Here are some resources that should help you with the installation of your ExpressVu satellite system:
Bell TV Signal distribution
Using the correct switches to distribute your ExpressVu™ signal to multiple receivers is critical to ensure that your system will perform adequatly.
Single Satellite Distribution (91°W Only)
If you only need to catch standard definition programming and you do not subscribe to international channels, you only need ExpressVu's 91°W satellite.
All ExpressVu dishes come with a Dual output LNBF. This means you can send the signal to 2 receivers without the need for any switches or splitters. To connect both receivers, simply run one (1) line for each receiver to the dish (for a total of 2 lines). You can not split the signal of a Dual LNBF.
If you want to distribute your signal to more than 2 receivers, your options are:
- Passive 4-way multiswitch (can feed up to 4 receivers).
This switch requires that you connect both lines from the Dual LNBF to the switch.
In return, you will have 4 independent outputs to feed your satellite receivers.
This switch should only be used if you have less than 75ft of coaxial cable between the switch and the satellite dish. It is better to keep this switch indoor, although it will also work outdoors
- Active 4-way multiswitch (can feed up to 4 receivers).
Same use as the above passive switch, except that this switch can support up to 150ft of coaxial cable between the switch and the dish.
This switch requires a separate coaxial line (not included) to connect it to the power supply (included). Both lines of the LNBF must be connected to the switch.
- Active 8-way multiswitch (can feed up to 8 receivers).
Same application as the active 4-way multiswitch, except that it can feed up to 8 receivers.
This switch requires a separate coaxial line (not included) to connect it to the power supply (included). Both lines of the LNBF must be connected to the switch.
- Active 16-way multiswitch (can feed up to 16 receivers).
Same application as the active 4-way multiswitch, except that it can feed up to 16 receivers. Both lines of the LNBF must be connected to the switch. A power supply is not required for this switch.
- Dish Pro LNBF and Dish Pro Splitters
Using a Dish Pro LNBF instead of a standard Dual LNBF means you do not need to run 2 lines to a switch and you can split your satellite signal with Dish Pro splitters to feed as many receivers as you would like, as long as your lines are less than 125ft each (otherwise line amplifiers will be required).
This LNBF will fit any ExpressVu™ dish.
Items required for this setup:
Dual Satellite Distribution (91°W & 82°W)
Inf you are receiving HDTV or International programming on your ExpressVu™ system, you will need to distribute the 91°W and 82°W satellites to your receivers.
To know if your dish is capable of dual satellite reception (91°W and 82°W), check if the dish has a "Y" bracket on the arm where the LNBF(s) sit and if there is a SKEW adjustment on the back of the dish.
If you currently only have 1 x LNBF sitting on the "Y" bracket (the other slot is empty), you will have to get a D-Style LNBF for the second slot on the "Y" bracket and you may have to set the SKEW on the back of your dish (tilt it properly for simultaneous dual satellite reception).
You can use 1 x SW44 switch if you only need to distribute your signal to 4 or less receivers (the 5200 and 9200 receivers require 2 lines!)
If you need more than 4 lines, you can use 1 x SW44 switch and up to 3 SW-44A switches (for a total of 4 x 4 = 16 lines outputs). The SW-44A switch takes all 4 lines coming from both dual LNBFs installed on your dish, offers 4 outputs and also offers 4 outputs to feed another SW-44A or an SW-44 switch.
The SW-44 and the SW-44A switches are powered and amplified using the coaxial line going to "Receiver output #1" for each switch. On this line, you must install the power insterter supplied with the switch behind your receiver.
The advantage of using a power inserter is that you can leave the switch as close to the dish as possible and keep the power insterter just behind the receiver.
The Microyal SW-44 switches we carry are built with the best quality components available on the market. These switches can be used indoors or outdoors (the power inserted must always be kept indoors) - as long as the F-connectors are also water-tight (i.e. Snap & Seal). Do not use crimp-style connectors with this switch if you plan to use it outdoors!!! (the water infiltrations in the RF ports will void your warranty and kill your switch and/or LNBF and/or receiver(s))
Important: Do not use an SW-44A if you only need 4 lines. If you need 8, 12 or 16 lines, make sure that you always have an SW-44 at the end of your setup (do not use an SW-44A as your last switch)!
Misc installation notes:
When you find the Nimiq satellite on your "Point Dish" menu, the signal bar will go from red to green, with white lines representing the signal level.
If the bar is still red and you have a signal, you are not on Nimiq and you should not press "Continue". Doing so may ruin your receiver.
Nimiq is located at 91 degrees West and there are 4 satellites in the sky that may give you a red signal:
- EchoStar IV & V: 110 West
- EchoStar I & II: 119 West
- EchoStar III: 61.5 West
You must use our look angles calculator to find the position of Nimiq for your location.
Once you are pointed on Nimiq, you should get a signal of >75% on TP 11.
ExpressVu™ uses two different satellites on the 91°W position. Although this should not impact the signal strength on the different transponders as shown in Menu 6-1-1 for the 91°W position, here is how the transponders are distributed (this list may or may not be 100% accurate):
Repeat step 2 with numbers 2 through 6 to try other remote addresses until you get the right one that works with your receiver.
If you are getting the following message on your ExpressVu 9200 or 5900 receiver: "A serious hard drive problem (0551) has been detected with your receiver", the following procedure may help.
Please note that this information is given without any warranties and we accept no responsibility if you damage your equipment as a result of attempting any of the procedures below.
