DiSEqC, you must connect one dish to one decoder or unplug one dish cable to accommodate another.
• Finally, a Diseqc sweet allows for proper space management with how you run your satellite dish cables.

What is a diplexer, and how does it work?

A diplexer is designed to take two signals from two different cables and intelligently put them on the same cable. When should you use a diplexer? A diplexer is the right thing to use when adding an antenna signal to an existing cable. We often refer to an antenna signal as RF. If you want to output a satellite dish signal to an antenna(UHF/VHF), you need a diplexer.

Types of Satellite Signal Diplexers

There are many different kinds of diplexers. Passive diplexers offer a little more than combiners. They take two signals(one from the Sat and another from the ANT) that won’t interfere with each other and put them on the same cable.

Active diplexers add power to the line to limit the amount of loss that happens when signals move through a system. Active diplexers can also shift frequencies so that they work together. When a diplexer does this, the diplexer would also be a modulator.

How to use a Diplexer

Diplexers are useful because cables are a lot more complex than they look. When we look at a cable we see a long line made of wire. That wire can carry many different frequencies. That’s why you get many channels. They all exist in different places on the wire. The FCC makes sure that broadcast signals don’t interfere with each other. Also, cable satellite companies make sure their channels are on different frequencies from each other.

By and large,  signals from cable or satellite are on different frequencies than over-the-air antennas. So, it’s not a problem to diplex them.

Diplexers are used for the following operations:

• First of all, a diplexer is a very useful tool for satellite tv extended view. For DStv subscribers using old HD or Explora decoder, you need a diplexer and a multi-switch to be able to activate Xtraview
• They save time by not having to run multiple cables.
• They combine a digital and analog signal within one wire and turn the wire into a two-way frequency signal.
• The analog signal can travel in the same direction as the digital or opposite signals. This call for easy back feeds for the second or third TV on the same receiver.

What is a combiner?

By definition, a combiner is a device that takes two signals and puts them on a single cable without any “translation.” Using a combiner is like pouring two liquids into the same glass. You’re not doing anything to ensure things don’t get all mixed up. If you know what you’re doing, a combiner, like mixing lemonade and iced tea, can work. If you don’t, a combiner can create problems, like if you mix lemonade and dish soap.

Working with combiners for coaxial cables can have the same problem. A combiner takes all the signals and mixes them. Much of the time, the result is a mess. Signals are sometimes meant to be combined, so using a combiner will work. A combiner is to be used with utmost caution as it can cost more harm than good.

 

What is a splitter?

In appearance, a splitter and a diplexer are very much alike. They will have multiple connections on one end and one connection on the other. However, a diplexer takes two signals in and makes one out. A splitter takes one signal in and makes two out.

The most common use of a splitter is to add television to an existing cable. If you have an antenna, you can use a splitter to make that antenna serve more than one television. If you have a cable or satellite system, you might be able to use a splitter to add a TV to another room. Most modern systems are designed to use a splitter in this way, but older systems make you run a separate line to each TV from a central switch. Make sure you know if you have a “splittable” system.

Splitting seems easy to add extra outlets, but remember that you cut its strength in half each time you split a signal. Look at this diagram. For example, you can not change channels from one decoder without affecting the other.

What is DiSEqC-Diplexer-Splitter-Combiner