Thread: 4DTV Broke--HELP

Several nights ago we had a major rain storm. My receiver began to act up. It made a clicking noise like it was changing satellites, however nothing happened, and I didn't touch anything to make it do this. I turned it off for fear of the storm messing it up. When I turned it back on the next day I had no power to it and no picture except a black screen with little white and black wavy things every once in awhile. I tried the usual unconnect everything.... but nothing changed. It is possible that a slight bit of moisture could have gotten in the receiver, but could that cause it to short out. Can any of you smart guys help me with my problem?

Originally Posted by lovedish

Several nights ago we had a major rain storm. My receiver began to act up. It made a clicking noise like it was changing satellites, however nothing happened, and I didn't touch anything to make it do this. I turned it off for fear of the storm messing it up. When I turned it back on the next day I had no power to it and no picture except a black screen with little white and black wavy things every once in awhile. I tried the usual unconnect everything.... but nothing changed. It is possible that a slight bit of moisture could have gotten in the receiver, but could that cause it to short out. Can any of you smart guys help me with my problem?

Hello....
I am REALLY guessing here but it sounds as though you took a power hit. You say there is no power to it (which would probably indicate a power Supply) but then say you can see some white and black wavy lines?? That clicking noise was probably a relay.

Another more remote thought is the battery was dead when you unplugged??) it??

Many people do not understand that simply turning a component off does not protect it from line surges/brownouts. In fact because the 4dtv is not really off but just sleeping, the matter is probably worse. To protect a component completely, UNPLUG IT. You can get a surge/.brownout anytime, not just during a storm!!

My entire system is on a Panamax AC regenerating power conditioner. The Salesman from Best Buy had a gizmo that he plugged into the wall...you should hear the noise on the AC line!! After plugging in the Panamax...silence! NOISE on an AC line can also damage power supplies!!

If you have unplugged it for about 30 minutes and disconnected everything, if it will not power up...repair time unfortunately!
Good Luck
Jeff

Thanks for your quick response. I did unplug my unit that night, but the damage may have already been done before that. Can these units be repaired? Can the battery be replaced if that is the problem? Do I call my satellite man or call the company?

Originally Posted by lovedish

Thanks for your quick response. I did unplug my unit that night, but the damage may have already been done before that. Can these units be repaired? Can the battery be replaced if that is the problem? Do I call my satellite man or call the company?

Once it is damaged or brain dead, it usually means a motherboard replacement (expensive). I do not remember the name off hand but there is a Company that specializes in 4dtv repair. When you add the repair + 2 way fgt...EXPENSIVE! Try a google search or someone here will help I am sure.

The time to replace the battery is BEFORE it goes dead. Once the unit loses its ID....it is gone!

Jeff

Originally Posted by lovedish

Several nights ago we had a major rain storm. My receiver began to act up. It made a clicking noise like it was changing satellites, however nothing happened, and I didn't touch anything to make it do this. I turned it off for fear of the storm messing it up. When I turned it back on the next day I had no power to it and no picture except a black screen with little white and black wavy things every once in awhile. I tried the usual unconnect everything.... but nothing changed. It is possible that a slight bit of moisture could have gotten in the receiver, but could that cause it to short out. Can any of you smart guys help me with my problem?

Good idea to get some protection for the system, maybe even with a UPS, send it to ATS they will fix it fast and right:

http://www.ats-electronics.com/

to SatelliteGuys and the C-band forum lovedish...

Thank you for the welcome!

Amy

Interesting website thank you. For those prices though one could almost buy a new 4DTV receiver. I have enjoyed my BUD, however I wonder if its days are numbered. The KU and digital channels are great though. I had hoped to get a free to air box but now I don't know what to do. I have restarted my Dish Network for the time being, however I'm missing my old channels such as Nebraska PBS.

Amy

Amy, please don't buy the lies that some companies tell. The big dish is not going anywhere, its just going digital. 4dtv is the future of c and ku band subscription tv.

Your big dish gives you the cheapest possible programming fees, the most choices, and above all the very best picture and sound you can get from any distribution system.

New c-band satellites are being launched all the time. If this was a dying technology, then i could not imagine all the companies spending millions on something that will soon be dead. Besides, without c-band the cable companies could not get their signals.

Keep your big dish, you have the best don't settle for less!!