DiSEqC Switch with Port Indicator Lights

I have been bothered by the fact that I could not tell "just by looking" at a DiSEqC switch which port is selected. To solve the problem I built up a small circuit that will light up an LED for whichever port I have selected by the receiver.

I use this on a FTA receiver where the receiver is NOT connected to a TV, It is used exclusively for receiving audio, from two separate dishes.

The circuit will pull voltage from the selected port and does not seem to attenuate the RF signal very much. This is due to the RF chokes in the circuit that blocks the RF, but passes the DC voltage. I did not do any RF loss measurements (before and after) but the singal I am receiving is strong enough to overcome any loss.

You could take this one step further and use bi-color LEDs which will change color depending on the selection of Vertical or Horizontal polarity (13 or 18 VDC). You would probably have to change the value of the resistors to get the proper bias voltage on the bi-color LEDs.

I think you could sell that!!!! Excellent work!!!

I agree with El......nice job Joe

Excellent!!!!

I actually found a new DiSEqC switch for sale (not in the US) that has indicator lights. I thought it would be simple enough to make so I threw this together. There's not a lot of room inside the switch housing to work with, so it makes things tough. Fun little project.