Solved! Install OTA Antenna on Satellite hardware

[nitinahuja]

My home has the following set up: Directv 3 LNB dish plus Directv international dish.I do not need them anymore.How do I use the existing hardware from these dishes to install an Outdoor antenna to get OTA signal into multiple rooms of the house just like the satellite signal was.From dish the cable goes into swm and then into a spliter.How do I attach Photos?

 

[COLGeek]

For posting pictures: http/www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2580030/detailed-instructions-posting-images-tom-hardware.html

You should be able to use the existing coax to connect to an external OTA antenna. Approximately, how far are you from the transmitting sources and what is your budget?

 

[nitinahuja]

I live in zipcode 41183 and I need channel 3 wsaz etc.I believe about 35 miles.Budget is not a concern.

 

[COLGeek]

WSAZ is a favorite of mine (I am from WV). You could get something like this:

https/www.amazon.com/pingbingding-Amplified-Range-360-Remote-Snap-Installation/dp/B0748KYTZN/ref=sr_1_3?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1521765456&sr=1-3&keywords=outdoor+antenna+for+tv

You don't have to use a rotator, just point in the direction of Huntington/Charleston (where ever those antennas are in relation to you) and leave in place. I am sure your pick up other local channels as well.

You could also get something similar to what is used on RVs, including an omni-directional unit, something like this:

https/www.amazon.com/ANTOP-Amplified-directional-Extremely-Reception/dp/B01N4J5YGB/ref=sr_1_2?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1521765672&sr=1-2&keywords=rv+antenna+for+tv

Those are a bit more expensive and have less range. Still for your purposes, you'll be fine. We watch WSAZ with our camper in Summersville, WV with a far less advanced antenna (either of these) with excellent picture and sound quality, at quite a bit more distance than you.

 

[nitinahuja]

Smartpass looks good. Would I connect it into the Directv SWM box in grey?

 

[COLGeek]

I don't see any pictures. I would use the coax to connect the outside antenna directly into your antenna input inside. Have you done away, completely, with satellite service?

 

[nitinahuja]

https/photos.app.goo.gl/n1J9QrN9xBAEe2d02

Yes,Done away with Directv.Do I connect the OTA wire directly into the SWM 18 OTA input?

 

[COLGeek]

I would recommend doing away with any of the DirecTv stuff. Get a couple cable couplers to create a clean coax connection from the antenna to your TV (or into your internal coax cabling). That should make the least complicated config.

 

[nitinahuja]

Is coupler same as a splitter? https/www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=cm-3212hd

Thank you.
Are these steps correct:

1.Remove satellite dish and all swm hardware
2.Connect the ota antenna to the mast
3.Connect all the coax cables running into the house to a splitter/coupler
4.connect the other end of the splitter/coupler to the OTA antenna coax cable.

 

[COLGeek]

Couplers by some, adapters by others: https/www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-F-Series-Coaxial-Cable-Female-Adapters-2-Pack-85-071/204063261

Steps look about right.

 

[nitinahuja]

Can the existing green splitter as shown in photograph be used to connect the OTA coax into it? From it the cables are already ran into the house.I can remove the grey swm box outside the house.

 

[COLGeek]

I can't see the picture you are referring to from my current location. You can try it.

Yes, the SWM should be removed.

 

[nitinahuja]

The link for pictures was posted on 3/22 6:34 pm as one of the replies to this thread. What the picture shows is that from the dish cables run into a grey swm box and from the grey swm box into a splitter and from the splitter into the house.

 

[COLGeek]

The link for pictures was posted on 3/22 6:34 pm as one of the replies to this thread. What the picture shows is that from the dish cables run into a grey swm box and from the grey swm box into a splitter and from the splitter into the house.

Understood. The issue is that certain things get blocked when I am at my office. You should be able to re-use the splitter to route the signal into your house.

 

[nitinahuja]

Success!

I have 7 channels.Thank you very much.

When I was testing the antenna ( GE pro Yagi Antenna) from walmart in the day time I got more channels- 14.The antenna was sitting against the wall and ground.When I mounted it on the roof using the existing directv dish arm I had to constantly go up and down the roof to change direction to get upto 7 channels.Is there a reason for this?

I am using the digital coax four way splitter ( Onn) from walmart in place of the Directv splitter. Also, I am using one of the satellite cables which was connected to one of the LNB's .I took that out and connected it to the antenna and the other end to the Onn four way splitter.

 

[COLGeek]

It is a directional antenna. They receive well in one direction. Does your antenna include a powered signal booster?

 

[nitinahuja]

It is a directional antenna. They receive well in one direction. Does your antenna include a powered signal booster?

 

[nitinahuja]

No.