Easiest Way to Add 5th line from Dish

Take a look at the numerous threads here on the SWM8 "Single Wire" multiswitch. Chances are it'll fit the bill for your needs quite nicely...

- Chip

Installing a SWM8 is probably the easiest but most expensive way. Installing a WB68 multiswitch and fifth line is less expensive if you've got the materials and skills.

The least expensive way would be to call D* and say you purchased a new DVR and you need it installed. They'll take care of the rest for minimal cost.

If you go the multiswitch route, check the prices on ebay. I bought a Zinwell WB68 there for around $25.

mcbeevee said:

If you go the multiswitch route, check the prices on ebay. I bought a Zinwell WB68 there for around $25.

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Now where do you suppose they came from at that price. Just happened to fall off a D* truck, I'd bet. Or installer or sub taking advantage of a loose inventory system to supplement income. :nono:

Is there anything I can do right at the DVR with the one cable? Anyway to split the signal off that one cable right there so I dont have to run a new line from the basement?

NOYB111 said:

Is there anything I can do right at the DVR with the one cable? Anyway to split the signal off that one cable right there so I dont have to run a new line from the basement?

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Nope..

More specifically, if you have five tuners, you MUST have some sort of external switchgear. It is not optional and it is not negotiable.

NOYB111 said:

Is there anything I can do right at the DVR with the one cable? Anyway to split the signal off that one cable right there so I dont have to run a new line from the basement?

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Yes, you can install a SWM8 at some place where you have all 4 feeds from the dish, and then you can then connect any HR2x to the SWM8 with only one cable run.

houskamp said:

Nope..

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Actually, yep, if he installs a SWM8 at the other end of the single cable.

cartrivision said:

Actually, yep, if he installs a SWM8 at the other end of the single cable.

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Your going out on a limb a little in assuming that the OP has all or even mostly SWM compatible receivers. It is entirely possible that three of the tuners are not compatible in which case he's paying big bucks for one extra wire and having to contend with cutting the SWM-8 in and inserting a PI.

The WB68 is more than $100 cheaper than an SWM-8 setup and he might still have to run another wire to the recently added DVR if it isn't SWM capable.

Ok, bought a WB68 on eBay for $31 delivered. I have a slimline 5 LNB dish currently. I have one HR21-700 which is the one I want to add a second line to, 1 HR22-700 and one plain IRD. Hopefully this will work. I can run another line to it, I was just trying to avoid running a wire all the way from the basement up to the bedroom. Sounds like I have no choice.

NOYB111 said:

Ok, bought a WB68 on eBay for $31 delivered. I have a slimline 5 LNB dish currently. I have one HR21-700 which is the one I want to add a second line to, 1 HR22-700 and one plain IRD. Hopefully this will work. I can run another line to it, I was just trying to avoid running a wire all the way from the basement up to the bedroom. Sounds like I have no choice.

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Pretty much.

Installed multi-switch and ran new line. All receivers working perfectly. Thanks to all the suggestions!

NOYB111 said:

Installed multi-switch and ran new line. All receivers working perfectly. Thanks to all the suggestions!

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Glad you are up and running!

Now go and watch some TV!