[jaguar325]

Please help with ideas on how to fix this remote issue.

I have an HR20 and HR21 side-by-side, each accessed via three DTV remotes (latest model) which are set to RF for both DVRs. I use the multi-DVR setting on the remote - one is "1" and the other is "2". I have had zero issues up until today when, all of a sudden, they stopped responding (I tried all 3 remotes). I checked to see if a SW update screwed things up but system info says the SW ver is Jan-10, which is when we got the new GUI interface. Things were working fine last night when we went to bed but not today.

I used the buttons on the front of the HR21 to get the menu and reset the remote to IR - it works that way but when I try to reset it back to RF, it will not work. I am unable to reset the remote to IR for the HR20 so it is only accessible thru the front panel. Any ideas on what this is or what I should try?

Thanks,

-Big K

 

[jaguar325]

I tried to use a remote control (RF) to turn off our alarm system this morning - didn't work. So, it's probably nothing to do with the DVRs -- I need to spend some time tracking down the source of RF that's jamming the main level of my house.

 

[jaguar325]

I fixed this problem... posting an update with solution in case others have the same issue.

I have a lot of wireless devices in my house and an extensive automated lighting system so I knew this wasn't going to be easy. After an hour of turning off various devices and moving all my remote controls away from the affected area, I had made no progress. Frustrated, I ended up trying the ultimate diagnostic step (shutting down all breakers on both of my panels) which was painful in terms of computer/router/clock resets. Unfortunately, this had no effect on the RF interference -but- it did indicate that whatever was causing my problem was not an AC-powered device. I could also get the RF remote to sort of work as I got real close to my HR21... but once I backed up about 20 feet away -- nothing. I also determined that the remote for my alarm system was experiencing the same range problems. From this, I could tell that the interference was coming from one side of the house. Once I knew that it had to be a battery powered device, I had only one thing to check -- a remote/outdoor temperature transmitter for my atomic clocks. I got a ladder out (fun in the snow) and pulled the thing down and disconnected the batteries... that was it! Everything back functioning after that and wife not pissed because her D* remote wouldn't work. I had a spare transmitter so installed it without any issues.

If you ever find trouble with RF D* signal and have one of these "weather stations", start with the external transmitter(s). I assume that the other two things that were also acting goofy (alarm system remote and Chamberlain remote garage door opener light) that they must be on the same frequency or close to what D* uses so they might also causing it.

I hope this helps someone.

Big K

 

[Jon J]

Heck. I thought you were going to conclude that the solar storm currently bombarding earth was the cause.