Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3100 WILL IT WORK???

Eileen,

This thread is a great resource regarding cable (and satellite) boxes and channel changing issues. From what I read here, there are at least two variants of the SA3100, some work and some don't.

I would first suggest that you verify that the TiVo is sending a signal to the IR blaster. Look at the LED end of the blaster through the electronic viewfinder of a digital camera or camcorder while the TiVo tries to change the channel. You should be able to see the LED flash in the viewfinder. If it does not, make sure that you have the wire plugged into the "IR OUT" jack and not the "SERIAL OUT" jack on the TiVo.

Next, which channel changing codes have you tried? Are you sure you can identify the window for the remote sensor on the IR box? When using TiVo's blasters, it's important to have the LED end an inch or two out from the front panel of the box so that the sensor can see the signal, otherwise the angle is too steep.

Stevel,
I've checked my settings over and over. The new set of Blasters was staying put. We've moved them so many times, one is loosing it's stick. We've been through advanced testing, where you change the codes and a,b,c's one by one. Tried 00018,00047, 00048, 00049, and many more.
I have a kodak digital camera. I layed the blasters down sideways inside the cabinet, where is relatively dark. Held the view finder to my eye any hit the channel up. There was nothing coming out of those suckers that I could see. No kind of flash. I even took the jack out of IR and put it in seriel in case there was a wiring problem. No go. Switched it back again. Tried again. I'm really into making sure the signal is leaving the TIVO, so I want to make sure I'm checking it correctly with the camera. Thanks for the help.

dgh,
If I can be sure I'm getting a signal out, I'll be game to try another brand. When I say won't stay put, I mean we wore out the stick trying to find the correct placement and were using electrical tape. This new set is headed the same way.