72.5 problems

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Anyone having problems with 72.5 on some receivers?

I've got two RCA Tivo's and they both work fine. However, the installer installed a RCA DTC-210 to replace my non-compliant DTC-100 and when I'm tuned to the 72 sat it will sporadically jump to other channels like the multi-switch doesn't know what to do.

D* sent me a replacement HD receiver, a Samsung, and it does the same thing.

I've swapped cables, swapped ports on the Zinwell multiswitch, same result everytime. Sporadic 72 reception on the non-Tivo receiver, but the Tivo's are perfect.

The Zinwell is a passive multi-switch and this reminds me a of a similar problem I had with a ChannelMaster passive multi-switch, there was insuffecient power from the receiver to drive the multi-switch properly.

I'm considering ganging the Zinwell off my old Eagle-Aspen multi-switch to see if it makes things better.

 

It's a Zinwell 6x8 Flexport Multiswitch, it's a passive switch.

The funny thing, I'm starting to think this truly might be a software/firmware issue with the receivers.

Seeing the recent post about DVR firmware issues I'm wondering if the same thing is plaguing these HD receivers.

Here's why:

I put my o-scope and Fluke meter on T of the satellite input. With these smart multiswitches they use voltage and a data burst to pick the proper satellite.

I noticed on some occasions the 72.5 wasn't flipping to 18v as it should.

Also, on another occasion the B Sat 13v had no data burst on it as it should.

D* Op's guy, if you see this message, does that seem to sound plausible?

 

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Ahhh maybe that will help, one thing I've noticed, coming off my two Tivo's looking at the data burst on an o-scope headed to the smart multi-switch is a VERY clean data burst with a nice sharp squarewave.

Looking at the Samsung and RCA the databurst is very noisy, it has rounded edges to the pattern and some noise too. I can see how this would really confuse the multiswitch.

 

FWIW, the local 'lead tech' for D* came out this morning. He said the filter was only to fix a problem with Samsung receivers failing to receive upgrades in a timely manner.

He claims the reason I'm having problems is because I need a powered multi-switch (I already have a low-current PIII dish) because I have too many receivers, I guess he forgot that the receivers help power the switch and dish, they don't drain it....

Anyway he told me it's my problem and I'll have to figure it out myself...

I'm still thinking this has something to do with poor data bursts out of the Samsung and RCA receivers. The Tivo units provide a nice crisp data burst, the Samsung and RCA don't. I'm wondering if this is a software issue, even though there different brands if the wrong timing information was provided in the software code to both manufacturers.

 

I've got 5 recievers, 2 are Tivo's so I'm using 7 out of the 8 ports on the Zinwell.

I'm going to run a direct cable to the unit tonight straight off the multi-switch and see if it makes a difference, I doubt it will. I wired the entire house using quad-sheild RG6 and used F-Conn circular-crimp connectors, but I want to rule out all possibilites.

 

I've got Samsung sending me one....

 

Would that also help a DTC-210? Because it's doing the same thing as the TS360....

 

I had to call D* and have them send the tech back out with a filter.

I have not been able to find a source for the filters outside authorized D* service techs.

There are no real distinguishing marks on the filter outside a metallic-blue label with the number 5 marked on it in three places.

Even the D* swore it wouldn't fix the problem but it did.

 

As a sidenote, I'm ready for some of the 'real' multi-switch manufacturers to start making these new digital/PDM multi-switches.

I think these Zinwell units are crap. Even on the Tivo units which don't require the filters they're still flakey.

As an example, about 30 - 50% of the time when I switch from a channel using the 72.5 sat to an HD channel using the 110 sat it fails to switch. You have to go to another channel such as 200 which uses 101 before it will recognize the change.

Soon as Eagle Aspen or Aska makes a Phase III/72.5 compatible switch I'm tossing the Zinwell in the trash!!

 

My HD Tivo works fine with the Zinwell switch. So does my SD Tivo, however, the DTC-210 must have the filter to work properly with the locals.

I did notice over the weekend they pushed down an new S/W upgrade to my SD Tivo and the guide is FAST! However, the HD Tivo is still as pokey as a turtle!. Anyone know if they're going to pushing the same SW down to the 250 units?