Signal Strength By Tuner

[hilmar2k]

Okay, first a disclaimer: signal strengths, transponders, and satellites are the part of D* I know the least about.

Now, on to the question. I have noticed some intermittent "Searching for signal..." problems. They are usually a short lived issue, but annoying. I have gone in and checked signal levels, and generally everything looked good, 95+ on most transponders with a bunch of 0's. I was mot too woried about the 0's, until I noticed that I only got them on tuner 1. Here's what I have:

101 degrees (really the only satellite with an issue)

Tuner 1: odd transponders at 95+, even transponders all at 0
Tuner 2: all transponders at 95+

Being that my disclaimer only mentioned knowing little about trasnponders and the like, I do know enough about the rest to have tried all the usual suspects. First thing I tried was an RBR, no help. Next I swapped the lines, tuner 1 still the issue. The I replaced the B Band Converter, same problem.

So my assumption is that I have a bad tuner. But back to the discalimer..... Thoughts?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I would have to say your tuner is bad.

[hilmar2k]

To add one more thought, when I disconnect the line, and hook it back up, the signal levels are all fine. But if I exit and return to check the signal strength, I get even transponder at 0. Not sure if that means anything.

[Michael D'Angelo]

What is your set up? Do you have a multi-switch?

[hilmar2k]

What is your set up? Do you have a multi-switch?

5 lnb dish to a Zinwell WB68.

[Michael D'Angelo]

5 lnb dish to a Zinwell WB68.

The only other thing I can think of to test is to change the output on the multi-switch to see if that helps. I don't think it will because I think it is a problem with the box but it can't hurt to try.

[hilmar2k]

The only other thing I can think of to test is to change the output on the multi-switch to see if that helps. I don't think it will because I think it is a problem with the box but it can't hurt to try.

I thought I ruled that out by switching the lines at the box.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I thought I ruled that out by switching the lines at the box.

I didn't think about that. I guess you did.

[veryoldschool]

To add one more thought, when I disconnect the line, and hook it back up, the signal levels are all fine. But if I exit and return to check the signal strength, I get even transponder at 0. Not sure if that means anything.
"odd & even" is do to either the 13 or 18 VDC not getting to the dish.
I had it ..called D* & they setup a service call. Then I went out & tightened the loose coax cables at the dish...everything was fine.
so: loose cables, bad connectors, etc. please check these first before changing receivers..

[hilmar2k]

"odd & even" is do to either the 13 or 18 VDC not getting to the dish.
I had it ..called D* & they setup a service call. Then I went out & tightened the loose coax cables at the dish...everything was fine.
so: loose cables, bad connectors, etc. please check these first before changing receivers..

I have checked every connection except those at the dish. Getting to the dish is a little beyond my reach, pardon the pun.

[veryoldschool]

I have checked every connection except those at the dish. Getting to the dish is a little beyond my reach, pardon the pun.
The installers use their hands & leave cables loose [all the time]. I've gone over all of mine & every installer has left one/some loose. FWIW

[TigersFanJJ]

I know you have done most already (if not all) but try it in this order. The key is to reset after switching the cables.

1. Do a RBR.
2. Make a mental note of which tuner has the 0's.
3. Swap tuner 1 and 2 cables.
4. Do another RBR.
5. Check the signal levels again to see if the same tuner has the 0's.

If the problem stays with tuner 1 through the whole process, it is probably a bad tuner. If it moves to tuner 2, it is most likely either a cabling/connector problem or a bad multiswitch.

JJ

[hilmar2k]

I know you have done most already (if not all) but try it in this order.

1. Do a RBR.
2. Make a mental note of which tuner has the 0's.
3. Swap tuner 1 and 2 cables.
4. Do another RBR.
5. Check the signal levels again to see if the same tuner has the 0's.

If the problem stays with tuner 1 through the whole process, it is probably a bad tuner. If it moves to tuner 2, it is most likely either a cabling/connector problem or a bad multiswitch.

JJ

It has stayed on tuner one throughout that process.

[TigersFanJJ]

It has stayed on tuner one throughout that process.

Sorry, I was editing at the same time you posted to say that the key to my instructions was to reset after you swap the cables. That is, if you haven't already done that.

It makes a difference on the R15. I don't have an HR20, but I would guess that it is the same.

[veryoldschool]

Sorry, I was editing at the same time you posted to say that the key to my instructions was to reset after you swap the cables. That is, if you haven't already done that.

It makes a difference on the R15. I don't have an HR20, but I would guess that it is the same.
I don't think if it "finds" anything, with the tuner, that a RBR will change anything. It either "sees" the LNBs or not.
And you're right if it doesn't change tuners, it isn't the cables/dish/multi-switvh

[hilmar2k]

I don't think if it "finds" anything, with the tuner, that a RBR will change anything. It either "sees" the LNBs or not.
And you're right if it doesn't change tuners, it isn't the cables/dish/multi-switvh

So are we back to a bad tuner?

[hilmar2k]

I have a second HR-20 that D* sent me accidentally, but I haven't yet activated it. If I hook that up, unactivated, can I use it to test the signal strength to determine if it's a line or box problem?

[veryoldschool]

I have a second HR-20 that D* sent me accidentally, but I haven't yet activated it. If I hook that up, unactivated, can I use it to test the signal strength to determine if it's a line or box problem?
Yes you should be able to go through the system tests without activation.
I do that before to see if the box is worth activating.

[JFHughes08088]

I had the exact same problem. Bad tuner in the first unit installed upon ordering the HR-20. . D* replaced with a refurbished HR-20. When I complained that I paid $199 for a new HR-20, they told me the refurbished unit is all they have to offer. I threatened to cancel service and was then offered the rerurb unit and 1 year warranty for a total of $65.00. So basically, I got a HD DVR manufactured in October, 2006. From what you have described, you have a bad tuner.

[hilmar2k]

Bad tuner it is. I connected the other HR-20 which was not activated (it is now) and the problem disappeared. I am now on HR-20 #3. Hopefully this is the last one for a while.