Questions about a DTC210 .

[canalnet]

I picked up a used Direct TV HD Receiver , Model DTC210.

I do not wish to use it as a satellite receiver , because I have Dishnet .
I was hoping to use it as a HDTV to analog off air converter . A friend of mine has one set up like that . No Satellite dish .

However , when I plug in the unit to 115v, the only thing that happens is the green power light and HDTV light on the front keep flashing and the unit keeps making a clicking sound . It has a blue DirecTV access card in it .

1. Is the unit broken or in some lockout mode ?

2. If not broken , can this model be used as an off air converter ?

3. I only paid $5 at a thrift shop for it . Should I just chuck it ?

Any help would be appreciated

THANKS

 

[jdspencer]

My guess is that the clicking sound means a bad power supply.

Is there anything displayed on the TV?

 

[canalnet]

My guess is that the clicking sound means a bad power supply.

Is there anything displayed on the TV?

No Picture when connected to a TV .. And none of the buttons seem to work when pushed .

 

[tapebegone]

dtc210 power

Canalnet,
I also bought a used DTC210 which has an identical power problem. I read at least two other blogs where people had the same problem (but unfortunately did not bookmark them). So it may be a design bug. Did you ever resolve the problem with your unit?

 

[gmcvoyager]

I had 2 units I bought used which were also non-functional, clicking sound (an internal antenna relay) and flashing front panel lights at 2 to 3 times per second, this indicates that the power supply is improperly cycling. After analysis of the switching power supply, I found that the main power device IC had been damaged and was not working properly. When a solid state device of this type fails, it is sudden and final. When replaced, the power supply worked correctly and the DTC210 functions. The part is a Fairchild KA1M0565R power switch integrated circuit which can be easily replaced by a skilled technician. You can look up a data sheet on the internet. While the component was not available at my local electronics parts store, I found it at Mouser Electronics for $3 at Mouser Electronics - Electronic Component Distributor