Install Switch away from Dish?

[ski4evr]

Greetings all. I never hear this but I am having problems getting channels on my B3V with Limesat and someone mentioned that I should have my switch (4x1 cheap that came with the Sat) as close to the box as I can & farthest from the dishes as I can.
Is this correct?
Will a better switch help me get more channels?

[risk]

what i can explain to you about the person's answer is what i heard on many forums. . .

they say that when the switch is too far away from the stb sometimes it does not switch, its best closer. . .but you should also rechk your settings/connection to make sure everything is where and how it should be.

[ottid142]

Greetings all. I never hear this but I am having problems getting channels on my B3V with Limesat and someone mentioned that I should have my switch (4x1 cheap that came with the Sat) as close to the box as I can & farthest from the dishes as I can.
Is this correct?
Will a better switch help me get more channels?

Providing you are running less than 100 feet of coax it should not matter where your switch is. Bev mounts their switches (sw-21s) right on the back of the dish. If you have the switch outside it should be mounted in a weather proof housing.
The cheap switches that come with the boxes are well known to cause problems. For under $20 you can get a Chieta heavy duty switch or an EMP switch and eliminate any questions.

[JCO]

Providing you are running less than 100 feet of coax it should not matter where your switch is. Bev mounts their switches (sw-21s) right on the back of the dish. If you have the switch outside it should be mounted in a weather proof housing.
The cheap switches that come with the boxes are well known to cause problems. For under $20 you can get a Chieta heavy duty switch or an EMP switch and eliminate any questions.

And those cheapo switches have a knack to always go on the fritz in the midlde of winter, not a confortable experience changing them when they are outside at -20...LOL

[StanW]

Installation of a grounding block solves most switching problems - especially on long cable runs...
The diseqc switch to get would be a chieta 2041 or an emp centuri

[ski4evr]

Providing you are running less than 100 feet of coax it should not matter where your switch is. Bev mounts their switches (sw-21s) right on the back of the dish.

You know that is right and some DP or DPP I have heard they have an internal switch right at the LNB. Although it may be different considering an internal & external but makes sense to me.

[Terryl]

I mount all my external switches under the roof eaves, this keeps them out of the weather (sometimes) next best place is in the attic or basement or in a water tight box, and a switch should always...

[ski4evr]

Terryl, <br />
This is great info and I am buying a new switch (Chieta 2041 4x1) and replacing my freebie switch that came with the sat. My question to you is grounding and where to place grounding wire &amp;...

[Terryl]

If the main house AC ground is too far away then look for a metal cold water faucet or metal water pipe, (DO NOT connect to the house gas supply pipe) this would serve as a ground.

Another way is to look directly below where the dish is mounted, if there is a patch of dirt then you could get a ground rod (at most hardware stores) drive it down to about 4" above ground and run the ground wire to the dish and switch(s) if the switches are inside then you need to add a ground block outside before the coax goes inside the building.

I recommend 10 to 12 gauge solid copper wire, to properly ground the wire to the metal cold water faucet or pipe or a ground rod you will need the ground connector that goes with the ground rod or is for a water pipe connection.

I run a 10 gauge copper wire from the dish directly to a ground rod, then any other devices are connected to this ground with 12 gauge copper wire and what is called a "Split bolt" they are available at most larger hardware stores with electrical supplies.

Grounding the system is important, it not only provides a safe system but would protect you and your family in case that rare lighting storm does blow through, also if there are any above ground electrical lines around, you never know.