Using 8VSB without a fan?

[LauraW]

Has anyone tried plugging their 8VSB module into a model 6000 receiver after ripping the fan out of it? I'm trying it, but I can't get the receiver to recognize the module any more.

The fan in my 8VSB module crapped out a month or so ago. Two of the sub-toothpick-sized pieces that holds the fan hub to the frame broke, and the fan was making all kinds of grinding noises whenever the receiver was on. The module wasn't under warranty anymore, so I just took it out of the receiver. I wasn't watching much OTA HDTV, so it wasn't a big deal.

But now I want to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday. :-) I don't want to buy another module, however, since I'll probably be upgrading to a 921 when they come out. So I took the fan out of the module, and plugged it back into the receiver. No dice, though. When I go into the setup screen for OTA HDTV, it tells me that I need to install an 8VSB module. For some reason it's not recognizing the thing.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

[normang]

Are you sure when you removed the fan that you did not damage anything else? I have read elsewhere of people using the module without the fan.

I assume that its completely seated in the slot. You installed it without power connected, because unless you remove the plug, its not really powered off.

Its possible that its damaged and your options are limited.

[Mike123abc]

Most people that have done modifications have reported putting a resister in series with the fan. This slows down the fan some so that it wont make such a noise, but keeps it running to cool the system.

[LauraW]

>You installed it without power connected, because unless you remove the plug, its not really powered off.

Bingo! That was it. I unplugged the unit, reseated the 8VSB module, and plugged it back in, and everything is happy. The 8VSB is *hot* without the fan, though. I may have to scrounge for one in some of the local electronics surplus stores.

Thanks!

[DarrellP]

Laura, if you leave the fan case off the module and give it plenty of breathing room, it should be OK. I've had the fan & case out of my 8vsb now for about 8 months and it has worked just fine. I give it shelf space by itself with about 6 inches of air on top and it hardly gets warm after being on all day.

[LauraW]

Mike: My fan was broken: a couple of the "spokes" that hold the hub to the frame had cracked, and the fan blades were hitting the frame occasionally. The whole thing had to go.

Darrel: Good idea. I'll try it.

Thanks!

-- Laura

[Phil T]

I had to "unplug" the fan on the 8VSB today. When I came home from work it was making a lot of noise, revving up and down. I was able to just unplug the fan from the circuit board with a small screwdriver. I put the module back in and it works fine.

My 6000 and module is a little over one year old. It is in a AV cabinet in the basement and has a lot of clearance. I have central A/C so I hope that heat is not an issue.

[boba]

Phil T buying the extended warranty for $1.99/mo is a whole lot cheaper and safer idea than just unplugging the fan. You must be covered for 30 days before filling a claim but any DISH branded equipment is covered.

[scottcorinna]

I've had the 8vsb fan unplugged for two years and haven't had any trouble.

Make sure you get good air flow around the 6000.

[dmodemd]

I did have another component on top of my 6000 and this blocked the air flow. Even with the fan going, the module would cause lockups of the receiver. Once I put in some spacers between the components (about 2"), everything was fine. It might work without the fan but definately need the ventilation.

[Phil T]

I do have the extended warranty, but thought unplugging the fan was easier then hassling with an exchange. I guess if it dies now I will try the exchange.

[Mark Lamutt]

My fan is also going...maybe if it holds out long enough, Dish will replace my 6000 with an 811? :D

[Phil T]

Mark,

Your starting to hallucinate. :D

I think those tower hearing are getting to you.

You better be CAREful. :D

BTW, congrats on winning the 508!

[Mark Lamutt]

No, Phil - I'm one of the 13 sane people in the state! :D Although, the thought of the excess radiation that my dying 8VSB fan must be emitting is really starting to SCARE me. In fact, I'm pretty convinced at this point that I'm going to die from a brain tumor because of it!

Thanks! :D The 508 was definitely a surprise.