Exterior Enclosure for a SWM-8

[Throckmorton]

I have a SWM-8 that I need to install outside on the dish mast.

Are there any good weather-proof enclosures any of you recommend?

I realize it's not entirely necessary to enclose it but I would like to if I can.

Thanks in advance.

[BattleZone]

I recommend against it; if you look at the body of the SWM8, it's got "fins" to help dissipate heat. If you enclose it in a box, it could overheat and burn out. The SWM8 is very weather resistant on its own.

[randyk47]

I'd second that. My SWM-8 is actually protected in an attic area that I can easily get to. I've noticed it can get warm though not really hot. While it can get pretty hot in my attic here in San Antonio I still think that's better than sealing it up in an enclosure on the mast. It does get some area circulation where it's mounted and so far overheating hasn't been an issue. We don't have really cold winters here so I can't speak to that kind of exposure.

[mobandit]

I'd second that. My SWM-8 is actually protected in an attic area that I can easily get to. I've noticed it can get warm though not really hot. While it can get pretty hot in my attic here in San Antonio I still think that's better than sealing it up in an enclosure on the mast. It does get some area circulation where it's mounted and so far overheating hasn't been an issue. We don't have really cold winters here so I can't speak to that kind of exposure.

Mine is mounted directly to the exterior wall of my house, on the south side of the house. Lots of sun during the day, and never an issue. Freezing, rain, snow, heat...not been an issue so far. I did go to great lengths to weather-proof the connectors!

[BattleZone]

I did go to great lengths to weather-proof the connectors!

All that's really needed is a half-pea-sized drop of silicone dielectric grease in each connector before you screw it on, and to make sure that the cables drop down as they run away from the connectors, so that rain hitting the cables runs away from, and not towards, the connectors.

[Throckmorton]

Hmmm, interesting.

I just had the DirecTV tech here a few days ago to relocate my dish from the roof to a pole/ground mount and it was he who recommended I enclosed the SWM-8 to protect it.

For what it's worth, I found this enclosure (http://www.hometech.com/hts/products/wiring/enclosures/weatherproof/gc-11ctegys.html) but now I need to rethink whether or not I want to use it.

http://www.hometech.com/hts_images/gc/gc-11ctegys_1.jpg

[bakers12]

Don't use anything like that one. It's got NO ventilation.

SWM-8's were intended for outdoor use. Don't worry about it.

[Mike Bertelson]

The members who have posted are correct (and much more knowledgeable in this area then I), you can have the SWM module out side.

AAMOF, the install diagrams in the following link specifically show the SWM8 installed between the dish and the exterior wall. It also points out the use of “weather caps”.

http://forums.directv.com/pe/RepositoryFileDownloadServlet/10396641/SWM%20-%20In

I hope the installers will correct me if I’m wrong but I think all you have to do is ensure the unused ports have weather caps (or if it’s port 2 it has to be terminated), it has proper drip loops, and the correct connectors are used on the coax and you’re good to go.

Mike

[Stuart Sweet]

I'm moving this to the Installation forum.