Another DirecTV dish ??

[caribbean]

I have a different dish question. I found the information on the other post very helpful, thanks.

I have one of the older round DirecTV dishes that dates back to 1996 +/-. I have 3 sets hooked up and they have been running fine for a long time. I started having a problem with the "searching for satellite" notice on some of the channels. When I select the station, it searches for awhile and then goes to the channel instead of going immediately to the channel. This problem started about a year ago when the local stations were first available in our area. This is a lot worse on one of the DTV boxes. I don't have local stations or HDTV, but I do have the NY&CA network feeds. So it seems I should be viewing feeds of just one of the satellites. Do you think I have a satellite problem or is one of the boxes dying? I have an extra LNB still sitting in the box and was thinking about replacing that to see if it helped. Do I need to get one of the new oval dishes? Willing to replace some of the equipment, just not sure what is causing the problem.

Looking for suggestions.

Thanks,

 

[RichM]

How do you have the 3 sets hooked up? With a multiswitch? It could be the multiswitch is going bad, or the LNB. I'd try a new LNB first. How is the signal strength? Perhaps something has "settled" where it's installed and it's not aimed quite right anymore? Have any nearby trees or bushes grown since the install to possibly block the view?


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[caribbean]

Rich-

I have a dual LNB with a multi-switch so I can feed 4 sets. As I said, been using it for years. Installed it myself. The problem seems to primarily be on one set which tends to make me think the box is bad rather than the LNB. But since I have it, though it was a cheap thing to try. Last time I checked the strength was OK. I installed it on a 12 ft pole cemented in the ground and still seems to have a clear view, especially now when all the leaves are gone. Guess I will try the LNB first and check the aiming. Hadn't thought about the switch, could be the problem. Will check that out as well. If negative on that, guess I will spring for a new box. I wasn't sure what the differences were between the 2 types of dishes and if the fact I had not gone to the newer dish could be making problem.

Thanks,

 

[mtngal]

I'm still using my old dish and boxes without any problem, and I have the east/west coast feeds (great for watching later evening shows early enough for us to go to bed early), so it isn't because you haven't updated your dish yet.

 

[camachinist]

You can include/eliminate the multi-switch by swapping cables.

Likely box/cable/ground issues, if confined to only one set.

Pat