Adding a 2nd SWM8 switch - question

[MrLatte]

I currently have a SWM8 setup and want the capability to have more than 8 tuners so I need to split my inputs and add another SWM8 switch.

Do I need another Power Inserter connected to the new SWM8 switch or is only one needed for this setup? Thanks.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Both units need their own PI.

[MrLatte]

Both units need their own PI.

Thanks! Another question: When I split the 4 inputs do I need to make sure they go to the same inputs on each SWM8? I guess I would do this anyway for a clean install.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Thanks! Another question: When I split the 4 inputs do I need to make sure they go to the same inputs on each SWM8? I guess I would do this anyway for a clean install.

Yes from each splitter the lines need to go to the same inputs on both SWM's.

[dave29]

BTW, make sure you use high freq splitters, 5-2150mhz range.

[hdtvfan0001]

Here's a good one to use that we know works very well and is reasonable in price:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=SP2WAPHL

You could also use this one, depending on your configuration plans:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=SKY23304D

[Mertzen]

If money is no object then you could for a SWM expander. You only need one PI and no need for a setup with splitters.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=SWME2

[veryoldschool]

If money is no object then you could for a SWM expander. You only need one PI and no need for a setup with splitters.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=SWME2

[foot note] This would need to power the SWM through the 3rd legacy port on each, as in the MDU systems.

[MrLatte]

BTW, make sure you use high freq splitters, 5-2150mhz range.

Will these work? I bought them at Weaknees and they say this:

Eagle Aspen P7002AP
2-way splitter
All ports power passing
5-2600 MHz

[Mertzen]

Will these work? I bought them at Weaknees and they say this:

Eagle Aspen P7002AP
2-way splitter
All ports power passing
5-2600 MHz

Yup, those will work fine.

PM me if you need some jumper RG6 wires to go from splitters to SWM8's

[MrLatte]

Has anyone used 2000networks.com?

http://www.2000networks.com/DirecTV-SWM8-Multiswitch-Kit-p/dirswm8kit.htm

Or should I just stick with Solidsignal.com for the SWM8 switch.

[dave29]

Has anyone used 2000networks.com?

http://www.2000networks.com/DirecTV-SWM8-Multiswitch-Kit-p/dirswm8kit.htm

Or should I just stick with Solidsignal.com for the SWM8 switch.

Never heard of them......

Solidsignal is pretty reputable though.

[doctor j]

Both units need their own PI.

Not Necessarily!

See here:
http://www.sonoradesign.com/images/Power_spec.pdf


Model HRPIR242B powers
(2) SWM8 switches via
legacy port 3.

Doctor j

[MrLatte]

Does the splitting of the signal prior to the 2 SWM8 switches adversely affect the signal strength?

[Mertzen]

Does the splitting of the signal prior to the 2 SWM8 switches adversely affect the signal strength?

Any splitter will take some signal off. But it won't be adversely unless you go below the minimum input level of the SWM8s.

[veryoldschool]

Any splitter will take some signal off. But it won't be adversely unless you go below the minimum input level of the SWM8s.
"And", since the SWM has AGC, the gain will compensate for the loss of the splitters.

[MrLatte]

"And", since the SWM has AGC, the gain will compensate for the loss of the splitters.

AGC = Automatic Gain Control?

[Mertzen]

AGC = Automatic Gain Control?

From Sonora SWM8 design book.
SWM8 switches include automatic gain control for an output of -30 dBm over an input range from -25 to -55 dBm.

[veryoldschool]

From Sonora SWM8 design book.
SWM8 switches include automatic gain control for an output of -30 dBm over an input range from -25 to -55 dBm.
me likes 30 dB of gain for reducing rainfade. :lol:

[MrLatte]

Hopefully last question:

When I disconnect the 4 inputs to my existing SWM8 switch to connect the splitters can I do this hot or do I need to disconnect the power inserter first?

[Mertzen]

It's a safe precaution to power down everything [ PIs and IRDs ] before upgrading.