DiSEqC (Digital Satellite Equipment Control)

Pronounced "Die-Sec", DiSEqC is a special communication protocol for use between a satellite receiver and a device such as a multi-dish switch or a small dish antenna rotor. It is compatible with the actuators used to rotate large C band dishes if used with a DiSEqC positioner. It relies only on the coaxial cable to transmit both bidirectional data/signals and power.

DiSEqC is commonly used to control multiswitches and claims to be more flexible than 13/18 volt and 22 kHz tone or ToneBurst/MiniDiSEqC techniques. Despite its name, it has been used on fully analogue or only partially digital-capable (Astra Digital Radio) satellite receivers.

A number of variations of DiSEqC exist:

DiSEqC 1.0, which allows switching between up to 4 satellite sources
DiSEqC 1.1, which allows switching between up to 16 sources
DiSEqC 1.2, which allows switching between up to 16 sources, and control of a simple horizontal-panning satellite motor
DiSEqC 2.0, which adds bi-directional communications to DiSEqC 1.2

All four variations were standardised by February 1998, prior to general use of digital satellite television. They are all back compatible - a DiSEqC 2.0 receiver can control a 1.0 switch; but a 1.0 receiver cannot control motorised features.

The terms DiSEqC 1.3 and 2.3 are often used by manufacturers and retailers to refer to other protocols (1.3 usually refers to USALS receivers), but these uses are not authorised by Eutelsat, the developers of the system, who now act as the protocol standards agency.

Eutelsat apparently developed the system to allow satellite users in Continental Europe to switch between the more popular SES Astra 1 block of satellites and Eutelsat's own Hotbird system. As a result, the vast majority of European satellite receivers support at least DiSEqC 1.2, with the notable exception of all set top boxes manufactured under the Sky Digibox name. This is thought to be to protect Sky's monopoly of the UK satellite television market, and keep public awareness of other satellite systems low. All supporting receivers have received certification to carry a logo specifying which variation of DiSEqC they support.

Additional info...

How to set up diseqc in DGS boxes

Go to Menu - System Setup - LNB Setting

Fill in the number of LNBs according the number of satellites you want to receive. You can add other satellites later on.

Only for 400S - Set Connection: separated if you use separate antenna for every tuner or Loop through if you use Loop through connection

Set particular parameters and confirm by OK button:

Enter name of satellite (SAT name).
LNB Type: set "Universal" unless you use special type of LNB.
Local freq.- this parameter is preset for every individual LNB. Do not change it if you do not have a special reason.

Setting of DiSEqC switch

If you use switch with maximum 4 inputs set A, B, C, D for 1, 2, 3, 4 inputs.

If you use switch with more than 4 inputs, e.g. S.168 with 8 inputs, set configuration as below:

Input number of DiSEqC switches	DiSEqC 1.0	DiSEqC 1.1
1	A	A
2	B	A
3	C	A
4	D	A
5	A	B
6	B	B
7	C	B
8	D	B

You can change TP frequency in this window (useful for checking of quality of reception)

Only for 400S - if you use 2 separate satellite dishes with motors you can copy all "Tuner 1" settings into "Tuner 2" settings by using the Blue button.