Humax PVR - connect 2 cables from satellite dish?

Nice_Username

Hi, I'm after some help with a new Humax FoxSat-HDR I've just bought. The instructions say that in order to record a programme and watch another channel at the same time I need to connect 2 cables from my satellite dish into the recorder, but I've only ever had one cable. What other cable are they talking about? At the moment I can't watch another programme if I'm recording something.:(

aliasojo

You just need to run another length of cable from the dish to the Humax. It's easy enough to do yourself btw.

It's usual to have 2 cables, all boxes (Sky or otherwise) need the 2 cables in order to record one channel whilst watching another.

Nice_Username

OK thanks. So I can just buy a length of cable from somewhere like Maplin and there will be a connection point on the satellite dish? Thing is, I'll also have to drill another hole through the wall to run it inside, won't I?

scotsbob

Nice Username, it is possible to do it with just the one cable (with some minor restrictions on recording)

Connect the cable from your dish to input 1 on the Humax.

Then take a short length of cable (about 10cms is all you need) and attach f-plugs to both ends. You can get the plugs from Maplins or anywhere that sells aerials.

Then connect one end to Input 2 and the other to Output 1

You will now be able to record one channel and watch another, provided it is on the same polarity. If you want a full list of the channels you can watch while recording then just send a PM

If you want to run two cables then you just need to change the LNB on your dish from single to twin. How easy that is depends on how accessible your dish is.

Nice_Username

Thanks scotsbob, I think that's the option I'd prefer. The satellite dish is about 5 years old so I don't know if it would have a multi-LNB.

So if I go to Maplin tomorrow and ask them for this cable and f-plugs, and tell them what it's for, they should be able to help? Sorry for the daft questions, I haven't got a clue about technology!

Wherryman

As scotsbob said you only need a very short cable but if you haven't the parts to hand it maybe easier and cheaper to buy a ready made lead.

Screwfix near? £1.69
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/37377/Electrical-Supplies/TV-Range/Leads-Connectors/Coax-Lead-F-Plug-To-F-Plug-2m

Or wait a few days for the post, eBay £1.49
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1-M-F-PLUG-SATELLITE-EXTENSION-CABLE-PATCH-FLY-LEAD-1M_W0QQitemZ130379610156QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConElec_TVAerials_RL?hash=item1e5b3af82c

James123_2

Maplins with charge you ££££+ for this stuff, so Ebay if you can! F connectors are usually only pennies on Ebay. If you do go the full hog and run a separate cable then make sure what you buy is satellite standard and not the crummy brown stuff available at the likes of Wilkinsons - and even Maplins! A quad effort is only about a fiver on Ebay and a very quick job other than the logistics of having to drill another hole.

burnsguitarman

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160400013396#ht_1287wt_988
We bought this from ebay only a few weeks ago, to upgrade our dish, delivery was next day.
The system works fine now, although I would check your existing lnb first as SKY have been fitting quad lnb's as standard for quite a long time now.

Inactive

Nice_Username wrote: »

Thanks scotsbob, I think that's the option I'd prefer. The satellite dish is about 5 years old so I don't know if it would have a multi-LNB.

If you do need a quad LNB, make sure you buy one with an adapter, otherwise the new type will not fit on to the old type dish that you have.

eBay is your best bet, Maplin's are expensive and useless.

penrhyn

When you have you quad LNB, you can avoid having to drill another hole by using shotgun satellite cable, it thinner and has two cores. As long as your run is fairly short it will be fine.

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page8.htm#WF100twinCUT