SWM16 OUTSIDE?

3375 Views 15 Replies 9 Participants Last post by iceman2a, Jun 29, 2012

iceman2a

Discussion Starter · Jun 26, 2012

I am planning on replacing my wb68 with a swm16. (not that I need a swm16, I just got one cheaper than a swm8). Currently the wb68 is outside in an enclosure (plastic). Should I not mount the swm16 in the enclosure because of the heat it generates? I know it sez it’s “suitable” for outside use, but has anyone had any issues mounting it exposed to the elements?
Thanks in advance for any advise.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

litzdog911

· #2 · Jun 26, 2012

It should be fine outside in a suitable enclosure.

peds48

· #3 · Jun 27, 2012

yeah, all Directv switches are rated for outdoors. of course, the will last longer indoors.

iceman2a

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 27, 2012

litzdog911 said:
It should be fine outside in a suitable enclosure.

That is the question "What is a suitabl enclosure?"

Rich

· #5 · Jun 27, 2012

iceman2a said:
That is the question "What is a suitabl enclosure?"

You don't need an enclosure, just put it where the weather normally isn't a problem.

Rich

iceman2a

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 27, 2012

Rich said:
You don't need an enclosure, just put it where the weather normally isn't a problem.

Rich

But that would require replacing the 4 coax to the LNB (need about another 8 ft.) and I wanted to avoid that.

Here is another question then. I wouldn't want to do this either but, How negative an effect would it have if I added 8ft extentions useing barrel connectors between the dish and the swm? Those connections would be protected from the weather.

Rich

· #7 · Jun 27, 2012

iceman2a said:
But that would require replacing the 4 coax to the LNB (need about another 8 ft.) and I wanted to avoid that.

Here is another question then. I wouldn't want to do this either but, How negative an effect would it have if I added 8ft extentions useing barrel connectors between the dish and the swm? Those connections would be protected from the weather.

Don't see how it could hurt, but VOS would know for sure.

Rich

carl6

· #8 · Jun 27, 2012

Just make sure the connections are weather-proofed. Water can easily enter through the screw-on connections and wick up into the coax.

Rich

· #9 · Jun 27, 2012

carl6 said:
Just make sure the connections are weather-proofed. Water can easily enter through the screw-on connections and wick up into the coax.

That's what the rubber grommets are for. Without them...

Rich

Crow159

· #10 · Jun 27, 2012

Mine is outside and I've never had any trouble out all.

Mine is located on the wall underneath my deck. Granted, that does protect it some from the rain, but all the connections were weatherproofed and the unused ports were sealed and protected as well.

MrShowtime

· #11 · Jun 28, 2012

I would just try to keep it out of direct sunlight, they run incredibly hot to begin with.

Floyd

· #12 · Jun 29, 2012

If you could have used a SWM-8, then you could have just changed the LNB to a SWM-LNB and ran one coax to a swm-type 8-way splitter.
Both the SWM-8 unit and the green-label swm splitters come with rubber weather seals on the port fittings.
Use of "waterproof" compression fittings is reccomended for outdoor use.

iceman2a

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 29, 2012

Floyd said:
If you could have used a SWM-8, then you could have just changed the LNB to a SWM-LNB and ran one coax to a swm-type 8-way splitter.
Both the SWM-8 unit and the green-label swm splitters come with rubber weather seals on the port fittings.
Use of "waterproof" compression fittings is reccomended for outdoor use.

Yes but I wanted to avoid removing the LNB altogether! Don't want to have to realign the dish! I have succesfully aligned previous dishes (18in, phase 3) but the less work for me the better! ("a man's gotta know his limitations")
Swapping out the wb68 with the swm16 should be quick and easy! have a spot, under an eve about 8ft away from where the wb68 is now! Maybe the weekend after next I'll give it a try.

studechip

· #14 · Jun 29, 2012

iceman2a said:
Yes but I wanted to avoid removing the LNB altogether! Don't want to have to realign the dish! I have succesfully aligned previous dishes (18in, phase 3) but the less work for me the better! ("a man's gotta know his limitations")
Swapping out the wb68 with the swm16 should be quick and easy! have a spot, under an eve about 8ft away from where the wb68 is now! Maybe the weekend after next I'll give it a try.

Swapping an lnb shouldn't require a realignment unless you are really clumsy!

Rich

· #15 · Jun 29, 2012

studechip said:
Swapping an lnb shouldn't require a realignment unless you are really clumsy!

I always look for the worst thing that could happen and just a wrong move when working on or near a dish can cause problems. As he said, know your limitations. If a job comes up that I can do, but I'm leery about it, I'd much rather have someone who does that job for a living work on it.

I applaud Iceman2a for admitting to knowing his limitations.

Rich

iceman2a

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 29, 2012

Rich said:
I always look for the worst thing that could happen and just a wrong move when working on or near a dish can cause problems. As he said, know your limitations. If a job comes up that I can do, but I'm leery about it, I'd much rather have someone who does that job for a living work on it.

I applaud Iceman2a for admitting to knowing his limitations.

Rich

Exactly! Everything is working pretty good now, just want to eliminate 4 of the 5 "drops" down the front of my house and prep for future possible eqpt upgrades. No need to mess something up that can be avoided!

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

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