[thx2001]

I have tried everything I can think of, including all of the recommendations I read in the forum and I'm still getting a pesky 771A error on both of my receivers.

My configuration:

• SWM 3LNB
• PI21R1 Power Injector
• MSPLITR1-02
• 1x HR21 Receiver
• 1x HR24 Receiver

So far I have tried/tested the following:

• Swapping each of my components in just about every configuration I could think of (LNB, PI, Splitter, Cables, Terminators)
• Putting the PI on a different breaker
• Moving the whole system to a different breaker
• Voltage at outlet shows a consistent 118VAC
• Voltage on both PI's show a consistent 20.5VDC
• Tried a few types of RG6 cable all with DTV certified PV6UE-05 terminators

I currently have one receiver connected via a 3' cable to the PI, then another 3' cable from the PI to the LNB, just to try to get rid of the 771A error, with no luck. Both receivers show the same 771A error in that configuration.

The HR21 gives diagnostic code: 51-242
The HR24 gives diagnostic code: 51-247

The system was working at one point, and the signal strength was strong on all transponders. Initially we had some problems with the 771A error, however after fiddling around with it the problem went away for about a month. Now it seems that no matter what I try, I can't get around the 771A problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jagrim]

After having intermittent 771 issues that eventually turned major, I would recommend swapping out the LNB, splitter, and the power inserter as well as redoing each connection. If you have the protection plan, call DTV and roll a tech.

It took me two rolls to finally fix my system but was well worth it. I haven't had any more errors since then.

 

[PlanetBill]

Even if you don't have protection plan, get a tech out. (They actually reduced my tech cost to 24.99 for loyalty).

I had simuliar issue (see http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=204996) as well as it seems many others have had. I didn't realize how bad things really had become.

The tech immediately replaced the dish, I had an AU9 (something like that), and replace all the cable running from the dish to the swm as well as the power inserter line from RG59 to RG6. My HR23 that kept rebooting he replaced with an HR24 (he was initially going to install an HR21 and I told him no way). Replaced the power inserter and of course re-aligned the new dish. WOW, everything works way better than before, besides some low transponder numbers (low mid 80's) and some that just weren't reading. Now all of them that are supposed to do and my numbers are all in the upper 90's and 100's. I never had 100 even 6 years ago during original install. I'm wondering if some of the transponder issues were causing the piss poor operation of my boxes. Even though I can't recall not receiving any channels I normally watch. The box replacement doesn't extend or my case create a 2 year commitment since he did the swap. It did take a few hours for him to get everything straightened out, but I feel much better about things now.

Good luck

 

[Stuart Sweet]

771A is a SWM issue not a dish issue. Could be that the SWM isn't getting the power it needs or there's a short in a cable somewhere. It's better to get a tech out to find the problems.

 

[PlanetBill]

I was getting both 771A and 771. My guess would be PI, but have the dish checked too.

 

[thx2001]

An hour or two after writing the post, I put the LNB back on the roof and tried hooking up the PI a little differently. Initially the technician had hooked up the splitter directly to the line coming in off of the LNB, then then he ran the power through the pass-through on the splitter to the LNB.

I tried hooking the PI directly into the cable coming in from the LNB, then using the "to ird" port as the input on the splitter. Fired up the LNB for a few minutes then fired on the first receiver and it picked up a signal. Right now my fingers are crossed, hoping everything keeps working.

 

[Beerstalker]

I decided to just post in here instead of starting my own similar thread.

I started having intermittent 771 and 771A errors a couple of days ago. Last night all my receivers had locked up and I had to unplug them all, and unplug the power inserter, and then power everything back up (power inserter first of course). This got my receivers back up and running. I checked my satellite readings and they were pretty much all in the mid to upper 90's with a couple in the high 80s/low 90s.

Tonight all 4 of my receivers are giving me the 771A error, and complaining about not having received guide data for a few hours. I called DirecTV and went through their hoops before they finally agreed to send a tech out. The first available appointment is next Thursday. I've been having issues for the last 3 or 4 days and now I'm going to have to wait another week before they come out to fix it! That kind of ticks me off, especially when I've been paying the $6/month fee for the protection plan since I started with them 4 years ago and have never had to use it.

So I guess I'm going to have to try troubleshooting myself some more tomorrow. I'm thinking my first step is probably to replace the compression fittings and barrel connector out at my LNB right?

Then what? I don't have a spare LNB or Power inserter sitting around to test them, and I don't really want to have to buy both of them to try to see which one is the issue. Especially since I should be getting this fixed for free anyway.

I guess while I'm having to do all this I should think about mounting my dish a bit better if possible. Right now I have the standard J mount attached to the old 6 or 8" pole sticking out of the ground from the old 8' satellite dish that they used to use at my house using a couple of U bolts. I know this isn't an approved install, but that's what the original installer suggested and it's worked fairly decent for the most part. Lately I've noticed we seem to be getting wind fade more often though. I went out and checked the dish and I could actually see it moving in the wind. The old pole doesn't move at all the J mount seems to be bending slightly. I'm wondering if there might be some kind of adapter/reducer available somewhere that would go on the end of the 6/8" pole and reduce it down to 2" so I could mount the dish directly on that. I'd really rather not have to have another pole next to the old one. Kind of like the ones they have for adapting between the 1.6" to 2" mounts, but instead the other way around, going from 6" to 2". Anyone seen something like that? Otherwise my other idea was to take a section of 2" OD pipe (I have one lying around here somewhere) and put it down the inside of the 6" pipe and either fill the 6" pipe with concrete or try to drill and put bolts though both pipes to hold the 2" pipe in place inside it.

I'll try to remember to take a picture tomorrow so you can see what I'm talking about.

 

[thx2001]

Just another follow up. After changing around my wiring, approximately 16 hours after getting it working I started getting the same 771A errors. Confident that through all of my troubleshooting it was something to do w/ my LNB, I took some emery cloth and cleaned up the outer ring of the connector on the LNB. I also found an extremely small, round file that I used to gently file the inner connector that accepts the inner core of the coax. Went back on the roof and made sure the connector was good and tight at the LNB, and so far we've been up and running for a little over 2 days.

Note that the 771 and 771A errors are different. Your 771 error may be the result of wind blowing the dish out of alignment, however the 771A error means the receiver can't see your LNB and is the result of some kind of communication problem between your receiver and the LNB.

 

[Beerstalker]

Tech came yesterday and replaced my SL5-SWM LNB with an SL3 SWM LNB. Everythign appears to be working fine now.

I also talked to him about replacing my HR21 in the bedroom that has started showing signs of the hard drive going bad. All he had on his truck were refurbed HR21s so I decided to just hold off and try my luck with DirecTV shipping me a replacement once I get all my recordings watched off it. The tech said that the only new installs/upgrade techs get the HR24s in our area, and troubleshooting techs like him get all refurbed HR20-HR23s.