Direct TV problem?

MossRoad · Oct 2, 2001

Swapping out the receivers sounds like a good first step. Nothing has changed in your setup, has it? Lenghtened the cables, etc. I liked TerryinMD's suggestions. Re check all the cables and make sure they are tightened. Make sure all of the cables are RG6. Make sure the dog didn't chew a cable or a cable didn't get pinched. I don't like the message about the access card that you got. Is the system still under warranty? Also, I don't know if this applies to your system, you might be able to hold the select key and the down arrow key on the receiver at the same time. On some units, this brings up a diagnostic menu that can run self tests.

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

Tdog · Oct 2, 2001

Richard,
I've got a Dish 500 system with two receivers. We've had similar problems as you describe. Certainly hasn't been trouble free. I've had switches replaced twice - - both time under warranty,thank goodness. Swithches are on the roof.

My last problem was cleared up by finding corrorsion in some of the coax cable connectors - - I gave up on Dish this time & called an independent repair guy.

My other gripe is that I can't get local channels via satelite - -they are not available yet in my area. And when they do become available, there will be an additional charge, I understand. With my roof antena, I can get local CBS & NBC most of the time, but ABC & FOX are right iffy. And of course, those are the networks that carry most NCAA & NFL games. grump.

TerryinMD · Oct 2, 2001

Hey, you can get as many "local" channels as you wish. They just won't be close to you. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif The Dish Network will be more than happy to provide you ALL the "local" channels if you so desire.

Just for a price check, we have Dish100 with Washington DC local channels, HBO package, and the Super stations. LA, Chicago, NYC, and ?? for about $55 (includes second receiver).

Richard · Oct 3, 2001

Problem update:

Have checked all wiring: fine /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Called DTV again about problems: None /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Swapped out receivers and problem: Remained /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif

Then my squirrely mind got to thinking.
I swapped my signal line from dish (duel lines and remember, I wasn't using one) and VOILA: Problem fixed. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I would seem to have a bad LNB. Since I'm only using one today, that isn't a problem. I have started looking this morning for replacement LNB and so far can't find one. I KNOW I can't use the same (commonly available) traditional LNB that the RCA dish uses because the Direct-Duo has the internet connection included.

The saga/search goes on, but at least I now know my enemy. If replacing the LNB costs too much, I just might buy a new dish and replace the Direct Duo.

JUST in time for weather to start turning and have to be 30 feet up on a ladder in the cold. Gotta love it. /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif

Richard

TerryinMD · Oct 3, 2001

Tracing DSS problems sounds similar to tractor/attachment problems. Just need a little help from your friends. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

TBN brain trust at work.

MossRoad · Oct 3, 2001

So if you swapped lines, isn't it the original line that is bad, not the LNB?

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

Richard · Oct 3, 2001

DANG, gotta admit I hadn't thought of that possiblity. I DO think however, the odds are the LNB in fact. I guess, the only way to be sure is make the climb to side of house, swap lines on LNB's and see if the problem moves with said line. If the problem doesn't move, then it is somehow the cable/connection. If it does move, then it's the LNB.

The closer I think I get to the answer, the more it seems to elude me /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Richard

Hillbilly · Oct 3, 2001

I get by with a little help from my friends.

I heard that before /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

jwstewar · Oct 3, 2001

I'll go back to the bashing of DirecTV. I've got an RCA master system with a Hughes slave receiver. I've had nothing but problems with the Hughes (funny since they are the ones that invented it). I finally traced one of the problems down to a corroted coax connection. Once I fixed that I've had heck of a time getting the satellite aimed to support both receivers, didn't have a problem configuring when they were new. I know sounds strange. I wonder if there is something to the theory of old equipment. Mine is 2 years old. The RCA tells me a set of coordinates, the Hughes another, and DirecTV's website another. I went with the one the RCA told me and tweaked it to get as strong as signal on both receivers. Still hasn't helped during storms though. They don't have to be particularly strong storms to lose signal. Was also experiencing yesterday the occasional signal loss others were complaining of. Don't remember which channel it was. Was considering switching to Dish but with them I can't get the local channels for Columbus, Ohio. Wish I could get cable. I call the cable company about every 3 or 4 months to see if service has been expanded. My neighbors up the hill from us can get it, but we can't without a $6,000 cost. They'll pay the first $800. Don't want cable that bad, but it is starting to get tempting.

jwstewar · Oct 3, 2001

One little thing that we have done to get around the $5.00 for additional recievers and the $ to purchase one. I bought a broadcaster from X-10 - yeah those annoying people with all of the pop-up and pop-under adds. For $50 it takes the signal from our receiver in our bedroom and rebroadcasts it to a receiver in the kitchen. As I haven't bought a remote extender yet, you have to go to the doorway of the bedroom to change channels. The only other thing is try to keep it out of line with the microwave. They are both using 900 Mhz and the cooker interferes with the TV. Moved the TV so that it wasn't inline with the microwave and still get a little interference but nothing like I was. Works great. At least I can get the little one to eat in the kitchen and not have ketchup all over the living room carpet because she wants to watch Blue's Clues or Bear in the Big Blue House.
My personal favorite is Bob the Builder. Have to figure how he has all of his equipment do the work for him....nah, that wouldn't be any fun.

PS Sorry for those of you who don't have little ones and don't get the cartoon humor.