211k lifespan/mtbf

[4d3fect]

Our Dish content is starting to exhibit occasional Matrix-like glitches/pauses/stutters. I thought maybe I was hallucinating at first, but independent observations (well, my wife's eagle eye) have confirmed this. Idk what's causing this.

We have a WD 640GB HDD hooked up for your basic dvr/pause/replay functionality, but it's several years younger than the 211k.

If anyone has experience with this antiquated hw and cares to share, I'd be grateful.

Thanks for looking.
ETA: the 211k is going on 11 1/2 years, I believe

 

[Jim5506]

If you remove the hard drive and operate the 211K alone, does it exhibit the same macro-blocking? If not then your hard drive is going bad, replace it.

Moving parts of the hard drive are more prone to failure that the solid state items in the receiver.

 

[4d3fect]

If you remove the hard drive and operate the 211K alone, does it exhibit the same macro-blocking? If not then your hard drive is going bad, replace it.

Moving parts of the hard drive are more prone to failure that the solid state items in the receiver.

Right, the next logical step. Thanks.

 

[4d3fect]

Right, the next logical step. Thanks.

So, remove dvr select from main menu, I assume, then after observations, reinsert EHD usb cable &c and follow prompts? Does recorded content remain or is reformat required? (WAF a concern here, heh)

 

[dgcarver]

From my 8 years experience with VIP211K in the many times I have swapped EHD between units when troubleshooting (I had 3 VIP211's in my RV) they will not reformat.

 

[dgcarver]

By the way, I still have those 3 VIP211k units if you need one!

 

[4d3fect]

By the way, I still have those 3 VIP211k units if you need one!

Thank you. I think we can manage with what we have. Frankly, I think once the 211k dies--or possibly well before-- we may dispense with satellite services entirely.

 

[4d3fect]

In looking over replacement EHD specs, it appears This one ticks all the requirements boxes.
Correct? or am I missing anything?

Thanks again for looking.

 

[Bobby]

In looking over replacement EHD specs, it appears This one ticks all the requirements boxes.
Correct? or am I missing anything?

Thanks again for looking.

While it may work just fine the DISH requirement is that the EHD be self powered, like with an AC adaptor. Folks who have this setup will chime in to say whether or not the USB powered drive is OK or not.

 

[Tvland1]

Didn't work for me..I burned up 2 vip211k power supplies using the USB powered EHD before I wised up and bought a external powered 2T EHD.. setup works for some but not for me.. There's been alot of discussion about this if you search

 

[4d3fect]

ATM no stuttering, so idk what the cause might be.Temporary network congestion or something(seems to be happening around dinnertime thereabouts)? Will continue looking, and revise my hdd search to include only externally powered. Thanks for all the helpful responses!

 

[Tvland1]

Here's a recent Link on some discussion about the EHD that might be helpful

Dish 722k ehd

I'm trying to find a 2tb external hard drive with power supply for my Dish 722k receiver. All I'm finding is 3tb+ drives with power supply. Plus lots of 2tb EHDs that are powered by USB. Ebay has some seller refurbished 2tb EHDs, but I'm not sure I want to take that risk. I have a 2tb...

www.satelliteguys.us

 

[dgcarver]

Definitely use external powered hard disk. It took two failures of usb powered ones to teach me the lesson!

 

[Bobby]

Definitely use external powered hard disk. It took two failures of usb powered ones to teach me the lesson!

I think the answer then is external power is the way to go.