Guide to using Unicable

Guide to using Unicable

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. You can use them with a "normal" receiver like: Technomate Nano SE, Vu Solo 2, Vu Duo, Xtrend 8000, Gigablue Quad, Mutant HD51 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.


Quad LNB with multiple receivers.jpg


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 receiver and image 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 some loss of signal as opposed to a non-Sky dish.


Power pass splitters are required. They 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!


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.


single unicable receiver.jpg


This person has a twin tuner receiver, a Unicable LNB, but did not buy splitters. Only one tuner will receive satellite signal, so there will be limitations.


unicable multi tuner_unused tuner.jpg


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.


unicable diseqc multi receivers_2_2.jpg


Hopefully this diagram shows what you can achieve.

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



unicable2 multi receivers.jpg