TIP: Connect a round dish to a SWM multiswitch

They said it couldn’t be done. They were wrong. Many folks think that just because you’re using a round dish, you can’t use SWM technology. That’s why people choose to buy expensive multiswitches from Spaun or other companies. The truth is that SWM technology works just as well with a round dish as it does with a Slimline Dish. You can connect a SWM8 or SWM16 multiswitch easily.

Installing a SWM is easy and it’s the exact same procedure used with the Slimline Dishes. Connect the two lines from the dish to the 99/101/103 ports. These are the two ports on the left side, if the inputs are on the bottom. From there, connect the power inserter and receivers, and you’re all set!

The advantage to using SWM technology instead of a simpler less expensive switch is the consistent output level from a powered switch. In many cases, powering the multiswitch will provide more consistent power to the dish and also make it easier to wire other receivers by locating the splitter in a more centrally located area.

Remember when setting up a SWM, that only D12, R16, R22, and H/HR series receivers are compatible. Other receivers can be used through the legacy ports. SWM-connected receivers can be set to dish type 01-18″ Round for use with the standard dual LNB dish, and the multiswitch type must be set to SWM.

Here’s a diagram that shows the installation:

Round_dish_SWM

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.