View Full Version : Tired of "Searching for Satellite...771"!!!!!
Probably not any that you are supposed to receive, unless you have a waiver for east coast DNS stations (ABC NY, CBS NY, etc.)
Your 103(c)'s look great, but the 119's are terrible. How 'bout that tree? Can you visually confirm it's the probable culprit?
Eddie Horton
03-18-08, 04:46 PM
It sure does.....have you ever done a Menu > ---- > Reset > Restart Recorder, powered down, and pulled the plug on that thing for a couple of hours before it has a chance to re-start?
I have not, but will give it a try. Thanks for your help, btw. It is much appreciated.
EarDriver
03-18-08, 05:43 PM
K4SMX
Switched tuner 1 and 2 not switching the BBC's.
103(s) Tuner 2 which is now connected to tuner 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA 94 92
96 46 0 94 54 0 96 0
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
103(s) Tuner 1 which is now connected to turner 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 NA NA
NA NA NA NA NA NA 0 0
0 0 0 94 0 0 0 0
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
103(c) Tuner 1 which is connected to 2
0 94 0 92 0 92 0 94
0 93 0 95 0 95 NA NA
0 NA NANA NA NA NA NA
All NA
103(c) Tuner 2 which is connected to 1
95 95 89 92 92 92 91 94
94 93 94 95 95 95 NA NA
96 NA NA NA NA 96 NA NA
All NA
I then switched the BBC's and placed the correct antenna line. Tuner 1 is still showing zeros for odds. What additional information do you need or troubleshooting steps I can perform.
I take it that "Tuner 1" (big "T") means the antenna line that was connected to the Sat In 1 input ("tuner 1"). That is that you're saying you swapped the antenna lines, but not the BBC's in Step 1.
Then I think you're saying that in Step 2 you put the original antenna line back on Sat In 1 (tuner 1), but you swapped the BBC's, and now the problem has switched back to tuner 1 on the menu pages.
If this is all correct, the BBC's are OK, and there's a problem in the antenna line you had originally connected to the Sat In 1 (tuner 1) input. You'll need to check all the connectors in that line by removing them and inspecting for corrosion or perhaps a tiny piece of the braid shorting across to the center conductor (looking into the end of the connector.) Be especially aware of connectors that were loose and both sides of wall plate pass-through adapters.
It's very common in new installations to find loose connectors, including those connected to the LNB inside the LNB support arm, but especially at the grounding block where the lines enter the house. Any slight corrosion build up in a loose connector can interrupt a 13v switching current, but an 18v one will make it across the corrosion. Re-tighten all connectors until just snug with a 7/16" wrench.
Also make sure there's no diplexers for OTA antennas or cable TV-type splitters installed somewhere in this cable line from some previous installation.
tbakken
03-18-08, 10:28 PM
It's not in the receiver box; it's in the Slimline box. It's used at the dish so that the LNB doesn't have to be removed in order to insert a signal meter for re-alignment. It has a female on one end so that when connected to the antenna line no permanent barrel adapter is required.
Welcome to DBSTalk.com!
This cable was not in the Slimline box. I am absolutely possitive because I put the slimline up several days before I received the IRD. The night that I opened the box for the IRD I couldn't figure out what it was for. It is kinda short...like 20" (I haven't measured it) I thought it might have something to do with the RF Remote port that I am not using so I put it back in the box. Won't work for what you are suggesting...and just how many times am I going to realign this dish??? I hope never like all my other installs. By the way the it is still working with this cable in...take it out and 771. DirecTV owes everyone and explaination on this one.
Troy
Last Saturday I finally had a tech come to start the process of figuring out the problem. After going through the standard steps of narrowing down the problem, he agreed it was strictly a Tuner 2 issue with the HR20-100. He replaced all the connections inside and outside of the house, replaced the BBC converters (now my 4th pair) and replaced the box with a new HR20-100 as a test of last resort.
It's finally been a few days without any problems, but then again, I haven't fully recovered my list of programs to record which was HD heavy. Who knows if the issue will reappear, but for now, it's working smoothly.
bmeeks8
03-20-08, 04:14 PM
I have the "771...searching for signal" issue as well, but mine is with an HR20-700. It alternates between Tuner 1 or Tuner 2 sort of randomly. Here is more info that makes me think software is at the heart of the issue.
I have a HR20-100 and a HR20-700 on the same Zinwell switch (the standard 5x8 model that comes with HD installs) and Slimline dish. Signals on 101 are all 95 and higher with 13 transponders at 100 on both receivers. Signals from 103c are in the low to mid 90s on all active transponders. My dish has been tweaked.
Sometimes I turn on the HR20-700 and the current channel is blank and "searching for signal" on either tuner 1 or 2. It varies. Downstairs on my HR20-100 both tuners are fine. To me that rules out the dish. Since the affected tuner on the -700 varies, that eliminates cabling and the multi-switch in my mind since both tuners see the problem and are different cables and different switch ports. All cabling is RG6 Quad-Shield.
Everytime this happens, all it takes is rebooting the HR20-700 from the menu and the problem is fixed (until it happens again some hours or days later). I have found two things that will trigger it. First, if I change channels on the -700 rapidly, I can frequently cause the 771 error. Once you get it, you can only clear it by rebooting. Another thing that will trigger it is actually losing signal on a tuner due to rain fade. I'm in the deep south and we have "frog strangling" thunderstorms down here...:lol: When you lose signal on a tuner in the HR20-700, it frequently never comes back until you reboot. My downstairs HR20-100 recovers fine during the same event on either tuner.
This all makes me think software is the heart of the problem. Otherwise, why does a simple reboot fix it? I don't touch cables or BBCs, I just reboot and it's fixed- no matter which tuner was having the 771 issue.
This started- to the best of my recollection- when code was added to support the SWM. At least around the time I started seeing guys with SWMs in the CE forum talking about seeing version info for the SWM on the setup screens, I started seeing this irritating 771 problem.
tbakken
03-21-08, 01:08 PM
Adding the cable helped for a few days...back to 771. Only on Tuner 2...never Tuner 1...and only on 110 Satelite.
????
Troy
Adding the cable helped for a few days...back to 771. Only on Tuner 2...never Tuner 1...and only on 110 Satelite.
????
Troy
Why don't you try a 3' cable, which seems to work for quite a few folks, instead of that shorter one you're using?
tbakken
03-22-08, 07:47 PM
Forget the 3 foot cable fix. Its all started again. It looks like if Tuner 1 is tied up recording something SD on the 101 Satelite then Tuner 2 cannot tune to 110. Channels 70-75 are all 771.
DirecTV refuses to send me a new box until a Tech comes out. Please someone come up for an answer to this. Are all of these HR20 people online are talking about dead... This is a large problem and DirecTV needs to address it.
Troy
i had several visits from the techs who kept bringing refurbished units, after 5 bad hrs 3 700s and 2 100s, a new slimline dish, relocated the dish, ran completely new cableling from the dish to the receiver, and several new bbc's. I finally was asigned to a case mananger and he sent me a hr21-200 straight from there warehouse brand new, with a production date of 2/29/08 so when I received it, it was about 2 weeks old, it doesnt have an ota connection, but it is working flawlessly, and with the am21 coming out in the near future, thats fine with me. Hopefully you will get to talk to a good csr who will transfer you to a case worker who will actually take the time to listen and help you, instead of telling you to reset the freakin' receiver a million times:nono2:
capdood
04-15-08, 12:09 AM
I, for one, am still having the same issues and was hoping that I would find a solution as I approached today's date in the thread.... Then nothing after the middle of March.
Am I now the only one with Searching For Satellite issues?
I still have the 771. I have NOT done the 3' cord patch that has been rec'd just yet. Although I will do it I have just been doing a rest from time to time which fixes it EVERY time. Sad isn't it?:(
jungle1
04-15-08, 08:50 AM
I, for one, am still having the same issues and was hoping that I would find a solution as I approached today's date in the thread.... Then nothing after the middle of March.
Am I now the only one with Searching For Satellite issues?
Nope, I have the same problems. Biggest offender for me is ESPNHD.
For me, the biggest offender is Discovery HD THeater (Ch 76 I believe).
capdood
04-15-08, 10:45 AM
Sounds like this problem is still without a solution. Still curious as to why there was daily discusion on this issue, and then nothing after March 22. I thought there might be another thread where this topic was continued, but evidently not.
I think that it is now time to admit that DTV cannot fix this 771 problem -- and time for me to switch providers.
I have been a direct deposit DTV subscriber for 7 years -- and a subscriber to virtually every sports package offered. I have stayed with DTV through these problems because of the NFL Ticket. But I can no longer justify all the missed recordings, all the ugly phone calls from my family, and the incredible frustration I have experienced while hoping that the 771 problem goes away -- or is solved. Unfortunately, it seems like neither is imminent.
And to hell with DTV if they think they are going to get me for an early cancellation fee. I am ANGRY when I think about the countless hours of work I have missed while waiting for service calls, and I am willing to spend the same amount of time fighting such a penalty if it comes to it.
ALL I EVER WANTED WAS FOR DIRECT TV TO DELIVER THE SERVICE THEY PROMISED -- AND THAT I PAY LAVISHLY FOR EACH MONTH.
Is that really too much to ask? Apparently so.
Call me depressed in Berkeley....And facing an NFL season of watching 49er and Raider telecasts only. You would be depressed too!
After finally having a case manager assigned for this issue, I got an HR20-700 that hasn't had the "Searching for..." issues that I had with the HR20-100.
Unfortunately, you just need to keep pushing the issue with DTV until you get a box that works.
Sounds like this problem is still without a solution......
.....Call me depressed in Berkeley....And facing an NFL season of watching 49er and Raider telecasts only. You would be depressed too!
I think I'd stay any action until after the next NR software is downloaded. This problem, which I was having with an HR21-100, went away with one of the CE software D/L's some weeks ago. It shouldn't be too much longer. Although the problem preceeded the current 0x1fe, there were a lot of other problems with that NR that are pressing for a new NR....
kinsale
04-15-08, 03:05 PM
Hopefully someone can help me here. i got the dreaded 771 error after a recent rain storm and afterwards had no HD locals. Called DTV and they told me to reboot. Locals came back. However only one tuner is working, the other has no signal. i tried rebooting a few times to no avail. Any ideas??
thanks!
This is most likely a cable or connector problem. Swap cables but not BBC's at the rear of the receiver and see if the problem moves to the other tuner. If not, then swap the BBC's and check again. If swapping just the cables moves the problem, then remove and check the connectors on that line from the receiver to the dish (if practical) for looseness or corrosion inside the connector. Re-tighten until just snug with a 7/16" wrench. You might as well check all of them while you're at it.
grantyn
04-15-08, 07:15 PM
Thanks for the information passed on in this thread. I was having problems with the "Searching for satellite 771" error, but was out of town when it started (couldn't get my Slingbox to work).
I went out and checked my antenna and found that a very shoddy installation had been done by the D* tech. The mast was off plumb (several of the bolts were loose) and the LNBs were not even screwed into the boom. After replumbing the mast and securing the LNBs I had to readjust the azimuth and elevation, but finally got good signals on all the birds.
Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.
Farsight
04-16-08, 03:02 PM
I think I'd stay any action until after the next NR software is downloaded. This problem, which I was having with an HR21-100, went away with one of the CE software D/L's some weeks ago.
Boy, I hope so. I'm also pretty sure my issue is a software problem, so this makes me hopeful.
After replacing cables, I improved my signal strength just a bit, which eliminated the 771... but the signal strength still dips, it causes glitches instead of complete signal loss. It still affects only one tuner, and still is fixed by a reset.
The thing that makes me really certain it's software is how the problem manifests: the channel tunes in perfectly for exactly 2 seconds, then glitches briefly EVERY TIME, then displays perfectly for a fairly predictable amount of time (probably 5 minutes), then glitches briefly again, and repeats this sequence forever. The glitch is always a similar severity (a small band of the screen in the same location pixelates for half a second, sometimes sound drops for the same half second). Since it only happens on one tuner and only on one reciever, is extremely predictable, and is fixed by rebooting, the computer programmer in me thinks software.
So, I guess I'll wait for the next update before starting up the tech support process. Hopefully it'll be fixed and I can skip the migraines that would induce. :)
GutBomb
04-16-08, 04:08 PM
I have experienced a similar issue, sometimes the mpeg2 HD channels would show "searching for satellite" but only when recording something else at the same time. i checked the back of my receiver and all connections were tight, but just moving my BBCs around (not unplugging them or anything, just moving them over an inch on the shelf) made the signal come in. I've been too lazy to call D* to ask for new BBCs.
capdood
04-17-08, 07:27 PM
Sounds like this problem is still without a solution. Still curious as to why there was daily discusion on this issue, and then nothing after March 22. I thought there might be another thread where this topic was continued, but evidently not.
I think that it is now time to admit that DTV cannot fix this 771 problem -- and time for me to switch providers.
I have been a direct deposit DTV subscriber for 7 years -- and a subscriber to virtually every sports package offered. I have stayed with DTV through these problems because of the NFL Ticket. But I can no longer justify all the missed recordings, all the ugly phone calls from my family, and the incredible frustration I have experienced while hoping that the 771 problem goes away -- or is solved. Unfortunately, it seems like neither is imminent.
And to hell with DTV if they think they are going to get me for an early cancellation fee. I am ANGRY when I think about the countless hours of work I have missed while waiting for service calls, and I am willing to spend the same amount of time fighting such a penalty if it comes to it.
ALL I EVER WANTED WAS FOR DIRECT TV TO DELIVER THE SERVICE THEY PROMISED -- AND THAT I PAY LAVISHLY FOR EACH MONTH.
Is that really too much to ask? Apparently so.
Call me depressed in Berkeley....And facing an NFL season of watching 49er and Raider telecasts only. You would be depressed too!
Well.... after speaking to Retention today, they asked me to give it one more shot by sending out a SENIOR Tech to assess the situation. I have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow between 8 and Noon.
It was depressing to learn that this SPECIALIST had never heard of this problem, and he seemed impatient listening about it.
I will provide an update.
Polychron
04-18-08, 11:22 AM
This is going to be a little long winded and not very technical and I apologize. However, I could use some feedback before I call DTV...
2 hr20's
cable runs from dish under ground in conduit to house
Back in Jan., I experienced the 771 message. First on some random HD channels and then across all channels. Picture would break up and then go to 771. Finally I went all black with 771 on ALL channels. If I forced to the other tuner (record the 771 and then change channels) we were good.
Tech came out and followed signal strength back to the dish. His diagnosis was a bad cable run to one tuner. I have two tv's both hr20 dvr's and the second was not affected. We switched cable feeds so that the downstairs tv received the good signal(s) and the other became affecetd. We left off the "bad" tuner and the upstairs tv became the bad one. We plugged in only 1 tuner and left the bad one off. He said the bad cable run was somewhere in the conduit under ground so he wouldn't touch it as they don't touch stuff that goes underground.(?)
TV fine downstairs and upstairs just no 2 tuner action upstairs. So no watching and recording something else. Fine.
Now about a week ago, upstairs tv has gone black with 771 on all channels. Meaning the feed that was "good" has now gone to the bad side. And this morning, downstairs tv is 771 on all but a few random channels on both tuners.
So, it doesn't look like it could be a cable issue could it? I can buy one cable run going bad but now all four? FWIW, I get channel 100 on the upstairs box that is totally dark (771) but the banner says PPV previews and the channel is actually showing the "chiller" channel.
Any thoughts? I would like to sound like I know what I'm talking about when I call DTV. And yes, many, many resets and unplugs.
Thank you kindly for your assistance.
-Ben
Ben, why don't you run those receivers one-at-a-time straight to the dish with a couple of short, temporary lines and a small TV just to see what you've got. You could have more bad cables. You don't know yet why the first one allegedly went bad. Let's eliminate the cables as a problem first. Then it's either a bad LNB or two bad receivers. I assume you've replaced your BBC's. If not, new ones are free for the asking in 2 days. Of course you can check all your channels except the 103(c) national HD's with no BBC's. Also be sure and check all your connectors for looseness or corrosion.
I've had the "Searching for sattelite.." problems, on and off, since December. It would mostly happen at night. I've had numerous visits from DirectTV, and they replaced every single component of the cable plant at least once, without much result. Finally, last weekend I discovered what was causing the problem.
In my case, it was the XBOX360 unit connected to the same circuit. It wasn't even on. But it has a large transformer between the XBOX box and the power outlet, and this transformer was corrupting the quality of the power supply enough to cause the problem. Once I disconnected the XBOX system (including its transformer), everything is O.K. since then.
jwd45244
04-21-08, 08:36 AM
This thread also describes the problem: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=126433 Apparently, there is a fix coming.
Hi all,
First post here but I came looking for answers to this exact issue and found this thread :).
For me all my sats and transponders are working correct EXCEPT Sat 110 on Tuner 2 which gives me 0's across all 3 transponders. I disconned the BBC and that fixed the issue but as soon as I flip through a few channels and go back to the ones that give me trouble....Sat 110 on tuner 2 is back to all zeros.
Just thought I'd chime in I guess as confirmation that whatever update they have planned for this hasn't come down the pipe yet. It's immensely frustrating as ESPNHD is one of my most frequently watched channels but oh well...
.....I disconned the BBC and that fixed the issue but as soon as I flip through a few channels and go back to the ones that give me trouble....Sat 110 on tuner 2 is back to all zeros......
Are you saying then that your 110 tuner 2 quits working properly after removing its BBC, or did you put the BBC back on? If the former, that may be a different problem, possibly requiring a new receiver. What are your signals like on the other satellites, comparing tuner 2 to tuner 1? My own experience was that tuner 2 worked fine on 110 all the time with no BBC.
Welcome to DBSTalk.com!
Are you saying then that your 110 tuner 2 quits working properly after removing its BBC, or did you put the BBC back on? If the former, that may be a different problem, possibly requiring a new receiver. What are your signals like on the other satellites, comparing tuner 2 to tuner 1? My own experience was that tuner 2 worked fine on 110 all the time with no BBC.
Welcome to DBSTalk.com!
Sorry I wasn't more specific. I disconned the BBC then hooked it back up again, which fixed the issue temporarily. This is on an HR20-100 btw.
This is probably a noob question, but if the BBC isn't necessary then what exactly is it's function?
Oh it's necessary all right. It's required to receive the Ka lo satellites: 103(c) (and 99(c) when it's parked and goes live.) This is a software issue whereby some HR20-100's won't receive adequate signals on 110 tuner 2 after once having been tuned to 103(c) after a reboot. The proof is that when you temporarily remove the tuner 2 BBC, it works fine on 110.
They'll eventually figure out exactly what causes this. There are quite a few -100's out there with this problem, mostly all refurbs. (HR20-100-R) A couple of folks have found that if you place a 3' RG6 patch cord between the receiver and the BBC (requires a double female F adapter (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103459&cp=2032058.2032231.2032280&pg=2&allCount=314&fbn=Cable+type%2FCouplers&f=PAD%2FCable+Type%2FCouplers&fbc=1&parentPage=family)), the 110 tuner 2 signals are improved enough to allow reception.
At least 2 other folks reported they "fixed" the problem by obscuring half of the 119 LNB feed horn (the one farthest from the center) with aluminum foil, thereby reducing slightly the 119 signal strength. We have no real idea for sure why either of these work or whether they work in all cases, but you're welcome to try. The only other alternative for an immediate fix is a different model receiver.
Farsight
05-05-08, 07:44 PM
As noted, getting a new reciever seems to be a surefire fix, as long as it's not just another HR20-100. :)
I had this issue, and also got 'lucky' and got the lockups/black-screen issues with the new software update (makes me wonder if those are related), so I finally made DTV swap out my reciever. A new HR21-200 has resolved the 771 issue, and given me my first glitch-free TV since I retired my Tivo. It's nice to not always have the DVR trying to annoy me when I just want to watch a show. :)
Frankly, we're all paying enough to demand a working product. If the issue bothers you at all, and the fixes listed here either don't work 100%, or seem like more effort than reprogramming a new reciever, I'd strongly suggest just demanding a swap-out. We shouldn't have to just live with buggy hardware, and we shouldn't have to jury-rig funky Macgyver-esque workarounds that may not completely work, or work in the long-term (who knows if any of these fixes will still work when the new satellite goes live). My new reciever came in 2 days at no-charge, with pre-paid shipping for the returning reciever. An hour or so of re-entering settings was well worth it to me to dump the junk DVR they dropped on me a few months ago. DTV can worry about what's wrong with my old HR20, I just want to watch TV. :)
Completely understandable. I'm sure it's not the "re-programming" that makes us HR owners unwilling to throw in the towel on a particular problem receiver. It's the hours of recorded video on the HD which can't be transferred except to SD DVD. :)
Farsight
05-05-08, 11:22 PM
I'm sure it's not the "re-programming" that makes us HR owners unwilling to throw in the towel on a particular problem receiver. It's the hours of recorded video on the HD which can't be transferred except to SD DVD.
I used it as an excuse to veg out and clear out out the old DVR over the weekend. :)
As a follow up on my situation. I called D* customer svc yesterday and after confirming that I'd already done their suggested fixes (to no avail) they agreed to send a new receiver. I requested an HR21 but the lady wouldn't approve it since she said the issue happens with those too, I know that's not true but I figure I'll give one chance w/ an HR20 then, if it's bugged as well then call back and more...firmly...request an HR21.
Farsight
05-06-08, 02:28 PM
They also wouldn't gaurantee me an HR21... but then they sent one anyway. Besides not being a lemon, it's a nice sleek black, with kess bright front panel lights, and a bigger hard drive, so I liked it better even before using it. :)
As a follow up on my situation. I called D* customer svc yesterday and after confirming that I'd already done their suggested fixes (to no avail) they agreed to send a new receiver. I requested an HR21 but the lady wouldn't approve it since she said the issue happens with those too, I know that's not true but I figure I'll give one chance w/ an HR20 then, if it's bugged as well then call back and more...firmly...request an HR21.
Amazing that they can't fix this yet and at the same time tell you that the -21 has the same issue! I am so tired of not being able to watch TNT-HD for the NBA playoffs and forced to watch the SD channel. I'm giving this to the end of the year (after NFL :) ) and then will make a decision about my future with this.
Amazing that they can't fix this yet and at the same time tell you that the -21 has the same issue! I am so tired of not being able to watch TNT-HD for the NBA playoffs and forced to watch the SD channel. I'm giving this to the end of the year (after NFL :) ) and then will make a decision about my future with this.
If you have an HR20-100, and you're having trouble with the tuner 2 110 satellite channels, you always have the option of either a)temporarily removing your tuner 2 BBC for specific TNT games you want to watch or record, or b)swapping tuners if you just want to watch: CH A > CH B > CH C > CH A.
You might find it handy to get some push-on F adapters (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103581&cp) to make it easy to temporarily remove a BBC from the antenna line. I use these for quick removal of the antenna lines from DirecTV receivers during lightning storms.
The fact that people are still having this issue after yet another national release software is making me start to think they either can't or don't know how to correct this problem, although somehow it definitely went away in an HR21-100 I have. I don't think it's a widespread issue, however, with the HR21's. Mine was just one out of 25 in the initial batch we tested. No one else had the problem. Enough time has passed so that these receivers should now be replaced with HR21/AM21 combo's.
Can anybody having this problem verify if it still exists with the 0x022D software update?
Since loading the latest CE update for the HR20-700 on Friday night, the OTA channels have not given me this error. Previously it happpened consistently on 13-1.
However, I also changed some cabling in one of the runs on Thursday, so it's hard to tell if it's because of the CE.
Another update:
I don't know if it's blind luck or if the D* CS rep realized that HR21's do NOT have this issue after we spoke but a shiny HR21 showed up at my house last night (despite her assertation that they would only send an HR20). I hooked it up last night but couldn't activate until this morning because their account mgmt system was down. In the couple minutes I played with the HR21 everything seemed to work perfectly.
Another update:
I don't know if it's blind luck or if the D* CS rep realized that HR21's do NOT have this issue after we spoke but a shiny HR21 showed up at my house last night (despite her assertation that they would only send an HR20). I hooked it up last night but couldn't activate until this morning because their account mgmt system was down. In the couple minutes I played with the HR21 everything seemed to work perfectly.
Yup! :righton:
direfan
05-20-08, 03:22 PM
Well I have the HR-21 700 and am repeatedly getting the Searching message. I ma really frustrated with the receiver. At DTV guy is supposed to show up on Sat but in the meantime, I am wondering whether I should just ask the CSR to send me a different receiver.
HD channels, SD channels, or both? What are your tp signal strengths on 103(c)?
lander215
05-21-08, 08:41 AM
Got the error on a brand new HR-21...reset it and it's been working perfectly since then (about two weeks).
dcowboy7
05-22-08, 07:12 PM
Got the error on a brand new HR-21...reset it and it's been working perfectly since then (about two weeks).
yep same here on new hr21-200....got 771 message....rebooted....ok now.
Had the same issue start occurring about a day ago. This is annoying. Attempting the fixes that some have posted thus far no luck. I may call the local installers that came about two weeks ago when they were supposed to investigate and possibly resolve my issue with the local HDs being lost even in very minor rain fall.
dinotheo
05-22-08, 09:28 PM
yep same here on new hr21-200....got 771 message....rebooted....ok now.
I've got 4 HR20's and 2 HR21's. I get 771 errors very often on the HR21's. I've not gotten them on the HR20's. It is getting to be very annoying. A reset fixes the problem. But if I don't turn the tv on to notice the 771 error, it misses recordings. It seems to happen during bad weather. If I lose sat signal, the HR21's flake out with 771 errors necessitating a reboot.
I've paid for a company to come out and fine tune my dish. My signals are in the 90's across the board. I have a powered WB616.
My old HR10's are like the energizer bunny...they keep going and going. Never any problems.
Unless we are in the middle of bad weather, I am happy to report that adding a 3' RG6 and a F type connector between the BBC on tuner 2 and the box has worked like a champ! No 771's since then...**knocking on wood, crossing fingers, etc :) **
techdimwit
05-24-08, 07:25 PM
I have an HR20 and have had frequent, persistent 771 problems which a reset usually fixed, however over the last few months, we've gotten the 771 on Food NetworkHD and nothing we did fixed the problem. The SD 231 came in just fine. We changed the BBC's which didn't help. Hadn't called D* because they usually seemed clueless or wanted to send me a new receiver.
We finally had a tech guy come out today and found that we had some problems. When we had the Slimline dish installed in August, 2007, apparently the guy did a crappy job. Without going into detail (except for the fact that there were missing parts), the dish was basically moving with every wind that came along and the guy that came today said with any more strong wind storms, the dish might have fallen off the house. It was that bad. Anyway, this guy installed the dish correctly and all channels are present and accounted for - including 231HD. Our transponder numbers weren't good but they were adequate to get all but that one channel. The numbers are now very high. I'm not sure the 771 problem will be gone for good but have high hopes that the dish might have been the problem. Fingers crossed because we are sick to death of resetting this thing.
meladdin
05-24-08, 09:13 PM
I have researched this topic and no one has one definitive fix. Is there a real fix D* CR has helped with? I had 771 errors off and on. Resets always worked but not this time. I can get the HD's on the 70's channels.
I figure D* should have this addressed by now.
meladdin
05-24-08, 09:15 PM
presto...I didn't do anything and 771 error is gone. This is stupid.
Unless we are in the middle of bad weather, I am happy to report that adding a 3' RG6 and a F type connector between the BBC on tuner 2 and the box has worked like a champ! No 771's since then...**knocking on wood, crossing fingers, etc :) **
Don't touch anything...... Just kidding, but someone did report that moving that 3' cable around made changes, which is typical with transmission lines in out-of-balance circuits.
Have been having persistent 771 / bad Tuner 2 HD input for months on my HR-20--just read this thread, and tried the 3 foot RG6 & F-connector. It seems to have exorcised the demons so far--can now click through from 72 to 78 and see all the HD channels without a 771. In Baltimore MD. Thanks to the bright folks at DBStalk for the thinking/workaround.
Awesome to hear BGEOFF!!! Now the real kicker is going to be the day that a CSR rec'd that technique :lol:
...... Now the real kicker is going to be the day that a CSR rec'd that technique :lol:
That would be an embarrassing admission of an inability to figure out the cause of this troublesome issue. An even funnier CSR rec' would be: "Cover over half the 119 LNB with aluminum foil." Shades of tin foil blobs on the rabbit ears....:)
I have a similar issue with 771 except,
I lost ALL my MPEG4 channels on my HR21-700 yesterday AM. Watching Discovery HD, Changed channels to another HD channel and 771.
My H20 is working just fine. All signal strengths on 103 (c) 119 are all in the upper 80's to mid 90's. On the HR21 goose eggs, 99 is extremely slow to register on HR21 and then it's all zero's.
If it helps I have the sidecar dish with no LOS issues. nearest tress are at least 150' away. I checked all connections and connectors at the dish, multi switch box. All fine.
I moved my H20 to the same location as the HR21, connected each cable to the H20 input and each worked fine. I'm watching the H20 without issues.
I've had the same dish set up for nearly 2 years and no issues. I've had the DVR for about 3 months.
I tried everything suggested in this thread, (although I didn't move the 3 footer around) No Joy.
For the first time in 12 years I called in for a tech visit. Before the CSR asked all the questions I told him I had done all the usual rebooting, checking connections, No bad weather in the area etc.
I have a sneaking suspicion my DVR might be toast.
So I finally got the installer back in the house and lo and behold the second tuner was bad on my HR20-700. It got replaced with the HR21-100 so I'm somewhat satisfied. I was disappointed I was not able to get a chance to watch or record the movies that were saved on my HR20-700.
dcowboy7
05-29-08, 07:57 PM
So I finally got the installer back in the house and lo and behold the second tuner was bad on my HR20-700. It got replaced with the HR21-100 so I'm somewhat satisfied. I was disappointed I was not able to get a chance to watch or record the movies that were saved on my HR20-700.
then u need to update your list.
avmaster
05-30-08, 12:06 AM
causes for 771 on HD channels only-
1. Poorly aligned dish
2. Poorly mounted dish that moves in wind/etc
3. Line of site being effected by interference from trees / and or other objects
4. Diplexer or other device inline which effectively flters out the higher band siginals
5. Improper multiswitch
6. Bad cable / fittings
7. Bad B-band converter
8. Bad reciver
9. Bad LMB
I think that just about covers it, the most common cause of problems on most installs is just old/crappy fittings and or cable. Pull off your wall plates and take a look at the connector inside, I don't know how often I find old crimp style fittings behind the plates. It may not be the main cause, but it certainly helps!
ironwood
05-30-08, 01:09 AM
causes for 771 on HD channels only-
1. Poorly aligned dish
2. Poorly mounted dish that moves in wind/etc
3. Line of site being effected by interference from trees / and or other objects
4. Diplexer or other device inline which effectively flters out the higher band siginals
5. Improper multiswitch
6. Bad cable / fittings
7. Bad B-band converter
8. Bad reciver
9. Bad LMB
I think that just about covers it, the most common cause of problems on most installs is just old/crappy fittings and or cable. Pull off your wall plates and take a look at the connector inside, I don't know how often I find old crimp style fittings behind the plates. It may not be the main cause, but it certainly helps!
10. RFI
11. Improper/loose ground
12. Bad/improper electrical wiring
13. Bad software
14. Bad hardware (bad batch of receivers, specific models)
6. To bad cable/fittings I would definitely add bad barrels. They have to be high-frequency type. Also this category is the cause of more problems than all other categories combined. Therefore to be more specific bad cable is not only old wrong type of cable. It is also cable run under the carpet that one day gets caught on this little tiny carpet nail thats absolutely impossible to notice and understand its affect. And you only losing few HD channels!
David MacLeod
05-30-08, 04:53 AM
along with barrel connectors is wrong type of grounding block. older style ones (even in great shape) don't work due to the same reason ironwood just spoke of on barrel connectors. wall plates also fall in the barrel connector category.
I can personally attest to that, its easy to miss too.
Something new: after I deleted a recording in progress, I got a 771 error flashed on my screen while the HR21 changed the tuner back to the previous channel that I had been watching but not recording (202). The HR21 then successfully started to display the channel.
Checking the other tuner, it was still recording another show, and I had no additional problems.
This makes me think that the 771 errors are a time-out problem (waiting for the switch), rather than a hardware problem. That is, if the HR21 waited longer for a stream, it would work.
And... me thinks that this would also relate to the blank recordings: a timeout problem where the tuner does not supply the new stream fast enough at the beginning of the recording, and the HR21 is unable to recover -- having to go thru the additional "authorized recording" code, from which the "search for a another source for a blacked-out program" feature derives.
jdg
ironwood
05-30-08, 09:08 PM
Something new: after I deleted a recording in progress, I got a 771 error flashed on my screen while the HR21 changed the tuner back to the previous channel that I had been watching but not recording (202). The HR21 then successfully started to display the channel.
Checking the other tuner, it was still recording another show, and I had no additional problems.
This makes me think that the 771 errors are a time-out problem (waiting for the switch), rather than a hardware problem. That is, if the HR21 waited longer for a stream, it would work.
And... me thinks that this would also relate to the blank recordings: a timeout problem where the tuner does not supply the new stream fast enough at the beginning of the recording, and the HR21 is unable to recover -- having to go thru the additional "authorized recording" code, from which the "search for a another source for a blacked-out program" feature derives.
jdg
Isnt it supposed to run both tuners simultaneously at all times? What stream are you talking about? There might be something here but I am just not catching it. Give us more detail.
Isnt it supposed to run both tuners simultaneously at all times? What stream are you talking about? There might be something here but I am just not catching it. Give us more detail.
The HR21 only runs has 2 streams active if it is a) recording 2 programs, or b) it is recording one program and you have the other tuner tuned into a different channel. That is, if you are not recording a program then only one tuner is active. Thus the "no dual buffers" feature.
As for "stream," I'm referring to the data stream from the satellite.
jdg
newsposter
05-31-08, 11:26 AM
isnt it 3? cant it do VOD while recording 2 satellite programs?
rogerax
06-01-08, 09:38 AM
Hi,
Could someone shed some light about my annoying "771 searching satellite" error ?
Here is my configuration:
1. H20-600 * 1
2. slimline 5 lnb
3. All satelittes signal strength is at "94-95".
4. S/W 0x4062 04/02 updated
There is NO problem until 1 month agao when the weather turned warmer. I got "771" error. Someone in this discussion group
suggested H20 overheat issue. Therefore I put a fan, the problem went way.
Then around one week ago, the problem re-occurred. I reset the H20 and it re-occurred about two days later.
But since yesterday, i gets worse. After reset, it only last like 20 minutes for HD channels.
Here is my observation:
1. After reset, i checked the singal strength is still at 95 level.
2. It seems that the "771" error only occurs at HD channels.
If I watched SD version, or let it stay at SD channel over-night, it works fine without 771 error.
3. weather seems not an issue.
Any suggestions? I am inclined to change BBC and receiver. No protection plan, technican service is my last resort.
1. slimline dish, lnb ( two months old)
2. cable (short distance between balcony and living room) ; RG6 3000MHZ, 75 OHM
3. BBC (Ver 2)
4. H20-600 receiver.
Thnaks,
Do you get 771's on channels 70-79? Have you looked specifically at your signals, tp-by-tp, on 103(c)?
rogerax
06-01-08, 02:17 PM
Yes. I also got 771 on 70-79. When it got 771, all TP of all satellites went to "0".
After the reset, all TP signal on 103C is above 90.
DO you guys suspect it's receiver problem?
Thanks.
bubbaart15
06-01-08, 04:16 PM
Those channels you listed all come off the 110 sat. And you mentioned bad weather - we had 60+ mph gusts here last week and blew my dish slightly out of alignment. When the wind died down, my picture was fine, but when the wind picked up again I had problems. I had D* come out on Saturday and realign and then tighten down my dish again. Turns out the guy who installed it in June didn't tighten all the bolts. My gut feeling is you might be in the same boat.
Is there anywhere to find what HD channels are off of which Sat? Why I'm wondering is I don't have the HD dish setup yet buy I'm thinking about getting an HD receiver but I didn't know if I should wait to get it until I am ready to set up the Slimline Dish. Thanks for any input for me.
Michael D'Angelo
06-01-08, 04:20 PM
Is there anywhere to find what HD channels are off of which Sat? Why I'm wondering is I don't have the HD dish setup yet buy I'm thinking about getting an HD receiver but I didn't know if I should wait to get it until I am ready to set up the Slimline Dish. Thanks for any input for me.
Welcome to DBSTalk
Without the 5 LNB dish you will only be able to receive ESPN, ESPN2, HBO, SHO, UHD, TNT, HDTH, HDNM, HDN and they will be moved from SAT's 110 and 119 over to the new SAT (D11: 99c) some thime in the future (probably not to long from now).
All other national HD channels are on SAT 103c.
Yes. I also got 771 on 70-79. When it got 771, all TP of all satellites went to "0".
After the reset, all TP signal on 103C is above 90.
DO you guys suspect it's receiver problem?
Thanks.
Well that's why I asked the question, because those channels don't involve the BBC directly. The BBC is, however, still in the line and has been known to effect non-103(c) signals. So as a final test to eliminate it as a problem, the next time your CH 70-79 go out, remove the BBC from the receiver and hook up the antenna line directly to the receiver. If the BBC is causing the problem, your CH 70-79 will start working fine (and of course you won't have any 103(c) national HD channels.)
I suspect that your receiver has gone bad from being cooked over time before you got the fan. In that connection and not knowing what kind of fan you're using, is the H20-600 being adequately cooled? Mine run room temperature to the touch using an upside down laptop cooler, whereas previously you couldn't touch the top of them for more than a few seconds.
bubbaart15
06-01-08, 06:27 PM
Welcome to DBSTalk
Without the 5 LNB dish you will only be able to receive ESPN, ESPN2, HBO, SHO, UHD, TNT, HDTH, HDNM, HDN and they will be moved from SAT's 110 and 119 over to the new SAT (D11: 99c) some thime in the future (probably not to long from now).
All other national HD channels are on SAT 103c.
Thanks for the welcome and the help. I just found this site a few days ago and it's already helped me set up my brothers slimline dish from simply reading. We're still having problems getting all the 101's to 90 (most of them are in the 70s), but at least we have some signal on the 103 (50), which is better than nothing. I'm thinking it might be a tree problem, so we may try to raise the dish up and see if that works. Thanks again.
You can figure adding about 25 degrees (actually 22.5) to the apparent line of the dish toward the trees in question, because that's how much the LNB is offset from the centerline of the dish. Hopefully you're using the fine adjustment mechanisms for further alignment adjustments.
bubbaart15
06-01-08, 07:53 PM
You can figure adding about 25 degrees (actually 22.5) to the apparent line of the dish toward the trees in question, because that's how much the LNB is offset from the centerline of the dish. Hopefully you're using the fine adjustment mechanisms for further alignment adjustments.
Then maybe it's not the trees. We put the new dish in the same place as the old one and the old one was in the 90's for 101, I don't understand why the best we can do on several of the transponders is 72. That's why I thought it was the trees (I was hoping). What else could it be? Could it be the connectors? Were using the screw on coax connectors. Would that lower the number? It was 90 with those connectors on the old round dish so I thought it would be fine. Any ideas? Yes, I am using the fine adjustment mechanism for fine tuning.
Have you seen TV channels from the satellite at this point? I just want to make sure you're pointed at the right satellites.
Screw-on connectors are verboten. Run down to the big box home improvement store and pick up a compression fittings tool, an RG6 coax wire prep tool, and a box of RG6 compression fittings. This is satellite TV!
bubbaart15
06-02-08, 03:50 PM
Yes, the satellite is working, only the numbers are low (50 for the 103 satellite) and 70's for the 101. Thanks for all the help. Hopefully the more I learn I can help others too.
rogerax
06-02-08, 05:32 PM
Well that's why I asked the question, because those channels don't involve the BBC directly. The BBC is, however, still in the line and has been known to effect non-103(c) signals. So as a final test to eliminate it as a problem, the next time your CH 70-79 go out, remove the BBC from the receiver and hook up the antenna line directly to the receiver. If the BBC is causing the problem, your CH 70-79 will start working fine (and of course you won't have any 103(c) national HD channels.)
I suspect that your receiver has gone bad from being cooked over time before you got the fan. In that connection and not knowing what kind of fan you're using, is the H20-600 being adequately cooled? Mine run room temperature to the touch using an upside down laptop cooler, whereas previously you couldn't touch the top of them for more than a few seconds.
I removed the BBC and it has been working good among MPEG2 channels, like 75, 76, 79, 206, 209, 80-88, without 771 problem durig the last 24 hours. Out of the curiosity, i connected the BBC back and in 10 minutes on channel 76, it got 771 error.
Does this mean that it's BBC problem? Does the 771 have anything to do with MPEG4 decoding circuit?
I am waiting for DirectTV mailing me the BBCs. Will post the result later.
Thanks,
vikingsfan
06-03-08, 07:54 AM
I've had this "771" searching for sat message for some time now but only for my HR21. My HR20 in another room is fine for now. I received a refurbed HR21 and activated it, got the same error message. Next, I swapped the HR20 and hooked it up in the room where I got the message and NO 771 MESSAGE. So DirecTV is coming out this weekend to look into it further. If they tell me one more time to reboot or disconnect all wires and reconnect I'm going to scream!!!
jungle1
06-04-08, 11:00 AM
I've been having similar problems on Tuner 2 with the Ch 70-79 HD channels.
Problem stays with Tuner 2 when I switch source cables and/or BBCs.
Added the 3' coax/barrel connector last night between the BBC and the input on Tuner 2, and it seems to be working.
Not sure for how long, but it is one more data point that it might work for some people some of the time.
I removed the BBC and it has been working good among MPEG2 channels, like 75, 76, 79, 206, 209, 80-88, without 771 problem durig the last 24 hours. Out of the curiosity, i connected the BBC back and in 10 minutes on channel 76, it got 771 error.
Does this mean that it's BBC problem? Does the 771 have anything to do with MPEG4 decoding circuit?
I am waiting for DirectTV mailing me the BBCs. Will post the result later.
Thanks,
It does sound like you've got a bad BBC. It doesn't have anything to do with codec decoding. That's all done in the receiver. What the BBC does is convert the IF signals from the LNB for the Ka lo satellites from ~the UHF TV band up to the same IF frequencies from the LNB for the Ka hi satellites so the receiver can receive them. Unfortunately, there's some peculiar relationship with the 110 signals, which are supposed to pass right through the BBC. This is related to, but not exactly the same, as the problem some HR20-100's have receiving the 110's on tuner 2. Hopefully, the new BBC will fix your problem.
rogerax
06-10-08, 10:54 PM
It does sound like you've got a bad BBC. It doesn't have anything to do with codec decoding. That's all done in the receiver. What the BBC does is convert the IF signals from the LNB for the Ka lo satellites from ~the UHF TV band up to the same IF frequencies from the LNB for the Ka hi satellites so the receiver can receive them. Unfortunately, there's some peculiar relationship with the 110 signals, which are supposed to pass right through the BBC. This is related to, but not exactly the same, as the problem some HR20-100's have receiving the 110's on tuner 2. Hopefully, the new BBC will fix your problem.
Unfortunately. I installed the new BBC ver 3, but the HD channles, except 75-79, 80-88, 206, 209, still get the same 771 problem in 3 minutes. When it got 771 error, the signal strength of every TP in every satellite went to "zero" . I think i need to replace the receiver. Does anyone suspect it's LNB or cable problem?
From your first post:
Yes. I also got 771 on 70-79. When it got 771, all TP of all satellites went to "0".
After the reset, all TP signal on 103C is above 90. .....
Now you're saying you do get CH 75-79.
Unfortunately. I installed the new BBC ver 3, but the HD channles, except 75-79, 80-88, 206, 209, still get the same 771 problem in 3 minutes. When it got 771 error, the signal strength of every TP in every satellite went to "zero" . I think i need to replace the receiver. Does anyone suspect it's LNB or cable problem?
That's rather odd - some 110's and one 119. Oh well. Is there any way you can try that receiver at a friend's house? It's not impossible you've got some installation problem, although it does sound now like you've got a bad receiver. Do you have other receivers which require that you have a multi-switch which could be bad? LNB's don't usually die on almost all the satellites, but usually just one, although it's possible.
newsposter
07-13-08, 07:48 PM
i'm sure someone already has posted this but tonight i went to look at my signals on the 110 and 119 on the HR20 because 119 is flaking out on me, and then discovered the signal grid updates at intervals
fantastic!
astayton
07-18-08, 02:55 PM
I have this problem on both of my units. I have a HR20 and an R15. Every three days I have to reset them to get the second tunner to come in. I know it's not the wire since i switched wires before the reboot and the other line is fine. My signals are fine. i think it's just a software bug that they have. I'm going to put a timer on both boxes to have them reboot every other night at 3:00am.
This will fix my problem until they can fix it.
Change the IR settings on the remote from RF to IR seems to have stopped this annoying error for me. I've been Error free for 6 weeks.
I was restarting my HD DVR several times a week because of this issue...my 2 TIVO DVRs are running great.
I read a thread (cant find it now) that mentioned the new energy efficient light bulbs would trigger the error for some people, which got me thinking about how they would effect it.
Guaranteed my box will error now I have put this in writing ;-) Interested to know if this works for others
JeffBowser
05-23-09, 08:31 AM
There has been a TON of rain fade in S Fl. recently. This morning I was able to closely observe my DVRs rain-fade recovery behavior.
First off, only my oldest HR20-700 (mfg date 6/30/07, China) exhibits the behavior, my HR21-100 is no longer having any recovery issues. This is a change - prior, both were showing the issue, and tuner 1 had no signal on any sat until a reboot. Now:
Tuner 1 is not entirely gone on the HR20 - close observation shows that only 99 and 103 sat locations show no signal on tuner 1 until I reboot, tuner 2 recovers fine. 101, 110, and 119 show normal recovery on both tuners.
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