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View Full Version : Time for multiswitch and installation questions

anleva
06-06-09, 08:46 AM
I just ordered a HR23 online. I also have an HR20 and a D11 so I need 5 lines but have 4. My questions:

1) Is the Zinwell WB68 6x8 multiswitch the best way to go?

2) If I call DirecTV for an installation is that what they would install? Is there a charge for the WB68 from DTV?

3) Another option is for me to buy and connect the WB68 myself. The trick is going to be how too figure out the right coaxial lines to connect to. I have 18 coax cables (9 seperate locations x 2 each) running into a central location in the basement (home run wiring) and need to figure out which are the right 5 to connect to. They aren't labeled unfortunately. Any thoughts on the easiest way to figure which are the right 5?
doctrsnoop
06-06-09, 09:04 AM
Yes
Yes, probably not
Not sure the professional way to do it is, but I'd probably use a VHS player or some other source to play in the room and attach a small LCD in the basement and connect until I found the signal. Then I would very much label all of them now while I was going through the trouble.
miketorse
06-06-09, 09:06 AM
If installing yourself, keep this in mind: It's possible when you got installed originally, the tech only ran 3 wires from your dish to support your 3 tuners. If that's the case, you'll need to run that fourth cable directly from your dish to your basement to hook up the WB68.
BattleZone
06-06-09, 09:22 AM
http://www.summitsource.com/images/products/ACPTCT.jpg

Pocket Toner (for finding cable lines) (http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=1&products_id=5733)
anleva
06-06-09, 09:38 AM
That looks like exactly what I need. Thanks!
kucharsk
06-06-09, 03:13 PM
That looks like exactly what I need. Thanks!

Note that if it's a small number of cables, you can do the same thing with a 9v battery and a meter or test light.

Not quite as elegant as the toner, though.
adrock13
06-07-09, 10:31 AM
6x8 is probably your only option. if you have dtv install reciever they will charge install fee more than likely but there's no addtional cost for switch. that switch would probably cost the equivalent of the install cost. toners are nice to have if you plan on tracing cables yourself. you'll need to disconnect all recievers because they'll give you a tone back. if you hook a cable run up to the toner which is currently connected to reciever - if the reciever is on, it will give you tone. installer will figure out.