Multiswitch Install Help Requested

[mtwessel]

I have the RCA elliptical DTV dish with triple LNBs. Looking to add a 5x8 multiswitch to combine basic cable feed and satellite signal into the house.

I purchased the Terk BMS58 5x8 Multiswitch and have the four lines from the dish going into the switch, along with the Comcast cable line. (For those curious about DTV and Comcast cable...it's just a couple dollars more to get basic cable with my high speed internet, plus I have a backup signal during bad weather)

Right now I only have 5 locations in the house with lines ran and connected all 5 lines to the receiver outputs on the switch. I have 5 diplexers (RCA D920) all connected inside the house to each line, then connected to appropriate device (DTV receivers, tvs antenna in, or cable modem).

None of the DTV receivers are finding a signal. The TVs can get the cable channels, but the cable modem will not lock onto a signal either.

I've been hunting around for info on what I missed and what to check with no luck....any thoughts, comments, suggestions??

Thanks in advance for any feedback! Mike

[goodcableguy]

by chance is the Multi Switch a powered model, one that uses a external power supply? I do not have a spec sheet here on the switch. Also check to see that the diplexers are in so the powerside is on the receiver leg. As for the Cable Modem I would use a splitter with one leg to the modem and one leg to the M.S., it may not pass the band for the modem. Any switch used with a Triple LNB dish must be cascading capable.

[larrystotler]

Cable modems operate between 5 and 40Mhz. You will need a diplexor that can pass signal below 40Mhz and the 5x8 switch must also do below 40Mhz for it to work. Otherwise, you will have to run a new line for the modem.

[mtwessel]

Thanks for the tips. I just disconnected the multiswitch to test the ability to use the diplexers with the cable modem. Ran cable line and sat line into diplexer outside, then added diplexer inside to feed lines into cable modem and DTV receiver. Worked just fine for both.

The multiswitch does have an external power supply, fed through coax cable which I have connected. I've hunted all over for good specs from Terk but they don't have anything very specific describing the power line and if it's needed. Some info I saw made it look like this is only needed if I am connecting an OTA antenna that needs to be powered, which is not the case here. Any thoughts there?

[bpayne]

5x8 Multiswitches as well as 4x8s abolutely positively need the power supply. 6x8's are the only exception for DirecTV's multisat switches needing power and they have a whole set of issues because of it!

[Igor]

What issues do the 6x8 have? Mine works without a glitch and I find it great to not have a transformer hanging around.

[kcrw79]

Mike,

I've had one of those Terk BMS58's installed for almost 2 years. Also, I'm not too far from you. You do indeed need to have the power connected. I used a spare coax run from a room with no TV in it. The power supply feeds DC back to the switch via the coax. My switch is mounted on the outside of the house. If your's is inside, you can just run a short patch cable between the power supply and the switch.

I know from experience if you unplug the power supply, you lose signal to all outlets. I'm muxing in a large antenna mounted in my attic. This allows me to pick up the OTA HD signals in the KC area. My HD receiver sees all local HD channels and integrates them into program guide. Plus, it's nice to be able to switch the conventional TV's to antenna when a heavy storm knocks my DirecTV signal out.

:)

[DavidLyle]

I have been considering purchasing the Terk BMS58 for use with my dish, but am not sure if it will work.

My setup is as follows:

I have a dish (3 sat, 18x20) with a built in multi switch with all four outputs being used. I want to add a 5th receiver & have the option for more down the line, but am unclear as to how I would feed the BMS58 as it appears that you need to feed it the Sat A, B, and C lines separately.

Is this correct or could I just run the four lines in and get 8 out?

Thanks,

David

[jdspencer]

Connect the four outputs from your dish's built in multiswitch and connect to the inputs of the 5x8 switch. These can be in any order.