How to Add an Additional Satellite Receiver

Use a multiswitch with coaxial cable to connect multiple satellite receivers.

Adding satellite receivers to an existing satellite television system requires a device called a multi-switch. Similar in design to a regular RF coaxial cable splitter, a multi-switch contains relay circuits that direct different signals to different cable jacks so two television sets can display different channels at the same time. Mult-switches for satellite TV cabling are available at electronics stores.

Things You'll Need

• Coaxial cables with couplers on both ends
• Multi-switch

Instructions

1. Unscrew the coaxial cable from the back of the current satellite receiver by turning the coupler counter-clockwise on the end of the cable.

2. Connect the cable to the multi-switch Input jack by inserting the wire pin on the cable into the hole on the multi-switch and tightening the coupler clockwise.

3. Attach coaxial cables to the COAX OUT jacks on the other side of the multi-switch.

4. Connect the other end of each cable to the COAX IN jack on the back of the existing satellite receiver and the additional satellite receiver.

5. Attach a coaxial cable to the COAX OUT jack on the second satellite receiver and connect the other end to the RF or ANT IN jack on the back of a second television.

Tips & Warnings

• Some satellite receivers are equipped with a built-in relay circuit that serves the same purpose as a multi-switch, so coaxial cables can be run directly from one receiver to two TV sets. Check the owner's manual or contact the satellite TV company to determine if the receiver has this feature.

• Connect all coaxial cables before plugging the satellite receivers or the televisions into the electricity.

References

• Smart Home Pro: How to hook up multiple satellite receivers