Guide to using Unicable

[abu baniaz]

A guide to explain possible usages of Unicable/Unicable 2 LNBs. Unicable 2 is also known as JESS

I would like to start off by stating that Unicable LNBs do not need specific tuners (i.e FBC tuners). You can use them with a "normal" receiver like: Technomate Nano SE, Vu Solo 2, Vu Duo, Xtrend 8000, Zgemma H7, Mutant HD51

Unicable is one technology, FBC tuners are another technology. They are independent and different. Understand/learn one at a time and it will be easier to grasp.

In the old days, LNBs generally came with a single port. You could only connect to one receiver. Then came Quad LNBs which had four connections, Octo LNBs with eight connections. There are also switches which required a Quattro LNB but had many more outputs. All of these have one limitation, they need a signal wire directly between the tuner/s and LNB/Multi-switch. The signal cannot be split.

A typical layout would be as pictured.

 

[abu baniaz]

Unicable/2 LNBs have channels which they send the combined signal down. These are usually called SCR. Unicable 1 LNBs usually come with 4 SCR although they are technically capable of more. Unicable 2 LNBs usually come in 24 or 32 SCR. The unicable 2 LNBs are better value for money. Prior to purchasing a Unicable LNB, ensure that your non-enigma2 receiver supports the technology. For arguments sake, if you intend to use a Freesat receiver or built -in satellite tuner on your TV, they may not support the technology. In such situations, a Unicable LNB with legacy/universal ports will be required.

Unicable LNBs have a 40mm collar. If you intend to use on a Sky dish, you will need an adapter. Also bear in mind that eliptical dishes have squashed LNBs, so you will get minor/negligible drop of signal as opposed to a round/non-Sky dish. Most people will be fine with a Sky dish if they can get the adapter.

Power pass splitters are required when hooking up to different devices. The power pass splitters only allow current one way. Ensure that they support the frequencies in use. A 5-1000MHz splitter will not work! Plan your installation and buy sufficient splitters at the outset. Postage is usually more than the splitters if buying at a later stage.

The splitters can be placed wherever convenient for you. For example, if you have coaxial wires from several rooms going to the loft, a splitter there will be best for you. You can use more splitters further along the circuit and in combination.

Ensure you use good quality cable!

 

[abu baniaz]

A simple layout. This is just to emphasize that you can use a Unicable LNB with a single tuner receiver. Perhaps someone plans to upgrade soon and the builder is on the roof, so take opportunity to change the LNB without having to change the receiver.

 

[abu baniaz]

This person has a twin tuner receiver (not an FBC tner/matrix), a Unicable LNB, but did not buy splitters. Only one tuner/socket will have direct access to the satellite signal wire.

 

[abu baniaz]

This is a better setup. A signal wire from the LNB. A splitter is used next to the receiver to provide both tuners with satellite signal.


Edit:
Because of linkage in an FBC unit/matrix, you do not need to use a splitter. You can use the one cable and use the "Connected" option.

 

[abu baniaz]

A better usage of the technology shown here.

Two receivers with twin tuners, that is a total of four tuners. Unicable LNBs allows us to use one signal wire from the LNB and share the signal as required.

 

[abu baniaz]

Hopefully this diagram shows what you can achieve.

It is important to ensure that every tuner is assigned a unique/separate/individual SCR.

 

[abu baniaz]

Tuner configuration for Non-FBC tuners:

Tuner configuration for Non-FBC tuners:

It should be something similar to this:

Configuration mode = Advanced

Satellite = The one the LNB is pointing to. Most people in UK will be 28.2.

LNB = Leave this LNB 1 (Unless you are combining them, in which case you wouldn't be looking at this guide)

Type of LNB/device = SCR (Unicable/Jess)

SCR(Unicable/Jess) type = LNB. (Are you using an LNB or switch?)

Manufacturer = Name of LNB/switch manufacturer.
Model = Model number of LNB/Switch.

Position = leave this as 1. (Some LNBs can be programmed and used in combination)

Channel = This is the SCR channel. Make sure that every tuner working from the LNB/switch has a unique one. Even if on different receivers.

Connected = This is asking if you are internally sharing a wire to the tuner you are setting/configuring.
Most people will use a splitter and provider this LNB with signal supply. There are a few receivers with internally linked tuner. E.g Vu Solo 2, TM Nano 3t Combo. If there is a splitter and wire direct to the tuner, you are not sharing internally, so say no.

Diseqc mode = None
Force Legacy signal stats. Leave as it is

Repeat for every tuner. Make sure that you do not re-use the same user band channel. This applies to all tuners accessing the LNB, even if they are on a different receiver.

 

[abu baniaz]

You can use a Unicable LNB on one tuner and normal LNBs on a diseqc switch on another physical tuner on the same receiver.

Some Unicable LNBs have the legacy ports too. As an example is the GT-Sat GT-S3DCSS24. The sponsor sells it here:
https://www.world-of-satellite.co.u...-lnb/gt-sat-gt-s3dcss24-unicable-lnb-3-legacy

A possible usage is as pictured. Thanks to willo3092 for the picture

 

[abu baniaz]

Unicable LNBs and motorised dishes

Please see this thread:
https://www.world-of-satellite.com/showthread.php?57507-Unicable-LNBs-and-motorised-dishes

 

[abu baniaz]

FBC tuners:
Receivers like Vu Solo4K, Vu Ultimo 4K, Gigablue UE 4K have FBC tuners.

Please do not assume you can only use Unicable with FBC tuners. The two technologies are separate and independent. Yes, you will achieve more if you combine the two.

Simplified description of an FBC tuner:

An FBC tuner card/module/unit/matrix consists of 8 tuners. Two of them have physical connections for attaching to a signal wire, they are usually called "root tuners". The six without physical connections are usually called "leaf tuners".

As the "leaf tuners" do not have a physical connection, they can get signal via either of the two "root tuners". If there is a unicable device, the leaf tuners can be set independently. If not a unicable device, the leaf tuners will be in loop through mode. This shows up as FBC automatic

The two "root tuners" can have different signal source. E.g. One has motorised, other has a fixed/diseqc switch or unicable LNB. It does not matter which way round.

The two "root tuners" that have physical connections can also have signal source through/via each other when using a unicable device.
The other six "leaf tuners" can obtain signal source through/via either of the two physical connections.

When you are getting "unicable signal" through/via another tuner, the option for this in the menu is called "connected". You do not need a splitter by the receiver in such a setup.

There is no linkage between different FBC modules/cards. If you have two tuner modules/cards, i.e. 16 tuners (four physical connections), the 8 tuners on one module/card cannot share signal with the 8 on the other module/card. Currently, only the Duo 4K, Duo 4K SE and Ultimo 4K can have more than one FBC module/unit

A separate setup guide for Unicable and FBC tuners is here

https://www.world-of-satellite.com/...e-II-Inverto-IDLU-32UL40-UNB00-0PP-FBC-tuners

 

[abu baniaz]

Multi-switches:

Unicable2/Jess multi-switches are also available. Like conventional multi-switches, they will allow the user to combine terrestrial and satellite signal and send out to several face plates. These come in various types. Most will require a Quattro LNB, some will take a Quad LNB.

 

[abu baniaz]

The sponsor sells Unicable LNB/switches here

https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/gt-sat

https://www.world-of-satellite.co.u...e-lnb/gt-sat-gt-dlnb1dy-unicable-II-24scr-lnb

 

[abu baniaz]

Unicable devices and tune failed messages

See this thread
https://www.world-of-satellite.com/showthread.php?58679-Unicable-devices-and-tune-failed-messages

 

[Rob van der Does]

[h=2]Unicable LNBs and motorised dishes[/h]

A Unicable LNB is a technology which allows multiple users (or multiple tuners) to access satellite broadcasts over a single coaxial cable and eliminates the need for the numerous cables required by a conventional system. In order to satisfy all users of the system the dish must remain permanently orientated to the one satellite that all the users wish to receive programing from. If the dish were to move from its permanent orientation this would disturb the viewing of all users of the system.

A motorised dish, on the other hand, allows a single user to orientate the dish at will and access broadcasts from many satellites right across the geostationary arc. Because he is the sole user of the system the continual reorientation of the dish as he moves from one satellite to another will not disturb the viewing of other users as there aren't any.

Trying to mix these two technologies will only end up producing unsatisfactory results. When multiple users (or multiple tuners) need to access more than one satellite the correct hardware to use is a permanently orientated dish with multiple LNBs or multiple dishes. This will ensure the viewing of one user does not disturb the viewing of other users of the system and also zapping will be instantaneous. This multi-sat system may use specially programmed Unicable LNBs and can still be delivered to multiple users over a single coaxial cable.​

Mixing the two technologies (motor & Unicable) over multiple boxes is indeed a bad idea, as explained here.
But there is a use-case for mixing them for multiple tuners in one receiver. That's because in this case E2 'knows' which satellite the dish is pointing to, and takes this into account when creating timers.
A motorised dish with a (dual) Unicable can feed two tuners, thus allowing you to see/record simultaneously from e.g. BBC1 & 2 & 4.

 

[Rob van der Does]

[h=2]Unicable LNBs and motorised dishes[/h]

A Unicable LNB is a technology which allows multiple users (or multiple tuners) to access satellite broadcasts over a single coaxial cable and eliminates the need for the numerous cables required by a conventional system. In order to satisfy all users of the system the dish must remain permanently orientated to the one satellite that all the users wish to receive programing from. If the dish were to move from its permanent orientation this would disturb the viewing of all users of the system.

A motorised dish, on the other hand, allows a single user to orientate the dish at will and access broadcasts from many satellites right across the geostationary arc. Because he is the sole user of the system the continual reorientation of the dish as he moves from one satellite to another will not disturb the viewing of other users as there aren't any.

Trying to mix these two technologies will only end up producing unsatisfactory results. When multiple users (or multiple tuners) need to access more than one satellite the correct hardware to use is a permanently orientated dish with multiple LNBs or multiple dishes. This will ensure the viewing of one user does not disturb the viewing of other users of the system and also zapping will be instantaneous. This multi-sat system may use specially programmed Unicable LNBs and can still be delivered to multiple users over a single coaxial cable.​

Mixing the two technologies (motor & Unicable) over multiple boxes is indeed a bad idea, as explained here.
But there is a use-case for mixing them for multiple tuners in one receiver. That's because in this case E2 'knows' which satellite the dish is pointing to, and takes this into account when creating timers.
A motorised dish with a (dual) Unicable can feed two tuners, thus allowing you to see/record simultaneously from e.g. BBC1 & 2 & 4.