SWM hookup

[MarkN]

can someone explain how the new slimline SWM is set-up and what equipment is needed...such as power inserters ect... I want to eliminate multiple loose/unsightly wires and I think the SWM could work for me.

ps - if someone knows how to do this please explain in terms that are easy to understand. Thanks in advance!!

[LameLefty]

Read through this thread . . .

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=134597

In short, you run all four lines to the SWM module from your dish. From there, you have two "SWM" outputs and three legacy ports (that only see 101, 110 and 119 locations - used for older boxes like Tivos, R15s, etc).

The two SWM outputs can support a TOTAL of 8 tuners from HR2x/R22 receivers. They can all run off one of the outputs using splitters, or both oututs using splitters, just depends on how you want to wire it up.

One wire from the SWM1 output has to be connected to the Power Inserter. You generally run the coax to the PI, and then to a receiver. The PI has to be installed inside (not weatherproof) but that's where the plugs are in most houses anyway. :) The splitters used must be power-passing and are supposed to be rated from 2 - 2100 mhz, though I'm using Skywalker splitters rated from 5 - 2150. Apparently if they pass as low as 5 mhz, there's not much drop off down to 2 mhz and these work fine.

Good luck!

[heathramos]

I am thinking about getting one too but I am not sure about the set up.

setup:
- 2 HR20's and 1 hd-tivo
- structured wiring in the house (meaning two coax lines in every room, all leading to a central location(closet))
- multiswitch in closet
- dish mounted to roof
- OTA antenna in attic with line to closet

I would like two sat lines and OTA line to each receiver (having weather issues)

I could purchase a SWM8, replace the multiswitch in closet with it, run one line to each receiver for the sat and split it at the other side and use the 2nd line for OTA but I am wondering about the tivo set up and also where to put the PI.

[LameLefty]

The Tivo can run off two of the three legacy ports on the SWM module. The PI can go anywhere provided you have a coax run from it to the SWM1 port on the SWM module itself.

[heathramos]

The Tivo can run off two of the three legacy ports on the SWM module. The PI can go anywhere provided you have a coax run from it to the SWM1 port on the SWM module itself.

so I can install the swm8 in the closet, connect one of the bedroom coax cables (for example) to the swm1 port and in the bedroom, connect that coax run to the PI, the PI can be connected to a splitter and the two lines can be connected to the HR20?

and as for the tivo, can I diplex one of the lines for OTA?

[LameLefty]

so I can install the swm8 in the closet, connect one of the bedroom coax cables (for example) to the swm1 port and in the bedroom, connect that coax run to the PI, the PI can be connected to a splitter and the two lines can be connected to the HR20?


You won't need to split that line to the HR20. In your scenario, just connect the line from the PI to the HR20 "FTM" port (old terminology, can't remember what it means) but I think it's Sat 2. Anyway, the HR20 will recognize it's connected to an SWM when you reboot it and it'll be able to use both tuners through a single line.

If you DO split SWM lines, whether down near the SWM module itself or downstream, just make sure you use power-passing splitters between the PI and the SWM if you need to split there, as the PI has to be able to get power to the module (obviously).

[veryoldschool]

You won't need to split that line to the HR20. In your scenario, just connect the line from the PI to the HR20 "FTM" port (old terminology, can't remember what it means) but I think it's Sat 2. Anyway, the HR20 will recognize it's connected to an SWM when you reboot it and it'll be able to use both tuners through a single line.

If you DO split SWM lines, whether down near the SWM module itself or downstream, just make sure you use power-passing splitters between the PI and the SWM if you need to split there, as the PI has to be able to get power to the module (obviously).
Frequency Translation Module which is SAT #1 input.

[MarkN]

Frequency Translation Module which is SAT #1 input.


I have a HR20 and HR 21 can someone tell me the proper splitter to use for the SWM from the power inserter? Also is SWM possible with an AT-9 dish, and if so how does the set-up differ from the slimline?

[LameLefty]

Frequency Translation Module which is SAT #1 input.

Thanks, that's it! But though it's called "Sat #1" it's actually the second input as counted from the left rear side of the box looking forward isn't it? I seem to remember noticing that oddity when I removed the BBC and connected the line from the SWM on mine.

[veryoldschool]

I have a HR20 and HR 21 can someone tell me the proper splitter to use for the SWM from the power inserter? Also is SWM possible with an AT-9 dish, and if so how does the set-up differ from the slimline?
AT-9 works fine with SWM.
I use Skywalker 5-2300 "power steering" splitters without any problems.

[veryoldschool]

Thanks, that's it! But though it's called "Sat #1" it's actually the second input as counted from the left rear side of the box looking forward isn't it? I seem to remember noticing that oddity when I removed the BBC and connected the line from the SWM on mine.
:lol: That's why they labeled it. :)

[MarkN]

AT-9 works fine with SWM.
I use Skywalker 5-2300 "power steering" splitters without any problems.

I'm a little confused I thought the slimline lnb was the only one that had the technology for SWM.

[veryoldschool]

I'm a little confused I thought the slimline lnb was the only one that had the technology for SWM.
The AT-9 & AU-9 are functionally the same and will work with the SWM8 module, BUT the AU-9 has a SWM LNB assembly available that the AT-9 doesn't.

[MarkN]

The AT-9 & AU-9 are functionally the same and will work with the SWM8 module, BUT the AU-9 has a SWM LNB assembly available that the AT-9 doesn't.


ok that helps.....I have an AT-9 dish, would all 4 wires from the dish get connected to the SWM8, then only one wire to each DVR FROM the SWM8?

[veryoldschool]

ok that helps.....I have an AT-9 dish, would all 4 wires from the dish get connected to the SWM8, then only one wire to each DVR FROM the SWM8?
Yes, four inputs and then the output [the SWM8 has two] will be split as needed for a single coax to each receiver/DVR

[MarkN]

Yes, four inputs and then the output [the SWM8 has two] will be split as needed for a single coax to each receiver/DVR

great - thanks for your help! So all I need to buy then would be the SWM8 and a skywalker 5-2300 along with the power supply...right?

[LameLefty]

VOS is correct. You can have a TOTAL of 8 tuners connected to the SWM outputs. It's up to you if you want to run all eight off of SWM1 by way of splitters or mix and match using the SWM2 output as well. The only hard and fast rules really are that the PI has to be run back through to SWM1 and if you are NOT using the SWM2 output, keep it covered with the metal terminator cap.

[MarkN]

VOS is correct. You can have a TOTAL of 8 tuners connected to the SWM outputs. It's up to you if you want to run all eight off of SWM1 by way of splitters or mix and match using the SWM2 output as well. The only hard and fast rules really are that the PI has to be run back through to SWM1 and if you are NOT using the SWM2 output, keep it covered with the metal terminator cap.


If I have an HR 20 and HR 21 I could run one wire from each into each SWM8 output, correct?

[veryoldschool]

If I have an HR 20 and HR 21 I could run one wire from each into each SWM8 output, correct?
"That works" and keep the PI on SWM1

[MarkN]

"That works" and keep the PI on SWM1

appreciate the help!!