HR21-700 keeps losing signal

[steve13]

I have a strange problem where my 2 HR21-700 units keep losing signal completely on both tuners. One HR21 (kitchen) does it much more frequently than the other one (living room). My HR20 never has this problem. When this occurs, they usually respond to the remote for a restart, but there is 0 signal on both tuners. It does NOT say "Searching for satellite signal..." or whatever the message is like during rain fade or something. It also will not play any recorded programs. A restart brings it right back to working normally. This keeps it working fine for a few days, then it happens again.

All the DVRs are connected to a SWM-8 and have both tuners enabled. I don't suspect cabling since a restart of the HR21 clears the problem, but I may be wrong.

Anybody else have this problem? Any ideas on a solution, or do I just have bad units that need to be swapped out?

Thanks!
Steve

[rudeney]

So both HR21's or on SWM port 2 via a 3-way splitter, but the HR20 is on SWM port 1 via the PI. My guess is you have a problem with the splitter. Is the 3rd unused port on that splitter terminated? If not, try that. If so, I'd replace the splitter, or at least try swapping the HR20 with an HR21 to see if it has the same problems, i.e. to eliminate cabling or splitter issues.

[steve13]

So both HR21's or on SWM port 2 via a 3-way splitter, but the HR20 is on SWM port 1 via the PI. My guess is you have a problem with the splitter. Is the 3rd unused port on that splitter terminated? If not, try that. If so, I'd replace the splitter, or at least try swapping the HR20 with an HR21 to see if it has the same problems, i.e. to eliminate cabling or splitter issues.

That is a good thought. I don't think the unused port is terminated. It is capped, but I don't think it is an actual termination. But, that is the common thread between the HR21s and is a difference between them and the HR20 (other than being HR21s vs an HR20). I can try a new splitter and see if that makes a difference.

Would that cause the HR21 to not perform playback functions though as well? Could something strange coming in the SAT port make the whole box not operate properly?

[SDizzle]

That is a good thought. I don't think the unused port is terminated. It is capped, but I don't think it is an actual termination. But, that is the common thread between the HR21s and is a difference between them and the HR20 (other than being HR21s vs an HR20). I can try a new splitter and see if that makes a difference.

Would that cause the HR21 to not perform playback functions though as well? Could something strange coming in the SAT port make the whole box not operate properly?

Being an SWM user as well, I wouldn't rule anything like that out. How bout switching 1 HR21 to port 1, and the HR20 to port 2 with the other HR21s? That could help eliminate some possibilities.

IMO, the HR21s are not nearly as solid as their older brother.....

[steve13]

Being an SWM user as well, I wouldn't rule anything like that out. How bout switching 1 HR21 to port 1, and the HR20 to port 2 with the other HR21s? That could help eliminate some possibilities.

IMO, the HR21s are not nearly as solid as their older brother.....

With the layout of things at my house, the unit on port 1 (with the PI) needs to stay where it is, and the other units need to be driven off of port 2 of the SWM. I'd have a hard time switching locations of units and resetting all series links, etc. I'll try getting a new splitter and see if that makes a difference.

I agree with your observation on the HR21 vs. HR20 - I have more issues with them (although not much other than this freeze problem) than I do with the HR20 (none).

Thanks!
Steve