Disq switch or splitter?

[gino_1983]

Hey guys im wondering whats the difference between the disq switch currently have a emp centuari but think its failing and just a -7db splitter that a starchoice installer had given me years back could i use this on my fta setup or would it screw anything up??

[Mavrick]

A splitter divides a signal to multiple outputs......a switch actually flips between multiple signals and only sends 1 feed to the output. You would need a switch for an FTA/satellite setup.

[Terryl]

EMP is a very good and reliable brand of switch, what makes you think it's failing?

[gino_1983]

Because some of my ports dont work its too cold where i am in the north

[Terryl]

EMP's switches working temperature range is from -30 to +70 degrees C, if it's colder then that then it could be the switch.

However if one or more of the connectors got wet or the coax has/had water in it then you could have problems.

If water go into the coax then it could have a split in it, or if one or more of the connectors froze due to water getting in then your loss of port problems may be due to that.

Some coax also has a copper plated steel center conductor, if this gets wet it will rust, time to wait till it's warm enough to go out and look around for problems.

And is the switch grounded?

[gino_1983]

Nope never have grounded it also i do see alittle rust

[Terryl]

Nope never have grounded it also i do see alittle rust


Well you may have found your problem, if you have the room some new outdoor rated connectors may be needed.

Also get some dielectric grease from Permatex, (don't use the stuff for light bulbs, that will mess things up) a little dab inside the connector will help keep the water out.

Also some stuff called "Liquid Tape" will help seal the outside of the connectors.

If you don't have the extra cable to put new connections on you should replace the whole run of coax, splicing coax will add 3 to 6 dB to the signal loss.

This is the stuff to use,
http://www.dxengineering.com/parts/umi-22058

Other stuff may eat away at the coax foam insulation, then you have bigger problems.

[dcapper]

I'm Siberia too. I got tired of the switches freezing up. Ran all my cables into my basement and the switches are in the warmth all the time. If one acts up, I don't have to go on the roof in -40.

[Terryl]

You can also wrap them in the pipe heating tape, that stuff also has an available thermostat, it gets below 0 C and it turns on.

[gino_1983]

Ya thats good idea