DISH error message...

[Chiquita]

Hello,
We have a DISH system, model 3900 that is less than two years old. A couple of months ago, a temporary lay-off at work caused some financial trouble and we disconnected our service.
Last week I called and had it reactivated. The guy said it would be on in a matter of minutes. It wasn't and I began a series of calls to the tech support. :rolleyes: The error message on the screen said something about "Your service has not yet been authorized." We (the tech support people and I) went through the usual stuff, removing the smart card, unplugging the receiver, checking the line and connections, etc... Finally, on call number 4, the lady said she would send a software update through to the receiver and it could take anywhere from 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The next day it still wasn't working. The "searching for signal" message would come on briefly, then the unauthorized message would pop back up. Talked to a couple of different tech people that day...they had me try changing the remote address (I think?) on the system information screen, which I was able to do, then tried sending the software info again. Still nothing. On my last call to DISH support, the guy said that the memory was bad and we'd have to get a new receiver. He connected me with somebody else who told me that it would cost almost $90 (for the receiver and shipping) and that we'd have to send our broken one in. It'll be quite awhile before I can afford that!
I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas as to what the problem could be...the receiver had been working just fine before. And I must say that $90 sounds pretty steep, especially since we have to trade ours in. The tech guy was probably right, but I just thought I'd go ahead and ask here, where there are so many knowledgeable people... :D
Thanks!

[HTguy]

There has been a major software download spooling for 3900s for some time to add the DISH Home channel, remap locals, etc. Sounds like you missed it while your acct was deactivated. If it tried to take the download while you were reactivating and it was interupted it is possible that your receiver's memory was corrupted.

There is no reason for them to have told you to change the remote address - that's completely irrevalent.

But the should have had you do a "hard" reset. You can still try it. (It would be a good idea to try this before going to bed for the night.)

Power off the rcvr and unplug the power cord. Replug it after a minute but leave the rcvr off or turn it off if it comes back on. If you see the green LED start to blink, leave it alone for at least 1/2 hour - it's taking the SW download. After it stops blinking, leave it alone for a while before you turn it back on.

When you return & power up the rcvr see if you can see ch 101. If not, see if you can get to the PD/S screen in the menu (menu, 6,1,1) & see if there's a signal. Then try the switch test.

If none of this works you'll have to RA the rcvr but it shouldn't cost more than $69 to get a replacement. Don't pay $90 - you can get a brand new 301 for no more than $99. You can also call any local retailers in your area. Most have good used rcvrs you can buy for a lot less than the RA would cost you.

[boba]

you will need to be on transponder 11 on the 119 satellite to get the download. since they have started using spotbeams customers have had some problems because transponders below 11 may not be visible in all areas. if you do not get a software upgrade call DISH and try to get through to Advanced Technical Support they will be the most knowledgeable Techs.

[Chiquita]

HTguy and boba, thanks for your advice and suggestions. I'll definitely give them a try! My brother has a rcvr that he'd picked up at a yard sale awhile back, but when I called DISH they ran the numbers and found it had a big outstanding balance due, so I couldn't use that one either. Figures!
Thanks again...

[Chiquita]

Well, I gave the suggestions a try, but no luck. :crying: I guess it must be the memory.... I'll just have to keep checking around for a more affordable rcvr. Hey, I don't suppose parts from a DirecTV rcvr would work?! That's what we used until I got thoroughly disgusted with them and switched to DISH. I still have the system stored in my closet somewhere. I imagine that DirecTV and DISH are two totally different beasts though. Just a thought! :shrug:

[RJS1111111]

...I can give you my old model 1000...

It works, except trying to use the internal
volume control resets the receiver.
Way out of warranty, of course.

[HTguy]

Originally posted by Chiquita
Well, I gave the suggestions a try, but no luck. :crying: I guess it must be the memory.... I'll just have to keep checking around for a more affordable rcvr. Hey, I don't suppose parts from a DirecTV rcvr would work?! That's what we used until I got thoroughly disgusted with them and switched to DISH. I still have the system stored in my closet somewhere. I imagine that DirecTV and DISH are two totally different beasts though. Just a thought! :shrug:

You're absolutely right. DirecTV eqmt doesn't work with DISH NetWork & vice versa so don't waste your time trying.

I would still recommend calling some local independent retailers in your area & seeing what kind of a deal you can get on a used receiver. Chances are you can pick up a late model pretty economically.

You will probably need to have it get a SW update, tho. So when you 1st hook it up go to 119 T11 & turn it off for a while. :hi:

[RJS1111111]

...than free! $0! Limited time offer. Void where prohibited.
Sales tax and dealer prep charges are the purchaser's
responsibility. :rolleyes: :D :rolleyes:

(place merger weasel-words here)

[Jacob S]

I have had an issue with some of my customers as a retailer with receivers getting shut off and then that error message coming up and having a hard time getting it reactivated. It wont let you in the menu or anything when they do a hard disconnect. You have to remove the smart card sometimes then reinsert it, sometimes you have to unplug it, or have Dish send down a rehit, I dont know what all, to get it to work again. Sometimes I had to unplug it for a while to get it to work I think. This has happened several times lately and used to never happen.

[Thump3r]

Originally posted by Chiquita
On my last call to DISH support, the guy said that the memory was bad and we'd have to get a new receiver
Oh My! That's the same response I got. Must be a canned response. Did they have you actually run a memory diagnostics routine on the receive? (If your model/revision has it). I was perplexed that these receivers didnt have a memory check built in. When I called a second time about my 4900 Upgraded's EPG sluggishness, I finally had 2nd level support tell me to run this diagnostic (menu/diag/info/info/right/left). I read the codes back over the phone and was told I didn't have a bad memory. It was then I was informed of that my 4000-series just couldn't keep up (bit-rate) with the. (My problem may be different then yours. I've actuall learnd about my issue in these forums).
My point - call support back and ask them to please help you run a memory diagnostic on your unit instead of just guessing before you run out an buy another one.