Primo diseqc 1.1 + 1.0 switching problem

ozumo

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Short version: Does anyone have a working diseqc 1.1 + 1.0 setup on a primo and if yes what firmware & switches are you using? Thanks - oz

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My setup is Primo -> 8 way diseqc 1.1 -> 4 way diseqc 1.0

Best branded (I think, the label has been sun bleached for years) 1.1 switch:
Port 1 -> diseqc 1.0 switch
Port 2 -> 22w
Port 3 -> 5w
Port 8 -> polar mount 1.2m

Technomate 1.0 switch:
Port A -> 28.2e
Port B -> 19.2e
Port C -> 52e

I'm having trouble switching to the dishes on the 1.0 switch. On the primo setting 28.2e to diseqc 1.0 port A + diseqc 1.1 port 1 works. I can switch to it from any other position. However when I set 19.2e to port B + port 1 I get no signal. Same happens for 52e using port C + port 1.

If I set diseqc 1.1 to off for 19.2e and 52e I can switch to (and between) them - but only if I switch to 28.2e first. Switching to 19.2e or 52e from 22w, 5w or the 1.2m results in no signal as expected.

The setup works 100% fine on my older receivers and my meter. The usb on my primo is dodgy so I'm not keen on updating the firmware but I'll give it a go if it'll fix the switching. Does anybody have a fully working setup and if so what firmware and switches are you using?

Thanks - oz
 

jeallen01

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I bought some "BEST" 4-way switches some years ago and then had a lot of trouble with them not switching correctly - eventually, with the considerable help of the Tech Support guy at EMP-Centauri - to whom I sent one - it was identified that they don't always react correctly to DiSEqC control signals, especially when used in cascaded configurations (in fact the switch I sent him is now in their "Black Museum" of faulty-by-design DiSEqC equipment!).

After that I only used EMP-Centauri switches and have had few problems with them - although, ATM, I think I may have 1 or 2 failed ports on the 16-1 switch I bought from them a year or so ago!

Anyway, in your circumstances, I would try a switch from another brand!
 

jeallen01

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Follow-up: I have just dug out the report I received in 2016 from the Tech Support guy at EMP-Centauri, and this is what he wrote:

"Good morning

after more testing, we can confirm your results. The "Best" switch is working fine if connected directly to the receiver, but it does not understand the commands which are generated by our S4/1PCT-W2 switch. In fact, it does not respond properly to any of our DiSEqC generators, neither standalone nor built within S4/1PCT-W2.

It is the first confirmed incompatibility case of our DiSEqC generators. According to our manager, our response now should be to recommend to use our components for systems with S4/1PCT-W2.

Based on above, there are following working solutions for you:

1/ Use your S4/1PCT-W2 switch in connection with other EMP-Centauri DiSEqC components, e.g. S4/1PCN-W1 (confirmed to work)

2/ Use "BEST" switch with our other model, S4/1PCT-11 universal multimode switch

EMP-Centauri - DiSEqC switch S4/1PCT-11 (P.164-T)

This combination is confirmed to work as well, for this switch does not generate new DiSEqC commands, it just passes through commands incoming from receiver.

I consider the testing as completed for now, please advice what to do with the components you kindly sent us."


That was for a BEST 4-Way switch. but I suspect that something similar could be the case with their 8-way switches (???)
 
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a33

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Welcome to the forum!

Usefull testing procedure you performed! :Y

I don't know the primo, but can you set diseqc options like
- diseqc repeat
- repeat sequence
- order uncommitted - committed
- fast diseqc
- increased voltage?

And another question, for testing:
Normally I would also put the 1.0 switch to port 1 of the 1.1 switch, as you have it.
However it could be possible, that the (1.1) port 1 somehow suffers a short power interruption, that causes the 1.0 switch to reset.
So did you try this 1.0 switch also on another port of the 1.1 switch, if it gives the same problems?

[ As you have your polar mount on port 8, the diseqc 1.2 signal must go through that port without problems.]

Greetz,
A33
 

jeallen01

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Update on my 16-1 EMP-Centauri switch as it's fine on all ports when controlled from our upstairs office system and so the issue is probably a cabling one in the lounge system.

Can recommend EMP-Centauri if replacements are needed: not cheap (unless you know where to look!), but good installation instructions, work well and very good tech support from the factory.

PS: just took another look at post #1, and the following para from there closely mirrors what happened when I tried to use a BEST 4-way switch of a port on the (non-EMP or BEST) 10-1 DiSEqC 1.1 switch I was using at the time - Port 1 of the BEST switch was fine, but not ports 2, 3 or 4.
" I'm having trouble switching to the dishes on the 1.0 switch. On the primo setting 28.2e to diseqc 1.0 port A + diseqc 1.1 port 1 works. I can switch to it from any other position. However when I set 19.2e to port B + port 1 I get no signal. Same happens for 52e using port C + port 1. "
 
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ozumo

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Thanks for the quick replies :Y

jeallen01 - interesting reading! I checked through my old emails and it is definitely a 'best' switch :-doh

a33 - the primo just has basic diseqc options for port selection and that's it. I should've noted the polar mount is controlled by a stand alone vbox so no diseqc involved, the lnb is connected directly to the switch.

I moved the 1.0 switch to another port, this time 28.2e and 52e worked but 19.2e was the same as before. I've ordered an EMP switch which will hopefully be here tomorrow.

Cheers fellas - oz
 

a33

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I moved the 1.0 switch to another port, this time 28.2e and 52e worked but 19.2e was the same as before.

So for one of the two problem satellites, it worked?
Interesting that it worked for 52E, but strange that it only worked for only one...

Let's see what a new diseqc 1.1 switch will bring.

Greetz,
A33
 

ozumo

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Yep 28.2e & 52e worked when using port 4 on the 1.1 switch, no luck with 19.2e. I'll try swapping the switches around if the emp doesn't turn up tomorrow.
-oz
 

ozumo

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Success. The EMP switch arrived and when set to diseqc 1.1 works perfectly - though only after working out the dipswitch settings are the inverse of what appears on the label. Thanks for the help - oz :YE35FFB7D-DDE5-4B05-BCAA-AE607957BE67.jpeg
 

jeallen01

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@ozumo

Ref the label instructions: probably a matter of how you interpret what is "ON" and what is "OFF"! :)

PS: on reflection, the problem switch was a Technomate, not a BEST, one! So, maybe the TM and BEST switches came from the same (crap!) design & manufacturing chain - so don't trust either brand for switches! :-doh
 
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ozumo

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Raven mk2 zone 2 x4, Channel Master: 90cm x3, 1.2m x2, 1.8m PF. CM polar mount x2, Az/El x3.
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South Durham
I don't blame the technomate, more likely some incompatibilty between the primo and the best.

Either way glad it's sorted now, just need something to fill up all those spare ports, a toroidal dish perhaps :cool:
 
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