Married SWM and HR-20

[egarman1]

Re: HR-20

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you may want to post this in the installation forum to see if anyone possibly knows a way to get into the menu




Quote:
Originally Posted by egarman1
They are all stuck at searching for signal, If I hit menu the only option is signal strength and hit that and it shows "0" for every transponder on every satellite.


Quote:
Originally Posted by dave29
hmmm, i really dont know. so is it just searching for service the whole time? after a while of that it usually goes to the menu. what happens when you press menu. and where exactly is it stuck at?



Quote:
Originally Posted by egarman1
no, I have been waiting for one to time out and go to setup but all I can get is signal strength screen.



Quote:
Originally Posted by dave29
wow, that is weird. can you even get back to the main setup menu(where it lets you setup your dish)




Quote:
Originally Posted by egarman1
This is strange, I replaced my SWM with a powered WB616 and my H20 and 2- HR 20s will not find a satellite but as soon as I hook up the SWM they fire right up. I left them unplugged all night and no luck. I reset them all with the red reset and nothing.

QUOTE=dave29]thats very strange, i have never heard of that problem.
you can try it on the legacy ports, you just wont get the mpeg4 channels



Quote:
Originally Posted by egarman1
I tried that 4 times on two machines and even tried to force a download thinking that would get it freed up up but no luck.
I am at home now and can try it here but was wondering if the Legacy port would be the same as the WB68 or enough to get it out of the SWM mode?


Quote:
Originally Posted by dave29
if you hook it up to the wb68 and restart the receiver it will go back out of swm mode. i do this all the time. if it doesnt work on the first try, then unplug it for 10 minutes and try it again. let me know if this works




Quote:
Originally Posted by egarman1
I bought and am using a SWM-8 from you and now I need some advice if possible?
I want to use one of my HR-20s at my hunting cabin but It seems to be married to the SWM-8 now.
I tried 3 units and none of the will work with my WB8 switch but if I try an old D-10 it does.
Any suggestion?

[dave29]

just a note as egarman1's post should be read from the bottom up

[veryoldschool]

FWIW: as Dave29 knows, I had a failure last week and my H21-200 would never work off a non SWM system, but once I returned to a SWM system, it's working fine.

Now sometime back when SWM software first came out for testing on the H20, I had a similar thing happen. It changed over to SWM fine, but due to the early SWM FW, I needed to have it connected to a legacy port to download software.
Well once it went "SWM" it wouldn't come back.
I worked with "the great Earl" over the weekend, but we couldn't get it to swap back. Earl was set to have DirecTV work on sending me a replacement.

Since "I had nothing to lose", I left it unplugged [power cord] overnight and then tried it the next morning. It booted up fine off the legacy port and downloaded the old software.

If this has anything to do with this problem, I'd leave it unplugged for a very extended time period and then see.

[dave29]

i knew good ol' VOS would chime in on this one.
egarman one; i would try what VOS suggested on at least one of those recievers to see if it will work. that way if it does..... then you can do it to the rest

[David MacLeod]

out of curiosity, if unit was unplugged (to prevent damage) would placing a terminator on each input hasten the process?

[veryoldschool]

out of curiosity, if unit was unplugged (to prevent damage) would placing a terminator on each input hasten the process?
It isn't really the SAT feed but the chips inside that need to "flip" from the "flop".
"My guess" is it's deep inside a chip that is "staying high" instead of going low, and this voltage will bleed off over time, but needs to dissipate through the chip, hence why "overnight" was needed in my case.

[David MacLeod]

I was just wondering that since it coems into T1 that maybe discharging that input might cause that to happen.
no way to test it on my end though, yet :)

[egarman1]

OK, Put the SWM back in and hooked up a old DTC210 and have GREAT signal strength on all three sats. Unhooked that and hooked up 1 of the HR-20s to the same legacy port and all zeros. This unit has been unplugeg for three days.

[dave29]

OK, Put the SWM back in and hooked up a old DTC210 and have GREAT signal strength on all three sats. Unhooked that and hooked up 1 of the HR-20s to the same legacy port and all zeros. This unit has been unplugeg for three days.

do you have it hooked to the legacy port without the bbc

[David MacLeod]

and it won't let you click done on strength screen to allow you to go to setup right?

[dave29]

and it won't let you click done on strength screen to allow you to go to setup right?

nope

[egarman1]

No BBC and it is just sitting there at please wait "0% complete"

[egarman1]

This is starting to pi@#@% me off.
Any button combo to reset these units???

[David MacLeod]

will it start with no coax plugged in and then allow menu access?

[egarman1]

I will try that right now

[David MacLeod]

wondering if you can get to setup screen, plug in coax, and redo the sat type setup.
no idea if it will, just tossing it out there.

[dave29]

wondering if you can get to setup screen, plug in coax, and redo the sat type setup.
no idea if it will, just tossing it out there.

sounds like that is worth a shot to me

[veryoldschool]

sounds like that is worth a shot to me
This may be one of those press and hold the info button down [6 sec I think] to get into the menu.
IIRC, when mine would be stuck on searching for SAT signal, pressing the menu button, "only" gave me the signal strength screen.

[SSpectre]

I think I'm having the opposite problem. My HR21 works perfectly when hooked up directly to the dish, but doesn't work at all when hooked up to my SWM. The SWM is getting power, and I even returned the SWM to the place I purchased it and they said it works. All four lines are active going into the SWM, so I was starting to wonder if it was the box. I'm going to try unplugging it for a while and see if that helps later... I also couldn't get to the satellite setup screen.

[egarman1]

Left it unplugged all night and tried it this morning and no luck, wont even work with SWM now...

[egarman1]

Holding INFO does nothing.

[CJTE]

There was an old stacker/destacker menu... But thats long-gone on most receivers, which is what I think VOS was referring to, but I think it required a little more than holding INFO.

Anyway, it sounds like the Sat Inputs are dead on that receiver, if the other receiver works fine there, and thats how DirecTV will see it to if you call them. Just remember, without the protection plan its gonna be 20 bucks and a commitment update.

EDIT: 05-21, 1:45pm
Sorry... I was tired, and I know I shouldve written I think, I know thats why I said to myself in my brain, but thats not what came out on the keyboard

[David MacLeod]

you know they'll (csr) probably ask about reseating card. has that been done? don't think it will help but at least you could honestly tell them it was tried.

I had to call last week due to a bbc that dropped signals whenever it was touched. supposedly reseating card would fix this ??? lol.

[SSpectre]

Last night I hooked the SWM back up and it worked. No good reason why... just did.

[David MacLeod]

Last night I hooked the SWM back up and it worked. No good reason why... just did.

is it possible there is a config file being stored that is not resetting correctly? I wonder how ce releases deal with this.

[texasbrit]

is it possible there is a config file being stored that is not resetting correctly? I wonder how ce releases deal with this.

Don't know, but I have moved my H20, H21 and HR20 backwards and forwards several times between my WB68 and SWM8 without ever having this problem. With both NRs and CEs.

[veryoldschool]

There was an old stacker/destacker menu... But thats long-gone on most receivers, which is what VOS was referring to, but I think it required a little more than holding INFO.
No that was not what I was referring to.
I was [in fact] referring to how to get into the setup menu. ON THE REMOTE, holding down the info button for six seconds will take you to the info screen of the setup menu. Once there you can navigate through the setup menu.

During "My time" with a receiver that lost signal [bad LNB], pressing the "menu button" only gave me a limited menu, which was the signal level screen. Not very helpful to make changes to your SAT/dish configuration.

[SSpectre]

During "My time" with a receiver that lost signal [bad LNB], pressing the "menu button" only gave me a limited menu, which was the signal level screen. Not very helpful to make changes to your SAT/dish configuration.

This is still the case. I didn't get to test the Info button since everything started up correctly.

[veryoldschool]

This is still the case. I didn't get to test the Info button since everything started up correctly.
"My time" was last week. :)

[Tom Robertson]

egarman1, one other thing to try. Completely unhook everything from both satellite connections and reboot. Obviously it will fail to gather satellite data, but should eventually let you hit MENU and go to the satellite menus.

Do you see a SWM satellite strength map (even tho nothing is connected?)

Thanks,
Tom

[veryoldschool]

egarman1, one other thing to try. Completely unhook everything from both satellite connections and reboot. Obviously it will fail to gather satellite data, but should eventually let you hit MENU and go to the satellite menus.
Thanks,
Tom
"mine didn't".
I only had a limited menu [option] of signal strength(s).

[CJTE]

No that was not what I was referring to.


Fix. Ed.

Sorry a'boot that.

[veryoldschool]

Fix. Ed.

Sorry a'boot that.
Not quite sure your "local time" but "Today, 04:00 AM" [west coast] is too early/late for anybody. :D

[sundial2k]

I've been using a SWM-8 for about 30 days now and it has been working perfectly. The other night I lost all signal to all my tuners (2 x HR20 and 1 basic). I attempted to troubleshoot and finally by connecting one of the lines from the dish directly to one of my HR20's I did get signal. I was able to download the update (or whatever the download is) and see the guide but I was not able to get a picture (just black screen) because it was constantly "searching for satellite on Tuner 2". I left the system disconnected all night, connected it this morning and was able to watch TV for about 1 minute before it lost signal. I believe the SWM-8 and/or the power-supply is bad and I have a replacement being sent overnight.

I have a few questions for the experts:
1. Does this sound like a SWM issue or a dish issue?
2. Is there any way to disable "Tuner 2" on the HR20 if this happens again?
3. Does the cable from the SWM-8 to the power supply have to be at least 20' long or can it be 3' long?
4. Can I keep the power supply on the wall in my garage (I live in FL and the garage often gets above 120 degrees) or should I find somewhere inside my house for it?

Thank you very much!
John

[veryoldschool]

I have a few questions for the experts:
1. Does this sound like a SWM issue or a dish issue?
2. Is there any way to disable "Tuner 2" on the HR20 if this happens again?
3. Does the cable from the SWM-8 to the power supply have to be at least 20' long or can it be 3' long?
4. Can I keep the power supply on the wall in my garage (I live in FL and the garage often gets above 120 degrees) or should I find somewhere inside my house for it?

Thank you very much!
John
1) sounds more like "some" form of SWM issue.
2) connecting a BBC to #2 input has been know to help keep tuner #2 "off line" when a SAT feed isn't connected [but needs to be there during rebooting].
3) it has worked with less than 15', but if you're having problems, then DO use at least 15'
4)120 is sort of "pushing it", but it was made for a garage installation. Attics are a no no as they can get much hotter.

[dave29]

sundial,
how many feet of coax do you have between your PI and your SWM now?

[CJTE]

Not quite sure your "local time" but "Today, 04:00 AM" [west coast] is too early/late for anybody. :D

EDIT: 05-21, 1:45pm (PST) :confused:

Ima 20x6 kinda guy, and actually, the board starts to light up at 4AM PST, because its 7AM ET. Thats was, for example, when Earl would usually come in.
But I find the place to die around 10pm 'my time' and wake up at about 4am.

Either that, or I misunderstood your statement. :rolleyes:
Either way, sorry. :grin:

[veryoldschool]

EDIT: 05-21, 1:45pm (PST) :confused:

Ima 20x6 kinda guy, and actually, the board starts to light up at 4AM PST, because its 7AM ET. Thats was, for example, when Earl would usually come in.
But I find the place to die around 10pm 'my time' and wake up at about 4am.

Either that, or I misunderstood your statement. :rolleyes:
Either way, sorry. :grin:
well with my dead LNBs, yesterday I got a workout "finding" the setup menu on receivers that were searching for SAT signal.
Pressing menu [on remote of front panel] only get you into a limited signal level screen. Pressing the remote "info" for 6 sec, does get you into the full setup menu. Now it's a proven fact. :)

[dave29]

well with my dead LNBs, yesterday I got a workout "finding" the setup menu on receivers that were searching for SAT signal.
Pressing menu [on remote of front panel] only get you into a limited signal level screen. Pressing the remote "info" for 6 sec, does get you into the full setup menu. Now it's a proven fact. :)

nice..... good to know.
BTW, did you get lnb situation straightened out

[sundial2k]

sundial,
how many feet of coax do you have between your PI and your SWM now?

I currently have about 20.

[sundial2k]

Thanks everyone for responding!

I did a little extra testing today and it's definately the SWM. Had I given it any thought yesterday I'd have taken the basic box from my guest room and connected that in place of the HR20. I did that this afternoon and it works fine. My new SWM will be here tomorrow and hopefully everything will be back to normal. I think my garage in Florida gets as hot as an attic in New England so I'll see about relocating it inside.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I currently have about 20.

That is fine. Anything 15' or more is good.

[veryoldschool]

nice..... good to know.
BTW, did you get lnb situation straightened out
In the infamous words of this forum... "soon".

[egarman1]

I guess I fried a good unit. I have tried all the suggestions and it wont boot...

[Tom Robertson]

Have you run the test I suggested? Disconnect all the satellite inputs and BBCs (if there) and reboot.

After a few minutes you should be able to menu to see the satellite strength menu. As you go thru the satellites, do you also get the SWM strength map?

Thanks,
Tom

[veryoldschool]

Have you run the test I suggested? Disconnect all the satellite inputs and BBCs (if there) and reboot.

After a few minutes you should be able go to menu to see the satellite strength menu. As you go thru the satellites, do you also get the SWM strength map?

Thanks,
Tom
bold added.

[sundial2k]

That is fine. Anything 15' or more is good.

Are there any length requirements from the P/I to the splitter or can that be a couple of feet?

[veryoldschool]

Are there any length requirements from the P/I to the splitter or can that be a couple of feet?
"none".
I'm using just a short piece to my splitter.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Are there any length requirements from the P/I to the splitter or can that be a couple of feet?

As VOS said there are none. I have about a 12 inch cable coming from the PI to a splitter and about a 12 inch cable coming from FTM2 (SWM2) output to a splitter with no problems at all and it has been like that since last July.

[sundial2k]

As VOS said there are none. I have about a 12 inch cable coming from the PI to a splitter and about a 12 inch cable coming from FTM2 (SWM2) output to a splitter with no problems at all and it has been like that since last July.

Thanks guys! The help here is amazing...

So I received my replacement SWM-8 today but they sent me a SWM-5 instead. I called them to get it straightened out and they tried to convince me it was the same but they'd give me a $25 credit to keep it. Obviously I'm not going to keep it and I'll have them send me a SWM-8 when they get them, but is there any other differences besides channels and the OTA antenna input?

BTW - the new SWM fixed the problem.

[dave29]

swm8 will support 3 more ftm tuners
swm8 has 1 more legacy port
swm8 has ota input

[sundial2k]

swm8 will support 3 more ftm tuners
swm8 has 1 more legacy port
swm8 has ota input

Thanks. I don't think I'll need to support the additional tuners, but I'm not going to sacrifice the option for a measly $25. If they told me the SWM-5 would be $149 instead of $249 then I think it would be worth it. In 6 months the new antennas will be out and all this will not matter.

Thanks for your help.

[David MacLeod]

who did you buy it (swm8 / 5) from if I may ask?

[dave29]

Thanks. I don't think I'll need to support the additional tuners, but I'm not going to sacrifice the option for a measly $25. If they told me the SWM-5 would be $149 instead of $249 then I think it would be worth it. In 6 months the new antennas will be out and all this will not matter.

Thanks for your help.

yeah $249 for a swm5 is a little steep

[sundial2k]

who did you buy it (swm8 / 5) from if I may ask?

I got it from Solid Signal. I have no problem with them, in fact they let me exchange my original SWM-8 after the initial 30 days. They apparently got the SWM-5's from their distributor by accident and don't even have them in their system or on their website. I think they paid for SWM-8's and got 5's. They'll make it right.

[harsh]

out of curiosity, if unit was unplugged (to prevent damage) would placing a terminator on each input hasten the process?The only thing putting a terminator on the input will hasten is the escape of the blue smoke genie from your receiver.

Remember that the receiver puts out non-negligible DC voltage on the inputs.

[David MacLeod]

even after unplugging?

[egarman1]

Had time to play with them this morning. Tried the info button and did get to the setup menu and did a "reset everything". That did the trick on the H20 but both HR20s are still stuck at "o" on all transponders. It is definitely a software issue.

[sundial2k]

So I've had my D*TV for about 6 weeks now and just went through the first rain - can I expect it to go out EVERY time it rains?

[Michael D'Angelo]

So I've had my D*TV for about 6 weeks now and just went through the first rain - can I expect it to go out EVERY time it rains?

Your HD channels will go out before your SD channels do but it normally takes very heavy rain to knock out your picture.

What are your transponder signals on all SAT's?

[hdtvfan0001]

So I've had my D*TV for about 6 weeks now and just went through the first rain - can I expect it to go out EVERY time it rains?
No.

I have had almost NO dropouts from heavy rains. The only time I get a dropout is when there is a severe thunderstorm with lightening in the area - and then I should be heading for the basement....of course....there are no basements in Florida... :D

In any case - you may want to verify the transponder signal levels in your setup menu to make sure your Dish is in alignment - if you're below the 85 range or so...you may want to get the re-alignment done.

[dave29]

So I've had my D*TV for about 6 weeks now and just went through the first rain - can I expect it to go out EVERY time it rains?

hmmm, sounds like your dish needs tweaked to me.

[K4SMX]

well with my dead LNBs, yesterday......
I guess this means your trusty AT-9 finally "bit the dust," huh? I hear they've made a special search, just for you, and with great difficulty have located a Calamp LNB for your new Slimline. :)

[sundial2k]

No.

I have had almost NO dropouts from heavy rains. The only time I get a dropout is when there is a severe thunderstorm with lightening in the area - and then I should be heading for the basement....of course....there are no basements in Florida... :D

In any case - you may want to verify the transponder signal levels in your setup menu to make sure your Dish is in alignment - if you're below the 85 range or so...you may want to get the re-alignment done.

Thanks,
It doesn't look like the alignment is the problem; my transponder signal levels seem fantastic. There are only 2 at 0 (4 & 18) and 26 is at 40. All the rest are above 95.

I have a co-worker who says his doesn't go out either, but his dish is mounted on the side of his house and maybe it's being protected more than mine.

Earlier this afternoon we had a storm pass by and it went out again. I can't imagine that this is normal because there would probably be lawsuits by the dozens. Could my use of the SWM-8 be causing this at all?

[K4SMX]

.....It doesn't look like the alignment is the problem; my transponder signal levels seem fantastic. There are only 2 at 0 (4 & 18) and 26 is at 40. All the rest are above 95......Earlier this afternoon we had a storm pass by and it went out again. I can't imagine that this is normal because there would probably be lawsuits by the dozens. Could my use of the SWM-8 be causing this at all?
Sounds like you're looking at the 101 signals. You could have those signals and still not have your dish well-aligned for the HD channels. The real question is what are your signals on 103(c) (or(b), depending on your receiver model.) Even with perfect alignment, you're going to lose signals in heavy downpours from towering cumulus in the LOS.

[sundial2k]

Sounds like you're looking at the 101 signals. You could have those signals and still not have your dish well-aligned for the HD channels. The real question is what are your signals on 103(c) (or(b), depending on your receiver model.) Even with perfect alignment, you're going to lose signals in heavy downpours from towering cumulus in the LOS.

Sorry - I was looking at 101. 103(c) was all 95's and one 89 so that appears to be ok. While I was changing the satellite to test I found a SWM - is that looking at the signal/operation of my SWM-8?

[veryoldschool]

Sorry - I was looking at 101. 103(c) was all 95's and one 89 so that appears to be ok. While I was changing the satellite to test I found a SWM - is that looking at the signal/operation of my SWM-8?
Yes those are the active channels being outputted from the SWM. Now if you have no input to the SWM [dish out of alignment or bad LNB] they will drop to zero, as they need an input signal to show any level on the output.