Can Only Receive Some Channels -- Suggestions as to Problem?

[goookla]

I hope some of you can chime in with some advice.

I have had a Dish 500 for a few years. Receivers include dual tuner, hi-def, and two "regular" boxes. Since yesterday, I can only receive some of the channels, for example, 105 (USA), but not 106 (TV Land), 107 (Comedy), 108, etc. But, then, I can pick up 120 through, maybe, 130 or so, and 140 (ESPN) through 144 (ESPN 2), but not some of the other channels in the 130 range. Even then, the signal, for example, for channel 140 goes out periodically, as it struggles to maintain the signal. This appears to be the case for 3 of the boxes; the hi-def box gets even fewer channels. One of the regular boxes even had a message that the smart card was not authorized, although this cleared up itself this morning.

I receive error codes such as 002 and 015. Signal strength appears to be fine. It was extremely windy yesterday (but much less so today), and don't know if this partially explains my situation.

Any ideas as to what could cause the problem? Could line-of-sight blockage from large trees in the area possibly be the culprit? If so, would I still be able to receive some channels and not others? I have a tech scheduled to come out soon. I would feel more comfortable knowing what others think could be the problem so I can make sure they do a thorough review of my situation.

Many thanks.

 

[Pepper]

1. you want to edit your post and take out those strings R00***** and S00**** - those are your receiver and smartcard numbers.

2. sounds like your receivers are not seeing one of the satellites. You need to do menu 6-1-1 and run a check switch to determine the problem. Possibly the high winds have slightly moved the dish off of alignment.

 

[goookla]

Thank you very much, Pepper.

As you can see, I have very much earned my "Junior Member" status.

 

[lakebum431]

Please report back with what the check switch says and we'll help from there.

 

[RandallA]

Sounds to me like the even transponders are gone. Most likely a bad cable, connector, ground block or even a bad LNB.

Go to Menu, 6, 1, 1 and select some even (2, 4, 6, etc) transponders for 119. Report back your readings for even and odd transponders.

Since you're pretty new at this, I would suggest calling Dish Network to have someone take a look at it.

 

[goookla]

Many thanks to lakebum431 and RandallA for your thoughts. I'll take your advice and do some follow-up checking tonight.

 

[goookla]

Hi there.

The message after running the "check switch" is "One of the satellite inputs or switches is not connected properly. Normal operation will be adversely affected."

Here are the signal strength readings of the various transponders for Satellite 119:

Transponder 01 0
02 52
03 0
04 47
05 85
06 42 (not locked)
07 0
08 49
09 0
10 49
11 0
12 52
13 0
14 47
15 0
16 50
17 0
18 50
19 0
20 48
21 0

Based on this information, should it be a relatively simple and quick fix for the tech that is coming out to check on my situation?

Many thanks.

 

[lakebum431]

Looks like it is probably just out of alignment. Assuming that is the case it will be a very quick fix. The other problems could range from bad wiring or bad connections, but my guess is an alignment issue.

 

[Mr Tony]

yeeesh

they are low

Transponders 1,3,5,7,9 are spotbeams for locals so they may normally be 0. 5 is your highest so you must be in spotbeam there.

The rest should be near 100+ on signal so it sounds like dish isnt aimed correctly

 

[goookla]

My thanks to lakebum431 (go Vols!) and Iceberg (go No Pain!?!?!) for the feedback -- I really do appreciate it.

I hope it turns out to be a (relatively) simple dish alignment and I can get back to watching some bowl games!

 

[lakebum431]

You're very welcome. Let us know how it goes. This is the place to come for answers.

 

[goookla]

Dish tech came by today and I can now receive all channels. The gent said the dish was out of alignment (he thought the original install was not the greatest, resulting in subpar signal strength to begin with), meaning Pepper, lakebum431 and Iceberg were "spot" on. Again, my sincere thanks to you and RandallA for taking the time to share your thoughts.

The tech said signal strength is now over 100. I'll check on this when I have time -- heck, I'll be happy if I still get all channels tonight.

One disappointment was the no-show tech on Saturday. As quite a few dish owners have experienced, not even a call to say they would not be able to make the appointment.