Subject: 1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to alt.dbs.echostar, an unmoderated newsgroup for posting news, questions, and opinions about Echostar and Dish Network products and services. Please review the posting guidelines sent on the 1st,
11th and 21st of each month.

http://ekb.dbstalk.com , the Echostar Knowledge Base

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Subject: 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

     1. INTRODUCTION
     2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
     3. RECEIVER FEATURES - COMMON
     4. RECEIVER FEATURES - SPECIFIC
     5. MODEL NUMBERS
     6. SWITCHES
     7. SWITCH MODELS
     8. CASCADING SWITCHES
     9. MORE THAN 2 RECEIVERS
     10. CREDITS

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Subject: 3. RECEIVER FEATURES - COMMON

Dish 500 compatibility.  There is no particular "Dish 500 Receiver."
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/dish500pics.htm , What is Dish 500?

Dish aiming and peaking screen

Remote control

44-hour electronic program guide (EPG)

Program description

Favorite channels lists

Program themes

RCA-type A/V outputs (except 111)

S-video output (except 1000, 111, 942)

RF (Ch 3/4) output (except 6000, 811)

Modem for reporting PPV purchases

Parental controls

Closed caption support

Alternate language support, http://ekb.dbstalk.com/sap.htm

Software upgradeable via satellite - phone connection not required
Current versions: http://ekb.dbstalk.com/software.htm

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Subject: 4. RECEIVER FEATURES - SPECIFIC

DP = DISHPlayer 7100/7200
3700 = 2700/2800/3700
211 = 211VIP/411
3xx = 301, 311, 322
5xx = DVR501, DVR508, DVR510, DVR522
522 = DVR522/DVR625
9xx = DVR921, DVR942

DishPro compatible:
111, 2xx, 3xx, 5xx, 62x, 721, 811, 9xx can use DishPro LNBFs and
switches without an adapter, or can use existing standard LNBFs and
switches.

OTA tuner:
NTSC only: 5000, D-VHS
Digital only: 211, 222, 622
Digital and NTSC: 6000 (with 8VSB module), 811, 921, 942

Caller ID on-screen:
5000, D-VHS, DishPro line.
211, DVR522, DVR721, 9xx, 622 w/history.

OpenTV: 3900, 4900, Pro301, DVR5xx, 721, 811, 942, 211, 222, 622.
Missing from 921 since its introduction.
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/opentv.htm
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/interactive_tv/index....
http://www.visiware.com/index.php?state=3 , PLAYin'TV

Local channel mapping:
(may take up to a day after installation to appear)
3700, 3900, 4900, 3xx & DVR5xx, DVR721, 811, 9xx.

Digital audio out:
4900 and above, D-VHS, DP, DVR line, HDTV line; 4000 & 5000 with
adapter
See http://ekb.dbstalk.com/dolby.htm

MTS audio on RF out: 522 and 942 on TV2, 622

Aux A/V input:
5000, JVC D-VHS, DVR721, 811, 921.  DP input is only for e-mail.

UHF remote, receiver senses...:
UHF Pro or IR: 322, 522, 942, 222, 622 (TV1 IR, TV2 UHF Pro); 811, 921
UHF or IR: 4900, 6000, 50x, 721
UHF only*: 2000 Dlx, 4000, 5000*, JVC D-VHS
(*See http://ekb.dbstalk.com/6 for IR retrofit.  Later 5000's have
both.)

Timers with VCR control:
4000 and up, 3xx (10); DISHPlayer & DVR50x (50); DVR721, 921 (64);
522, 942, 622 (96/288)

Name-based Recording: DP (limited), 501, 522, 942, 622

All Subscribed Favorites list: 3700, 3900, 4900, 6000, Pro line

HDTV: 6000, 811, 9xx, 211, 222, 622.  See
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/hdrcvr.htm

2 A/V outputs: 2000, DVR line, 4000 and above

High-speed data port: 3000, 4000, 5000

Song titles: 3700 and above, Pro line

No-wait EPG:
DP and DVR line (9 day); Pro 3xx, 811 (44 hour)

7-day EPG  (from 119 sat):
DVR line, DP (PTV required except for 7100 if it never had PTV)

Internal hard-drive:
DP (8.6 or 18-20GB); 501 (40GB); 508 (80GB); 510, 522, 721 (120GB);
921, 942 (250GB); 622 (320GB).
Subscription required for full function on DP, no charge on 501/508 or
721.
DVR fee of $5.98/mo for future DVRs, waived for America's Everything
Pak subscribers.

Search: DP, 3xx, 211.  5xx, 721, 9xx, 622 w/history

Pause live TV: DP, DVR line

Dual tuners:
322, DVR522, DVR721, 921, 942, 222, 622.  Discrete outputs on xx2
models.

Internet access:
DP (optional WebTV), 721 (future, ISP to be announced).

Picture and sound on EPG and most menus:
DP, 211, 322, 522, 721, 9xx, 222, 622

PIP: 522, 721, 9xx, 622

DVR50x new features: http://ekb.dbstalk.com/501supp.htm

Full features chart at http://ekb.dbstalk.com/rcvrcompare.htm

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Subject: 5. MODEL NUMBERS

Dish's model number system follows an XXRS format. The XX digits
indicate the receiver model, so a 4722 system includes a 4700
receiver. The RS digits in the system model number describe the
additional antenna system components, R for the number of receivers
directly supported, S for the number of satellite positions viewed
(0=1, 2=2).

Legacy (4 digit)
xx00 = Receiver only
xx10 = Receiver, Dish300, 1 single LNB (a discontinued package).
xx12 = Receiver with Dish500, 2 single LNBs and an SW21.
xx20 = Receiver with Dish300 and 1 dual LNB.
xx22 = Receiver with Dish500, 2 dual LNBs and 2 SW21s (or an SW42).
xx22T = Receiver with Dish500, Twin LNB
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/twin.htm
xx23 = Receiver with Dish500 Twin and Dish300, 2 SW21s.

DishPro (3 digit)
xxx = Receiver only - model_line / #tuners / #discrete_outs
xxx-22A = Receiver with Dish500, 2 dual LNBs and 2 SW21s.
xxx-22B = Receiver with Dish500, Twin LNB.
xxx-22D = Receiver with Dish500, DishPro Twin LNB.

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Subject: 6. SWITCHES

Why can't I use a splitter?

To change channels, the receiver supplies a voltage to a legacy LNB
changing its polarization depending on the transponder the channel is
on.  Additional receivers can't be fed via simple splitters because
the LNB's polarization may be switched when another receiver changes
channels.  DishPro LNBs send both polarizations simultaneously but you
still have to allow for channels coming from different satellites.

What do Dish Network switches do?

All will select the signals from different satellites (like on a Dish
500) to feed a receiver. Each satellite operates at the same frequency
range, so the signals can't be combined, they must be switched.  Some
will feed more than two receivers.

How do switches work?

Legacy Echostar switches select different inputs with serial commands
(sequence of 13v/18v pulses) sent by the receiver software. The
receiver must "see" the correct satellite signal to know the switch
has changed.  DishPro switches respond to DiSEqC 2.0 commands.

Why do you need dual LNBs to use the SW64 and SW44?

Because the SW64 and SW44 "hardwire" the polarization for half the
dual LNB to right hand, and the other half to left hand. The switch
then selects between the two halves internally to select whichever
polarization is required for the desired transponder.

With (as few as) two dual LNBs, you can feed (up to) four receivers
using an SW44 or SW64. Without this permanent polarization, this would
not be possible.

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Subject: 7. SWITCH MODELS

** DishPro switches (DP##).
There are four different switches in general use:

DP21
Connects a DP Twin or DP Quad with a DP Single to one receiver.  Early
production units were labeled "DishPro SW21."

DP34
Connects 2 DishPro Single LNBFs or a DP Twin plus an optional DP
Single aimed at a side slot to up to 4 tuners/receivers.  Has
pass-through outputs to chain 2 more switches to support 12 tuners
from one dish assembly.
Diagram: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2002/Disk3/MVC-021S.JPG
Photo: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2002/Disk3/MVC-019S.JPG

DPP44
Connects 4 satellites to 4 receivers.  Has pass-through outputs to
chain 2 more switches to support 12 receivers from one dish assembly.
When used with a DishPro Separator can feed a dual-tuner model off 1
run of RG6.  Legacy receivers do not need the DishPro adapter and will
recognize the switch as an SW64 or SW64/SW21 cascade.  If used with
receivers that don't recognize SuperDISH, the SuperDISH slot should be
connected to input 4.
Diagram: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2003/3/MVC-024S.JPG
Diagram: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=36319
Photo: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2003/3/MVC-017S.JPG
Photo: http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=1032
Separator: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2003/3/MVC-021S.JPG

DP Twin
Has 2 LNBs with built-in switches in a housing about 6" wide, appears
identical to the Legacy Twin but has a prominent "dp" logo.  Can be
cascaded with 2 DP21 switches for up to 2 receivers or can feed the
DP34 or DPP44 for up to 12 receivers.
Photo: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?postid=62023

DPP Twin
Adds a satellite input.  Can feed 2 dual-tuner models using 1 run of
RG6 for each when used with a DishPro Separator.  Available Jan 2005.
Info: http://www.dishretailer.com/dpp/dpptwin.pdf
Diagram: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2003/3/MVC-025S.JPG
Photo: http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=1032

DP Quad
Has 2 LNBs with built-in switches in a housing about 6" wide, appears
identical to the Legacy Quad but has a prominent "dp" logo.  Can be
cascaded with DP21 switches or can feed the DP34 or DPP44 for up to 24
receivers.

Info: http://ekb.dbstalk.com/dishpro.htm , DishPro Technology

** Standard switches (legacy, SW##).
There are six different switches in general use:

SW21
Connects 2 single LNBs to one receiver.  Two SW21s can be used to
connect 2 dual LNBs to two receivers.

SW42
Functionally equivalent to two SW21s although it uses different
switching commands and is constructed differently. See note below on
cascading.

SW64
Connects 2 or 3 *dual* LNBs to (up to) four receivers and is a
"powered" switch. The power is supplied via an inserter, which can be
placed indoors, near one of the receivers. It is inserted in the RG-6
coax line coming from the SW64 output port #1 (The one labeled "To
Power Inserter"). The inserter *must* be inserted in the correct
direction to prevent damage to the receiver. Follow directions and
labels carefully. This switch is currently the only solution for the
owners of receivers which do not support cascading.

Twin
Has 2 LNBs with built-in switches in a housing about 6" wide, supports
a maximum of 2 receivers.  Can be cascaded with an SW21 (except with
Model 2000), no other switch combinations are allowed.
Info: http://ekb.dbstalk.com/twin.htm

Quad
Similar to the Twin but with outputs for 4 receivers.  Can function as
the equivalent of 2 dual LNBs to connect to an SW44 or SW64.
Info: http://ekb.dbstalk.com/quad.htm
Photo: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2000/tradeshow/00000321.JPG

Discontinued switches include:

SW44
Connects 2 dual LNBs to (up to) four receivers. Except for the missing
third LNB inputs, it is similar in operation to the SW64, using the
same power supply and inserter. (The receiver may identify the SW44 as
an SW42....this is mentioned in the manual, and apparently is OK.)

SWAJ
Basically an SW21 that uses the Accessory Jack.

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Subject: 8. CASCADING SWITCHES

Can switches be combined?

Three kinds of combinations can be performed:  cascade, parallel and
trunk.
- Cascading is a method of switching in more input LNBs by feeding the
output of one switch into another, it cannot be used to provide more
outputs, and not all combinations will work.
- Paralleling is a method of providing 8 outputs. It only works with
SW44 and SW64 switches.
- Trunking uses satellite pass-through outputs to connect up to 2
additional switches to provide 8 or 12 outputs.  Works only with DP34,
DPP44 and Microyal SW44A switches.

What limitations affect cascading switches?

Current Echostar switches use serial commands to select different
inputs, and this is controlled by the receiver software. Only switches
which operate with different command sets can be cascaded (can't use
an SW21 to feed an SW21), and not all possible combinations are
supported by all receivers' software.

To find out if your receiver(s) will support various cascade methods,
run a check switch.

Receivers with only 26 switch checks will not support cascading at
all.
- 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 were the last to be removed from this list
7/02.

Receivers which have 34 or 38 switch checks will support the next
three methods:
- Cascade Twin LNB / (2)SW21 to see 61.5, 110, and 119 for up to two
receivers.
- Cascade SW42 / (2)SW21 to see 61.5, 110, and 119 on two receivers
(not recommended)
- Cascade SW44 / SW21 to see 61.5, 110, and 119

Receivers which have 50 switch checks (4900, 301, 501, 6000) will
support this method:
- Cascade SW64 / SW21 to see 61.5, 110, 119, and 129 (Philadelphia).
This might also work for 148 instead of 129 but that support seems to
be unstable.

Paralleling takes advantage of the "hardwired polarization" to split
LNB signals to feed additional switches.

The Quad LNB can be used in place of the Twin or double dual LNBF's in
cascade or parallel configurations.

Are there any cable length issues I need to consider?

See: http://ekb.dbstalk.com/cablelength.htm , recommended maximum
cable lengths for use with SW21 and SW42 switches. SW44 and SW64 are
capable of supporting longer runs.

Where can I find additional documents to help me set up my Echostar
system?

See Echostar's document download page at
<http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/user_guides_and_manua...>
Diagrams
<http://tech.dishnetwork.com/departmental_content/TechPortal/index.shtml>,
choose Product Type: Dish/LNBF, any dish or switch, "Go," then expand
menu on the left

Dish Network's Technical Support Pages start at
<http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/customer_service/troubleshooting/i...>

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/9 , "Can I Mix Dish and DirecTV LNBs on one
Dish?"
http://ekb.dbstalk.com/29 , "Where can I get a good cheap LNB?"

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Subject: 9. MORE THAN 2 RECEIVERS

If you plan on going beyond 2 receivers, making that decision before
the installation can save you money and hassle in the long run.  If
that is your plan, then you want to make sure your system (xx22,
xxx-22A) is NOT an xx22T or xxx-22B as the legacy Twin LNB would have
to be replaced with a Quad or 2 dual LNBFs to go beyond 2 receivers.
If it is not the "T" or "B" model, you would want to "trade-up" your
SW21s now for an SW44 or SW64.  If you plan on adding the 61.5 (or
148) satellite for specialty programming or HDTV, without going beyond
2 receivers, the Twin will be sufficient (unless you have a Model
2000).  If you want 61.5 and a 3rd receiver, make sure you get an SW64
instead of the SW44 mentioned above.

As for running more than 4 receivers, there is a Dish Network
supported method of running 2 SW64s in parallel using special
splitters and "loads."  An SW44 can be used instead of an SW64 if
110/119 is all that is needed.
Dual SW64 diagram: http://tinyurl.com/yoanca (Dish Tech Portal)
Photo: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2000/tradeshow/00000315.JPG

Up to 24 receivers can be connected to a Dish500 plus optional side
slot dish by using a DishPro Quad LNBF and 6 DP34 switches, or 12
receivers with a *DP Twin* and 3 DP34s.  The DP34 can not be connected
to a standard Twin or Quad.  Splitters are still not allowed and RG-59
cable is inadequate for use with DishPro.  Also, each non-DishPro
(legacy) receiver hooked up to a DishPro switch requires purchase and
use of an adapter to selectively block one of the two polarities sent
through the cable.
Diagram: http://www.dishretailer.com/ts2002/Disk3/MVC-020S.JPG

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Subject: 10. CREDITS

jbuff and the EKB, Seth Lerman, ElecConnec, dgoff1