LNB Problem?

[Nodnarb]

Thought I'd run this past the techies in here...

Having more trouble with my 1995 DirecTV dual-LNB round dish system. When I'm hooked into the MultiSwitch, my receivers (HDVR2 and the original RCA receiver) can only get a signal on even numbered transponders. I can pick up Channel 500, but not Channel 100.

So, I decided to take one receiver, bypass the multiswitch and test each LNB feed.

The 18v LNB feed produces good DirecTV on all channels. The 13v LNB side produces the problem described above. This tells me that the multiswitch isn't the source of the problem.

The LNB was replaced last August, along with the grounding block on the outside wall. Could this be a cable problem?

I dread calling DirecTV and having to waste all the time on hold going through the plug and unplug reset routine to get them to service my dish on the protection plan.

[Jacob S]

Try connecting another receiver to the dish and see if it does this as well or try another lnbf. It could be a receiver problem. It is also a possibility of a cable problem in that it could be kinked causing the cable to pinch.

[Nodnarb]

Ok - further testing to isolate the problem.

With the HDVR2, I have 2 tuners, and then I have a 3rd RCA receiver and can duplicate this on all 3 tuners so it's not a receiver issue since all 3 receivers work well on LNB-B. I have isolated the multiswitch and run directly to the receivers to eliminate that as the possible culprit. This leaves the LNB, Grounding Block and the Coax from outside to inside as the only 3 remaining possibilities.

LNB-A/13v side gives me a weak signal (around 50) on transponder 7,15,19,21,23,25 and NO SIGNAL on all other transponders.

LNB-B/18v side gives me a strong signal on all transponders, good reception, etc.

I was having this problem back in May when we had our first heat-wave, and the DirecTV repair man replaced my multiswitch, came upstairs to my HDVR2 unit and took both cables out of each tuner and tested them on his test receiver, and said this would check both sides of the LNB, (duh - with the multiswitch in the middle???) Then diagnosed my problem as receiver and we replaced that. Receiver came in during cooler, rainy weather, and everything worked fine until it got hot again. First day over 85 degrees, and bang! Same problem!

My system is exactly 8 years old today! I suspect my problem is the LNB even though it was replaced in August??

Tme to call DirecTV and use that Protection plan again! I hope they send a more competent tech out this time!!

[Jacob S]

Maybe the dish needs to be realigned. I am thinking if it was a cable issue then you would not see it on all of your receivers but just one of them unless it was between the switch and the lnbf at the dish. The ground block could also be a possibility. Perhaps if you wire around the ground block you could see if that is the problem. If you know someone that has an lnbf perhaps you could ask to borrow it and see if that solves the problem.

[snagel]

good luck brandoN

[Nodnarb]

Maybe the dish needs to be realigned. I am thinking if it was a cable issue then you would not see it on all of your receivers

Problem solved... Chaffed coax running from the roof. Got crushed between the gutter and the chimney, and 8 years later was just rubbed through. I'm surprised it was working as well as it was. The installer replaced the multiswitch (I had already tested around it!) and the LNB (I had already used a new one to test the system) before he started listening to me. OH! He switched the inputs on the multiswitch, which transferred the problem from odd transponder channels, to even ones, and was disappointed when I told him he had just reversed the problem. After that, he finally started paying attention to me when I said "It's got to be before the multiswitch because I've already tested everything inside."

Anyway, I'm fixed and a happy camper again!

PS. DirecTV Protection Plan has definitely paid for itself many times over for me and my 8 year old system!