dtsv and openview on 1 dish

[wizdumb]

DSTV is dropping some ETV channel that my mom watches, and it is apparently on Openview. So I want to buy my mom an Openview decoder and use the existing dish, thus having DSTV and Openview, which seems like it is possible.

What do I need to do/buy to do this? I'm thinking a splitter of some sort, and 2 cables. If so, what type of splitter and cables?

If I remember correctly, the cable from the dish plugs into the back of the DSTV decoder, so there no additional ports or devices currently between the dish and decoder.

 

[Geoff.D]

DSTV is dropping some ETV channel that my mom watches, and it is apparently on Openview. So I want to buy my mom an Openview decoder and use the existing dish, thus having DSTV and Openview, which seems like it is possible.

What do I need to do/buy to do this? I'm thinking a splitter of some sort, and 2 cables. If so, what type of splitter and cables?

If I remember correctly, the cable from the dish plugs into the back of the DSTV decoder, so there no additional ports or devices currently between the dish and decoder.

Forget splitters -- the decoders all require direct access to dedicated ports on an LNB to function.

It depends on what DTSV decoders you have and what type of LNB is installed in the antenna.

The Explora decoders use DSTV's proprietary SLNBs, some of which have limited ports available.
Check what the OVHD decoder requires for an LNB port, check what LNB is installed, and then decide.

If the installation has an SLNB model 500 (2 Unicable ports, 2 Universal), 501 (2 Unicable, 1 Universal) you might be in luck and only have to run a new cable for the OVHD decoder from a Universal LNB port. The 502 SLNBs only have 2 ports suitable for control by DStv decoders.

I don't know if OHVD decoders are now able to control Unicable ports. either way, each decoder requires its own dedicated LNB port.

The other way is to install a dual or quad universal LNB and then a DSTV 24Z switch behind the decoders.

 

[Pak Fa Fui]

Are those digital tuners that replaces terrestrial broadcast any good? Just get one of those.
Thats if the broadcast those channels on that box.

 

[PowerFactor]

If it is a normal DStv decoder with a single LNB, then you can buy the Ellies dual LNB at Game. The OpenView HD decoder doesn't work with the smart LNB unless it is the one with the universal connector.

 

[Magandroid]

Not sure if this is the proper thread to post this so I do apologize if it's not.
Anyway, for the last week or two my Openview signal has been quite dismal with channels breaking up constantly and signal error message coming up constantly. Had the installation about for about 3 for years now with minimal issues. Initially thought it was due to weather here in Cape Town. I kept either rebooting the decoder or resetting using the code. Doesn't last long even with minimal wind. What I had noticed today that is that the SABC channels play very clearly with no break up but as soon as I switch over the Etv the problem occurs again. Could it be that the dish is out of alignment. If so, why is SABC not affected and if it is alignment, is there a way I can align the dish properly myself or do I have to get an installer out to look at the issue?
Any advice welcome.

 

[Geoff.D]

Not sure if this is the proper thread to post this so I do apologize if it's not.
Anyway, for the last week or two my Openview signal has been quite dismal with channels breaking up constantly and signal error message coming up constantly. Had the installation about for about 3 for years now with minimal issues. Initially thought it was due to weather here in Cape Town. I kept either rebooting the decoder or resetting using the code. Doesn't last long even with minimal wind. What I had noticed today that is that the SABC channels play very clearly with no break up but as soon as I switch over the Etv the problem occurs again. Could it be that the dish is out of alignment. If so, why is SABC not affected and if it is alignment, is there a way I can align the dish properly myself or do I have to get an installer out to look at the issue?
Any advice welcome.

Inspection is the first step. CT is one of the worst places in SA simply because it is the furthest from the satellite, with the lowest look angle over the horizon. This means even the slightest issue with the installation could result in a signal loss on some transponders and not on others.

1. Check for obstacles such as trees (especially palm trees). Trees (especially when the foliage is wet). Trees affect some transponders more than others because not all channels are on the same polarisation.
2. Next check on the condition of the exposed cabling because UV damages the insulation leading to cracks and bits flaking off allowing moisture and rainwater to get into the cable. This changes the attenuation of the cable for the worst, which might result in signal loss.
3. Check the LNB. The cover over the front perishes quite quickly which then allows water to get in and accumulate, which can lead to signal loss.


Once you have done that, then decide what to do. If the cable and the LNB are damaged then the better route will be to get an installer in, to repair/replace whatever needs replacing.

If it is just a tree in the way, get rid of that obstacle first before calling in an installer and doing lots of unnecessary things.

PS: I have just done exactly this at my sister's place and found the cable and the LNB completely shot.

I will be replacing the cable and the LNB this coming week. The installation is 8 years old.

 

[Magandroid]

Inspection is the first step. CT is one of the worst places in SA simply because it is the furthest from the satellite, with the lowest look angle over the horizon. This means even the slightest issue with the installation could result in a signal loss on some transponders and not on others.

1. Check for obstacles such as trees (especially palm trees). Trees (especially when the foliage is wet). Trees affect some transponders more than others because not all channels are on the same polarisation.
2. Next check on the condition of the exposed cabling because UV damages the insulation leading to cracks and nits flaking off allowing moisture and rainwater to get into the cable. This changes the attenuation of the cable for the worst, which might result in signal loss.
3. Check the LNB. The cover over the front perishes quite quickly which then allows water to get in and accumulate, which can lead to signal loss.


Once you have done that, then decide what to do. If the cable and the LNB are damaged then the better route will be to get an installer in, to repair/replace whatever needs replacing.

If it is just a tree in the way, get rid of that obstacle first before calling in an installer and doing lots of unnecessary things.

PS: I have just done exactly this at my sister's place and found the cavleand the LNB completely shot.

I will be replacing the cable and the LNB this coming week. The installation is 8 years old.

Thank you very much for the detailed response and feedback. Will look into these possible solutions.
Luckily no trees or any other physical changes in since installation of the dish so at least that is something to discount. At least I have something to go on now. Thanks again.

 

[Magandroid]

Inspection is the first step. CT is one of the worst places in SA simply because it is the furthest from the satellite, with the lowest look angle over the horizon. This means even the slightest issue with the installation could result in a signal loss on some transponders and not on others.

1. Check for obstacles such as trees (especially palm trees). Trees (especially when the foliage is wet). Trees affect some transponders more than others because not all channels are on the same polarisation.
2. Next check on the condition of the exposed cabling because UV damages the insulation leading to cracks and bits flaking off allowing moisture and rainwater to get into the cable. This changes the attenuation of the cable for the worst, which might result in signal loss.
3. Check the LNB. The cover over the front perishes quite quickly which then allows water to get in and accumulate, which can lead to signal loss.


Once you have done that, then decide what to do. If the cable and the LNB are damaged then the better route will be to get an installer in, to repair/replace whatever needs replacing.

If it is just a tree in the way, get rid of that obstacle first before calling in an installer and doing lots of unnecessary things.

PS: I have just done exactly this at my sister's place and found the cable and the LNB completely shot.

I will be replacing the cable and the LNB this coming week. The installation is 8 years old.

Eventually had to get an installer out. Seems the dish was out of alignment which he sorted out quite quickly. Cabling, LNB and dish seems in good condition still after 3+ years. Only thing we found negative was the LNB arm is starting to rust at the bend. Installer said it should still last until summer as it not falling apart yet.
What he did mention is that you don't get these LNB arms as a separate item though and can only buy it with the dish. I am hoping there is someone that can point me in the right direction to get another replacement arm only.

 

[Geoff.D]

Eventually had to get an installer out. Seems the dish was out of alignment which he sorted out quite quickly. Cabling, LNB and dish seems in good condition still after 3+ years. Only thing we found negative was the LNB arm is starting to rust at the bend. Installer said it should still last until summer as it not falling apart yet.
What he did mention is that you don't get these LNB arms as a separate item though and can only buy it with the dish. I am hoping there is someone that can point me in the right direction to get another replacement arm only.

My advice is to forget it. the bits that belong to an antenna are pretty much part of the antenna, and any attempt to change arms etc never results in good performance afterwards. Even if it is the same make of antenna.

 

[LazyLion]

I have DSTV and OpenView on the same antenna.