[Arne]

Hello Everyone,

Hope someone can help me, as I'm losing my mind with Customer Service and their scripted answers.

Here's the situation. I have a Premiere and two Minis for 5 years now. Perfectly working, until recently. My Minis were connected in rooms upstairs, with one coaxial cable off of one original room (the other room doesn't have cable) with splitter and then from splitter to both Minis. Lately, I took the Mini from the room without a cable connection into another room with cable connection. Splitter is off and now each Mini connects directly into cable.

Now, suddenly the Mini in the original room with cable cannot connect anymore. The Mini in the new room connects right away. Now, I tried everything. I even switched Minis. And when either of the Minis is in the new room, it works perfectly and immediately. And vice versa, when either of them is in the original room, it doesn't work. One time it says C130, the other time it can't find the main DVR etc. Funny thing that when I have either of them connected in the original room, the main DVR is dimmed. And even if I want to switch the name of the mini as suggested in some other forums, it doesn't let me in the original room. I change it in the menu and then when i go back it shows the old name again. I keep trying with all solutions and nothing. Looks like Moca connects and then nothing else. I try to connect to the Tivo Service and says no network connection. I click on more info and it says C27, and I assure you the cable is securely connected. Meanwhile, both the main DVR and the Mini in the new room work without issues. It's just the room in which the Minis were connected for 5 years and now suddenly it doesn't work.

It super weird, and I tried everything. Rebooting the entire system, modem, router multiple times, connect to the Tivo service with the Main DVR and always the same. I even bought a new splitter downstairs at the main DVR as per Customer care suggestions (needs to have at least 2000 Mhz for ideal Moca signal). I even got a new POE filter and installed it instead of the old one. And tried 4 different coaxial cables. Nothing. I called the cable provider to test if there is a signal because this remained the only explanation. They came, tested it, and told me all works fine.

The only additional thing I have since that is also a cable signal amplifier put into my point of entry box, by the operator, which happens before I moved one of the Minis into the new room. But that's it.

What is happening? Worked for 5 years and no out. WHy? Anyone..pleaseeeee

Thanks,
Arne

 

[Marty1781]

It's kind of hard to follow your setup description with terms like "original room," which rooms have pre-wired cable connections, which don't, where your splitter is located, etc. Using descriptions instead like the following would help:

- Room 1: Tivo Premiere (pre-wired coax, MoCa connection)
- Room 2: Tivo Mini (no pre-wired coax, connected via splitter)
- Room 3: Tivo Mini (no pre-wired coax, connected via splitter)
- Room 4: Tivo Mini from Room 3 moved here (pre-wired coax, Moca connection)

But maybe go back to your original setup with the splitter, and then, while keeping the splitter in place (even though it is no longer necessary), just move one of the minis to the new location that is coax pre-wired?

 

[Arne]

It's kind of hard to follow your setup description with terms like "original room," which rooms have pre-wired cable connections, which don't, where your splitter is located, etc. Using descriptions instead like the following would help:

- Room 1: Tivo Premiere (pre-wired coax, MoCa connection)
- Room 2: Tivo Mini (no pre-wired coax, connected via splitter)
- Room 3: Tivo Mini (no pre-wired coax, connected via splitter)
- Room 4: Tivo Mini from Room 3 moved here (pre-wired coax, Moca connection)

But maybe go back to your original setup with the splitter, and then, while keeping the splitter in place (even though it is no longer necessary), just move one of the minis to the new location that is coax pre-wired?

Fair enough Marty! You can tell I'm in distress )

Basically it's like this:
"Old version" Room 1(original room in the story): (pre-wired coax via splitter into two Minis, Moca Connected as clients ) . Both work perfectly
"New version" Room 1 (original room in the story): (pre-wired coax directly into Mini, Moca Connected as client ) - Mini doesn't work anymore
Room 2 (pre-wired coax directly into Mini, Moca connected, as client) - Mini works perfectly
Downstairs - Premier DVR (prewired coax, Main DVR, Moca ) - Works perfectly

This is it in a nutshell. But wanted to give a context. As I said originally, even when I switch the two mini boxes between Room 1 and Room 2, the result is still the same. None of them work in Room 1, no matter what I do. And both Minis work perfectly in Room 2. I also tried what you suggested (keeping the original splitter and just connect the remaining Mini) and nothing.

 

[HerronScott]

Fair enough Marty! You can tell I'm in distress )

Basically it's like this:
"Old version" Room 1(original room in the story): (pre-wired coax via splitter into two Minis, Moca Connected as clients ) . Both work perfectly
"New version" Room 1 (original room in the story): (pre-wired coax directly into Mini, Moca Connected as client ) - Mini doesn't work anymore
Room 2 (pre-wired coax directly into Mini, Moca connected, as client) - Mini works perfectly
Downstairs - Premier DVR (prewired coax, Main DVR, Moca ) - Works perfectly

This is it in a nutshell. But wanted to give a context. As I said originally, even when I switch the two mini boxes between Room 1 and Room 2, the result is still the same. None of them work in Room 1, no matter what I do. And both Minis work perfectly in Room 2. I also tried what you suggested (keeping the original splitter and just connect the remaining Mini) and nothing.

Sounds like something has happened with the coax connection in the original room if neither Mini work there. I'd make sure it's still connected to the rest of your coax "network" where it originates.

Scott

 

[Arne]

Sounds like something has happened with the coax connection in the original room if neither Mini work there. I'd make sure it's still connected to the rest of your coax "network" where it originates.

Scott

That was my logical conclusion, so I called the cable company. They came and checked the signal in the room and all worked fine. The signal was there.

 

[krkaufman]

The only additional thing I have since that is also a cable signal amplifier put into my point of entry box, by the operator, which happens before I moved one of the Minis into the new room. But that's it.

This seems significant. Can you report the brand/model of this amplifier, and detail to which amp ports each coax run is connected?

 

[Arne]

This seems significant. Can you report the brand/model of this amplifier, and detail to which amp ports each coax run is connected?

Here are the pictures of the amplifier and the main box. Unfortunately,I don't know which of the output is the one of this particular room (Room 1). Why the MINI connects to the MOCA system, but not to the main DVR is also interesting... Thanks for the help!

 

[krkaufman]

So the VRA901 is not a MoCA-friendly amplifier, and may be part of your issue in MoCA connectivity between rooms.

First thing to do, based on installation notes from other non-MoCA amps, would be to ensure that all your MoCA locations (bridge device and clients) are connected via Output ports 1-4. But even if adjusting the output port connections is successful, eventually you'll want to upgrade to a "designed for MoCA" amp (e.g. MVRA902B?) or see if a non-amplified setup is possible -- possibly via a hybrid splitter such as this:

Your setup would seem to be a good use case for the hybrid splitter @fcfc2 recently brought to my attention: AMPHENOL IPGH3M4-VF Infinity Premise Docsis Passive 3 x HYBRID + 4 x MoCA Ports Splitter (ebay, video1, video2) Just be sure to also pick-up some 75-ohm terminators to cap any unused ports.

​

Also, it would be helpful if you could post your MoCA stats as reported by your MoCA-connected Mini and Premiere, if only to document how things are working before you make any additional changes.

edit: p.s. Thanks for the pics.

 

[krkaufman]

when either of them is in the original room, it doesn't work. One time it says C130, the other time it can't find the main DVR etc.

Why the MINI connects to the MOCA system, but not to the main DVR is also interesting...

This *is* odd. In the "original" location, you can factory reset the Mini (Clear & Delete Everything), and it will connect to your MoCA network when configured ... but just not allow selection of the Premiere as host DVR?

I even got a new POE filter and installed it instead of the old one.

I'm assuming this refers to the "PoE" MoCA filter installed on the input port of the VRA901 amplifier. Right?

Room 1 (original room in the story): (pre-wired coax directly into Mini, Moca Connected as client ) - Mini doesn't work anymore
Room 2 (pre-wired coax directly into Mini, Moca connected, as client) - Mini works perfectly
Downstairs - Premier DVR (prewired coax, Main DVR, Moca ) - Works perfectly

Where is your modem and/or router located? And what is your MoCA bridging device?

 

[Arne]

So the VRA901 is not a MoCA-friendly amplifier, and may be part of your issue in MoCA connectivity between rooms.

First thing to do, based on installation notes from other non-MoCA amps, would be to ensure that all your MoCA locations (bridge device and clients) are connected via Output ports 1-4. But even if adjusting the output port connections is successful, eventually you'll want to upgrade to a "designed for MoCA" amp (e.g. MVRA902B?) or see if a non-amplified setup is possible -- possibly via a hybrid splitter such as this:

​

Also, it would be helpful if you could post your MoCA stats as reported by your MoCA-connected Mini and Premiere, if only to document how things are working before you make any additional changes.

edit: p.s. Thanks for the pics.

Hello Krkaufman!

First thank YOU for the replies. You solved many issues I had over the years through this forum! Appreciate that.

All the problems started when the amplifier was installed, and I always suspected it to be the culprit, but don't know much about wiring, so wasn't sure how that can be an issue. Will call them again and ask them to come and tell me if all are connected 1-4 (close to each other), and i'm going to ask them about other amplifiers. I tried to disconnect the amplifier when i was trying to resolve the issue, but as soon as it's out all internet goes down.

Pictures of my tivo screens are attached.

This *is* odd. In the "original" location, you can factory reset the Mini (Clear & Delete Everything), and it will connect to your MoCA network when configured ... but just not allow selection of the Premiere as host DVR?

When I do the Moca netork setting, i do it, and it says your Mini is now connected to Moca. But as you can see in the pics, it doesn't even find the DVR....But when I disconnect this Mini and take it to another room, and connect it there, works beautifully.

I'm assuming this refers to the "PoE" MoCA filter installed on the input port of the VRA901 amplifier. Right?

Yes , but it's not put on the input of the amplifier (You should be able to see it in the previous post's pics), but where the cable enters into the main cable box as instructed. Should I perhaps put it on the amplifier instead? The amplifier is the black cable...

Where is your modem and/or router located? And what is your MoCA bridging device?

The Modem, Main DVR and the router are all downstairs in the living room. But they were there for 5 years now, and only now started to cause the problem. You are probably right, it has to do with the amplifier...there is the most logical option.

 

[Arne]

So the VRA901 is not a MoCA-friendly amplifier, and may be part of your issue in MoCA connectivity between rooms.

First thing to do, based on installation notes from other non-MoCA amps, would be to ensure that all your MoCA locations (bridge device and clients) are connected via Output ports 1-4. But even if adjusting the output port connections is successful, eventually you'll want to upgrade to a "designed for MoCA" amp (e.g. MVRA902B?) or see if a non-amplified setup is possible -- possibly via a hybrid splitter such as this:

​

Also, it would be helpful if you could post your MoCA stats as reported by your MoCA-connected Mini and Premiere, if only to document how things are working before you make any additional changes.

edit: p.s. Thanks for the pics.

And to clarify the VRA901 was always there too (5+ years). WHat they added was just the AC ADAPTOR ( AMPLIFIER.JPG two posts ago) which they connected with the VRA901 - they said it's to strengthen the signal (I named it wrongly in my previous posts) and that's when the problem started. I had the VRA901 there since the house was built. But the AC adaptor is new.

Sorry for the confusion, i'm just an illiterate when it comes to wiring and electrical things

 

[krkaufman]

If you're provider isn't willing to trace and document your coax runs, it's a relatively simple thing, if time-consuming, to do yourself.

e.g.: When internet & TV aren't critical...

• you can use your cable modem to identify each coax run ... by moving the modem to a given coax wall outlet location and then dis-/reconnecting the coax lines at the amp until the modem sees a signal. (Simplest if all outputs are disconnected from the amp, and only a single line is tried at a time. If flying solo, some have used video conferencing via tablet/phone to monitor the modem status remotely.)
• Or get a tracing tool. For example, the following can trace 4 lines at a time: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-Coax-Continuity-Analog-Test-Meter/50278121

 

[krkaufman]

Pictures of my tivo screens are attached.

Re: the MoCA stats screenshot...

• you'll find addl info by scrolling down (using the Channel Down remote button);
• the IP address shown indicates a failure to get an IP from the router/DHCP server;
• channel 17 as the MoCA channel isn't typical; most setups default to channel 15, where there *should* be less loss;

 

[Arne]

Re: the MoCA stats screenshot...

• you'll find addl info by scrolling down (using the Channel Down remote button);
• the IP address shown indicates a failure to get an IP from the router/DHCP server;
• channel 17 as the MoCA channel isn't typical; most setups default to channel 15, where there *should* be less loss;

Hello

Problem solved!!

I called the cable guys again and told them I need to check if all rooms are connected and which output is for which room. You guys told me I could check it alone, but I tried that first. I was lucky! This time a really knowledgeable guy came along with the supervisor because of my numerous calls. Well, he removed the amplifier and put a normal splitter instead of it (pic attached). Amplifier is apparently only good for cable boxes and not for the internet signal - they initially installed it for the drops in the internet signal I had. Now everything works smoothly as it did before in all rooms. The amplifier was the issue! He even showed me how to check myself which output goes to which room next time, and as you did, suggested me to buy the same exact tracing tool

For some reason I am always on channel 17.

Thanks to all! This community never disappoints!!

 

[krkaufman]

Good to hear!

he removed the amplifier and put a normal splitter instead of it (pic attached).

View attachment 51680

That's great if you only need the 3 coax lines, as opposed to the 6 that were connected to the outputs of the amp. "Rightsizing" is a generally good policy.

The splitter isn't a "designed for MoCA" model, but will likely suffice. But something to keep in mind should you have any further issues.

edit: Example MoCA splitter: CATV MoCA Rated 3-Way Splitter

 

[Arne]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. The technician gave me a 4 coax lines splitter as well, in case I need to connect more rooms, but I'm good now. I may buy the Edge on sale (now with the All-in service for 199), but not sure how long will TiVo stay around. Doesn't look good...

 

[krkaufman]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. The technician gave me a 4 coax lines splitter as well, in case I need to connect more rooms, but I'm good now. I may buy the Edge on sale (now with the All-in service for 199), but not sure how long will TiVo stay around. Doesn't look good...

$200 seems a good price. And TiVo still has a money-back guarantee, so minimal potential harm aside from time spent.