Diseqc Switch problems

[DR8]

Keep going threw Diseqc switches tried a couple different ones but seems as soon as we have damp weather they die! Any suggestions on better switches or maybe a cover to keep out moisture? My setup is a DP Plus lnb for Dish and a Single DTV LNB for Bev with a Sonicview 360 premier. Maybe there is a better setup for this config?

[zoogor]

i use emp switches and no problems in the last 5 years. i also keep the switches in the basement. if you can keep the switch inside you'll be better off. if a basement is a problem, a little more coax and you can put it right behind your tv.

[dishuser]

cut a pop bottle in half and put diseqc inside it

[stman]

Chieta switches are also very good. Ideally you should have drainage loops in the coax so that water runs down away from the switch rather than straight to it. Dielectric grease can also be used on the connector threads to help keep the connections dry.

[stream™]

you can even use sw21 switch

[Terryl]

I use "Tupperware" containers, get one that will fit your switch(s), mount it to the wall, chimney or were ever, pop some holes in the bottom side of the container (not the very bottom, but one of the sides) for the coax to run through, to do this I used a canvas punch for putting grommets in tarps.

A piece of plywood inside makes for a good mounting place for the switch(s), mount it so you can easily get to the top cover, a littl dab of caulking will seal up the mounting screws that hold it to the (whatever), you can then paint it to match the wall. (or whatever)

Once painted the Tupperware will last for years, and if mounted right will be totally water tight, to keep bugs out, you can get some Duct seal at most hardware storse, this is like heavy modeling clay, it will seal up the holes where the coax runs come through.


Now some Diseqc switches come with rain covers, I would look into one of those brands.

Your going through switches when it gets damp could point to moisture getting it the coax somewhere, by a slit/crack/staple in the coax jacket, or a bad, poorly crimped or wrong type of connector, and then running down into the switch, thus shorting it out.

Doing what the others have mentioned will/may keep your switches high and dry, but if the water is getting in somewhere else you may be back to square one.

Also the switch(s) should be grounded, this will keep any stray current/electrical pulses out of the system, and keep your switches working.

One other thing to look at, is the coax center conductor rusted?

If it is then the coax needs to be replaced with good RG-6 coax with the pure copper center conductor, some of the cheaper coax uses copper plated steel for the center conductor, this will rust if it gets wet, this will affect the connections at the switch, or cause the switch to stop working.

[WillDekkard]

I always recommend the switches be placed inside weatherproof enclosures. There are many types. Here is one example:
http://www.satfix.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=12996&d=1327811842
I have been using Emp Centauri switches for approximately 5 years.