SWM-8 Installation Question

[jrmckinn]

This may seem like a stupid question, but I'm about to install a SWM-8 and want to make sure I'm doing it the correct way. On the SWM-8 the inbound connectors are labeled with a specific satellites: 99, 101, 103, 110 and 119. There are four connectors, and I have four lines coming from my dish that are all running to a specific receiver. Does it matter which cable I plug into the inbound connectors, and I assume that I just split the line that comes out of SWM-1 after it comes out of the switching power supply. Thanks for all the help!

James

[Spanky_Partain]

Here is a good start as far as some of the best information...

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=80686

[Michael D'Angelo]

:welcome_s to DBSTalk, jrmckinn!

Not a stupid question at all.

1) The first thing you want to do is unplugged all of your receivers.
2) Then connect the 4 lines from the dish to the SMW8. It does not matter what line goes to what input.
3) Then run a cable at least 15' long from SWM1 output (it can be coiled up if you want) to the PI (power supply). Then from the PI and from SWM2 output (if you are using both) run a line to the receivers or splitters first if you need more lines.
4) Once all lines are connected plug in the PI.
5) Then plug the receivers in and they will set everything up during startup. Make sure you remove the BBC before you power anything up.

[Michael D'Angelo]

BTW I am moving this to the "DRIECTV Installation" forum.

[jrmckinn]

Spanky and Michael,
Thanks so much for the responses. They're a HUGE help!

James

[1948GG]

Everything said is correct; what's missing is what you're going to do with the feed after you install the SWM8 and it's Power Inserter.

You can of course plug up the SWM receiver/DVR on the output port of the Power Inserter (PI). But you didn't spell out exactly why you're going the SWM route to begin with, or what number of 'tuners' you actually have, or their location.

These little SWM splitters at:

http://www.techtoolsupply.com/index.asp?btnSearch.x=0&btnSearch.y=0&btnSearch=search&PageAction=PRODSEARCH&txtSearch=SWM8&Page=1

allow you to 'space out' your cable plant, especially if you are utilizing original 'cable tv' cable around to areas of your home (like an upstairs bedroom/den or others).

There are, as you can see, a 2-output, 4-output, and an 8-output device, all with dual power ports. I use these babies by the boatload in designing MDU plants, and in my own home have two 4-port units, one right off the SWM8 output to run 3 outputs, 1 to my backyard 'shed' unit (where I keep my RV w/ DVR), and another run up to one bedroom (original RG6 installed 'cable tv' run from when the home was built back in the 80's).

The third run goes into my living room, where it hits yet another 4-port- unit, and from there to the PI, and out to a DVR and a stand-alone HD receiver, as well as 'looping around' to go down yet another cable to go up to the master bedroom (where I have another DVR).

Of course, the original installed cable tv cable (all RG6) meant the somewhat wacky runs and such, but the little 'splitters' made it all possible.

As you can see on the units, they have two DC ports (for the PI), and then the additional ports are for any receivers. Dirt Simple. And Very Cheap. Even if you plan out your cable runs and such, get an extra one for 'future expansion' and for if you change your mind on how to do things by the time they arrive.

[jrmckinn]

Ok, here's more info. I have four rooms that currently have boxes: 1 HR21, 1 non-dvr HD box, and two standard receivers. These are fed via RG6 from a Leviton Distribution box. There is a 6-way splitter in this box I was planning on using. Are you guys saying that I can't use that splitter? Thanks!

James

[evan_s]

The labels on the inputs only really matter if you are splitting the lines coming from the dish to use multiple switches. Then you have to match between the 2 switches. With a single switch it doesn't matter.

[jrmckinn]

Two more questions, do I have to connect my non-HD and DVR boxes into the legacy ports on the SWM, or will they work off the line coming from the PI, and do I have to use a specific kind of splitter? Sorry to ask so many questions, my installer wasn't very familiar with the device so I'm left to do this on my own, which I would rather do anyway. Thanks!

James

[Michael D'Angelo]

Two more questions, do I have to connect my non-HD and DVR boxes into the legacy ports on the SWM, or will they work off the line coming from the PI, and do I have to use a specific kind of splitter? Sorry to ask so many questions, my installer wasn't very familiar with the device so I'm left to do this on my own, which I would rather do anyway. Thanks!

James

What model receivers do you have? Only the HR20, HR21, H20, H21, H23, D12, R16, and R22 work off the SWM outputs. All other receivers have to have separate lines ran from the legacy outputs.

You need power passing splitters 5MHz to 2150MHz (or higher).

[jrmckinn]

Michael,
I have a 1x4 splitter that was shipped with the SWM. 1 is a powered port, and the 3 others appear to not be. Should the "powered" port be connected to the HR21, and then the non-powered to the others?

James

[veryoldschool]

Should the "powered" port be connected to the HR21, and then the non-powered to the others?

James
This port/splitter is where the PI would connect to the SWM. If you use it after the PI, it no longer matters.

[jrmckinn]

Ok, I feel like a light bulb is starting to come on. The powered port on the splitter would be used if I split BEFORE the PI. Is that an accurate statement?

James

[jrmckinn]

I did this pretty quickly, but you guys should be able to see what's going on. What am I missing? Thanks!

James

[bobnielsen]

That looks good to me.

[veryoldschool]

That looks good to me.
yep, me too

[Michael D'Angelo]

I did this pretty quickly, but you guys should be able to see what's going on. What am I missing? Thanks!

James

Looks good. Just make sure you put the terminator cap on SWM2 output and make sure you connect the right in line and out line on the PI before plugging it in. A member here (not going to say any names :) ) burned one up by doing it wrong.

[jrmckinn]

Ok, so using the "Out1" Power Pass on the splitter to the HR21 is ok. It's not going to burn up anything? Boy would my wife be pissed!

James

[veryoldschool]

Looks good. Just make sure you put the terminator cap on SWM2 output and make sure you connect the right in line and out line on the PI before plugging it in. A member here (not going to say any names :) ) burned one up by doing it wrong.
jrmckinn
The terminator comes connected, so leaving it in place shouldn't be too hard.
To connect the PI correctly is easy also as the correct connectors are the RED ones [just like if you were to use the splitter]. Where you can have problems, is after the initial setup if you happen to go back and start working with the cables again, but "lose track" of which is connected to the RED connectors.

[veryoldschool]

Ok, so using the "Out1" Power Pass on the splitter to the HR21 is ok. It's not going to burn up anything? Boy would my wife be pissed!

James
Yes [again], what all of this is about is that the PI outputs 29 volts to the SWM, but if this were to go to a receiver, you would damages the receiver since it's only capable of 18 volts.

[jrmckinn]

Ok, i just wanted to be sure. So I have Red Connector on SWM going to Red Connector on PI. Then White connector on PI connects to Red "In" connector on Splitter. The Red "Out 1" connector on splitter connects to HR21. And the rest of the receivers connect to the other outputs. Honestly, I'm not retarded, just want to do this correct the first time and not damage anything. Thanks!

James

[STEVED21]

How many HR20/21's can you run off 1 SWM-8?

[veryoldschool]

How many HR20/21's can you run off 1 SWM-8?
Four [dual tuner DVRs]

[veryoldschool]

Honestly, I'm not retarded, just want to do this correct the first time and not damage anything. Thanks!

James
"Retarded" would be starting to do something and not know/understand it, "Fully" before you start.

[Michael D'Angelo]

How many HR20/21's can you run off 1 SWM-8?

Four [dual tuner DVRs]

Steve as VOS said the answer is 4. The SWM8 has 8 channels. Each channel is equal to one tuner. So on DVR's you use 2 channels (or 2 tuners).

[MikeW]

I'm getting a SWM8 today. I was going to connect 4 HR20/21s and use the three legacy ports to connect an R15 (2 lines) and a SD40 Tivo (1 line). Will the SWM8 support this? If no, can I run 4 lines off of the WB68 to the SWM8 and utilize the other 4 outputs from the WB68?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I'm getting a SWM8 today. I was going to connect 4 HR20/21s and use the three legacy ports to connect an R15 (2 lines) and a SD40 Tivo (1 line). Will the SWM8 support this? If no, can I run 4 lines off of the WB68 to the SWM8 and utilize the other 4 outputs from the WB68?

Both options will work.

[houskamp]

Looks good. Just make sure you put the terminator cap on SWM2 output and make sure you connect the right in line and out line on the PI before plugging it in. A member here (not going to say any names :) ) burned one up by doing it wrong.
:shrug:
But the instructions now come with a "SMOKE" warning :hurah:

[STEVED21]

can I run 4 lines off of the WB68 to the SWM8 and utilize the other 4 outputs from the WB68?

If this works, can you also use the legacy ports on the swm 8? can you use the above with a WB16? I'm trying to hook up 7 DVRs. 5 HR and 2 sd.

[houskamp]

If this works, can you also use the legacy ports on the swm 8? can you use the above with a WB16? I'm trying to hook up 7 DVRs. 5 HR and 2 sd.
yep.. you can also parrallel the two.. and end up with 16 "old style" and 8 SWM (with 3 legacy)..

[STEVED21]

Thanks

[davros74]

jrmckinn
The terminator comes connected, so leaving it in place shouldn't be too hard.
To connect the PI correctly is easy also as the correct connectors are the RED ones [just like if you were to use the splitter]. Where you can have problems, is after the initial setup if you happen to go back and start working with the cables again, but "lose track" of which is connected to the RED connectors.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to mark your connectors or put a red label tape on both ends of the RG6 that connects the SWM1 out on the SWM to the red port on the PI. After it is installed and you have gobs of other RG6 all over the place, it would be nice to know which RG6 is the one with +29V DC in it.

[houskamp]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to mark your connectors or put a red label tape on both ends of the RG6 that connects the SWM1 out on the SWM to the red port on the PI. After it is installed and you have gobs of other RG6 all over the place, it would be nice to know which RG6 is the one with +29V DC in it.
volt meter is your friend ;)

[veryoldschool]

volt meter is your friend ;)
Is this "hindsight"? :lol:
For anybody that might wonder, please read his sig line, which has nothing to do with a race car driver. ;)

[MikeW]

Is this "hindsight"? :lol:
For anybody that might wonder, please read his sig line, which has nothing to do with a race care driver. ;)

Your advice made me look several times before climbing into the attic to perform the actual install. Took all of 15 minutes while up there to make the connections. It is a mess up there right now, as I simply want the connections to work right now. With 95 degree temps and 75% humidity, the attic doesn't need to look that great.

Overall, the install was a snap and all HR20/21s are now working off of two tuners, two legacy boxes are working as planned and I still have 3 legacy ports to work off of if I need to expand.

Thanks for the advice guys...it ensured me of not following SMOKE's footsteps.

[houskamp]

good to hear you got it all working.. I was one of the 1st testers (swm5) and then got the swmline.. They said they wanted us to test ALL hookups :grin:
Just be carefull when you goto clean it up later (thats when I killed hr20 #1)
The rest is history :D
SMOKE

[turbo_oasis]

Ok, I am fixin' to go uber n00b on y'all.

I am moving into a new apartment ant some how the balcony is already setup for D* with special splitters and what not for D*/E*. SOme one very bright must have built this place.

Anywhoo...

I like my OTA selections Like KPLR-HD, NBC Weather Plus, etc. so how exactly does the OTA port on the SWM-8 work. Will I, or the installer, plug in the coax from the Off-Air Antenna into the "OTA-Port" and the signal is sent to the swm port on my HR20 and H20 and I will have my OTA's or will I have to split the line at the wire that would go into the swm port. is there any aditional splitting that will need to be done. How does that work.

[jrmckinn]

Welcome turbo! You'll find these guys to be incredible helpful. Me, I'm not much use at all. Did you march with the Blue Devils?

James

[MIAMI1683]

Ok, I am fixin' to go uber n00b on y'all.

I am moving into a new apartment ant some how the balcony is already setup for D* with special splitters and what not for D*/E*. SOme one very bright must have built this place.

Anywhoo...

I like my OTA selections Like KPLR-HD, NBC Weather Plus, etc. so how exactly does the OTA port on the SWM-8 work. Will I, or the installer, plug in the coax from the Off-Air Antenna into the "OTA-Port" and the signal is sent to the swm port on my HR20 and H20 and I will have my OTA's or will I have to split the line at the wire that would go into the swm port. is there any aditional splitting that will need to be done. How does that work.


I believe you will have to "diplex" your ota, unless you are using an indoor antenna, then just go right to the IRD

[Kansas Zephyr]

Ok, I am fixin' to go uber n00b on y'all.

I am moving into a new apartment ant some how the balcony is already setup for D* with special splitters and what not for D*/E*. SOme one very bright must have built this place.

Anywhoo...

I like my OTA selections Like KPLR-HD, NBC Weather Plus, etc. so how exactly does the OTA port on the SWM-8 work. Will I, or the installer, plug in the coax from the Off-Air Antenna into the "OTA-Port" and the signal is sent to the swm port on my HR20 and H20 and I will have my OTA's or will I have to split the line at the wire that would go into the swm port. is there any aditional splitting that will need to be done. How does that work.
The key here is, IF you have/get a SWM-8. Remember most likely you will need to purchase one...it will not come from D* (for now anyway) except in a few markets.

If you "plug" the antenna into the Off-Air port, then you use a diplexer to split off the satellite (into the sat 1 input) and OTA (into the off-air input) on the back of the IRD. This only works off of the SWM 1 & 2 outputs, the legacy ports do not get the OTA diplexed.

[dbmaven]

Both options will work.


Glad I saw this - I'm fixing to do almost the exact same thing, but wasn't sure if the "8 tuners" was inclusive of Legacy or not.

"Hey - I'll search the DBSTalk installation forum....!" :D

Since SolidSignal has them for $140 + reasonable shipping, it's no longer worth waiting for DirecTV to make it available ......(especially since Halstead in NY is STILL completely clueless about them).

As always - this place has the answers if you know where to look (or ask!) :)

Thanks!!!

[turbo_oasis]

OK N00B time again...what is IRD...is that my HR20-700 & H20?

[veryoldschool]

OK N00B time again...what is IRD...is that my HR20-700 & H20?
yep

[turbo_oasis]

The key here is, IF you have/get a SWM-8. Remember most likely you will need to purchase one...it will not come from D* (for now anyway) except in a few markets.

If you "plug" the antenna into the Off-Air port, then you use a diplexer to split off the satellite (into the sat 1 input) and OTA (into the off-air input) on the back of the IRD. This only works off of the SWM 1 & 2 outputs, the legacy ports do not get the OTA diplexed.

Ok, that sounds awesome. Now when I split the line for my HR20-700, one will go to the FTM/SAT1 port and one to the "Off-Air Anntena" correct i assume. Will I have the dual tuners in order to do DVR activity? or will I need to have SAT2 conected as well. I also no longer need my BBC's, right?

[Kansas Zephyr]

Ok, that sounds awesome. Now when I split the line for my HR20-700, one will go to the FTM/SAT1 port and one to the "Off-Air Anntena" correct i assume. Will I have the dual tuners in order to do DVR activity? or will I need to have SAT2 conected as well. I also no longer need my BBC's, right?
The single sat cable, into FTM/SAT 1, will drive both tuners, when using a SWM.

Leave SAT 2 attached to nothing.

Also, leave the BBCs in the box (or put them on eBay :p ).

[turls]

Steve as VOS said the answer is 4. The SWM8 has 8 channels. Each channel is equal to one tuner. So on DVR's you use 2 channels (or 2 tuners).

I kind of feel like the poster in this thread as a light bulb is going on for me on this SWM8 setup--one thing I haven't seen however. . .

What if I'm bumping up to the limit of 8 tuners and I have a DVR that I don't care about utilizing 2 tuners in? Is there a way to manually setup the receiver to only take 1 of those 8 tuners instead of 2? On a HD Tivo it would be easy, just only hook up one cable ;)

I know I'm likely to eventually need about 13 tuners, but for the forseeable future I could probably get by with 8, but with all my DVRs hooked up I'd be at 9. Silly to invest in another SWM8 just for one more tuner, but it would also be silly to add anything besides another SWM8 since I know I will need it eventually.

Thanks for any insight. . .

[Michael D'Angelo]

I kind of feel like the poster in this thread as a light bulb is going on for me on this SWM8 setup--one thing I haven't seen however. . .

What if I'm bumping up to the limit of 8 tuners and I have a DVR that I don't care about utilizing 2 tuners in? Is there a way to manually setup the receiver to only take 1 of those 8 tuners instead of 2? On a HD Tivo it would be easy, just only hook up one cable ;)

I know I'm likely to eventually need about 13 tuners, but for the forseeable future I could probably get by with 8, but with all my DVRs hooked up I'd be at 9. Silly to invest in another SWM8 just for one more tuner, but it would also be silly to add anything besides another SWM8 since I know I will need it eventually.

Thanks for any insight. . .

When using an SWM8 you will have to use both tuners on DVR's. You can use a WB68 with the SWM8 in a parallel setup. Take a look at my signature.

[houskamp]

They are working on the abillity to shut down a tuner on a DVR.. not sure if it made the national release yet..all tho I do believe it's in there.. It is part of the "installer verification" stuff..

[MikeW]

The single sat cable, into FTM/SAT 1, will drive both tuners, when using a SWM.

Leave SAT 2 attached to nothing.

Also, leave the BBCs in the box (or put them on eBay :p ).

I"ve seen several HR10-250s listed on E-bay featuring the inclusion of the BBCs. I always want to ask the seller why they are including them, but I never get around to it.

[turls]

Wait I missed the 2nd page of this thread. So the legacy ports do not count against the 8 tuner limit? So technically you can get 11 from the SWM8? That's what I get from post #27. That would solve the problem for a while.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Wait I missed the 2nd page of this thread. So the legacy ports do not count against the 8 tuner limit? So technically you can get 11 from the SWM8? That's what I get from post #27.

That is correct. There are 8 SWM channels (8 tuners) and than there are 3 legacy tuners for a total of 11, but the legacy tuners will not allow you to receive the MPEG4 HD channels.

[houskamp]

Wait I missed the 2nd page of this thread. So the legacy ports do not count against the 8 tuner limit? So technically you can get 11 from the SWM8? That's what I get from post #27.
Yes, BUT no new HD channels..

[veryoldschool]

That is correct. There are 8 SWM channels (8 tuners) and than there are 3 legacy tuners for a total of 11, but the legacy tuners will not allow you to receive the MPEG4 HD channels.
[one more time] legacy ports do pass Ka-hi, so if your local HD channels come off the spaceway SATs, you can get them through the legacy ports, just not D10 or D11 etc.

[Michael D'Angelo]

[one more time] legacy ports do pass Ka-hi, so if your local HD channels come off the spaceway SATs, you can get them through the legacy ports, just not D10 or D11 etc.

Sorry :) :p , I should have said national HD channels.

[veryoldschool]

Sorry :) :p , I should have said national HD channels.
Not all MPEG-4s are created equal. :lol:

[turls]

Thanks guys. The legacy receivers are in kids rooms and will not be HD for a long time.

[RadRick]

I have an HR20-700 and an HR21-700 that I want to connect using a SWM-8. Do I need a STS-2 (or SWS-2) or can I connect the receivers directly to the SWM1 and SWM2 connectors on the SWM-8? The PI would be connected between the SWM1 and HR20 - right?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I have an HR20-700 and an HR21-700 that I want to connect using a SWM-8. Do I need a STS-2 (or SWS-2) or can I connect the receivers directly to the SWM1 and SWM2 connectors on the SWM-8? The PI would be connected between the SWM1 and HR20 - right?

SWM1 to PI (at least 15' of cable. It can be coiled up.) and than to one of the HD DVR's.

SWM2 to the other HD DVR.

[imref]

Hi all, my house has single coax runs from my each wired room directly to the outside, there's no MDF, just straight runs of coax from each room to the outside, where they are bundled, and hanging by the dish.

I do have a 2nd run to my HR-21 thanks to an installer who ran it up from the basement, but it too terminates outside. I also have two SD TiVo's, one of which I'd like to upgrade to an HR-21.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I could install an SWM8, and power it, even though it's sitting outside? The dish is located outside my first floor living-room wall (no windows nearby). All cable runs terminate there as well.

I have a finished basement, so I can't pull the wiring inside without ripping up a wall.

Thanks in advance!

[houskamp]

Hi all, my house has single coax runs from my each wired room directly to the outside, there's no MDF, just straight runs of coax from each room to the outside, where they are bundled, and hanging by the dish.

I do have a 2nd run to my HR-21 thanks to an installer who ran it up from the basement, but it too terminates outside. I also have two SD TiVo's, one of which I'd like to upgrade to an HR-21.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I could install an SWM8, and power it, even though it's sitting outside? The dish is located outside my first floor living-room wall (no windows nearby). All cable runs terminate there as well.

I have a finished basement, so I can't pull the wiring inside without ripping up a wall.

Thanks in advance!
dish>4 lines to swm8
swm8 ftm1>rg6>powerinserter>hr21
swm8 ftm2>second hr21
swm8 legacy 1&2>last tivo

[imref]

dish>4 lines to swm8
swm8 ftm1>rg6>powerinserter>hr21
swm8 ftm2>second hr21
swm8 legacy 1&2>last tivo

One last question (I promise) - does the power inserter come with the SWM8? is there something special I'd have to buy to put power over the RG6?

[houskamp]

One last question (I promise) - does the power inserter come with the SWM8? is there something special I'd have to buy to put power over the RG6?
normaly they are sold separately.. but any seller should have both..

[RadRick]

normaly they are sold separately.. but any seller should have both..

Just checking this is a link to buy both together correct?
http://www.techtoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2038

Also it says you need an AU9 or AT9 Dish. When I look at setup in my receiver it says I have a Slimline-5 is this the right type for a SWM-8? I know it is a 5LNB type. - thanks

[houskamp]

Just checking this is a link to buy both together correct?
http://www.techtoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2038

Also it says you need an AU9 or AT9 Dish. When I look at setup in my receiver it says I have a Slimline-5 is this the right type for a SWM-8? I know it is a 5LNB type. - thanks
looks like that has both (discrption and pic list both)
SWM8 will work with any slimline, au9, at9 5 lnb dish.. (it also will work with a 3lnb but no hd of course)

[RadRick]

I have a powered amplifier for my OTA antenna and I want to connect the antenna to the Off-AIR port on the SWM-8. How would I connect it exactly? And then do I need a diplexer to split the OTA out prior to my HR20 and HR21? -thx

[veryoldschool]

I have a powered amplifier for my OTA antenna and I want to connect the antenna to the Off-AIR port on the SWM-8. How would I connect it exactly? And then do I need a diplexer to split the OTA out prior to my HR20 and HR21? -thx
Connect the output of the amp/power inserter to the OTA input of the SWM [to keep the DC out of the SWM] and then you'll need to diplex out the OTA to the HR20. The HR21 doesn't have OTA input.

[RadRick]

Thanks. Yeah the HR21 needs an AM21 for OTA. I don't have one yet, but may get one soon.

[Chip Moody]

I currently have three IRDs (H20 and two "legacy" Sony boxes), so at the moment there is no multiswitch at all in my setup.

There's a question regarding the operational status of the fourth (currently unused) line coming into my basement from the dish, which prompts this question:

If I were to install an SWM8, are there a handful of channels I can tune to on my H20 in order to verify the correct operation of each line, or should I just be using the transponder pages for this? (Or something entirely different than those two options)

Thanks,
- Chip

[latimere]

New to the forum, and wanted to double check things before taking the plunge on a SWM8. Right now, I've got a HR20 and two H20's. Currently, I'm running the 4 dish feeds into a multisplitter that also mixes the OTA antenna signal in as well, but want to go with the SWM to enable dual tuning on the HR20 over a single wire. Directv is coming next week to upgrade my dish to a 5LNB setup. My understanding is that I can set things up as follows:

Dish > 4lines coax into SWM8 > SWM1 port > PI > 4 way splitter > receivers

I'm planning to hook up my attic-based OTA antenna to the OTA port of the SWM as well for local HD.

Some questions:
(1) Can I use my existing diplexers to split the coax at each receiver into OTA/sat feeds?

(2) Some have reported decreased OTA signal strength with the SWM's. Would there be any benefit to using two 2-way splitters and both SWM ports on the SWM8 as opposed to using one 4 way splitter off of the SWM1 port only?

(3) Also, does it make any sense to try and setup the whole SWM system before my dish gets upgraded to a 5LNB? Would it even work with a 3LNB dish?

[Radio Enginerd]

(1) Can I use my existing diplexers to split the coax at each receiver into OTA/sat feeds?That shouldn't be a problem.(2) Some have reported decreased OTA signal strength with the SWM's. Would there be any benefit to using two 2-way splitters and both SWM ports on the SWM8 as opposed to using one 4 way splitter off of the SWM1 port only?I haven't tested this theory but there is lower insertion loss of a 2 port splitter vs. a 4 port. Seems to me there would be less loss.(3) Also, does it make any sense to try and setup the whole SWM system before my dish gets upgraded to a 5LNB? Would it even work with a 3LNB dish?Great question. Not sure on the first part of your question. I'd think you'll need to wait until after the installer comes. Depending on what market you're in, he/she might not know what it is or how to install with it inline.

[mishawaka]

SWM1 to PI (at least 15' of cable. It can be coiled up.) and than to one of the HD DVR's.

SWM2 to the other HD DVR.
can i ask why the PI only goes on SWM1?

i plan on running an H20 and an HR20 straight off the switch (for the time being, before expanding), so nothing is being split? do i still need the PI?

[jwd45244]

can i ask why the PI only goes on SWM1?

i plan on running an H20 and an HR20 straight off the switch (for the time being, before expanding), so nothing is being split? do i still need the PI?

Yes, you need the Power Inserter. You can hok up oine of them down stream of the PI and the other on SWM2 if you like.

[dave29]

also, make sure you have at least 15' of cable between the swm8 and the PI, even if it is coiled up

[flipptyfloppity]

Some questions:
(1) Can I use my existing diplexers to split the coax at each receiver into OTA/sat feeds?


I had some no-name diplexers, and they had some signal reflection problems, I needed to have over 8 feet of cable between the diplexer and the receiver to get them to work. I would recommend getting the good quality ChannelMaster diplexers from solidsignal. I got those now, and I can use a short (<8 inch) cable between them and the receiver and it still works.

(2) Some have reported decreased OTA signal strength with the SWM's. Would there be any benefit to using two 2-way splitters and both SWM ports on the SWM8 as opposed to using one 4 way splitter off of the SWM1 port only?


There should not be, splitting 4 ways with 3 splitters (the SWM acts as a splitter) is no different than splitting 4 at once. You're gonna end up with 1/4 the signal either way, which is 6dB loss.

(3) Also, does it make any sense to try and setup the whole SWM system before my dish gets upgraded to a 5LNB? Would it even work with a 3LNB dish?

I would imagine it would work. I'd put in the SWM later though, the tech will want to verify his install works without the SWM anyway, then you add the SWM after he leaves.

[houskamp]

(3) Also, does it make any sense to try and setup the whole SWM system before my dish gets upgraded to a 5LNB? Would it even work with a 3LNB dish?
Thats how mine was done (was an early tester).. had it all running with the SWM in place with 3LNB dish.. guy was happy to only have to run the wire to the swm..