Where should I have my Diseqc switch?

[conk]

When using a Diseqc switch should it be as close to the Receiver as possible
or close to the Dish as possible?

[Terryl]

It can be anywhere, but the best place is up under the roof eves (or attic, or basement, or crawl space) out of the rain and snow.

80% are located close to the satellite dish.

[conk]

It can be anywhere, but the best place is up under the roof eves (or attic, or basement, or crawl space) out of the rain and snow.

80% are located close to the satellite dish.


The last time I used a Diseqc switch I had it within 6 ft of the receiver but I had to run 3 different RG6 cables to each dish I was using at the time.
It will reduce the multiple runs of RG6 cable to ONE into the house if it's ok to place the switch close to the dishes like you say.

[palo]

When using a Diseqc switch should it be as close to the Receiver as possible
or close to the Dish as possible?

It is neater to have it close to the dish as possible, because then you only need to run 1 cable into the house, but protect it as best as you can from the elements. That being said, mine has been outside in the sun, rain and snow, with minimal protection for 7 years and its still working fine.

[jazzman]

I've had no problem locating them at the dish then running one coax to the house. I used dielectric grease on all the connections to water proof them and as always, a good heavy duty switch works best. You can also get the cable ends with the rubber waterproofing ring around them, that will also help.

[Terryl]

If it is a weather proof one, or inside a weather proof container, you can mount it on the same mast as the dish, or 2 to 3 feet from the dish, I like to put them up under the roof eves, keeps them dry.

Use outside weather proof connectors, or a weather proof box and you wont have to worry about water leaking into the connectors, you can also use Dielectric coax connector grease* (special stuff, don't use ANYTHING else) to seal up the connectors and keep the water out, they make good outdoor rated switches, you will have to shop around on Google.

If you mount them on a vertical surface, be sure to put a small drip loop in the coax that comes down off the roof, but don't kink the coax, a small loop about 3" in diameter will work fine.

*Stuff like this,
http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=5439&PLID=371&SecID=127&DeptID=36&PartNo=DXE-22058

[conk]

Thanks everyone for the advice and clearing things up on location of the switch.:yeaah:

[hawk2]

I have my Dish and Switch on a 4 x 6 treated post with a plastic bucket over the top of the post and switch.