501 dying

[Mike Gavasheli]

I think the tuner in my 501 is slowly deteriorating. Strangely, sometimes it gets better and sometimes it gets worse. Essentially, I get sound dropouts, picture freezes, “Acquiring Sat Signal” warnings. When I check signal strength meter, it goes up and down 20-80-120-80-125…

My previous receiver (this is the 3rd one BTW) had similar problem, but it went gradually from good to bad unlike this one, which sometimes “recovers” and becomes watchable.

Here is my question: Does someone experienced this “going bad / getting better” pattern. I just need to figure out what went wrong, receiver or wiring. Unfortunately, I have only one receiver and cannot tell this for sure. LNB’s should be fine, since I get problems on channels coming from both dishes.

My system is one 501 connected to 500-twin and 300-dual with SW21.

Thanks,
Mike

[Timco]

I had the exact same system as you and never had any of the problems that you have.
Sounds like a bad switch. Hard to tell without another receiver.

[boba]

Mike the alternative to the tuner failing is the hard drive failing but the aquiring signal dosen't fit unless the signal is recorded before it is processed. The 501 has more of a history of failed hard drives than tuners. The fact that you are on your third one says you have a Remanufactured receiver serial number starts with a W. I would bet on a failing hard drive if I had to figure out your problem.

[Mike Gavasheli]

The hard drive is ok -- all my old recordings play just fine.

I will try to connect one dish only without switch, to eliminate possibility of bad SW21.

Thanks for replays. M.

[SouthernSky]

Mike,

We've seen the same symptoms on all models (plus partial channel loss) that have the 500's Twin LNB, Lot #CSS9601, especially in high heat conditions. We changed out our 25th one today. This recalled item is a nightmare to change (Echostar won't even pay us for a service call fee except a "credit against future purchases). It allegedly affects only that specific lot number that originated through a Dallas distribution center in the last year. It may not be related to your problem, but check the lot number on the twin LNB label to verify this for certain.

[Bob Haller]

Try unscrewing and replacing the sat coax connector. I have had this occur.

[Jacob S]

There has been a known tuner issue with some of the Dish PVR's. I would get the extended warranty for $1.99 a month then wait for a month then tell them about the problem then have it swapped for another 501. The warranty is worth it.

Perhaps if you would try another coax wire or another lnbf to see if that fixes the problem.