Quick Question to Clear up SWM LNB Confusion

[babzog]

Hey folks,

Quick one. I want to pick up a new slimline dish and notice that on ebay, most of the dishes are now the 3lnb type dishes (not the 5lnb like I have). Some are advertised as SL3-SWM dishes. Now, I had understood to this point, that the SWM meant one coax running from the house to the LNB, but this dish (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120447468766) is advertised as having 4 outputs (which the pic of the lnb seems to confirm), which would suggest to me that this is a non-SWM type dish.

But it comes with a power inserter, which makes me go huh?

Could you please help me understand the requirements for a proper SWM installation? There will be one primary receiver (HR2x) and possibly a second in the future.

[Sharkie_Fan]

I think that they're either not wording the ad properly, or they stole from an "original" Slimline and forgot to change the 4 output portion.

THe SWM LNB will feed 8 channels. I have a 5LNB SWMLine, and unless they've changed something drastically there's 1 line coming out. You can run that into a splitter (note that your ad includes a 4 or 8 port splitter), and run that single wire to all different places in your house.

So either the ad there is referring to "4 outputs" coming out of the 4 port splitter, or they forgot to change that portion of their ad for the SWM LNB vs the original style LNB.

[babzog]

Thank you, that makes sense. The splitters are just regular 2.2 GHz or 3.0 GHz splitters?

[Sharkie_Fan]

That's a subject that's had some "debate". There are many of us with SWM systems that are using regular splitters.

There was a poster some time back who claimed that you had to use the DirecTV splitters because of some "future functionality" that wouldn't work with a standard splitter. Things have gotten so busy for me that I admit I haven't kept up to date on all the ins and outs of what's going on around here, so I don't know if that was ever confirmed or denied one way or another.

I know that my system works perfectly right now with regular splitters, but that's the only thing I know for sure. ;)

The only thing to be careful of when setting up your system is that you don't want the power going places it shouldn't. There are threads around here where it's discussed - if I have time later I'll try to look some of them up, or you can just do a search and see what comes up.

But basically, mind your P's and Q's, dot your I's, cross your T's. Be deliberate with your setup - if you accidentally hook up a receiver in the wrong place and you get the power from the PI flowing into it, bad things tend to happen.

[mcbeevee]

The splitters are just regular 2.2 GHz or 3.0 GHz splitters?
The following document by smiddy states that the main requirement for SWM splitters is they must pass frequencies 2 MHz to 2150 MHz. The document also has a list of splitters that have been home tested. I'm using a couple of Skywalker 2-way splitters (SKY23302D) with my SWM LNB ($3.99/ea on solidsignal.com).

First Look at the Slimline SWM ODU LNB (http://hr20.dbstalk.com/Slimline%20SWM%20ODU%20LNB%20First%20Look.pdf)

:)

[babzog]

Good info, thank you. I don't think there will a requirement for splitters - just confirmed that there's just the one HR2x receiver going in.

Couple more q's if you don't object.

With the recent channel changes, is there any longer a reason to go with the SL5 or would the SL3 be sufficient? Locals will be coming off 99 and there's no requirement for international channels. What is left on 110 and 119 in the regular lineup that hasn't yet been transitioned?

Can the SWMline be tuned by IRD signal meter as per normal or is special equipment required?

Thanks again!

[lbrannen]

Need help in understanding what a Directv "customer retention" rep told me a few days ago. I'm new to this posting stuff so please bare with me.

Issue: was trying to help a friend get a new HD-DVR installed and wanted to use the SWM (single wire) dish installed because of problems with installation of the second wire. Two Directv techs and a supervisior agreed with my idea of using the SWM, however after several days and speaking to numerous reps. in various depts. I was finally told that the address for the install was NOT eligible for the SWM. what does a geographical location have to do the SWM technology ? thanks.

[veryoldschool]

Need help in understanding what a Directv "customer retention" rep told me a few days ago. I'm new to this posting stuff so please bare with me.

Issue: was trying to help a friend get a new HD-DVR installed and wanted to use the SWM (single wire) dish installed because of problems with installation of the second wire. Two Directv techs and a supervisior agreed with my idea of using the SWM, however after several days and speaking to numerous reps. in various depts. I was finally told that the address for the install was NOT eligible for the SWM. what does a geographical location have to do the SWM technology ? thanks.
DirecTV has a system that is "normally" keyed to a SWM install for 5 tuners [2 DVRs + receiver, or 5 receivers, or 1 DVR + 3 receivers], so if you have less tuners, the system will not generate a work order with a SWM.
There may be some markets where this policy is [slowly] being changed, thus why you're not "eligible" in your area.

[lbrannen]

thanks for your response sir. sure wish the Dtv rep. had explained it that way. however, the problem was eventually resolved. when the install tech arrived I informed him of my issues and problems with Dtv reps. and now my friend has a SWM mounted on his home. Some install techs really understands what 'customer' service is all about. thanks.