Weak UHF on 721 Remote

[Kagato]

The UHF range on my 721 remote seems to be getter worse and worse. I've tried changing the battary out several times and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Should I spend the $$ on a new remote? Or is it possible something else might be the issue?

[Scott Greczkowski]

Check your Antenna on the 721, remove it and reinstall it.

My UHF antenna for my 721 came loose and I was having the same problem, taking it off and putting it back on fixed it for me. :)

[Tomsoundman]

Here is a link (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/33) on the Echostar page that talks about the old model 4000. Don't know if it will work on the 721 or not. Maybe worth a try before purchasing a new remote.

[Bob Haller]

Add a remote antenna and amp. Then it will be rock solid.

[Jacob S]

I dont think that procedure works for the newer receivers, just the older models such as 4000, 4700.

[Steve Mehs]

I use a a pair of amplified rabbit ears as my remote antenna, works great, but I'm considering going back to the regular antenna to remove some more of my clutter.

[Doug E]

Speaking of weak batteries on the 721 remote, isn't there supposed to be an alert of somekind that pops up when bats need replacing?

[Jacob S]

Yes there is but I dont know if it always works. I wonder if someone could test it by putting in weak batteries to see if it would work. Dont the 501 and 508 receivers have this as well?

[Steve Mehs]

Yes the 50X has the low batt. alert, just saw it again today when using my universal home theater remote.

[721 user]

For the past few weeks I have had trouble with the 721 remote. The first try at pushing a button is ignored but it works fine after that. If I let it set for a few minutes it will do it again. The only way to clear it up is to reboot the 721 and then it works fine for a couple of days. I have put new batteries in it and relocated the unit with no luck, the only thing that works is to reboot the system. I think it's a software problem, anyone else have that problem?

[Mike Phillips]

Add a piece of co-axial cable between where the UHF antenna would screw on the connection on the back of the receiver.It worked miracles for my 4900.Thanks,Mike

[scooper]

I'll go Mike Phillips one better - not only is MY 4700 UHF remote on a piece of coax, I put it up to about 5-6 feet off the floor. This did wonders for my UHF working from my bedroom (50 feet and 4 interior walls away).

[Jacob S]

If it works fine on reboot then it may be software issue. One thing I have noticed in the past on the 501 is that the tv/video button would not work unless I turned it off then back on again. I think they fixed that in a software update but not sure.

[STXJim]

I attached a paper clip to each ear of my cats.
I make them sleep on top of my 721 when it is in use.
This system seems to work like E* intended it to. :D
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Seriouosy though;
So far everything seems to work right except when I power it off.
It takes TWO prompts of the off button to turn it off. :shrug:

[Kagato]

Quick update. I intially attached a simple UHF loop ant to the back of the 721. That worked well, but didn't look all that neat. I ended up installing a spliter in with my UHF Ant I use for HD. I think I can use the remote down the block now.

[dbronstein]

I have received the low batter warning on the 721, so it is there.

Dennis

[Jacob S]

Is that the same kind of round loop antenna that used to come with the tv's back in the 80's or a different type used for HD now?

[Kagato]

HD's just UHF. I can get half my HD channels using just the simple loop/hook UHF ant. The one in the attic is a large element UHF ant from Radio Shack. Still, it's a mear $20 ant. Never get suckered into buying a expensive ant for HD.