Need to replace 301 receiver ?

[Kirk S]

Hi,

The power button on one of my 301 receivers is broken (button broke and fell into the receiver). Even when using the remote control, I can no longer power on the unit. I called Dish and they told me they can send me another unit for $50 + $15 for shipping/handling as I did not have the home warranty service and the unit is >1 year old. Is this a reasonable price ? Or can I just purchase a used unit from someone on Ebay or Craigslist. Would a used unit work ? Are the Smart cards receiver specific ? can I use the Smart card from the broken unit and place it into another unit ? Please advise.

Thanks, Kirk

 

[garys]

$50 for a receiver is about right if you try to buy one from a dealer or you can buy the unit off e-bay, just make sure there is no money owed on the unit before you buy. The smart card is matched with the receiver so you cannot use a card from another receiver. Dish will replace if the unit you buy does not have it's card so you should make sure it is with it and matches the unit. Best idea for you to do, don't know if you can at this point. Pay for the the Digital Home Plan, get your receiver replaced, then cancel the plan. I had a problem and the csr sold me on it and then replaced the receiver for about $14 shipping.

 

[Stargazer]

The receiver retails for $99, Dish Network offers them for half price plus $15 S&H to their customers, make sure they are NOT leasing you a receiver for that $50 price otherwise you could buy a used one cheaper from ebay.

You could do a DUI (Dish'n It Up) upgrade promotion where you can get a receiver for little or no money. If you have two receivers then get a dual tuner receiver, connect it to a phone line up to it and save the $4.99 additional outlet fee.

 

[boba]

Or if you are smart just pay $4.99 to add the DHPP warranty service and get the receiver replaced. After the receiver is replaced cancel the DHPP. I am surprised the CSR didn't offer you the option of getting DHPP.

 

[Hermitman]

The power button pushes an arm on a pivot point that makes the on/off switch go up and down on the circuit board. The button and pivot arm is, of course, plastic. If the pivot arm is stuck in the down position, that's like holding the power button on all the time. The remote control circuit won't work when the power switch is held in the on position. If you are inclined (FOLLOWING ANY AND ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS-CYA), you could open it up and try to fix it yourself. If the unit is dead now, you don't have much to lose. These are tough economic times and I hate to take money away from Dish Network, but you got to look out for the family first. Good luck.