Help Needed w/ old system

[lo-wall]

I have an old General Instrument 4DTV receiver and Gardiner C-Band digital 17 K lnb. At various times, the tv will black out for a few seconds and/or the picture will start rolling. Sometimes if I push the view button on the receiver remote, the picture will come back on. Other times, I can watch tv for 30 minutes without any problems. During that time, the reception is perfect. Any suggestions on what the problem(s) could be and where I might be able to get any replacement parts? I've checked all the connections and everything is good and tight. The problem(s) started a few months ago and has gotten progressively worse.

 

[primestar31]

Have you tried hooking up a different tv set? What proof do you have that it's your c- band system causing this issue?

 

[lo-wall]

I've tried a different tv and have the same problem(s).

 

[gabshere]

i'll post this in here so maybe one of the more experienced guys will follow up on it. the old descrambler modual ( usually VCRS ) sometimes caused problems like you describe. I think you can remove this modual from the receiver without affecting the receiver. its something you can try and see if it removes the problems described above.

 

[FaT Air]

I'd remove the VCRS module for sure. There's practically nothing it's used for. (Except to 'load' the power supply(s). As for a rolling picture I'd suspect the sync signal in the composite video is being reduced in level to a point that the television can't lock on to it. Or there is too much ripple in the power supply(s). Dried up capacitors is the likely cause. Probably about due to get the battery replaced in the receiver also. (If it dies, and power is removed from the receiver, it pretty much, but not totally, kills it's usefulness) As to fixing it yourself the 4DTV guys here will have to jump in and advise on the steps or the place to send it.

 

[lo-wall]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've removed the module but am still having the same problem(s).

 

[gabshere]

ATS Electronics is the only one i know that works on them, besides some of the users.
you could give them a call and describe the symptoms and see what they say. plus they will be able to tell you about the battery ( replacement / what happens ect )

 

[lo-wall]

There's something wrong with the General Instruments 4DTV receiver. I found an old analog Toshiba TRX-80 receiver, removed the module, hooked it up, and everything is working perfectly at this time. I do need a remote for it. If anyone knows where to find one, please let me know. I also would like to get the other receiver repaired if possible.

 

[primestar31]

There's something wrong with the General Instruments 4DTV receiver. I found an old analog Toshiba TRX-80 receiver, removed the module, hooked it up, and everything is working perfectly at this time. I do need a remote for it. If anyone knows where to find one, please let me know. I also would like to get the other receiver repaired if possible.

For your own sake, leave the 4DTV receiver plugged into power for now! If the battery has never been replaced, it can go bad at any second. If it does, it'll wipe the unit id, and then your receiver is good for nothing but being a dish mover.

 

[lo-wall]

Thanks for the heads up. It is plugged in. At this time I'm using it as a dish mover because I do not have a remote for the analog receiver.