[pkerr]

Disclaimer - Tivo noob
I just discovered this thread about MoCa and Minis
Setting up a MoCA Network for Tivo

So my questions are: (I'm setting up a TV in the basement)
1. I need a MoCa for my Tivo Bolt, the Mini and the Cable modem / router? So 3 of the Minis?
2 With the Mini I can watch rerecorded shows but will I also be able to watch a full lineup of what my cable company is offering just like if i was at my TV that is connected to my Bolt?
Anything else I need to know?
Thanks

 

[krkaufman]

With the Mini I can watch rerecorded shows but will I also be able to watch a full lineup of what my cable company is offering just like if i was at my TV that is connected to my Bolt?

Re: 2 >>> Yes, viewing via the Mini will be pretty much the same as if sitting at the DVR, except the Mini only has access to a single tuner, so you won't be able to hop around (channel surf) and maintain a 30-minute buffer across all live channels.

You'll have access to the same guide, same live channels, and the "My Shows" listing of recorded content will be identical. Some system management functions are only available via the host DVR, but those aren't relevant to day-to-day viewing.

 

[krkaufman]

1. I need a MoCa for my Tivo Bolt, the Mini and the Cable modem / router? So 3 of the Minis?

Re: 1>>> You may be confusing TiVo Minis and MoCA adapters.

All you need for a Mini is a sufficiently fast network connection between the Mini and its host DVR. Ideally everything would be networked via Ethernet; however, if/when Ethernet isn't possible, *then* take a look at the next best option: MoCA via coax.

Some questions to help clarify...

1. You're just trying to install a single Mini at one TV location, correct?

2. Can you get the Mini networked via Ethernet to the router?

3. If an Ethernet connection isn't possible for the Mini, do you have a coax outlet/connection available at the location where you want to install the Mini?

4. How is your DVR (the BOLT) currently networked?

5. What model # BOLT do you have?

6. Are you tuning cable (via CableCARD) or OTA antenna with your BOLT?

7. What model # cable modem and router are you using?

8. How many distinct coax lines do you have available at the modem location? (i.e. Separate coax runs between this location and the central coax junction panel.)

9. Do you know where your various coax lines centrally connect? If yes, please detail the setup and the connecting components.

So the issue is identifying where your devices are located, what can be networked via Ethernet, what coax is available for providing MoCA connectivity, and whether your BOLT DVR can be used as the MoCA/Ethernet bridge. Ideally, everything can be networked via Ethernet; if not, next best (cheapest) is if the BOLT can be networked via Ethernet and can then provide the MoCA/Ethernet bridging function.

Hopefully, the only thing you might need to buy is a "PoE" MoCA filter to keep your MoCA network secured inside the home, but we'd need to know more about your specific setup to provide an authoritative answer.

 

[pkerr]

THANKS so much for the detailed questions! See the end of your questions for the answers.

Some questions to help clarify...

1. You're just trying to install a single Mini at one TV location, correct? YES

2. Can you get the Mini networked via Ethernet to the router? YES - IF I PLACE IT NEXT TO THE ROUTER

3. If an Ethernet connection isn't possible for the Mini, do you have a coax outlet/connection available at the location where you want to install the Mini? YES

4. How is your DVR (the BOLT) currently networked? WIRELESS

5. What model # BOLT do you have? SERIES 6 500 GIG

6. Are you tuning cable (via CableCARD) or OTA antenna with your BOLT? CABLECARD

7. What model # cable modem and router are you using? ROUTER LINKSYS EA7500 CABLE MODEM SUPPLIED BY SPECTRUM E31T2V1

8. How many distinct coax lines do you have available at the modem location? (i.e. Separate coax runs between this location and the central coax junction panel.) ONE (connected to the cable modem)

9. Do you know where your various coax lines centrally connect? If yes, please detail the setup and the connecting components. Coax line comes from outside into the basement. Via a splitter, ones goes up to the main floor that connects to the TV and the other runs to the cable modem in the basement and one more where the TV is going to go in the basement

 

[krkaufman]

2. Can you get the Mini networked via Ethernet to the router? YES - IF I PLACE IT NEXT TO THE ROUTER

The context for this question should have been "at its intended location." Will you be able to network the Mini via Ethernet when it's installed at its final resting place? (I'm guessing the answer is "no"; just want to confirm.)

4. How is your DVR (the BOLT) currently networked? WIRELESS

So the BOLT isn't near the router, then, which would allow it to be networked via Ethernet? (Again, just need to confirm.)

6. Are you tuning cable (via CableCARD) or OTA antenna with your BOLT? CABLECARD

Ok, a cable-capable BOLT; then the BOLT is capable of making a network connection as a MoCA client, same as the Mini. (The OTA-only "BOLT OTA" model lacks any built-in MoCA functionality.)

7. What model # cable modem and router are you using? ROUTER LINKSYS EA7500 CABLE MODEM SUPPLIED BY SPECTRUM E31T2V1

Since you're not using a combo cable gateway with a built-in MoCA bridge to set up a MoCA network, you'll need to add a MoCA adapter at the modem/router location, to act as the MoCA/Ethernet bridge (effectively to act as the MoCA access point).

My recommendation would be the goCoax MoCA 2.5 adapter ($60 at Amazon).

​

As for getting it installed/connected, the aim is to bridge between the home coax plant and the router's Ethernet LAN. So, you can either connect the MoCA adapter's "MoCA" port to the wall outlet, and connect the modem via the adapter's "TV" port; or, you may want to use a 2-way splitter to get both the modem and MoCA adapter connected directly to the coax. (Just cap the MoCA adapter's "TV" port if unused/open.) If you try using the pass-through for the modem's connection, you might want to check the effect on the modem's connection if power is cut-off to the MoCA adapter.

Either way you go with the coax, the MoCA adapter's "LAN" port will need to be connected via Ethernet to a LAN port on the router.

You'll end up w/ something similar to the following:

​

9. Do you know where your various coax lines centrally connect? If yes, please detail the setup and the connecting components. Coax line comes from outside into the basement. Via a splitter, ones goes up to the main floor that connects to the TV and the other runs to the cable modem in the basement and one more where the TV is going to go in the basement

Could hardly be easier. You'll need to get a "PoE" MoCA filter installed on the input port of that splitter, to keep your MoCA signals inside the home (and to efficiently reflect the MoCA signals back onto your coax plant), and you'll want to make note of the splitter model # and its specs. If you have issues getting MoCA working, you may want to upgrade the splitter to a unit recommended for MoCA 2.0/2.5, such as the Holland GHS-3PRO-M.

The final configuration may be similar to the following (YMMV):

​

The BOLT and Mini would simply be configured as MoCA clients once everything's connected.

​

p.s. About that switch in the last diagram, see >this post< for info on extending wired networking via a MoCA-client TiVo DVR's otherwise-unused Ethernet port.

 

[pkerr]

The context for this question should have been "at its intended location." Will you be able to network the Mini via Ethernet when it's installed at its final resting place? (I'm guessing the answer is "no"; just want to confirm.)

So the BOLT isn't near the router, then, which would allow it to be networked via Ethernet? (Again, just need to confirm.)

Ok, a cable-capable BOLT; then the BOLT is capable of making a network connection as a MoCA client, same as the Mini. (The OTA-only "BOLT OTA" model lacks any built-in MoCA functionality.)

Since you're not using a combo cable gateway with a built-in MoCA bridge to set up a MoCA network, you'll need to add a MoCA adapter at the modem/router location, to act as the MoCA/Ethernet bridge (effectively to act as the MoCA access point).

My recommendation would be the goCoax MoCA 2.5 adapter ($60 at Amazon).

View attachment 55398​

As for getting it installed/connected, the aim is to bridge between the home coax plant and the router's Ethernet LAN. So, you can either connect the MoCA adapter's "MoCA" port to the wall outlet, and connect the modem via the adapter's "TV" port; or, you may want to use a 2-way splitter to get both the modem and MoCA adapter connected directly to the coax. (Just cap the MoCA adapter's "TV" port if unused/open.) If you try using the pass-through for the modem's connection, you might want to check the effect on the modem's connection if power is cut-off to the MoCA adapter.

Either way you go with the coax, the MoCA adapter's "LAN" port will need to be connected via Ethernet to a LAN port on the router.

You'll end up w/ something similar to the following:

View attachment 55399 View attachment 55400​

Could hardly be easier. You'll need to get a "PoE" MoCA filter installed on the input port of that splitter, to keep your MoCA signals inside the home (and to efficiently reflect the MoCA signals back onto your coax plant), and you'll want to make note of the splitter model # and its specs. If you have issues getting MoCA working, you may want to upgrade the splitter to a unit recommended for MoCA 2.0/2.5, such as the Holland GHS-3PRO-M.

The final configuration may be similar to the following (YMMV):

View attachment 55401
​

The BOLT and Mini would simply be configured as MoCA clients once everything's connected.

​

p.s. About that switch in the last diagram, see >this post< for info on extending wired networking via a MoCA-client TiVo DVR's otherwise-unused Ethernet port.

1. Correct - I will NOT be able to network the Mini with Ethernet
2. Correct - The Bolt is NOT near the router

Some general questions based on your fairly accurate diagram.
The exception here is that I only have ONE coax at the area of the router / modem. Are you saying I need to get another splitter per your diagram for the MoCA Adptr?
Where you have the mini is correct and that is where the TV is going to go.
Where you have the Bolt is correct and the switch is optional and for the convenience of adding other Ethernet devices?
And the "POE" MoCA filter goes on the cable before it goes anywhere else in the house?
Thanks!

 

[krkaufman]

The exception here is that I only have ONE coax at the area of the router / modem. Are you saying I need to get another splitter per your diagram for the MoCA Adptr?

With just a single coax run to the router location, you can do it one of two ways, as detailed in the prior post.

As for getting it installed/connected, the aim is to bridge between the home coax plant and the router's Ethernet LAN. So, you can either connect the MoCA adapter's "MoCA" port to the wall outlet, and connect the modem via the adapter's "TV" port; or, you may want to use a 2-way splitter to get both the modem and MoCA adapter connected directly to the coax. (Just cap the MoCA adapter's "TV" port if unused/open.) If you try using the pass-through for the modem's connection, you might want to check the effect on the modem's connection if power is cut-off to the MoCA adapter.

Either way you go with the coax, the MoCA adapter's "LAN" port will need to be connected via Ethernet to a LAN port on the router.

You'll end up w/ something similar to the following:

Where you have the Bolt is correct and the switch is optional and for the convenience of adding other Ethernet devices?

The switch is not a requirement, no.

And the "POE" MoCA filter goes on the cable before it goes anywhere else in the house?

Mostly correct; as stated, ideally it would be installed on the input of your top-level splitter, for maximum performance benefit.

 

[pkerr]

With just a single coax run to the router location, you can do it one of two ways, as detailed in the prior post.

if I understand how this will work, based on this image, my cable connections goes into the MoCA, Ethernet cable from the MoCA to the router, router to the cable modem and then another coax back to the MoCA for a complete circle?

Over at the TV is the Mini and that gets the other coax plugged into it. What type of connection goes from the Mini to the TV?
Thanks again for all your patience and help.

 

[krkaufman]

if I understand how this will work, based on this image, my cable connections goes into the MoCA, Ethernet cable from the MoCA to the router, router to the cable modem and then another coax back to the MoCA for a complete circle?
View attachment 55419

I defer to the previous post where the options are detailed.

... you can either connect the MoCA adapter's "MoCA" port to the wall outlet, and connect the modem via the adapter's "TV" port; or, you may want to use a 2-way splitter to get both the modem and MoCA adapter connected directly to the coax. (Just cap the MoCA adapter's "TV" port if unused/open.) If you try using the pass-through for the modem's connection, you might want to check the effect on the modem's connection if power is cut-off to the MoCA adapter.

Either way you go with the coax, the MoCA adapter's "LAN" port will need to be connected via Ethernet to a LAN port on the router.

You'll end up w/ something similar to the following:

​

Over at the TV is the Mini and that gets the other coax plugged into it. What type of connection goes from the Mini to the TV?

Whatever the best quality connection supported and available between your Mini and TV ... HDMI, Component or Composite.

 

[pkerr]

I defer to the previous post where the options are detailed.
Whatever the best quality connection supported and available between your Mini and TV ... HDMI, Component or Composite.

OK... I think i have a road map on how to get there thanks to you!
Appreciate it VERY much.

 

[pkerr]

Anything I should know before buying a used Tivo Mini off of Ebay?
Thanks!

 

[krkaufman]

A couple things...

• Avoid units that aren't retail models (were leased from a provider), since they can't be added to your TiVo account.

• Know the difference b/w A92 & A93 Mini's.

• Be aware of a bug preventing downgrade from TE4 to TE3 for older A92/A93 Mini's. Not an issue if your DVRs will only be running TE4, or you'll be buying an A95 Mini. (see this thread)

• Be aware of a rash of old Mini failures that seem to be happening around 5 years of use. We've had 5 die within the last year, all about 5 years active. No clue if there's anything one can do to avoid this if sticking to older Mini's, other than praying.
  

  edit: p.s. Original activation dates for my dead Minis, w/ partial TSNs:
  

  • 2/24/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BB-9Dxx
  • 2/24/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BB-AFxx
  • 3/12/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BE-CCxx
  • 3/13/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BE-CBxx
  • 4/10/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BF-F9xx

  
  Not making me super confident about these other Mini's still active on our network:
  

  • 2/24/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BB-xxxx
  • 3/23/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BC-xxxx
  • 4/10/2015 TSN:A93-0001-90BC-xxxx

 

[pkerr]

Care to look at this mini and give your opinion on it's "buyability"?
Thanks
TiVo TCDA93000 Mini Receiver - Lifetime Service | eBay

 

[krkaufman]

Care to look at this mini and give your opinion on it's "buyability"?
Thanks
TiVo TCDA93000 Mini Receiver - Lifetime Service | eBay

Seems good enough, newer than my units, and the seller has explicitly stated that the Mini has only ever run TE3, so shouldn't suffer from the blue dog special.

 

[pkerr]

Thanks for the info! Now lets see if I can get it.

 

[pkerr]

Well I won the Ebay bid for the Mini. Waiting for it's arrival.
I received my MoCA POE Filter today. Anything to know other than to attach and away I go?
Thanks

 

[krkaufman]

I received my MoCA POE Filter today. Anything to know other than to attach and away I go?

Heed all helpful advice and shun that which is not.

 

[snerd]

Heed all helpful advice and shun that which is not.

All that is needed now is the wisdom to know the difference.

 

[pkerr]

All that is needed now is the wisdom to know the difference.

Well i thought I was home free.
I added the POE filter and my internet stayed up.
I added the MOCA and the internet stayed up.
I added the Mini and the startup showed up on the screen.
Started the setup process and ran into this:

I checked the MOCA and there are no passwords or anything like that set.
I changed my DVR to be on the MoCA network so it is seeing it and after I switched it from the wireless to the MoCA it still continued to work.
The only thing I haven't done yet is to restart the DVR. Everything else has been shutdown and restated. Mini, router, modem, MoCA

Suggestions?

 

[krkaufman]

Well i thought I was home free.
I added the POE filter and my internet stayed up.
I added the MOCA and the internet stayed up.
I added the Mini and the startup showed up on the screen.
Started the setup process and ran into this:
View attachment 56372
I checked the MOCA and there are no passwords or anything like that set.
I changed my DVR to be on the MoCA network so it is seeing it and after I switched it from the wireless to the MoCA it still continued to work.
The only thing I haven't done yet is to restart the DVR. Everything else has been shutdown and restated. Mini, router, modem, MoCA

Suggestions?

I'd suggest a couple troubleshooting steps...

1) Not worrying about the TV signal, temporarily move the BOLT to the Mini location and see if the BOLT is able to make a MoCA connection. And do the same with the Mini, trying it at the BOLT location. Does the problem stick w/ the location or travel with the Mini?

2) Move the Mini to where it can be connected via Ethernet to the router, and see how far it gets. (It's possible that the Mini MoCA connection issue may be due to out-of-date software. Fingers crossed that the Mini doesn't auto-update to TE4, as some "new" Mini's tend to do.)