weird HR20/multiswitch issue

[djbrown]

I've had a a setup running for a few months that has, in addition to a few "regular" DTivos, two HR10s and two HR20s. Just recently, it seems as if one of the HR20s can receive a signal on only 1 of my local channel transponders (at least it appears that way). If I have one tuner recording on a local channel (but sent via DirecTv), I'm not able to view another local channel (grey screen, but not a check signal message). But I *am* able to see ESPN HD for example.

Does this point to a possible multiswitch issues? Like I said, nothing has changed in my setup and it's just now started to flake out on me. I'm running a powered 4x8 that also feeds whatever Zinwell multiswitch that is used for the recent HR20 installs.

[JimSpence]

The 5 LNB dish needs to feed the Zinwell WB68. You do have the 5 LNB dish right?

[emania]

Not sure from your post, but I suspect your setup from antenna to receiver is

antenna->zinwell6x8->(terk?)4x8->HR10/HDVR2
antenna->zinwell6x8->HR20s

I think this is the only set-up for your 6 unit/12 feed set-up given your hardware. Zinwell makes a larger multiswitch if needed. if the switches are reversed it won't work right, they may have just moved a channel(s)on you, so it seemed to work before?

ESPN HD is on the satellite that the HR10s can select. so doesn't matter which way the switches are, the critical path is the HR20s->6x8->antenna (5LNB as jimspence mentioned.)

the other way to debug it is to feed the antenna directly to the HR20s - you can use a common f-coupler to bypass the switches. if you are wired correctly, and the HR20s work without the switch in-line, then add the 6x8 back in, check reception without the 4x8 connected.) if you can't select the channel, then it is the switch(6x8) - if you can get a pic, , hook the 4x8 back up, without anything else, and check again - rare, but could be the problem......

let me know how you make out.

also, check the signal strengths - antenna may have moved. do the HR20s have an antenna type setting?

[djbrown]

yes, I have a 5 lnb dish. The problem appears to be sproadic, in that everything seemed fine later that evening. Is there a way to check what transponder the current tuned channel maps to on the HR20? Hard to check signal strength otherwise, unless I can find a transponder map that includes the local channels

[emania]

any chance it was a sports black-out ? Channel outage is not beyond the realm of possibilty!

perhaps post your region, and see if other's experience the same?

[djbrown]

not sports related. DFW area, trying to tune to just the regular locals. Didn't see a "searching for signal" error or anything like that, just a grey screen. My brother, about 10 miles to my north, didn't see any of the type of problems I was seeing.

[JimSpence]

Please explain your exact connections from the dish to the receivers.
I ask, because you mentioned the use of a 4x8 switch, which shouldn't be used with the 5LNB. The 4x8 won't work with the MPEG4 channels.
Try swapping the inputs on the DVR to see if the problem changes.
Also make sure all connections are secure.

[newsposter]

the grey screen interests me..i couldnt get 73 or 74 for a short period over the weekend and signals were strong. This was for 2 hdtivos and 1 hr20 all stacked.

may or may not be related to OP problem but wanted to toss it in there

[djbrown]

Jim, I'll have to crawl up into the attic to get the exact nature of the connections. I'm hoping the problem will resolve itself :)

[emania]

jimspence - check my description below of what his 6 unit system should look like. I think it is accurate, but just to check (accuracy and clear description) - since his 6x8 won't support all inputs on all units at once. the 4x8 can be cascaded from the 6x8. the next size up zinwell multiswitch is 6x16 - which would eliminate the 4x8 if it is causing a problem (interfering somehow, although i don't know how)

I cann't image that it is not connected correctly if it is intermittent, but ya never know here either - since the 4x8 will pass the signal...it thinks its is diplexed OTA ?? i think.

[JimSpence]

A 4x8 can be cascaded off of a 6x8, but the 4x8 won't pass the MPEG4 channels. The OPs description indicates that he is cascading the 6x8 off of the 4x8. Therefore, he won't be able to receive any MPEG4s. With the 4x8 off the 6x8, he'll end up with 4 outputs capable of MPEG4 (from the 6x8) and 8 only good for MPEG2. The intermitant problem could be that the 6x8 is unpowered and connected to the 4x8. It works if the right combination of switching signals from the receivers is set.

He needs to either use the 6x16 or use 4 high frequency splitters to feed two 6x8's.

[djbrown]

A 4x8 can be cascaded off of a 6x8, but the 4x8 won't pass the MPEG4 channels. The OPs description indicates that he is cascading the 6x8 off of the 4x8. Therefore, he won't be able to receive any MPEG4s. With the 4x8 off the 6x8, he'll end up with 4 outputs capable of MPEG4 (from the 6x8) and 8 only good for MPEG2. The intermitant problem could be that the 6x8 is unpowered and connected to the 4x8. It works if the right combination of switching signals from the receivers is set.

He needs to either use the 6x16 or use 4 high frequency splitters to feed two 6x8's.

I misspoke earlier about the ordering of the cascade then. It had been working fine for at least 3 months before the other day. I'm on vacation now and can spend a bit more time seeing if the issue persists.

[JimSpence]

I would check the cable connections. Also bypass the multiswitch(es) to see if things improve.

[djbrown]

what satellite do the new HD MPEG4 local channels come in on (DFW market). How about FSN Southwest HD (also MPEG4 I believe). I noticed macro blocking on both of those channels this evening.

[JimSpence]

BTW, the middle LNB receives the 110 satellite.

Great that everything is now working for you and that installer was a bit dim.