help with the HR20

[zhadum]

I've been have trouble with my HR20. A box keeps popping up saying searching for sat 1. I'm on my third receiver, Directv sent out a "HDTV specialist" twice and I'm still having the problem. Has anyone else had this problem and had it resolved?

 

[raoul5788]

I've been have trouble with my HR20. A box keeps popping up saying searching for sat 1. I'm on my third receiver, Directv sent out a "HDTV specialist" twice and I'm still having the problem. Has anyone else had this problem and had it resolved?

Did all of the receivers do this? If so, it sounds like an lnb or connection problem to me.

 

[zhadum]

h20

the first one just died after a week, the next two would stick on the searching for sat. when you rebooted and never got off of it. the third has searching for sat.1.

 

[bonscott87]

If you keep having the issue with multiple receivers then the problem most likely is a bad LNB, bad multiswitch or bad cable. Have DirecTV check/replace all that if you can't yourself.

 

[kenadyan]

Hi. I'm new to this forum, but saw the original poster's problem, and I am having the exact same problem.

I have re-set my HR20 about 12 times since the DirecTV tech came and set it up yesterday.

I keep getting the message "Searching for Satellite Ln 1". I've shut it down, switched the cables, and done a full reset and I get the same message (which tells me it isn't the cables).

Also, after each reset, I check the signal strength and for Line 1, usually the first 5-10 transponders are okay, but the rest show a signal strength of 0. Then I check Line 2. All transponders show adequate signal strength (with the exception of 18 and 26 which read 0 -- which I understand for these two transponders is normal).

Then I check back to Line 1, and now all the transponders read 0 signal stregth.

The Directv tech can't get back until Friday, and I am really frustrated and disappointed with DirecTV over this issue. I had to wait two months to even get the HD DVR (wait listed) and now it doesn't even work!!

I've been with DirecTV for over eight years, but this really makes me want to go back to cable.

Edit: Sorry for venting. I'm just frustrated.

 

[bonscott87]

Did the installer put in the new multiswitch? If not that could be the issue as some installers are dumb and use the old switches.

 

[kenadyan]

I'm not sure which multi-switch was used, but I'll go down into the crawlspace under my house tomorrow to check it out.

The thing is, for three weeks before I got the HR20, I had a new Directv HD receiver (non-DVR) hooked up to the same HDTV and never lost the signal in Line 1 even once. Therefore, I don't think it is the 5 LNB either.

So, yes, it's likely it could be a problem with the multi-switch, but my thinking is it is probably a faulty HR20.

 

[Jimbo]

I'm not sure which multi-switch was used, but I'll go down into the crawlspace under my house tomorrow to check it out.

The thing is, for three weeks before I got the HR20, I had a new Directv HD receiver (non-DVR) hooked up to the same HDTV and never lost the signal in Line 1 even once. Therefore, I don't think it is the 5 LNB either.

So, yes, it's likely it could be a problem with the multi-switch, but my thinking is it is probably a faulty HR20.

If you had an existing multiswitch and the installer did not go into the crawl, then I would suspect that to be a good possibility of your trouble.
I personally would not have a multiswitch in the crawl, must be a pain to get too.

Jimbo

 

[bonscott87]

If you had an existing multiswitch and the installer did not go into the crawl, then I would suspect that to be a good possibility of your trouble.
I personally would not have a multiswitch in the crawl, must be a pain to get too.

Jimbo

Yep, with the new 5LNB dish and the HR20 the installer should have replaced any multiswitch you have with the Zinwell 6x8. So as Jim says, if he didn't replace the switch with the new one, that could very well be your problem.

Oh, one thing I just thought of, do you have the B-Band converters installed? They are these little dongle things that would be connected on the back of your HR20 with the coax going into them. Many of these have been bad so try removing them to see if that helps as well.

 

[kenadyan]

I removed the B-Band converters and ran the lines directly into the HR20 and reset. It worked well for about 1/2 hour before reverting to the same problem (Searching for Sateliite ln 1). It does the same thing when I flip-flop the cables.

I went into the crawl space and I see that the tech. didn't use a multi-switch. He just used a four-line "pass thru" to connect the four cables that run into the crawl space from the 5 LNB into the four cables that I have running to my two DVR's (the other one is not HD, but just a regular Tivo DVR).

Since I only have the two TV's connected (hence, two cables to each DVR) and probably will not be adding any televisions in the future, is the 6x8 multi-switch necessary for HD? If so, I will make sure the tech hooks one up on his return visit tomorrow. If it is necessary for HD, I wonder why the H20 I had hooked up for three weeks prior to getting my HR20 never gave me this problem.

I'm willing to try anything at this point.

 

[bonscott87]

No, you don't need the switch if you will only have 4 tuners ever. Still, the 6x8 switch is free and they should have at least left you one, even if you didn't need it at this moment. I personally would at least get one. You can always install it later.

Well, so long as everything else it ok then perhaps you have a bad tuner in the HR20. If you call DirecTV then can FedEx you a replacement and you'll have it in a day or two.

 

[kenadyan]

Thanks.

I appreciate all the help and advice I've received in this thread.

Cheers. :up