If you take a look at the photo above, you’ll find something a little different about this SWM multiswitch. It’s something no other DIRECTV multiswitches have had before. No, I’m not talking about the AT&T globe logo, although that also makes this multiswitch unique. That logo will be with us a while, since it would take a whole new casting to get rid of it. No, I’m talking about the accessory port.
No legacy ports, you get this instead
Unlike previous multiswitches, there are no legacy ports on the side of the SWM-30. Instead, there’s a lone port labeled PWR OUT 13V 500mA. It’s just what it says it is. It provides a powered connection. But it’s a bit of an odd thing since it doesn’t really correspond to anything else in the DIRECTV ecosystem.
It’s not enough power to officially power a trunk amplifier or polarity locker. I’ve tried it and it seems like it does work in the short term, though. I’d just be worried that the low voltage would cause all the pieces to fail spectacularly. In fact there is nothing in DIRECTV’s official catalog that I know of that requires 13 volts, 500 milliamps and uses a coaxial connection for power.
When this multiswitch first came out, I was told that the port was put there because “a vendor” requested it, and there would be a part that linked up with it. The person who told me that speculated that it might be a utility light. I don’t know if that was just a guess. I know that in the end, there’s really nothing you can do with that port.
Um, charge your phone?
With 13 volts and 600 milliamps, the 6.5 watt draw on this port would be enough to charge a phone. Not terribly quickly, but you could do it. But it certainly wouldn’t be easy. First you’d need to pull the power off the coax line then use a transformer to step the voltage down to 5 volts because that’s what phones need. Then you’d need to wire it to a USB port. With cell phone chargers costing about 5 bucks in the drug store, I’m not sure this would really be worth your time.
There’s got to be something.
The truth is, I can’t find anything that really works with that odd combination of voltage and amperage. What would make sense would be if the AIM meter could be powered by it. After all, those AIM meters can get quite a workout in commercial installs and it might make sense if you could charge your meter from the SWM. In fact, that would be handy. Except, realistically, you can’t.
The AIM meter can be charged from the 12 volt port in your truck. The power supply that comes with it supplies 15 volts at 4.3 amps (4300 milliamps). That means you’re probably at the right voltage to charge a meter, but if the SWM is only supplying 500mA, that’s going to be a very very slow charge. It might not even be enough to charge the meter at all. The best it might be able to do is stave off a total shutdown.
Anyone out there know?
I started this article with the hope of answering this question for all of you, but I don’t have the answer. If someone else does, leave a comment below! I’m curious to see if there’s anyone using this port for anything. In the meantime, if you have other questions about SWMs, AIM meters, or any other commercial grade accessories, call us! We’re here during East Coast business hours at 888-233-7563. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
