View Full Version : WB616 hard to get?
I had two HR20s installed, keeping 2 HR10s and a GXCEBOT, for a total of 10 runs. The original installer, since one of the HR20s was not wired, only put in a WB68. I did not realize until I went to do the wiring. I have had 5 subsequent service calls where the installer will either a) be asked by me if he has a WB616 on his truck (via phone), he will say no, and I will tell him not to bother (3 times) or b) have an installer show up w/o a WB616 (2 times, including this morning). I am trying to figure out if I will ever be able to realistically get one from Directv?
I have offered to purchase one and be credited, but they told me that would be too much for me to have to do. Doing that myself would have been easier than 5 additional service calls.
So is Directv really installing WB616s or will this continue?
Thanks
Dave
Michael D'Angelo
10-26-07, 03:13 PM
I don't remember seeing a post yet saying that they had a WB616 installed by DirecTV.
I did see a few post saying that DirecTV gave them a credit for it.
Solidsignal.com has it the cheapest I have found it for $130.
I don't remember seeing a post yet saying that they had a WB616 installed by DirecTV.
I did see a few post saying that DirecTV gave them a credit for it.
Solidsignal.com has it the cheapest I have found it for $130.
The installer this morning said he would try and bring one on Monday, but said that he had never even seen/handled one.
dothdewman
10-26-07, 03:22 PM
at the install company i work for they only keep two in stock in the wharehouse, and they will not let us use them except for like a big job, but you can take two 6x8,s and split the inputs with power passing splitters to give you 16 outputs
at the install company i work for they only keep two in stock in the wharehouse, and they will not let us use them except for like a big job, but you can take two 6x8,s and split the inputs with power passing splitters to give you 16 outputs
On which side of the multiswitch do I need to worry about run length. I am concerned that I have 4 200 ft runs to the multiswitch and then shorter runs (2500 sq ft house) inside. I wanted the powered WB616 as wouldn't cascading the 8s degrade the signal somewhat?
dmurphy
10-26-07, 03:53 PM
On which side of the multiswitch do I need to worry about run length. I am concerned that I have 4 200 ft runs to the multiswitch and then shorter runs (2500 sq ft house) inside. I wanted the powered WB616 as wouldn't cascading the 8s degrade the signal somewhat?
Well, you COULD do what I did... and put an older, powered 6x8 multiswitch on the "old" receivers (the GXCEBOT and HR10's) and use the WB68 for the newer ones.
I have the older multiswitch feeding power to the dish, while the WB68 just handles the newer receiver ...
PeaceOfMind
10-26-07, 03:59 PM
I purchased my WB616 on the internet....called Directv for a credit....they said they could not issue a credit. Before, I had 2 WB68's linked together....pixelations and audio dropouts on all HD channels and some SD channels on clear days and rainy days. Since I have installed the WB616, the pixelations and audio drop outs are gone and I get to watch Directv, even when it is raining. Directv could get alot less service calls, by installing the WB616 but I guess they don't want to eat the cost. I have sooooo much money invested in the HR10(2 for $1500) and HR20(3 for $900), that I just purchased the WB616 and took the loss of the $140, but the pixelations and audio drops are gone, for the past 3 months.
Tonedeaf
10-26-07, 04:35 PM
I have 2 Zinwell WB68's cascaded that gives me 12 outputs and works just fine.
I have 2 Zinwell WB68's cascaded that gives me 12 outputs and works just fine.
I have the same setup. Works fine but I'll be want ing to add another receiver that will push me to 13 total connections. I wonder if DTV will spring for the 6x16? If not I'm sure they wouldn't want to lose my business...
dmurphy
10-28-07, 10:05 PM
I have the same setup. Works fine but I'll be want ing to add another receiver that will push me to 13 total connections. I wonder if DTV will spring for the 6x16? If not I'm sure they wouldn't want to lose my business...
Just use some splitters and you can get all 16 outputs up and going with two WB68's. Obviously power passing isn't an issue for you - if it's working cascaded, it should be fine with splitters.
I got mine installed for free, did take a couple of phone calls to the local install company(Ironwood Comm)and several days for them to get it from there warehouse.
TheGish
10-28-07, 11:41 PM
When I moved, I ordered my second HR20 as well. That pushed me from 7 to 9 connections. They installed my WB616 without asking or issue. I have (2) HR20's, (2) H20's, H10 and a R15.
flexpackman
10-29-07, 03:43 PM
I put an order in the last of Sept. for an install this past week (Friday) for a new HR20 & Slimline dish to add to my collection. I told the Directv CSR that I would need an upgrade to a WB616 since I would now need 10 drops total. It did show up on the website order afterward. I then checked back by phone once with DTV & twice with Mastec that I indeed was going to get one and they all said yes.
The morning of the install the tech called me and when I reviewed the order with him he confirmed one also, but they had not received it yet. You would have thought in 4 weeks, one would have been shipped. He said he could cascade two 6X8's. Before he showed up, he called again and said that another truck had left the home base with the WB616 and he would be about an hour late waiting on him at a spot to get it. Sure enough, in about an hour he was here with it and did the install.
He was a little surprised that I had actually got it as he indicated that they normally cascade the WB68's and he and his co-hort's had only seen one other WB616 ever installed. He asked what I paid DTV for it and I said it was part of the free install. He was astounded because he had the paperwork that had came with it and it showed approx. $360.00 as an internal charge. When he left, I had to go back and convince myself of the price from SolidSignal as I knew it was nowhere near that price retail.
I got one for free when I ordered a new dish and HR20-100 receiver.
The installers tried to back out since I wasn't at the point of using more than 6 outpouts but I told them I am expanding rapidly and if they don't install it that they can call directv and cancel the entire order. They proceeded with the install.
vBulletin® v3.7.6, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.