Forum Discussion

Dave_H_M's avatar
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2014

SWM 8 75 ohm termination caps?

I had posted on this issue earlier. So now here I sit in SC where the SWM 8 and System power supply/sensitizer had been delivered.

I have a dual LNB 18" round dish with me.

I read on information from the PDF file on the Wineguard systems that the two ports that are not used should be capped with the 75 ohm termination cap.

The DTV wizard told me that without or maybe with the caps the system may be overpowered with my LNB type and dish and the components could be ruined. Being wary, i have not powered up the system yet. My questions are:

Do the two open ports have to be capped with the 75 ohm termination cap for the system to work?

Will all be well if i plug the two cables from the dual LND into the SWM and leave the other two open?

I don't want to take the delay finding the caps on the internet and waiting for delivery here.

I would appreciate some advice from experience.

thanks

Dave

8 Replies

  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Nov 02, 2014
    Thank for he help folks. I found some at Radio Shack.

    I am up and running with my SWM and 18 inch dish. I am not rely concerned about the HD stuff when "roughing it." :W

    I have to say Genie makes set up a little easier or I as lucky.

    Anyway I am happier than a pig in you know what. :B
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2014
    Don't need 'em. Put a dab of dielectric grease in there when you make the connection and you are good to go for years to come.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    Wont affect performance, but you're right about moisture. I haven't had good luck finding watertight terminators at Radio Shack and the like. Probably need to go to Solid Signal, etc.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2014
    If for no other reason, they need to be capped to prevent moisture from getting in and ruining the electronics. I highly recommend that all unused (open) ports on all splitter type devices be capped with the 75 ohm terminators. They are cheap insurance and will also likely make the unit perform better.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2014
    I would think they do not need to be capped.... HOWEVER if they do, Radio Shack sells the part.. I think a weather cap is all that is needed (The plastic cap that's on them when you opened the box).

    Try it and see, if the thing acts strange.. Add the terminators.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    Don't worry about it. Terminators are there to match the output to the designed load. if its not there it's possible to generate enough of an echo back over to the receiver that it cannot retrieve a usable signal. You ALWAYS terminate an open cable, but the lengths are so short on what you are working with it likely won't matter.

    Either way it won't blow anything up
  • accsys's avatar
    accsys
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2014
    It may or may not work but if it doesn't, you will not know if it is because of the missing terminators or something else. If you put it together with the terminators and if it doesn't work, you know it's not because of missing terminators and you can troubleshoot it easier. Or you can try it without them and if it doesn't work, put them on and continue troubleshooting.

    You do realize that with an 18" dish you are only going to get the 101 sat and no HD. If you get the three lnb SWM Slimline, you will be set up for now and when you want HD.

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