Watching Türksat and Nilesat with a Single Dish: Multifeed LNB Setup Guide

You don’t need to clutter your balcony or roof with multiple satellite dishes to double your viewing pleasure. With a bit of engineering logic and the right equipment, it is entirely possible to receive broadcasts from both Türksat (42.0°E)—the heart of Turkish television—and Nilesat (7.0°W)—the giant of Middle Eastern and North African broadcasting—using a single dish antenna.

In technical terms, this is called a Multifeed setup. However, be warned: because the orbital distance between these two satellites is quite large, the installation requires patience and precision. Here is your step-by-step roadmap to achieving professional results.

Required Equipment for Multifeed Setup

Unlike a standard installation, you will need specific hardware to gather signals at a single focal point:

  1. Large Dish Antenna: Due to the wide angle between Türksat and Nilesat, you should use at least a 90 cm dish, though 120 cm is ideal to prevent signal loss.
  2. Multifeed Bracket (LNB Holder): A rail system that allows you to mount multiple LNBs on a single arm.
  3. Slim Neck LNBs: These are essential when LNBs need to be positioned very close to each other. I recommend using a high-gain LNB for Nilesat, as its signal can be weaker depending on your fringe location.
  4. DiSEqC Switch (4×1): To combine the cables from different LNBs into a single downlead for your TV or receiver.

Step-by-Step Installation Strategy

The most critical decision in this setup is which satellite will be your “central” focus. Since Nilesat signals can be trickier to catch depending on your geographic location, balancing the focus is key.

1. Setting the Primary Focus

To maximize efficiency, the dish is often pointed at a central point in the sky (like Hotbird at 13°E) and the other LNBs are placed on the sides. However, for a direct Türksat-Nilesat build, you must calibrate the dish to a midpoint that allows both LNBs to catch their respective “reflections” off the dish surface.

2. LNB Placement (The Reflection Principle)

Remember, satellite waves hit the dish and reflect at an opposite angle:

  • Türksat LNB: Positioned on the right side of the arm (when standing behind the dish).
  • Nilesat LNB: Positioned on the left side of the arm.
  • You must slide the LNBs along the rail with millimeter precision until you find the highest signal quality on your meter.

3. DiSEqC Configuration and TV Setup

Connect the cables from the LNBs to the ports on the DiSEqC switch (e.g., LNB 1 for Türksat, LNB 2 for Nilesat). Then, in your TV’s satellite settings menu:

  • For Türksat: Set DiSEqC 1.0 -> Port A (or 1)
  • For Nilesat: Set DiSEqC 1.0 -> Port B (or 2)

Pros and Cons

The Advantages:

  • Aesthetics and Space: Eliminates “dish pollution” on your roof and saves money by using a single cable run.
  • Rich Content: You can combine local Turkish channels with the vast world of Arab cinema and sports in one list.

The Challenges:

  • Signal Sensitivity: During heavy rain or storms, you may experience signal drops more frequently than with a dedicated single-dish setup.
  • Complexity: Achieving a lock on both satellites without a professional satellite finder tool can be quite difficult for a beginner.

Professional Tip: The “Skew” Adjustment

When receiving Nilesat via a multifeed setup, you might find that some HD frequencies are missing. If this happens, try slightly rotating the Nilesat LNB in its holder (adjusting the LNB Skew). This fine-tuning of the angle is often the difference between a “No Signal” message and a crystal-clear image.

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