Sat and Cable Connectors

[TomG2]

I am looking at a new trailer and it only has the "Cable" external connector. What if I want to use it with Satellite or an external OTA antenna? Is there any way to make it work with all three, Cable/Sat/Ant, with switches or changing wiring in the pre-amp?

[Beaker]

You first must know if the outside cable connection runs directly to the Winegard wall mounted power supply (little button with green light). This is normally used to select OTA TV or campground Cable. If that's the case you can remove the plate from the wall and disconnect the Cable coax. This is now a direct run from the outside to your hand. Plug that end into the single side of an A/B switch and then use the 2 outputs to run one coax directly to the satellite receiver and the 2nd output to run right back to the Cable connection in the Winegard wall plate. Now, selecting A or B will either send the signal to your receiver or the wall plate via a direct run.

I've done this on two campers with no problems.

To OP:

I haven't seen it mentioned but the problem using the CABLE port is the booster which stops a 5v(if I remember correctly)signal from being sent to the dish from the DTV receiver.

[Bill_Satellite]

You first must know if the outside cable connection runs directly to the Winegard wall mounted power supply (little button with green light). This is normally used to select OTA TV or campground Cable. If that's the case you can remove the plate from the wall and disconnect the Cable coax. This is now a direct run from the outside to your hand. Plug that end into the single side of an A/B switch and then use the 2 outputs to run one coax directly to the satellite receiver and the 2nd output to run right back to the Cable connection in the Winegard wall plate. Now, selecting A or B will either send the signal to your receiver or the wall plate via a direct run.

[TomG2]

So, Bill, So, what do I need to do to make the "Cable" installation useable with a Satellite? Is there something in that run that prevents it? I have the usual wall plate with connections for "Ant" and "Cable".

I really do not want to run another coax run if I can help it.

[Bill_Satellite]

MANY would be ME! Having been in the business for over 14 years, re-tasking works perfectly and it is not one tiny bit better than running a new cable.
This, of course, assumes the coax cable is wired such that it can be run through an A/B switch leaving the required direct run.

[wa8yxm]

MANY Re task the cable for Sat, but I do not recommend that, in fact I recommend AGAINST it.

Run a new RG-6 cable you can run it to a bulkhead connector (Get one at any RV store) or a ground block (RV store or Radio Shack) which can be mounted in a compartment where you can pass the cable in or in the case of my Class A Gasser under the hood on the brake bell crank bracket (it gets funny later)

That is the Satellite in.

Park cable is left alone as is ANTENNA on your mnulti-swich (Box of Many Buttons or BOMB)

IF you have only a wall plate (not a BOMB) then it selects ANT or Cable. Leave it alone and let it do its thing or better yet replace with a Sensar PRO (optional serious upgrade about 100 bucks plus DIY or Labor).

Again run the new RG-6 for the Sat Antenna.

Feed the TV via HDMI off the sat receiver.. To watch SAT select proper input on TV"s menu.. To watch OTA select ANTENNA or TV and select source with the wall plate.

[Bill_Satellite]

A satellite cable run requires that there be a coax that runs directly from the outside connection to the satellite receiver with no other splitters or other hardware between. A cable connection does not require this and is the normal setup for cable making it unusable for satellite. In some cases it can be modified.

[TomG2]

Thanks to all. I guess my real question is, what is the difference between a cable marked SAT and one marked CABLE? Is there something spliced into the cable between the external connector and the wall plate on one or the other, or both? I would think one might be straight through. Maybe not?

[lbrjet]

If you are looking at new trailers there are plenty to choose from with both cable/sat connectors outside. We rarely use both sat and cable at the same time, but have a few times. I don't even bother with the antenna anymore. We get local network channels with Dish anywhere we are.

[BB_TX]

My 5er originally only had one outside coax input labeled cable. But it came into a dual coax wall plate near the TV with a short coax jumper between the two coax connectors. By removing the jumper and connecting a short coax cable from one of the wall plate connectors to my sat box I could watch sat programs. To watch cable I just put the jumper back. I could watch OTA stations anytime.

Got tired of messing with the jumper and added a second external coax connection for satellite.

[Bill_Satellite]

Since you mention "trailer" my best guess would be that you will not be able to use that connection for satellite. If by chance the cable runs from the outside connection directly to the TV/Cable wall plate you would be able to modify that connection and add an A/B switch to select which connection you are using. If that's not the case then you will need to route a new cable in or simply feed a cable through a slide gasket or open window. You can also easily add an external cable connection on the outside wall directly adjacent to where the satellite receiver will be located.

[Johno02]

Satellite (usually) requires that dish be connected directly to receiver. From the receiver, you have a lot of options. The "Cable" connection cannot be used for the Satellite connection as it is configured. Of course, If you know what you are doing, there are lots of wiring options. On my rig, I can use just about any combination you could imagine.