Did I get tricked?

1497 Views 13 Replies 10 Participants Last post by TNGTony, Oct 16, 2002

timr21

Discussion Starter · Oct 16, 2002

I'll tell you right now I'm sorry for the long post, but please hang with me here...

I've been a E* sub for about 6 years. I've always had one reciever with 2 dishes (AT 100 on one and Sky Angel on 61.5). They were connected with an SW21. I wanted to add a 2nd receiver. So Dish sold me on the PVR508 upgrade (New PVR508, Dish 500, basic Install for $199). Seemed like a good deal to me, so I went for it. I spent a long time on the phone with a Dish Network CSR trying to determine the cheapest way to make sure I got both dishes piped to both receivers. We determined the most cost-effective way to do this would be to cascade with a twin LNB on the Dish 500, a dual LNB on the dish pointed at 61.5, and 2 SW21 switches. Great. I made the appointment for the install and was happy.

When the installer showed up, he told me right off that he couldn't (for some reason that was not clear to me...he sort of mumbled through it) do the SW21 cascade install. I suspect he didn't have any twin LNBs on his truck...only duals. So, he pulled out the SW64, 3 dual LNBs lots of cable and went to work. I asked him if I was going to get charged for the SW64 because that's not what I had ordered. He said he didn't think so.

The guy did way more than a basic install in reaility...he was there about 3.5 hours He remounted both dishes (actually he replaced my old single LNB dish with the Dish 500, and remounted my 61.5 dish). Routed all new cables (6 runs), installed the switch and installed the new receivers. I've been very happy with the work.

Here's the problem. A few days later the installers boss calls me and says they can't get Dish to pay for the SW64, and they're going to have to bill me for it! He says they're selling it to me at cost ($119 - which seemed reasonable because I haven't found any for less than about $135), but my installer isn't going to get paid unless I pay-up.

Is he full of crap, or is he shooting me straight? Could I have gotten the switch free if I had subscribed to locals?

Thanks,

TimR><>

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dmodemd

· #2 · Oct 16, 2002

Hey, he said he couldn't do a cascading SW-21 set up so it is THEIR problem. They either need to eat it or come back and do a SW-21 cascade which is the most common set up - I see no reason why it can't be done.

However, if you are pretty sure you will want to go with more than 2 receivers (or dual tuner models) in the near future then you may just want to buy it anyway, but it sounds like you are set on receivers for awhile.

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Geronimo

· #3 · Oct 16, 2002

I got an SW64 free just by asking. I rally think DISH will side with you on thsi.

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jeffwtux

· #4 · Oct 16, 2002

He's full of crap. I just did another cascading of a Twin at 119/110 and a single dual(well i used 148, but it really doesn't matter) for internationals and used 2 SW21s. I do this all the time. The Switch intallation summary comes out as SW21-3Sat.

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LadyTalia

· #5 · Oct 16, 2002

[No message]

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Mike123abc

· #6 · Oct 16, 2002

The switch 64 will leave you with 2 more connections... I had the twin with sw21s until recently when I upgraded to sw64 so I have the ability to add a third box (or even a 4th). Something to consider is if you will want a third box in the future.

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David_Levin

· #7 · Oct 16, 2002

I spent a long time on the phone with a Dish Network CSR trying to determine the cheapest way to make sure I got both dishes piped to both receivers. We determined the most cost-effective way to do this would be to cascade with a twin LNB on the Dish 500, a dual LNB on the dish pointed at 61.5, and 2 SW21 switches. Great. I made the appointment for the install and was happy.

This part is funny (to me). It's not you're job to figure out how to do an install.

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timr21

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 16, 2002

Thanks for the response. I'm inclined to just pay it (mainly 'cause I'm a nice guy...a pushover), but also because I really did WANT the SW64 in the first place. Dish had talked me into the cascade setup because it was cheaper (for them...they would've given me the SW21 for free)...but I really didn't like the idea of being locked into the "only two receivers max" idea.

Well, the one question I still have is this...would Dish have coughed up the SW64 for free if I had ordered locals (and let's just suppose I had three receivers for the sake of arguement)?

Thanks
TimR><>

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jrjcd

· #9 · Oct 16, 2002

they would have had to...

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· #10 · Oct 16, 2002

timr21 I think the reason the installer couldn't do a cascade is your receiver wouldn't support a cascade. If your receiver is 6 years old it is probably a 2000 which was their first receiver. the next generation of product that you might have just got an early one was the 3000/4000. None of these receivers support a cascade so dual LNBFs and sw-64 must be used. DISH will pay the dealer for the sw-64 if these are the receivers that you have.

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timr21

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 16, 2002

Boba, my older receiver is a 3000. Anticipating this might be a problem with cascading, I called E* and asked them if my receiver would support cascading. After being put on hold a few times, the determination was that the 3000 WOULD support it.

Thanks again for all the response on this....y'all are the best!

TimR><>

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scooper

· #12 · Oct 16, 2002

How many switch tests does your 3000 do ? If 34 or more, then yes a cascade is possible.

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timr21

Discussion Starter · #13 · Oct 16, 2002

My 3000 does 34 tests. SSSSSLLLLLOOOOOWWWWLLLYYY

TimR

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TNGTony

· #14 · Oct 16, 2002

Tim,

Do what you wish about paying the bill, but it is NOT your problem. You asked the installer for a certain install and he refused it. He ON HIS OWN chose to install the more expensive equipment and after being asked DIRECTLY about the cost did NOT tell you that it would cost you more.

Now...If you feel you should pay because you are a nice guy (I'm the same way) I'd try to split the difference out of courtesy ONLY...not because I feel I owe him anything. It wasn't your fault the installer did what he did even AFTER you told him what you wanted.

See ya
Tony

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