And the tech came, and the tech left. Stupid no drill rule

[opfreak]

Said he needs to drill to get the cables into the house, needs at least 2 holes. Since I dont have permission, and the apartment people aren't here untill 11 he left for his next job.

Said that he wont use flat cable.


Also wants(wanted) 70 dollars for the pole install... is that a fair price?

he said he'd call back at 11 to see if I can ger permission for the holes.

[Mertzen]

70 is a reasonable price yes. Just make sure he uses concrete and not just digs a hole. Flat cable is iffy indeed so I don't blame him for that.
As far as the holes, yeah that's always a pickle.

[opfreak]

70 is a reasonable price yes. Just make sure he uses concrete and not just digs a hole. Flat cable is iffy indeed so I don't blame him for that.
As far as the holes, yeah that's always a pickle.


i'm going to talk to the apt people when they get here at 11. he admitted that the flat cable would work... but he doesnt want to be back next week fixing it

he appears to be a private contractor working for piremer since the truck wasnt a super colored directv truck.

is cash an odd request?

as long as its reasonable I dont care.

[Mertzen]

[QUOTE=opfreak;1604759
is cash an odd request?

as long as its reasonable I dont care.[/QUOTE]

Most custom work is supposed to be paid with check. But I'l be honest with you, If he turns in the check it's the last time he'll see any of it.
As said before 70 is reasonable if he does it right and I'd give it cash.

[opfreak]

Most custom work is supposed to be paid with check. But I'l be honest with you, If he turns in the check it's the last time he'll see any of it.
As said before 70 is reasonable if he does it right and I'd give it cash.


doesnt really matter right now. A bit PO'd apartment office open today, but no one there that can say YES to drill holes.


I know its not the installers fault. Though I still feel a bit let down since I called the installers ahead of time and was told it wouldn't be a problem

[BubblePuppy]

I had the same "no holes drilled" problem at my apt. complex. The installer attached the pole with u-clamps to the stair railing (I live on the second floor) and ran the two cables through my "french" opening kitchen windows behind the stove and the refridge and along the baseboards of my dining/living room to my HR20. It's not pretty but it is an apt./temp abode and I can take everything including the pole and dish when I move. The 1/8 inch space in the kitchen window I just covered it with the 3M plastic heat and seal insulation plastic wrap stuff.
At least I was able to drop Comcost and have my Dtv.

[opfreak]

I had the same "no holes drilled" problem at my apt. complex. The installer attached the pole with u-clamps to the stair railing (I live on the second floor) and ran the two cables through my "french" opening kitchen windows behind the stove and the refridge and along the baseboards of my dining/living room to my HR20. It's not pretty but it is an apt./temp abode and I can take everything including the pole and dish when I move. The 1/8 inch space in the kitchen window I just covered it with the 3M plastic heat and seal insulation plastic wrap stuff.
At least I was able to drop Comcost and have my Dtv.

mine said he would only install if he can drill.

[BubblePuppy]

mine said he would only install if he can drill.

Then call Direct TV (ask for retention maybe, not sure) and explain the situation...that is male bovine back-end leavings.....!!!!!!!

[BattleZone]

Folks, keep in mind that the techs face BIG charge-back penalties if your system:

- Stops working (such as the flat cables failing due to damage or causing too much signal loss),

- Violates the apartment rules, or

- Fails a QC (like cables running through an open window that prevents it from closing).


The real issue here is the apartment complex, not DirecTV. The installer can only do what he is allowed to do.

[opfreak]

Folks, keep in mind that the techs face BIG charge-back penalties if your system:

- Stops working (such as the flat cables failing due to damage or causing too much signal loss),

- Violates the apartment rules, or

- Fails a QC (like cables running through an open window that prevents it from closing).


The real issue here is the apartment complex, not DirecTV. The installer can only do what he is allowed to do.


yup, I blame the apartment, they used to have different rules, because of the 20-30 dishes I found, only 3 are pole mounted, the rest are drilled into everything

[BubblePuppy]

Folks, keep in mind that the techs face BIG charge-back penalties if your system:

- Stops working (such as the flat cables failing due to damage or causing too much signal loss),

- Violates the apartment rules, or

- Fails a QC (like cables running through an open window that prevents it from closing).

The real issue here is the apartment complex, not DirecTV. The installer can only do what he is allowed to do.

Every dish here, either on a tripod, bucket/concret/pole or attached like mine HAS to go through an open window or sliding balcony door and like mine it is only open the width of the cable.

QC is fine....or the installers wouldn't do it.

If your installers insist on drilling against the apt. complex rules then enjoy your cable provider or pay major move out fees.

[joe diamond]

DISH won't do apartment installations.
DTV used to insist on written landlord permission before rolling a truck. Now they just let the tech take a chance. Consider getting the whole building wired from one dish on the roof.

Joe

[tcusta00]

DISH won't do apartment installations.
DTV used to insist on written landlord permission before rolling a truck. Now they just let the tech take a chance. Consider getting the whole building wired from one dish on the roof.

Joe

Call me crazy, but I really don't think that's his call. :)

[BattleZone]

Every dish here, either on a tripod, bucket/concret/pole or attached like mine HAS to go through an open window or sliding balcony door and like mine it is only open the width of the cable.

QC is fine....or the installers wouldn't do it.


No, most likely none of those jobs has actually been QC'd.

Here's the problem: if you accidently slam the window/door on the cable, you can damage the cable and lose signal. Then, you call and create a Service Call, and the original tech gets charged back.

Or...

Someone breaks into your apartment through your open window/door. You get mad and call DirecTV to complain that if it wasn't for your "bad install", you'd have been able to close and lock your window, which leads DirecTV to create a damage claim against the installer.

Both of these have happened to my company or to others I know. DirecTV pushes hard for "completion rate" on new customers, but techs/companies quickly learn that you have to say "no" unless you can do a proper install, or you'll end up losing money and PAYING to do that install.

Just because you got a tech to do something (that wasn't up to code) doesn't mean they should have, or that the next tech will be willing to do the same thing.

[BubblePuppy]

DISH won't do apartment installations.
DTV used to insist on written landlord permission before rolling a truck. Now they just let the tech take a chance. Consider getting the whole building wired from one dish on the roof.

Joe
My installer required a written "no drill" restriction notice.
I tried to find my original post but it is gone.
Window cracks (openings) are fine here.

[BubblePuppy]

No, most likely none of those jobs has actually been QC'd.

Here's the problem: if you accidently slam the window/door on the cable, you can damage the cable and lose signal. Then, you call and create a Service Call, and the original tech gets charged back.

Or...

Someone breaks into your apartment through your open window/door. You get mad and call DirecTV to complain that if it wasn't for your "bad install", you'd have been able to close and lock your window, which leads DirecTV to create a damage claim against the installer.

Both of these have happened to my company or to others I know. DirecTV pushes hard for "completion rate" on new customers, but techs/companies quickly learn that you have to say "no" unless you can do a proper install, or you'll end up losing money and PAYING to do that install.

Just because you got a tech to do something (that wasn't up to code) doesn't mean they should have, or that the next tech will be willing to do the same thing.

OP..just try it with another installer..I have had Dtv going through my kitchen window for all of the Portland winter this year and havn't had any problems.
Nor have I been burglerized. Get the Dtv service plan for about $5 a month and no problems.:)

[opfreak]

OP..just try it with another installer..I have had Dtv going through my kitchen window for all of the Portland winter this year and havn't had any problems.
Nor have I been burglerized. Get the Dtv service plan for about $5 a month and no problems.:)


i'm not willing to push it. I like where I live. I think its a bit un-fair that some apts were allowed holes. But I dont own the place, so I dont make the rules.

i'll live with the crappy cable boxes. It sucks because the current dtv offer was great, but not worth getting evicted, or lossing the despoit over

[BubblePuppy]

i'm not willing to push it. I like where I live. I think its a bit un-fair that some apts were allowed holes. But I dont own the place, so I dont make the rules.

i'll live with the crappy cable boxes. It sucks because the current dtv offer was great, but not worth getting evicted, or lossing the despoit over

Sorry you aren't willing to have a window cracked open a bit.

Good Luck.

[tcusta00]

i'm not willing to push it. I like where I live. I think its a bit un-fair that some apts were allowed holes. But I dont own the place, so I dont make the rules.

i'll live with the crappy cable boxes. It sucks because the current dtv offer was great, but not worth getting evicted, or lossing the despoit over

Perhaps those folks with holes in their walls are grandfathered in under some old rules. If you truly like where you live and aren't willing to leave a window ajar then I agree, you should just let it go. It's only TV, after all. :D

[hdtvfan0001]

DRILL - HOLE - PUTTY...the life cycle of the solution is complete. :D

[David MacLeod]

see if one of the tenants with a dish will allow you to run a switch then run off that. run cable yourself, buy receiver, call D* to activate saying you self installed.
its a pain, but your choices are limited.

I can't speak for D* but with Primestar we had HUGE insurance issues with stuff like this. we would not get a charge back, we would get insurance dropped if there were more than 500 $ in claims registered. then we were on the hook for damage done.

[tcusta00]

DRILL - HOLE - PUTTY...the life cycle of the solution is complete. :D

Well, that's what I'd do too, but I understand if he doesn't want to. At the end of the day what are they going to charge him for, a new piece of siding or some concrete filler? BFD, I say.

[hdtvfan0001]

Well, that's what I'd do too, but I understand if he doesn't want to. At the end of the day what are they going to charge him for, a new piece of siding or some concrete filler? BFD, I say.
It was like that when I moved in.....honest........................ :lol: :lol: :lol:

[tcusta00]

OMG, there's a HOLE in my wall????? :lol:

[opfreak]

the only dish on my building is an sd dish.

As for drilling the holes. The tech wont do it without paper say ok. I comepletly understand. I understand all sides of the issue.

Wish it was different because I was very excited, but at the end of the day, its just tv. And I'm not willing to make enemies about it.


my only fear is that in the future, I wont get good deals, because now i'm in the system, and they wont consider me a 'new' cosumter. and that sweet AAA deal will be gone, but maybe the hd dvr will be free.

[hdtvfan0001]

the only dish on my building is an sd dish.

As for drilling the holes. The tech wont do it without paper say ok. I comepletly understand. I understand all sides of the issue.

Wish it was different because I was very excited, but at the end of the day, its just tv. And I'm not willing to make enemies about it.


my only fear is that in the future, I wont get good deals, because now i'm in the system, and they wont consider me a 'new' cosumter. and that sweet AAA deal will be gone, but maybe the hd dvr will be free.
All kidding aside.....you're kinda stuck, unless you can locate some viable place and path to get an HD dish installed without the wrath of the landlord.....

Perhaps a sales pitch "If I pay to have this installed, the next tenant will have the benefit of it"....

[ironwood]

DISH won't do apartment installations.
DTV used to insist on written landlord permission before rolling a truck. Now they just let the tech take a chance. Consider getting the whole building wired from one dish on the roof.

Joe

Again all at the expense of installers time. Driving 2 hours to find out there is no permission and no landlord around. Especially on Saturdays/Sundays (we do work those days in case somebody ask)

[ironwood]

One hole can mean one lost job and 4 hungry crying kids. Is it worth it? (by the way I am not kidding)

[crashHD]

Get a 2x2. Cut it the length of a window. Drill holes for the cable in the 2x2. Place the 2x2 in the window. Shut the window on the 2x2. Done deal there. If you want the window to seal up as good as before, put some weatherstripping on the top and bottom edge of the board. This seals up the window as good as before, doesn't use flat cable, and doesn't permanently alter the premises.

[DishCSR]

the only dish on my building is an sd dish.

As for drilling the holes. The tech wont do it without paper say ok. I comepletly understand. I understand all sides of the issue.

Wish it was different because I was very excited, but at the end of the day, its just tv. And I'm not willing to make enemies about it.


my only fear is that in the future, I wont get good deals, because now i'm in the system, and they wont consider me a 'new' cosumter. and that sweet AAA deal will be gone, but maybe the hd dvr will be free.


your order will need to be canceled, since you cannot be installed. Therefore you will no longer be "in the system" . so don't fear you will still be able to get all the deals being offered in the future that you would qualify for. The only way you would 'stay in the system" is to have the account activated, in your case this cannot happen since you cannot be installed. call dtv and cancel the order, call customer installation support not direct sales.

[ycebar]

My cable wires are run from through the air conditioning unit, becase of the no dril polcy

[joe diamond]

Call me crazy, but I really don't think that's his call. :)

Correct!

Condo folks are owners of part of the building. Tenants have to convince the landlord. IF the building is already wired for CATV all that is needed is access to the cable room; one dish on the roof and a multiswitch in the cable room.

Building owners look for easy and no exposure to liability so it can be tough.
I used the word consider because there is much to look at and figure out.

Joe

[Hansen]

If you don't have one, go to Home Depot and buy yourself a drill. Drill the golen you need. Call for installation and you're done. When you move, a quick fix with some approriate filler and you are all set.


Otherwise, can you set up the dish inside and get LOS through a window?

[David MacLeod]

lol, guess there are advantages to living out here in the boonies :)

[protrex]

I ran all my coax in through the A/C condenser entry at my townhouse. It worked great.

-Jamie

[joe diamond]

I ran all my coax in through the A/C condenser entry at my townhouse. It worked great.

-Jamie

That is one I have used.......works great. I have a saw blade that will fit in the existing hole...... for making more space for up to four rg 6 runs.

The only issue I ever had with this application is that there is also a control wire going in the same hole. IF you ding it the AC won't work. Also WHEN the grounds crew hits the control wire with their weed eater OR hits the whole unit with a mower the HVAC tech will cite a portion of the electrical code about separation distances from power and probably cut the cables out of "his" hole.

Gitterdone!

Joe

[kd7ctv]

DISH won't do apartment installations.
DTV used to insist on written landlord permission before rolling a truck. Now they just let the tech take a chance. Consider getting the whole building wired from one dish on the roof.

Joe

Well its back to written permission before we can start an install now.. Go figure.

[thebeev]

Well its back to written permission before we can start an install now.. Go figure.

I hear you, going through the same problem.

[Seaking]

Well its back to written permission before we can start an install now.. Go figure.

Get a copy of a letter from the Apt office with a letter head. Scan said letter and create permission letter yourself with faked letterhead. Call for the install and hand over "permission" letter when they are there. I'd go ahead and drill the hole, don't you know someone with a drill.

[mgtr]

Somebody mentioned trying a multiswitch on an existing dish. Another possibility is to find an unused dish (bound to be at least one) and use those cables (or at least those holes). Might be a trick to find such a situation, but probably exists. Probably would not be slimline dish which is unused, but that doesn't matter -- you only need the holes (or maybe the cables).