Random reboot problems

[Greg_R]

I had a Dish 942 that worked fairly well until the latest SW update. That fix resolved my DD audio issues but now I am experiencing random reboots of the machine. I worked with Dish tech support and they had me try the following:

- try not running off of the UPS
- try running with your UPS
- try running with a long extension cord
- try running with grounded sat cables (I use a Monster surge protector for this)
- try ungrounding the sat cables

None of this helped and they swapped out my unit with another Dish 942 DVR (after a long, agonizing support experience).

The unit exhibits the following behavior during every crash:
- picture 'freezes'
- remote becomes unresponsive
- After 20 seconds or so the screen goes completely blank
- All unit lights are off
- unit start powering back on
- Satellites are reacquired
- picture comes back
- Takes ~1 -> 1.5min total

This reboot happens almost every day near 11:00 a.m. and occasionally in the evening (3-4 times a week but not at a specific time). My unit is NOT in a stack of equipment and has plenty of room to breathe. I have checked the UPS units and they supply emergency power correctly.

Does anyone have any idea about what is going on? I have 2 other UPS units (one on my computer and one for FiOS fiber optic service). The only other electrical mishap in the house is that my computer hibernates due to a low battery (UPS) warning... even though the power never goes out. I never have brown outs in the house and I've measured my house voltage and it is well within spec.

Please HELP! Thanks in advance!

[Greg_R]

Oh yeah... the unit also doesn't work with my VoIP connection but that is a known issue :)

[Mike Johnson]

This reboot happens almost every day near 11:00 a.m. and occasionally in the evening
A while back there was a reported problem with some 942s rebooting every four hours at 0300, 0700, 1100, 1500, 1900, and 2300 daily. The problem was tracked down to having a digital OTA Channel 2. I don't know if that's your situation, but you might want to try unhooking your OTA antenna to see if that solves your reboot problem.

[Greg_R]

Hmmm, well I do have a digital channel 2! I'll give that a shot.

Assuming that this fixes all of my problems, how can I still get my OTA locals? The local HD feeds have (IMO) the best picture.

Thanks!

[Greg_R]

I also discovered today that my UPS does NOT have automatic voltage regulation. Since the DVR's PSU is ultra-finicky I will replace that tonight as well.

[Mike Johnson]

If that does fix it, deleting just Channel 2 from you OTA channels may fix it, too. If it does, it's time to call Tech Support and get it reported. The last info I could find here is this thread:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=44883

There is a Word document there that describes the problem. Unfortunately, there's no info if this was ever resolved. There might be some info there that would help you when talking to Tech support.

Something else to check on, is your Monster Cable coax surge suppressor rated for signals up to 2.5 Ghz? Many aren't and can cause problems with the satellite signal.

Please keep us informed on how you come out on this.

[Greg_R]

Well, I went out and got a new UPS that DOES have AVR and it appears to have fixed the problem (no reboots in 48 hours). I think Dish needs to add some elements to their support info. I was asked a lot if I had a UPS but never if it had AVR. A UPS with AVR does nothing to help with the Dish unit's 'delicate' PSU.

Mike, yes my surge protector has high enough bandwidth. I went through a large number of surge protection possibilities before I found one with a high enough rating! Note to others: The "cheaper" Monster units do NOT have enough BW.

[Greg_R]

BTW: Thanks Mike!

[Thor263]

A UPS with AVR does nothing to help with the Dish unit's 'delicate' PSU.

I assume you really meant to say "A UPS without AVR..." :)