In this article, I will try and give hints on How to correctly set up a DiSEqC Switch to connect multiple LNBs to a single satellite receiver. It is a newbie’s guide on everything DiSEqC. After reading this post, you can combine two or more satellite packages on one single decoder without you having to call your local satellite installer.
What is DiSEqC, and How Does A DiSEqC Switch Function?
DiSEqC (Digital Satellite Equipment Control), pronounced is a particular satellite communication protocol for use between a satellite receiver and a device such as a satellite dish’s LNB. DiSEqC was developed by European satellite provider Eutelsat, which now acts as the standards agency for the protocol.
The primary function of a DiSEqC switch is to combine two or more satellites on a decoder for your viewing pleasure. Put differently, if you install more than one dish e.g., to watch DStv and multi tv/Daarsat and you don’t use a DiSEqC switch, it means you will have to always unplug the LNB cable from the back of your decoder and plug the LNB cable of the channel you want to watch then. A DiSEqC switch removes this inconvenience.
First off, with a 4-way switch, select the DiSEqC 1.0 command menu. The four positions are usually numbered, but some receivers use ABCD instead
with an 8 or 16-way switch, select the DiSEqC 1.1 command menu. The eight positions are usually 1 to 8
As mentioned above, the ports are usually numbered with any version of DiSEqC. Let’s take the 4-way DiSEqC as our example. The ports are numbered 1,2,3,4(please take note of these numbers because it must correspond with that of your decoder settings. If you have two dishes, it means you will make use of two out of the four ports of the DiSEqC switch.
In my own case, I used Port 1 and Port 3. My DStv on Eutelsat 36b 35.0ºE dish is in port 1, and my Amos 17.0e is in port 3.
“Note: Some satellite decoders labelled their DiSEqC ports with alphabets(A, B,C,D) as opposed to numbers. For clarification, A = 1, B=2, C=3 And D = 4. This is just formality”
Relevant Articles:
- Beginner’s Guide to how the Satellite TV Works and it’s Scope
- How to Manually Track a Satellite Dish Network & Frequencies
- Definition of LNB Skew and LNB clock methodology for beginners
- List of the Latest Free-To-Air Satellite Tv Channels and Frequencies
- DiSEqC, Diplexer, Splitter and Combiner: What are these things and how do you use them?
- 4 Ways of Sharing your Decoder’s Sat Signal: This will enable you to watch channels on 2 Televisions Simultaneously
Types and Versions of DiSEqC Switches
At the moment, there exist at least seven versions of DiSEqC switches. This version started from version 1.0(the commonest version) to version 3.0. In this section, I will draw up a chart displaying all the available DiSEqC switches versions.
Versions of DiSEqC Switches
- Firstly, we have “DiSEqC 1.0”, which allows switching between up to 4 satellite sources: this is the one that is most common in households and the yardstick for this post.
- DiSEqC 1.1, which allows switching between up to 16 sources
- Another version is “DiSEqC 1.2”, which allows switching between up to 16 sources, and control of a single-axis satellite motor
- DiSEqC 2.0, which adds bi-directional communications to DiSEqC 1.0
- Furthermore, DiSEqC 2.1 adds bi-directional communications to DiSEqC 1.1
- DiSEqC 2.2, which adds bi-directional communications to DiSEqC 1.2
- DiSEqC 3.0, which adds remote management of receivers to DiSEqC 2.2 to enable broadcast house uses
Types of DiSEqC Switches
- 3-Way DiSEqC switch allows a maximum of 3 dishes to be connected to a decoder
- 4 Way DiSEqC Switch, as the name implies, allows 4 LNBs from the dish(es) to be linked to a common decoder
- 8-Way DiSEqC Switch
- 16-Way DiSEqC Switch
Why Would You Consider Using a DiSEqC Switch?
It is time for you to consider buying a DiSEqC switch when you are in one of the following situations:
- If you have more than one Satellite Dish/LNB installed and don’t want to switch between them by unplugging one cable for the other. I mean, a DiSEqC switch will take of this hassle for you. And you won’t need to undo the cable from the back of your decoder every time.
- Secondly, if you want to economize space and combine multiple dishes on one decoder, you need a DiSEqC
- Finally, if you are very serious about Free to air satellite TV, you can hardly do without a DiSEqC switch, especially if you use a big dish with multiple LNBs connect to it. You have just done a factory reset of your decoder, or you just upgraded your decoder.
What to look out for when buying a new DiSEqC Switch
- First and foremost, check the DiSEqC protocol that your satellite receiver supports. This will guide you in buying the appropriate DiSEqC version.
- The brand or make of the switch is another major factor worth considering. We have popular brands like Eurostar, strong, Konig, etc. Make sure you buy one from a known brand.
- Similarly, check for authenticity. Mind you, buying a fake diSEqC can cause you the life of your receiver. So buy the original ones only.
- Make sure you get a multiprotocol switch if possible.
- Lastly, buying a DiSEqC switch with very high build quality is very important. Things to look out for in the quality department include the weatherproof nature of the device. It is very important that it can withstand extreme weather like sun and rain. If yours comes with a waterproof cover, you are in luck.
How to Setup a DiSEqC Switch to Connect Several Dishes to One Satellite Receiver
When the correct LNB is selected for the satellite indicated in the DiSEqC menu, the signal strength display will show a present signal. Traps for the unwary – if the same frequency is used on 2 of the satellites you are trying to set up, the signal indicator may show ok, when you are on the wrong satellite. If you start the scan process and find the channels are not as expected, exit and reselect the DiSEqC position.
If the above is your case, there is nothing preventing you from setting this up yourself instead of you calling your local satellite installer. I will use a qsat decoder and a robust decoder in my case study. but this tutorial applies to all old, new, existing, and upcoming decoders. All you must know is that you have to locate the name Diseqc within your decoder. The DiSEqC setting is always under the Installation / Antenna setting of any decoder.
How To Setup A DiSEqC Switch on Qsat/Speed HD/Cobox/Nusky Decoder
This decoder uses alphabets to label the ports. Therefore, we have ports A,B, C, and D. In my other illustration, we will use a decoder with numbers. For this guide, we are using DiSEqC version 1.0
- Press the menu on your remote and go to installation>>antenna settings. When prompted to enter a password, enter four zeros “0000” or the equivalent default password of your satellite receiver. See image below
- Under the Antenna Setting, scroll down to DiSEqC Mode. By default, the DiSEqC mode will be either “None” or “Off”. You have to enable this by clicking on it and changing it to DiSEqC 1.0 or any protocol supported by the switch you have at hand.
Also, you will notice that your dish signal quality is zero if your DiSEqC is off. Furthermore, if your LNB cable is not connected, you will have a 0% signal quality.
- Once you have enabled your DiSEqC switch, what is left is for you to select the port that corresponds with your dish’s LNB that is outside. In my case, I use ports one and 3. So I selected port A for my 36.0ºE satellite and port C for my Amos 17.0R. as shown below:
- Immediately you select the right DiSEqC ports, your satellite Signal and the quality status bar will display and reflect the exact percentage you got the very first day you installed your dish.
- If you fail to set up your DiSEqC switch correctly, you cannot scan and save any channel on the affected satellite.
How to Setup a DiSEqC Switch on Strong Decoder or Other FTA Decoders
Here is my second illustration, which covers a broader range of decoders. I use a strong 49XX series for my tutorial, but the methods here are applicable to any free-to-air satellite receiver regardless of the brand/model. A DiSEqC Switch is a peripheral device that enables the selection of one of a multitude of connected LNB sources (950-2300MHz Intermediate Frequency) on the basis of digital commands generated by the receiver.
Steps to connecting multiple dishes to a single decoder using a DiSEqC Switch
- First off, you go to the Installation>>Settings page of your receiver.
- Next, you have to select the input of the LNB (1, 2, 3, 4, etc) according to the LNB which receives the signal of a particular satellite. In my picture below, I combined just two satellites which is: DStv at 36.0ºE and NSS at 22.0ºW. I used port 4 for my switch; hence I must select port four within my decoder Diseqc settings.
To explain the above further, since the LNB which receives the signal of DStv at 36.0ºE is connected to the input 4 of your DiSEqC Switches, you will have to select this same port 4 within the setting page of your decoder.
- Finally, press exit on your remote and ensure you save your settings before exiting. See the guide below:
Problems Associated with DiSEqC Switches and the Solution
At times, a previously working DiSEqc switch may start malfunctioning all of a sudden. In this section, I will teach you some troubleshooting guides with DiSEqC and the solutions to problems encountered during or after installing a DiSEqC switch for your decoder. And what settings do you have in your receiver?
Possible Troubles with DiSEqC Switches
There are two major problems associated with DiSEqC switches, and they are as follows:
- When it is clear that the DiSEqC switch isn’t switching: by this, I mean you have multiple dishes connected to your decoder via your DiSEqC switch, but only one satellite is giving you a signal.
- Another major problem that you can experience with a DiSEqC switch is total signal loss. I mean, no signal from all the LNB coming into the decoder.
- Also, you may not get the full channels on a satellite after scanning your decoder with a DiSEqC switch connected to it.
- Lastly, you may be experiencing an intermittent signal or unstable signal.
Irrespective of the problems you are encountering with your DiSEqC Switch, my solutions below will surely fix the issue.
Solutions to DiSEqC Switch Problems
There are two categories of DiSEqC switch problems. The first occurs during installation, while the second problem will arise long after a successful installation. This section will take care of both issues.
Solutions to problems when installing a DiSEqC Switch Afresh
If you are not getting the desired result when installing your DiSEqC switch, try and follow the troubleshooting guides below to fix the same
- First, check if you connected the various LNB cables to the appropriate ports. Your LNB must not be connected to the decoder in the port. In addition, are the cables well-grounded?
- To solve the problem of not getting the full channels using a DiSEqC switch, you may need to select one satellite first and do a satellite scan. Then select your second satellite and do a channel scan also. Then connect your DiSEqC. Alternatively, you can scan all your satellite channels directly, one after the other, before connecting your DiSEqC switch.
- Still, on solving a DiSEqC with an unstable signal or one that is not switching between the satellite, You can reset your Switch. To reset a DiSEqC switch, unplug the cable coming from the DiSEqC switch for about 30secs and then plug it in again. This will reset the switch. Then try again.
- Furthermore, for your DiSEqC to work perfectly, you must match the switch’s version with the decoder protocol/mode. To explain this further, if you have a DiSEqC 1.0 switch, don’t choose a “toneburst” DiSEqC settings in your decoder. If your switch uses “toneburst switching”, navigate to the Diseqc mode in the Satellite Menu and select Toneburst A/B. From here, configure your ports to your two satellites.
Here are some possible solutions to address the issue of a damaged or malfunctioning DiSEqC:
Now, let’s assume you have the switch installed already. I mean, if your perfectly working DiSEqC switch just started giving problems, here are the steps you need to take to solve the problems.
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Step 1: How to determine if your switch is the culprit
make sure you have gone through the steps above without any success
Once you know that none of the tips above could correct the situation, it is time to do advanced troubleshooting. Either your switch or the LNB, or the decoder is likely faulty. Let’s start with the simplest, which is troubleshooting the switch. Disconnect the switch and connect your cable directly to the decoder. If you get a signal and your channels open normally
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Step 2: How to check if a fault with the LNB is Causing the Problem
In some instances, your LNB may be faulty, causing your DiSEqC switch to malfunction. To isolate this fault, you need to change your LNBf. If this doesn’t work, you must carefully inspect your coaxial/lnb cable to see if there is damage along the line. Also, try and get your decoder closer to the LNB to ensure that the distance between the two is not interfering with the signal quality.
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Final Step: Checking to see if Your Satellite Decoder is Faulty and causing the signal problem with your Switch
Occasionally, when you use a sub-standard DiSEqC switch, it can fail prematurely/ Not only that, it can also cause damage to your decoder’s tuner. Your decoder’s LNB tuner is the port to which your LNB cable is connected. If you have a working switch that is not given a signal when using it and you have verified that there are no problems with your LNB, your decoder’s tuner or related component may be damaged.
To troubleshoot your decoder’s tuner problem, as it affects your DiSEqC switch, you may need to swap your decoder with another one. If everything works fine with the same settings, it is time to replace or repair your decoder.
Good afternoon. My joytv is not working when i connected to Di
Please Mr Morgan what is the difference and similarities between lnbf that has 2 or more ports and using a DisEqC switch with multiple LNBF and using 2 or more dish with a single receiver. Thanks
@Bamidele: diseqc switch eliminates the need to run each cable to each decoder. For example, you can actually watch channels from at least four different dissimilar satellite tv positions on one decoder. However, unless your decoder has 4 LNB-IN ports, you will need a disecqc switch to achieve this. read this to learn more about how diseqc switchesDiSEqC, Diplexer, Splitter and Combiner: What are these things and how do you use them? work
Press menu on your remote and go to installation>>antenna settings. But my receiver can’t progress any more. It become stopped. What is the solution?
@Anberber: what type of decoder are you using?
How can i watch all the channels without change disegc I mean if i am on channels A without change to B
@peter kojo: your question is not clear. DiSEqC helps you to combine channels from different satellite tv positions (dishes) on FTA decoder. it works like the opposite of a splitter.
I would like to be part of this wonder group since am a serious installer
Is there a any FTA frequency I can get current ball and other new movies
@Moses: please read my last update on satellite
Hello LM, thanks so much for the works you do and for always keeping us up to date.
Please, I have a really big challenge with my 8 in 1 diseqc Switch. My first four satellites are set to Diseqc 1.0 = Disabled. and Diseqc 1.1 = 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Those ones are functioning normally. But I am not able to access my 5th LNB. I set it to Diseqc 1.0 = Disabled and Diseqc 1.1 = 5.
I do not understand where I went wrong.
I need your guide on how to make my decoder see this 5th LNB (Satellite ) please.
@ephesian: you can only use 4 diseqc ports on one decoder
Good Sir, I’m using one FTA powerSat decoder, I have try scan like 5 time after have set it to port 1 and 2 and DiseqC but still is giving me the same channel from port 1, pls what can I do how can I reset it? thank you
@Danjuma: you need to scan on separate frequencies and ensure your DiSEqC is not faulty
Thanks,l need frequency, symbol rate and polarization to trap free to air channels on Ds TV in Ghana.
I use my dish with multifees with 2 lnbs and a diseqc switch. But now I’m trying to set it up for 3 twin lnbs (hotbird 13°, astra 19° and astra 28°) to 3 receivers. My satfinder has found the satellites and they are working. I found a diseqc setup image from digiwave.ca that connects each lnb to a 2 to 4 diseqc and then to 1 to 4 diseqc (3x 2 to 4 & 3x 1 to 4). Then each 1 to 4 diseqc to a receiver. But nothing works. No signal at all. I’m not giving up. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong?
@Dafini: try and connect the individual LNBs directly to the decoder. if it works, either your decoder or your disecq has an issue
That’s great I love it.
Pls can you help me with some of the Hz and the symbol, like:
JOY TV
CHURCH
RADIO BIAFRA
MBC (NIGCOMSAT)
DSTV
THANKS FOR YOUR ANTICIPETED COOPERATION
Good day Mr Morgan, I noticed that, from the strong decoder you gave above, which is similar to my challenge, I find it hard to combine the two dishes together even after setting each as you explained above, anytime i want to watch a dish position i need to do dish setting, that means, if i can’t watch dstv and joytv at the same time, i can only watch one at once
could dat be decoder setting or faulty disecq, bcos I got a new disecq and still the same problem…
@michael: if you get a new decoder of the same brand then it can still be a defective diseqc. To properly troubleshoot this, get another fta decoder and use it to test your dish and disceqc. Alternatively, borrow any diseqc that has been confirmed to be working and install it
thanks mr morgan for the education. Am agbeko from ghana and I just started satellite work, pls I want to know how can you get more FTA terrestrial channels and which outdoor digital tv antenna do I need?
Good morning sir, I have problem with diseqc setting on Korean strongest decoder stg9000a, I am setting up two dishes with same satellite on 28e with different TP (multi tv on 28e @12525v30000 and Arewa24 on 28e @10804v30000). after tracking the two dishes, I can only save of the two tp, unlike strong decoders that I do set 2-4dishes. Please help me, it’s urgent
@Godwin: it is either your diseqc is faulty or the decoder you are trying to use the diseqc on doesn’t support it
Master , please what is the best way one can do with one disc but two or more lnbf more satellites
@Saeed Yaqub: please read this Tstv & MBC 7w on the same 90cm dish using an improvised LNB holder – also track 28.2E, 42.5ºE & 55ºE on a 90cm. you need an LNB holder
how can I calculate dish size from a location where lyngsat tells me 0dbw on a particular satellite?
@Paul: please read this article https://www.lemmymorgan.com/predetermine-the-size-of-dish-to-be-used-for-any-satellite-other-terms/
I’ve gone through it but could not comprehend how in west Africa one can know dish size for nilesat or hotbird before trying it out since the satellites don’t cover the region.
@Paul: If you already know that the satellite do not cover your region, it is time to look for one that is receivable in your region sir.
Hi Lemmy this is Kaduyu from Uganda plz help me I need to connect A Hisense TV inbuilt decorder with two dishes one of it is sharing with an Azam decorder and the other is going direct to the TV receiver
The problem is when I connect the two dishes on the TV it loses the signal plz help
@Kaduyu: Please call your local satellite installer to help you access the situation
Am facing a bad quality here,the signs is 96/98 whilst the quality is 0% I have tried several time but don’t get it,please help me out
@keneth: it means you have not tracked any satellite channel successfully. However, your decoder had detected your lnb. Please determine the satellite position you want to face and track it accordingly. Better still, call your local satellite installer
pls sir my name is Festus from warri wat is code to track MBC ad MBC 2
Pls oga leeme am using qsat 23G and i set my dish to dstv and joy tv,bt my acct has expired since last yr,so can i buy it?wea?again i used diaseqc for both dish,using d real dstv decorder i could’nt get signal,wat do i do?my last qstion is wat oda sat is in same positioning wit dstv and joy tv,pics pls sir
@zealarious: please call your local satellite installer and he will help you clear all these little issues
Do u need to adjust ur dish after factory reset of ur trend tv intelsat 907
Mr Morgan, i’ve been tryin to get the Amos 17satellite with my 4663x decoder but i couldnt get it, pls help me, is there anything i’m missin or doin wrong?
@bola only 4669x and newer will get Amos easily. Thanks
So Boss, I can I make the youtube work? Or are there cases where nothing can be done?
Hi Lemmy, my srt 4922a did not stream youtube with with my 3G modem and the 163 patch. Can cccam work in the srt 4922a using a 3G modem?
@raymond, you must get youtube working before thinking of buying a cccam account.
pls Lemmy am fed up with multy
which other satellite can I get in Ghana with my Qsat ?
I have two dishes FTA chanells I mean.
thank u Lemmy, what is de frequency and symbol rate for infinity tv and emmanuel tv on AMOS 17°E
@bemu,thanks dat is wat i want to here from mr morgan.
Hi Lemmy.
I blind scan on Amos 17.0e and it didn’t find Kennis and other. I lost all the channel on 11008V3002 , a lots channel.
What’s wrong and what to do? Please help me.
@Felix and Lemmy you do need a diseq when combining Ku and C band.
Mr lemmy pls how can i track multi tv and amos 17 e with one size 90cm dish pls i need your reply with diagram pls
@oluwole, they are not on the same position thanks.
I have Speed HD s1 my some how it was reset to factory setting and i am using 2 dish DSTV and Multi TV, I have tried to scan for multitv and yet i only get DSTV, maybe i have the wrong frequency or the upgrade did not not, can you help with the frequency i should use please i need some more free active channel as network has been problem connecting to DStv channels
wat about us dat use motorize dish.
@felix, you don’t need a disecq switch for a motorised dish
thanks much lemmy, ur mails are a blessing. However help me out with this. after setting up my diseqc, channels on one dish do not appear. if the multitv channels appear, the channels on the other dish do not and vise versa. what am i not doing right? i need help, sir.
@Thomas, please contact your local satellite installer for further help
Hi Lemmy pls I downloaded Azsky recharge tool V3.06.rar and flashtool with my bb,if I copy it to my desktop or laptop, will it work for recharge?
@raymond only if you download it completely
Thanks Lemmy for this. It helps me make working some channel that was showing bad signal. However remains some issues.
On the same satellite some work on port B whereas some on port D in my case. Some shows service not available on another satellite whereas some bad signal on other satellite whatever the port.
You know on Eutelsat36A36 Kennis music, mm24 quest and other on 11006V29995 Shows service not available even though the signal are good. And on Ku_Amos5 c the same channel on 11008V30002 shows bal signal whatever the port.
So am wondering what to do to see those channel.
Any bit of help are welcome.
thanks a lot.
@Williams, kennis music is on Amos 17.0e so please delete it on eutelsat 36.0e and scan for it on Amos
happy new year lemmy and to all the house, pls, i have a problem with my amos 17e(daarsat), since 2weeks ago most of the channels on Amos are working exception of this, (Ait, Ait sport, Ait palamentary,Ait News,Nta intl, Berekete tv) it showing bad signal, so what can i do to resolve these? Thanks in advance!
Oga lemmy, pls what channels are under Amos 17, nd what is the frequency? I need to change my dish from 11006v29999 dat Stoped working. Tank u sir
Happy new year sir. I deeply appreciate you making me to have fun in 2014. Sir, my Q13G decoder avatar code expired immediately the shout of happy new year. It now says “active number expired or box hasn’t account”. What do I do to watch qsat again? Kindly assist sir.
@Andraq you have to buy another account. please contact me for more info.. make use of the site’s contact page or directly to my email info@ lemmymorgan.com
Happy new year @ all pls is daar sat on air
Many many Happy returns Oga Lemmy, Aside AzSky dongle which product will you recommend as a back-up should in case something happens which is inevitable.
Thanks once again.
@lemmy. Please in wat situation am i expected to select 1.0/1.1 under diseqc mode.
@NAM only when you have more than one dish connected to your decoder via diseqc
good morning Lammy and thank u very much for ur tutorals, God bless u.
please am tracking Amos 17° E but my friend said I can get infinity tv when my quality signal increase to 75%, but I have.tried yet I only get 60%.
please is the any techique to.use to increase to that 75% or more.
@faraday, 60% is good enough thanks
Hello Lemmy, happy new year to you bro; please I need your advice because my Qsat-23G has not been connecting to server for close to 2 months now, I had hitherto done a software upgrade but still to no avail. Secondly, what could possibly be wrong with TV1 CCcam, because mine will indicate status as being connected but no picture; it started on the 31st Dec up until now. Thanks
@Richard, tv1 is connecting and its opening channels so please contact your supplier. as for qsat, read this
Happy new year. Is it possible to use just one wire from the antenna to 2 decoders. Suppose in a case like we are using dstv and qsat and want to watch only dstv channels.. Tx
@bob, yes that is possible with the help of a dual LNBF. Contact your local installer for further details
thank u sir and good morning ..
for diseqc setting,my instructor thought me well on it so I don’t have problem with itd settings..
God bless u sir .