Tuning 110 Satellite Repair

[Some Bonehead]

Ok, I'm sure someone wiser than I can figure this out. I have swapped LNBFs, switches (SW21), and downline to no avail. I have a 301 and 501, with the problem on the 501.

Since all the above corrective (troubleshooting) actions have been exhausted, here is the question. Is the tuner cicuit contained in the IR shield mounted vertically off the board, or is it mounted directly on the PCB? YES, my receiver is out of warranty. I am currently in admin/networking, but did component level repair of HHCs for years, so I think I could handle the soldering part.

My point here is a replacement 301 is much cheaper than a 501, so I feel it would justify the cost.

If anyone has any advice/suggestions, all would be appreciated.

Thanks
Rod

[Some Bonehead]

Better description would be 7200 & 2800.

[Mark Lamutt]

Ummm...what problem are you having?

[Some Bonehead]

Sorry about that, I guess the moniker fits. I usually go by Rockin Rod in forums I have a place responding in.

My 7200 will not pick up the 110 satellite. As stated above, I have tried all options that seemed to be basic troubleshooting methodology. Including removing the switch, installing a straight thru connector, and re-aligning the satellite. The 2800 receiver reads over 90% on both satellites, and works great. So in the Dallas area, that means no local channels on the main (7200) receiver.

I called Dish last night, was immediately sent to second level, who immediately referred me to sales. Bummer! I guess my troubleshooting was sufficient. Being unfortunately broke right now, however, I was trying to do a temporary workaround. I have had this unit for 2+ years, so it is way out of warranty.

Thanks

[Geronimo]

If they offer you ar educed price trade in on a 501/508 take it.

[Mark Lamutt]

Could you describe how exactly you "swapped lnbs"? And are you sure that you have the 110 cable plugged into the 110 side of your switch? (I don't remember if it matters with the sw21s or not, but it might.) You have 2 cables running down from the 110 lnb - did you try plugging the one that feeds the switch to your 2800 into the switch that feeds your 7200? Have you run a check switch on your 7200? What were the results?

[Some \"Trying To Get Smarter\" Bonehead]

Admin

I am sure the cables are plugged in correctly, because the last time my unit couldn't detect the switch, I labled the cables with color coded tie wraps. The reason I had to do this was because of the "Connect ONLY the 119 coaxial cable directly to the receiver" line in the install manual. I was told to do this by tech support.

Also the SW21 does not have any (I just climbed up in the attic) labels for either hookup from LNBF.

I have 2 receivers in 2 seperate rooms, Dish 500 w/ 7200 PVR & 2800. The Dish 500 package has 2 Dual Output LNBFs.

So far I have tried this:

1) Swapped switches---No change
2) Swapped both 110 & 119 cables from satellite LNBF to other switches--No change
3) Swapped Downline from switches to other receiver---No change
4) Swapped receivers from room to room---No change

I have run multiple checks of the switch with and without Tech Supp on the phone, the PVR unit could not detect the switch.

UPDATE: Upon cruising the Newsgroup alt.dbs.echostar, I found how the switches work. Bear with me if this is old news. The receiver uses either a 13VDC or 18VDC output to the switch to change it between the 110 feed or the 119 feed. VIOLA!, another lead to check. So I simply unhooked the cable from the back of the unit, hooked up my DVM, and powered the unit on. There it was, 13VDC to 18VDC, oscillating back and forth! So I almost knew my unit was in fact OK.

Upon futher pondering, my mind went back to long ago, when I was having pixelation problems. Dish Net sent me a little round filter to put on the receiver before I hooked up the downline from the satellite.

"This could not be the problem, could it?" , says Some Bonehead. Lo and Behold, that was it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After removing the filter, suddenly my local channels appeared in the Guide. So, after checking the switch again, and coming up with both Even & Odd times 2, I had to get a programming update (the 8 minute variety). It all works great now!

I guess those little things can really bite you in the a**. Also, keep in mind from my earlier post Dish Net was trying to sell me a new unit, having considered mine dead.

If anyone needs a follow up, I will check this thread later.

Rod

Thanks for all the interest in this thread. I hope this can help someone down the road.

[Mark Lamutt]

Glad to hear your problem is resolved, Rod!